1. Environmental Statement

Ministry of Defence (MoD), Metrix Ltd. and Sodexo Ltd. /Welsh Assembly Government

Defence Technical College and Aerospace Business Park - St Athan

Environmental Statement

May 2009

Entec UK Limited

Copyright and Non-Disclosure Notice The contents and layout of this report are subject to copyright owned by Entec (© Entec UK Limited 2009) save to the extent that copyright has been legally assigned by us to another party or is used by Entec under licence. To the extent that we own the copyright in this report, it may not be copied or used without our prior written agreement for any purpose other than the purpose indicated in this report. The methodology (if any) contained in this report is provided to you in confidence and must not be disclosed or copied to third parties without the prior written agreement of Entec. Disclosure of that information may constitute an actionable breach of confidence or may otherwise prejudice our commercial interests. Any third party who obtains access to this report by any means will, in any event, be subject to the Third Party Disclaimer set out below.

Third Party Disclaimer Any disclosure of this report to a third party is subject to this disclaimer. The report was prepared by Entec at the instruction of, and for use by, our client named on the front of the report. It does not in any way constitute advice to any third party who is able to access it by any means. Entec excludes to the fullest extent lawfully permitted all liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising from reliance on the contents of this report. We do not however exclude our liability (if any) for personal injury or death resulting from our negligence, for fraud or any other matter in relation to which we cannot legally exclude liability.

Contents

1. Introduction 1-1 1.1 Overview of the Scheme 1-1 1.2 Purpose of the ES 1-3 1.3 The Developers and Project Team 1-5 1.4 Structure of the ES 1-8

2. Scheme Need and Alternatives 2-1 2.1 Need for the Scheme 2-1 2.1.1 Defence Technical College (DTC) 2-1 2.1.2 Aerospace Business Park (ABP) 2-1 2.2 Alternatives 2-2 2.2.1 Defence Technical College (DTC) 2-2 2.2.2 Aerospace Business Park (ABP) 2-5 2.2.3 Highway Works 2-6 2.2.4 Associated Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTW) and New Rising Main Works 2-8

3. Scheme Description 3-1 3.1 Development Site Description 3-1 3.1.1 Site Location 3-1 3.1.2 Existing Operational Facilities 3-2 3.2 Proposed Scheme and Site Layout 3-2 3.2.1 Landscape Proposals 3-9 3.2.2 Sustainability Proposals 3-14 3.2.3 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) 3-15 3.3 Demolition and Construction Information 3-16 3.3.1 Construction Programme and Phasing 3-16 3.3.2 Overview of Construction Methods and Activities 3-22 3.3.3 Overview of Construction Assumptions 3-23 3.3.4 Overview of Construction Labour Workforce 3-24 3.3.5 Construction Management 3-25

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4. Approach to Preparing the ES 4-1 4.1 The EIA Process 4-1 4.2 EIA Terminology 4-2 4.3 Scoping and Scheme Evaluation 4.3 4.3.1 Scoping 4-3 4.3.2 Project Evolution 4-4 4.4 Consultation 4-4 4.4.1 EIA Consultation 4-5 4.5 Overview of Assessment Methodology 4-5 4.5.1 Introduction 4-5 4.5.2 Baseline for the Assessment 4-6 4.5.3 Approach to Significance Evaluation 4-7

5. Policy Overview 5-1 5.1 National Planning Policy Context 5-1 5.1.1 Wales Spatial Plan (WSP) 5-1 5.1.2 Planning Policy Wales 5-2 5.1.3 Technical Advice Notes 5-2 5.1.4 Welsh Assembly Government's Energy Policy for Wales 5-7 5.1.5 South East Wales Regional Transport Plan 5-7 5.2 Local Development Plan Context 5-8 5.2.1 The Vale of Glamorgan Unitary Development Plan (UDP) 5-8 5.2.2 The St Athan Development Brief 5-8 5.2.3 Supplementary Planning Guidance 5-9 5.2.4 The Emerging Development Plan 5-9

6. Biodiversity 6-1 6.1 Introduction 6-1 6.2 Policy and Legislative Context 6-1 6.2.1 Policy Context 6-1 6.2.2 Legislative Requirements 6-2 6.3 Approach to Data Gathering 6-3 6.3.1 Desk Study 6-3 6.3.2 Survey Work 6-4 6.4 Overall Biodiversity Baseline 6-6 6.4.1 Current Baseline 6-6 6.4.2 Predicted Future Baseline 6-9

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6.6 Scope of the Assessment 6-13 6.6.1 Potential Receptors 6-13 6.6.2 Potentially Significant Effects 6-14 6.7 Assessment Methodology 6-17 6.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects 6-17 6.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology 6-17 6.8 Assessment of Effects: Designated Sites 6-18 6.8.1 Baseline Conditions 6-18 6.8.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance 6-21 6.9 Assessment of Effects: Hedgerows 6-23 6.9.1 Baseline Conditions 6-23 6.9.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance 6-24 6.10 Assessment of Effects: Dormouse 6-26 6.10.1 Baseline Conditions 6-26 6.10.2 Predicted Effects and Their Significance 6-27 6.11 Assessment of Effects: Otter 6-29 6.11.1 Baseline Conditions 6-29 6.11.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance 6-30 6.12 Assessment of Effects: Great Crested Newt 6-32 6.12.1 Baseline Conditions 6-32 6.12.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance 6-34 6.13 Assessment of Effects: Bats 6-39 6.13.1 Baseline Conditions 6-39 6.13.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance 6-41 6.14 Assessment of Effects: Badger 6-44 6.14.1 Baseline Conditions 6-44 6.14.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance 6-45 6.15 Assessment of Effects: Reptiles 6-46 6.15.1 Baseline Conditions 6-46 6.15.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance 6-46 6.16 Assessment of Effects: Breeding Birds 6-49 6.16.1 Baseline Conditions 6-49 6.16.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance 6-49 6.17 Assessment of Effects: Enhancement Measures 6-50 6.17.1 Baseline Conditions 6-50 6.17.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance 6-50 6.18 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation 6-52 6.18.1 Implementation of Environmental Measures 6-56 6.18.2 Relevant Terminology 6-57 6.18.3 References 6-57

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7. Landscape Assessment 7-1 7.1 Introduction 7-1 7.2 Policy Context 7-2 7.2.1 Policy Context 7-2 7.3 Data Gathering Methodology 7-5 7.4 Landscape Baseline Summary 7-6 7.4.1 Current Baseline 7-6 7.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme 7-9 7.6 Scope of the Assessment 7-13 7.6.1 Potential Receptors 7-13 7.7 Potential Receptors 7-13 7.7.1 Potentially Significant Effects 7-13 7.7.2 Effects Unlikely to be Significant 7-14 7.8 Assessment Methodology 7-16 7.8.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects 7-16 7.8.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology 7-17 7.9 Assessment of Effects 7-18 7.9.1 Predicted Effects: Construction Phase 7-18 7.9.2 Predicted Effects and Their Significance During the Operational Period 7-31 7.9.3 Assessment of Effects on Landscape Elements 7-31 7.10 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation 7-41 7.11 Implementation of Environmental Measures 7-45

8. Visual Assessment 8-1 8.1 Introduction 8-2 8.2 Approach to Data Gathering 8-2 8.2.1 Consultation 8-3 8.3 Baseline Summary 8-3 8.3.1 Current Baseline 8-4 8.3.2 Future Baseline 8-5 8.4 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme 8-6 8.5 Scope of the Assessment 8-8 8.5.1 Potentially Significant Effects 8-8 8.5.2 Effects Which are Not Likely to be Significant 8-10 8.6 Methodology 8-15 8.7 Assessment of Visual Effects: Construction Phase 8-18 8.7.1 Public Rights of Way (PRoW) 8-18

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8.7.3 Individual Properties 8-25 8.7.4 Viewpoints 8-36 8.8 Assessment of Visual Effects: Operational Phase 8-39 8.8.1 Public Rights of Way (PRoW) 8-39 8.8.2 Settlements 8-42 8.8.3 Individual Properties 8-46 8.9 Assessment of Night Time Views 8-54 8.9.1 Settlements 8-55 8.9.2 Individual Residential Receptors 8-56 8.9.3 Viewpoints 8-61 8.10 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation 8-66 8.11 Implementation of Environmental Measures 8-76

9. Historic Environment 9-1 9.1 Introduction 9-1 9.2 Policy and Legislative Context 9-1 9.2.1 Policy Context 9-1 9.2.2 Legislative Requirements 9-3 9.3 Data Gathering Methodology 9-3 9.3.1 Desk Study 9-4 9.3.2 Survey Work 9-5 9.4 Overall Historic Environment Baseline 9-9 9.4.1 Current Baseline Model 9-9 9.4.2 Predicted Future Baseline 9-26 9.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme 9-26 9.6 Scope of the Assessment 9-31 9.6.1 Potential Receptors 9-31 9.6.2 Potentially Significant Effects 9-34 9.7 Assessment Methodology 9-34 9.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects 9-34 9.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology 9-34 9.8 Assessment of Effects: St Brise Church, Eglyws Brewis 9-37 9.9 Assessment of Effects: Batslays Farm 9-38 9.10 Assessment of Effects: MoD St Athan Airfield Ground Defences 9-38 9.10.1 Predicted Effects and their Significance 9-38 9.11 Assessment of Effects: Unidentified Archaeology 9-39 9.11.1 Baseline Conditions 9-39 9.11.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance 9-40 9.12 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation 9-41

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9.13 Implementation of Environmental Measures 9-42

10. Land Quality 10-1 10.1 Introduction 10-1 10.2 Policy and Legislative Context 10-1 10.2.1 Policy Context 10-1 10.2.2 Legislative Requirements 10-4 10.3 Data Gathering Methodology 10-5 10.3.1 Desk Study 10-5 10.3.2 Survey Work 10-9 10.4 Land Quality Baseline 10-10 10.4.1 Current Baseline 10-10 10.4.2 Predicted Future Baseline 10-16 10.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Development 10-16 10.6 Scope of the Assessment 10-20 10.6.1 Potential Receptors 10-20 10.6.2 Potentially Significant Effects 10-21 10.7 Assessment Methodology 10-22 10.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects 10-22 10.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology 10-23 10.8 Assessment of Effects: Land Quality 10-26 10.8.1 Predicted Effects and their Significance 10-26 10.8.2 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation 10-28 10.9 Implementation of Environmental Measures 10-29 10.10 Residual Effects 10-30 10.11 Relevant Terminology 10-30 10.12 References 10-31 10.12.1 Guidance Relevant to Consideration of Land Quality 10-31 10.12.2 Key Documents Relating to Previous Assessment (by Client) 10-32

11. Hydrology, Geology & Hydrogeology 11-1 11.1 Introduction 11-1 11.2 Policy and Legislative Context 11-2 11.2.1 Policy Context 11-2 11.2.2 Legislative Requirements 11-4 11.3 Data Gathering Methodology 11-5 11.3.1 Desk Study 11-5

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11.4 Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology Baseline 11-7 11.4.1 Current Baseline 11-7 11.4.2 Predicted Future Baseline 11-21 11.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Development 11-22 11.5.1 Flood Risk and Drainage Measures 11-22 11.5.2 Water Quality Measures 11-26 11.5.3 Water Supply and Re-Use 11-27 11.5.4 Foul Drainage and Wastewater Treatment 11-29 11.5.5 Construction Method Statement and Environmental Management Plan 11-30 11.5.6 Rationale for Environmental Measures 11-30 11.6 Scope of the Assessment 11-32 11.6.1 Potential Receptors 11-32 11.6.2 Assessment of Significance of Potential Effects 11-33 11.6.3 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation 11-37 11.7 Implementation of Environmental Measures 11-37

12. Community 12-1 12.1 Introduction 12-1 12.2 Policy and Legislative Context 12-1 12.2.1 Legislative Requirements 12-2 12.3 Data Gathering Methodology 12-2 12.3.1 Desk Study 12-2 12.3.2 Consultations 12-2 12.3.3 Data Gaps 12-4 12.4 Overall Community Baseline 12-4 12.4.1 Defining the Study Area 12-4 12.4.2 Current Baseline 12-6 12.4.3 Current Employment at the Site 12-7 12.5 Environmental Measures 12-10 12.6 Scope of the Assessment 12-11 12.6.1 Potential Receptors 12-11 12.6.2 Potentially Significant Effects 12-11 12.7 Assessment Methodology 12-13 12.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects 12-13 12.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology 12-14 12.8 Assessment of Effects: Local Economy 12-15 12.8.1 Potential Employment Effects as a Result of Construction Activities during the Construction Period 12-15

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12.8.2 Potential Employment Effects as a Result of Operational Activities during the Operational Period 12-23 12.8.3 Potential Expenditure Effect as a Result of Operational Activities during the Operational Period 12-29 12.8.4 Potential Effect of Construction and Operational Activities on Inward Investment 12-32 12.9 Assessment of Effects: Local Community 12-33 12.9.1 Potential Effect on Local Health Services Arising During Construction Period 12-33 12.9.2 Potential Effects on Social and Community Infrastructure and Their Significance Arising from the Operation of the Development 12-33 12.10 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation 12-37 12.11 Optional Environmental Measures 12-38 12.12 Relevant Terminology 12-39

13. Traffic and Transport 13-1 13.1 Introduction 13-1 13.2 Policy and Legislative Context 13-1 13.2.1 Policy Context 13-1 13.2.2 Legislative Requirements 13-3 13.3 Data Gathering Methodology 13-3 13.3.1 Desk Study 13-3 13.3.2 Survey Work 13-4 13.4 Traffic and Transport Baseline 13-4 13.4.1 Current Baseline 13-4 13.4.2 Predicted Future Baseline 13-7 13.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme 13-8 13.5.1 Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) 13-8 13.5.2 Construction Travel Plan (CTP) 13-8 13.5.3 Highway Works 13-8 13.5.4 Travel Plans 13-9 13.5.5 Traffic Management Plan 13-9 13.6 Scope of the Assessment 13-11 13.6.1 Potential Receptors 13-11 13.6.2 Potentially Significant Traffic Related Environmental Effects 13-12 13.7 Assessment Methodology 13-13 13.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects 13-13 13.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology 13-13 13.8 Assessment of Effects: Traffic and Transport 13-15

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13.8.1 Predicted Effects and their Significance 13-15 13.9 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation 13-24 13.10 Implementation of Environmental Measures 13-27 13.11 Relevant Terminology 13-27 13.12 References 13-28

14. Air Quality 14-1 14.1 Introduction 14-1 14.2 Policy and Legislative Context 14-1 14.2.1 Policy Context 14-1 14.2.2 Legislative Requirements 14-2 14.3 Data Gathering Methodology 14-5 14.3.1 Desk Study 14-5 14.3.2 Survey Work 14-5 14.4 Overall Air Quality Baseline 14-5 14.4.1 Current Baseline 14-5 14.4.2 Future Baseline 14-6 14.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme 14-7 14.6 Scope of the Assessment 14-7 14.6.1 Potential Receptors 14-7 14.6.2 Likely Significant Effects 14-8 14.7 Assessment Methodology 14-9 14.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects 14-9 14.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology 14-12 14.8 Assessment of Effects 14-16 14.8.1 Baseline Conditions 14-16 14.8.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance 14-17 14.9 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation 14-19 14.10 Implementation of Environmental Measures 14-20

15. Odour 15-1 15.1 Introduction 15-1 15.1.1 Odour 15-1 15.2 Policy and Legislative Context 15-1 15.2.1 Policy Context 15-1 15.2.2 Legislative Requirements 15-2 15.3 Data Gathering Methodology 15-3 15.3.1 Survey Work 15-3

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15.4 Overall Odour Baseline 15-4 15.4.1 Current Baseline 15-4 15.4.2 Future Baseline 15-5 15.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme 15-5 15.6 Scope of the Assessment 15-5 15.6.1 Potential Receptors 15-5 15.6.2 Likely Significant Effects 15-6 15.7 Assessment Methodology 15-7 15.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Baseline and Future Effects 15-7 15.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology 15-8 15.8 Assessment of Effects 15-9 15.8.1 Quantification of Emission 15-9 15.8.2 Baseline Conditions 15-10 15.8.3 Future Baseline Scenarios 15-11 15.8.4 Proposed Development Scenarios 15-13 15.8.5 Predicted Effects and their significance 15-16 15.9 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation 15-17 15.10 Implementation of Environmental Measures 15-18

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1. Introduction

1.1 Overview of the Scheme Metrix, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are submitting planning applications for the major redevelopment of MoD St Athan in South Wales. The proposals include a Defence Technical College (DTC) and Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA), submitted by Metrix and the MoD, and an Aerospace Business Park (ABP) submitted by the Welsh Assembly Government. The proposals also include highway works associated with both planning applications. The development site location covering the two outline planning applications is shown on Figure 1.11 (see Volume 3 of this ES). Figure 1.1 shows the combined boundary for the two applications. The proposed development is to cover the current military base, plus additional land either already acquired, or in the process of being acquired, by the Welsh Assembly Government around the airfield, in addition to land further away from the airfield that is required in connection with improvements to highway infrastructure. The development proposals are based upon two main planning applications covering the following elements: 1. A new Defence Technical College (DTC), including:

• The use and extension of the existing Super Hangar (also referred to in this ES as the Red Dragon Hangar) for training purposes;

• A new energy centre (a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) biomass plant);

• A museum of military history; • Sports and recreation facilities;

• A 150 key/bed hotel;

• Single living accommodation (SLA) for visiting trainees and military personnel;

• Messes, training buildings, classrooms, offices, storage, workshop and other associated DTC facilities and buildings; • External parade and training hardstanding areas;

• A tracked armoured vehicle test road within the ABP development site parallel to the main runway;

• A Learning Resource Centre (LRC);

1 All Ordnance Survey (OS) Basemapping used to produce the figures within this ES, purchased in June 2008, does not show the Super Hangar or the existing site layout at MoD St Athan.

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• Receipt of Deliveries (RID) building and Facilities Management (FM) stores;

• Flight Line building and Flight Line stores;

• A Medical and Dental Centre (Med and Dent);

• A crèche and community centre;

• New military church, faith centre and temple buildings; • Works associated to arrest the decline of the existing listed Grade II St Brise Church building and adjacent barn south of Eglwys Brewis Road; • A Field Training Area (FTA) at Castleton, to the east of Cowbridge Road;

• An External Training Area, additional external training areas, and obstacle courses at Picketston; • An aerial farm and pole field at Picketston;

• A new firing range and a respirator training facility at Picketston;

• Petrol, oil and lubrication point (POL) and a vehicle washdown area;

• Mechanical Training (MT) workshops and a waste compound area;

• Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA) housing (with up to 483 dwellings);

• Works to the existing St Athan Golf Course at Cowbridge Road, including alterations and reconfiguration to the course; • Highway works, including a new Northern Access Road (NAR) from the B4265 and improvements to the existing Eglwys Brewis Road; improvements to the B4265 St Athan road junction, and the B4265 between Gileston and Old Mill; and improvements to the Waycock Cross road junction; • A water storage tank;

• A foul water pumping station; and.

• An electricity primary sub-station. 2. An Aerospace Business Park (ABP), including: • The erection of new and replacement buildings and airfield operational facilities and structures, including an engine running facility (replacing an existing facility on ABP North), hangars, offices, industrial/employment units, an extended bulk fuel store, relocated compass swing area, relocated heli-pad, relocated fire training facility, and relocated air traffic control (ATC) tower and fire station;

• An aerospace administration centre at the converted and extended Grade II-listed Batslays Farmhouse building;

• The provision of access roads, hardstandings and other infrastructure, security fencing, landscaping, and all associated building and engineering operations to the north and south of the main runway;

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• Highway works including a new northern access road (NAR) from the B4265 and improvements to the existing Eglwys Brewis Road; improvements to the B4265 St Athan road junction, and the B4265 between Gileston and Old Mill; improvements to the Waycock Cross road junction;

• A new Southern Access Road (SAR) from the B4265; • The same foul water pumping station as for the DTC; and

• The same electricity primary sub-station as for the DTC. The development at St Athan will also require the extension and upgrade of Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTW) and the construction of a new rising main. These associated works do not form part of the two main outline planning applications by Metrix, the MoD and the Welsh Assembly Government but have been assessed within this Environmental Statement (ES) to provide a comprehensive and complete assessment of the potential environmental effects arising as a direct result of this scheme. These works will be undertaken by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW).

1.2 Purpose of the ES This Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) relating to the proposed St Athan development. EIA is required for certain developments under the Amended EIA Directive (97/11/EC), as defined under The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 SI No. 293 (referred to in this report as the EIA Regulations). This ES has been prepared for the purpose of meeting those requirements of the EIA Regulations that pertain to Environmental Statements (ES). The ES provides part of the information that will be used by the Vale of Glamorgan Council (VoGC) (as the local planning authority) and others to inform the process of determining the applications for planning permission for the St Athan development. The decision about whether there was a need for EIA was made by the developers themselves (Metrix and the Welsh Assembly Government) on the basis that the proposed development exceeds the 0.5 hectare threshold for urban development projects (Schedule 2, Regulation 2 (1)10 (Section [b] of the 1999 Regulations) and that potentially significant effects to environmental receptors may arise. In accordance with best practice, a scoping report was prepared to identify the potentially significant environmental effects of the proposed development that needed to be considered in the ES and to outline the approach to undertaking the assessment of these effects. The report, which was prepared having regard to the guidance in Welsh Office (WO) Circular 11/99 Environmental Impact Assessment, enabled statutory and non-statutory organisations, and others with an interest in the development (‘stakeholders’), to comment on the proposed scope of the assessment. This report was submitted to the VoGC (as the local planning authority) as part of a request for a scoping opinion. This is in accordance with the EIA Regulations. The scoping opinion was received on 19th August 2008. (see Appendix A, Volume 2 of this ES). This ES documents the detailed assessment of those potentially significant environmental effects that would occur as a result of the proposed development. This reflects the requirement of the EIA Regulations for the ES to discuss in depth only those effects that are likely to be significant. The Regulations do not define significance; the overall approach to defining

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significance that has been taken within this assessment, as well as further information about the approach to preparing the ES, is outlined in Chapter 4. Schedule 4 of the EIA Regulations2 specifies what should be included in an ES. Part I states: “1. Description of the development, including in particular:

(a) A description of the physical characteristics of the whole development and the landuse requirements during the construction and operational phases;

(b) A description of the main characteristics of the production processes, for instance, nature and quantity of the materials used;

(c) An estimate, by type and quantity, of expected residues and emissions (water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, radiation, etc.) resulting from the operation of the proposed development.

2. An outline of the main alternatives studied by the applicant or appellant and an indication of the main reasons for his choice, taking into account the environmental effects. 3. A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the development, including, in particular, population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the inter-relationship between the above factors. 4. A description of the likely significant effects of the development on the environment, which should cover the direct effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long- term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects of the development, resulting from: (a) The existence of the development;

(b) The use of natural resources;

(c) The emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste; and the description by the applicant of the forecasting methods used to assess the effects on the environment. 5. A description of the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and where possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment. 6. A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 5 of this Part. 7. An indication of any difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered by the applicant in compiling the required information”. In this ES, the topics in the EIA regulations are dealt with under the headings set out in Table 1.1.

2 Statutory Instruments 1999 No. 293 The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999

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The ES also contains a number of appendices which are referenced throughout the document.

Table 1.1 Environmental Topics Addressed in this ES

Topics in the EIA Regulations Topics in this ES

Population Community (Chapter 12), Landscape Assessment (Chapter 7), Visual Assessment (Chapter 8), Traffic and Transport (Chapter 13), Noise (Chapter 15), Air Quality (Chapter 14) and Odour (Chapter 15).

Fauna Biodiversity (Chapter 6)

Flora Biodiversity (Chapter 6)

Soil Land quality(Chapter 10)

Water Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology (Chapter 11)

Air Air and Odour (Chapter 14)

Climatic factors Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology (Chapter 11), Air Quality (Chapter 14) and Odour (Chapter 15)

Material assets, including the architectural and Historic Environment (Chapter 9) archaeological heritage

Landscape Landscape Assessment (Chapter 7)

The inter-relationship between the above factors These are discussed within each chapter as relevant

1.3 The Developers and Project Team The development at St Athan is being promoted jointly by the Welsh Assembly Government, Metrix Ltd., which is the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) preferred bidder for the provision of the Defence Technical College. Metrix is an organisation created specifically to deliver the Defence Technical College (DTC), and is jointly owned by Sodexo and QinetiQ who each own an equal holding. Both parties have engaged specialist consultant teams to take forward the development. Entec UK Ltd. is acting as lead consultant responsible for the production of the documentation associated with the EIA on behalf of Metrix, Sodexo, the MoD and the Welsh Assembly Government. Others are responsible for the provision of information to inform the EIA documentation including the Welsh Assembly Government and its consultants (particularly in the collection of baseline information for the Aerospace Business Park proposals), the Metrix design team, and Defence Estates (DE). In addition, although Entec has been responsible for collecting certain baseline data including that relating to the landscape and visual assessments, air quality and odour assessments, and noise modelling and assessment work, other baseline data has been provided by a variety of specialist consultants working on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Metrix and Sodexo. Table 1.2 below provides details of those responsible for collecting specific baseline data.

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Table 1.2 Consultants Providing Baseline Data

Environmental Topic Data Supplied Consultancy

Traffic and Transport. Baseline traffic numbers and flows. Traffic forecast Capita Symonds data including proportion of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Laing O’Rourke (for the construction phase).

Transport Assessment. Capita Symonds

Travel Plans. Capita Symonds

Traffic survey data. Ove Arup Ltd.

Access information. Capita Symonds

Air Quality. Traffic forecast data for air quality assessment. Capita Symonds

Hydrology, Geology and Topographical surveys. Azimuth Surveys Hydrogeology. Pell Frischmann.

Details of existing and proposed discharge Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW). consents.

Surface water and drainage information including Pell Frischmann. hydrological sub-catchments and proposed drainage networks.

Proposed types of Sustainable Drainage (SuDs) Pell Frischmann. and locations.

Proposed location of discharges into watercourses Pell Frischmann and Environment and information on discharge consents. Agency Wales (EAW)

Calculations and specifications of required water DCWW and Ove Arup quality treatment of the discharge to meet standards.

Details of the foul water pumping station. DCWW and Welsh Assembly Government.

Details on the drainage arranges for the new Fire Welsh Assembly Government. Training Area, including run-off management and water treatment methods.

Potable water supply and demand and water Cundall. conservation measures incorporated within the developments.

Landscape and Visual. Landscape Strategy for the DTC. HLM.

Scott Brownrigg

Landscape appraisal and Landscape Strategy for WYG ABP.

Landscape appraisal and Landscape Strategy for WYG. the SFA.

Lighting Strategy for DTC. Cundall.

Street lighting proposals. Capita Symonds.

Tree survey and Arboricultural implications Carillion, Amenity Trees. Assessment

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Table 1.2 (continued) Consultants Providing Baseline Data

Environmental Topic Data Supplied Consultancy

Land Quality. Agricultural Land Classification. Kernon Countryside Consultants.

Summary results of past site investigations of Parsons Brinkerhoff. ground and contamination conditions.

Risk Assessment for ABP and SFA land and Parsons Brinkerhoff and WYG development.

Summary of previous consultations and Parsons Brinkerhoff. agreements.

Risk Assessment for DTC land. Pell Frischmann.

Proposed remediation strategy for DTC. Pell Frischmann.

Proposed volumes of materials to be stored, re- Pell Frischmann. used, imported and disposed of off site.

Waste Management. Site Waste Management Plan. Laing O’Rourke/Metrix

Historic Environment. Desk Based Assessment. Cotswold Archaeology.

Biodiversity Great Crested Newt surveys. David Clements Ecology.

Badger, dormouse, otter, water vole reptile, Capita Symonds. hedgerow surveys and baseline reports.

Phase 1 habitat surveys. Capita Symonds.

Baseline report. Gwent Consultancy (now Capita Symonds) Bats. Smith Ecology. Breeding birds. Clarke Webb Ecology Ltd.

Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

Noise Forecast traffic figures in format for noise Capita Symonds. assessment.

VC10 engine testing noise monitoring. Entec.

Noise modelling associated with the ABP Walker Beak Mason.

Information on potentially noisy activities and their Capita Symonds locations for the DTC. Entec

Information on the activities associated with the Fire Welsh Assembly Government. Training Area.

Noise associated with the Energy Centre. Cundall.

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Table 1.3 (continued) Consultants Providing Baseline Data

Environmental Topic Data Supplied Consultancy

Noise associated with the SFA. WYG

Noise associated with the FTA and Picketston Entec external training areas.

Air Quality and Odour. Traffic forecast in a format for air quality modelling Capita Symonds. and assessment.

Information on the emissions associated with the Cundall and Eon. Energy Centre.

Community. Facilities provided in the DTC and SFA Metrix. development.

Population data. MoD / Metrix / Welsh Assembly Government.

Construction labour force information. Laing O’Rourke

The responsibility for ensuring the robustness of the baseline data used within this ES lies with the organisations that have collected it. Entec (except where it is the organisation who has collected baseline data) has correctly used the collected baseline data to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

1.4 Structure of the ES The remainder of the ES is structured as follows. • Chapter 2 describes the needs and alternatives of the development;

• Chapter 3 describes the St Athan development;

• Chapter 4 details the approach that has been adopted in preparing the ES;

• Chapter 5 provides an overview of the policies that are relevant to the ES. Reference to legislation is within each technical chapter; • Chapters 6-16 set out the technical assessments for the environmental topics that need to be considered in the ES; and • Chapter 17 provides a summary of the positive and negative significant environmental effects associated with the development.

In addition, a Non-Technical Summary is provided separately.

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2. Scheme Need and Alternatives

Schedule 4 of the EIA Regulations 1999 states that the following must be included in the Environmental Statement:- “An outline of the main alternatives studied by the applicant or appellant and an indication of the main reasons for his choice, taking into account the environmental effects”. The EIA covers the two planning applications including the Defence Technical College (DTC), and the Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA) for Metrix and the MoD, the Aerospace Business Park (ABP) for the Welsh Assembly Government, in addition to the highway works. This EIA also covers the associated works to upgrade and extend the Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW).

2.1 Need for the Scheme

2.1.1 Defence Technical College (DTC) The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking to provide a streamlined and more efficient tri-service technical training programme via a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement as part of the MoD’s Defence Training Review (DTR). It was identified that this would be achieved through the rationalisation and consolidation of specialist training activities currently located across the UK on to a much reduced number of military training sites. The DTR rationalisation project provides the MoD with an opportunity to create a purpose built centre of excellence, the DTC. Co-locating most of the training onto a single site provides the critical mass required to create an environment and facilities that will permit the delivery of high quality training solutions; maximise the learning potential of the individual; and contribute to improved recruitment and retention across the services. It also gives the opportunity to create a new training estate which is far more efficient and sustainable than much of the existing estate which dates back in some cases over 50 years.

2.1.2 Aerospace Business Park (ABP) The Aerospace Business Park (ABP) is being promoted by the Welsh Assembly Government, alongside the DTC, as a Centre of Excellence for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of aircraft. The ABP will involve the redevelopment of the former Royal Air Force (RAF) base, with the exception of those areas which form part of DTC, or are part of the existing West Camp. In addition, the ABP will generate additional development on land already acquired, or being acquired by the Welsh Assembly Government. The ABP development will support and build upon the vital aerospace sector in Wales which is a key economic driver and a key business sector. Around 180 companies are currently active in the aerospace sector in Wales, supporting approximately 20,000 jobs. This accounts for almost 20% of the UK aerospace workforce compared to Wales’ share of the UK population of around 5%.

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The ABP aims to regenerate a major asset in terms of the existing runway and its associated facilities and buildings. The redevelopment of the existing aerodrome seeks to attract major inward investment into the south Wales region, which is in line with the objectives of the Welsh Assembly Government, for the future of the aerospace industry in Wales and the future retention and use of the St Athan facilities. Redevelopment at MoD St Athan will provide inward investment and support indigenous business that will assist in creating local jobs in an area that has seen recent job losses and utilise the existing expertise in the area, which has a rich history of aeronautical engineering.

2.2 Alternatives

2.2.1 Defence Technical College (DTC) The starting point for Metrix was to identify a suitable location for the development of a technical training college which would satisfy the requirements of the MoD. The original consideration of alternative sites for the delivery of technical training began with assessing the potential for siting the facility on any 1 of 50 existing MoD establishments located throughout the UK. This starting point ensured that the project would be making beneficial use of existing, available and previously developed military land, as well as the site already having in place the kind of security requirements that are associated with any defence-related project. Of the list of 50 original potential sites, no further action was taken on 12 sites due to their unavailability and/or inadequate size and nature, leaving 38 sites to be considered in more detail. A further 13 sites were quickly discounted as unsuitable, leaving the remaining 25 cores sites to be investigated for accommodating a large training facility. The remaining 25 sites were assessed using a series of criteria, including, suitability for accommodating such a large training facility, the scope for development and expansion on the land available, whether the site would be more suitable for residential redevelopment, existing uses, existing infrastructure, what facilities already existed on the site (including recent significant investments), likely necessary investment in developing the site, possible investment and partnership opportunities, likely public attitudes, likely MoD reaction, other MoD requirements, proximity to other related establishments, any foreseeable transition, phasing and relocation implications and security considerations. The locations of the sites also took into account the Lyons Review recommendations of Civil Service dispersals announced in the 2003 budget statement. Following the review of the short-listed sites, MoD St Athan was identified by Metrix as a potential core site location which substantially met the criteria for locating a large military training academy on one single site. MoD St. Athan has a long military heritage and has delivered military training for the last 70 years, and is currently the home of No. 4 School of Technical Training (4SofTT), as well as a further substantial MoD occupier who are located at West Camp. The large size of the base, together with the additional land acquired, and being acquired, by the Welsh Assembly Government, provides an opportunity to create a DTC scheme that is capable of accommodating nearly all the necessary military technical training needs on a single site with all the benefits of tri-service integration and economies of scale that such an approach brings to the project.

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In addition, the potential for re-use of the existing Super Hangar was a major advantage to the development being sited at MoD St Athan. The development of Super Hangar represented a major public investment of approximately £107 million (as quoted in WAO/NAO report1) which was completed in November 2004, occupied in February 2005 and officially opened in April 2005. In September 2005 the MoD announced that it would be transferring all fast jet maintenance, for which the Super Hangar was designed and constructed to RAF front line bases at Cottesmore and Marham, and that the Defence Support Group (DSG) would cease operation of its core activities at this location. The maintenance of the VC10 aircraft has remained at MoD St Athan, but with a limited lifespan, with an anticipated out of service date of 2013/2014. The DTC proposals ensure the re-use of this facility, after vacation of DSG, and this space will form the centrepiece of the training estate. The Super Hangar provides many advantages for the development of DTC. The Hangar provides an ideal training environment having been specifically designed for the maintenance of similar assets to those being used for training. The Hangar also provides direct access to the aircraft taxi ways. In addition The Vale of Glamorgan Council (VoGC) through its forward planning review had already identified that the site had the potential for development of this type. The Development Plan for the area, the Vale of Glamorgan Unitary Development Plan (UDP) 1996-2011 which was formally adopted in April 2005, states (in Policy EMP 10): “Further appropriate developments in respect of RAF activity within the RAF St Athan base will be favoured provided there is no unacceptable impact on local amenity.” The supporting text to Policy EMP 10 states that: “the RAF base at St Athan provides an important source of employment for the local economy. Appropriate expansion will be supported subject to environmental considerations”. The St Athan Development Brief was adopted by the local planning authority in July 2006 in recognition of the suitability of the site for such a development. The brief sets out the planning policy context for the site and the broad proposals considered appropriate for its redevelopment.

Alternative Site Layouts and Evolution of the Preferred Scheme The alternative site layouts and the evolution of the preferred DTC Masterplan are described in the DTC Design and Access Statement. The current DTC Masterplan has evolved through the process of consultation between Defence Estates (DE), the St Athan design team, the VoGC and the Welsh Assembly Government. The functions of the proposed DTC and its organisation within East Camp have been arranged to support the central training purpose and purpose built facilities. Key physical elements which have had an influence on the proposed site layout include:

• The utilisation of existing buildings;

• Incorporating existing infrastructure within the new design;

1 'The Super Hangar Project' a Joint report by the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Auditor General for Wales published on 27 March 2009.

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• Maintaining existing trees and hedgerows, providing a visual and ecological connection to wider landscape;

• Access to the existing ABP taxi-way and runway;

• Retention of existing archaeological features;

• Reinforced links with existing civilian and military community; • Extended links and support of Llantwit Major and St Athan;

• Proposed opportunities to connect residential areas with SFA;

• Connective road improvements, enhancing pedestrian links;

• Precedent of aerospace land use and local skills base;

• Suitable location for a large scale living environment;

• Logical connective hub providing community focal point;

• Areas suitable for external training;

• Precedent of existing military facility;

• Site area benefiting from distant views; and

• Focal arrival zone creating grand setting to site. The DTC Masterplan is arranged around the proposed functions and training activities at the site. The layout is arranged on two axes which include formal and informal function/activities. The formal aspect is aligned north to south, reinforcing the military ethos by creating a distinctive character of a training environment. The informal aspect is aligned east to west creating focus and structure to the living environment. This over-arching concept provides for a clear definition to be created between the training and living environments. A central principle in the organisation of the Masterplan has been the inclusion and connectivity of the proposed DTC community with that of the surrounding communities of St Athan, Llantwitt Major. Eglwys Brewis and St Athan. The aspiration has been to incorporate the community accessible facilities along an accessible green corridor that links Llantwit Major to the St Athan village. To bring continuity to the DTC Masterplan, the designs include a “ribbon” of green parkland which extend from the green corridor to connect all the key facilities within the development. This corridor evolves from the Main Gate, to the formality of The Mall, to the community atmosphere of the village centre and on to informality in the Heritage Park. It provides visual landmark features and varies in width and character from its beginning at the Main Gate and stretching through the site to the Messes at its head. The design and layout of the Castleton Field Training Area and the Picketston External Training Area have evolved as a result of the environmental assessment work undertaken for this ES. In particular, the proposed activities and use of these training areas have been influenced by noise modelling and assessment work and the potential effects on local receptors. In this respect proposed activities for these areas have been revised and mitigation measures been incorporated within the design and layouts.

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2.2.2 Aerospace Business Park (ABP) The functional desirability of locating an ABP alongside an operational runway necessarily limits the number of potential locations for such a development. In south east Wales, there are only two potential candidate sites, namely Cardiff Airport and MoD St Athan. In 2000, the former Welsh Development Agency (WDA) (now subsumed within the Welsh Assembly Government) was invited to assist the Defence Support Group (DSG), at the time the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA), the UK Government’s agency for the repair and maintenance of military aircraft, to help realise its ambitions to consolidate and reorganise its business in Wales. Early proposals for DARA to relocate to a greenfield site adjoining Cardiff Airport were abandoned when feasibility work showed that there were insuperable spatial, planning, environmental and cost difficulties. Subsequently, in 2003, the WDA acquired a 125 year lease (with an option to acquire the freehold) of 293 hectares (ha) of land at RAF St Athan from the MoD. The site has a long history of technical training, and was then home to DARA (now DSG). The aim of the WDA in acquiring the site was to assist DSG in maintaining a viable future in Wales by relocating to a purpose-built fast jet facility at the heart of the site and to create an aerospace centre of excellence alongside DSG on land vacated by the planned rationalisation of the fast jet business. Utilising the existing skills’ base and training institutions of the successful aerospace maintenance sector, the intention is to offer the facilities and infrastructure needed by manufacturers, suppliers, service providers and trainers to the aerospace sector, including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). The Welsh Assembly Government sees the development of the ABP as crucial to enlarging the existing cluster of aerospace business in south and south-east Wales. A project to upgrade the runway was recently completed at a cost of approximately £6.5 million. It is intended that the proposals will be able to take advantage of the skilled workforce in the area and will complement the DTC, both of which will provide long term economic benefits for the region. In the short term, the Welsh Assembly Government, with the active support of the MoD, has been working to attract aerospace companies to occupy the older buildings vacated by DSG following its move to the Super Hangar. Considerable interest in the site has been expressed by the aerospace sector, with a large number of continuing active enquiries and two companies already located on site, one involved in training the other intending to engage in manufacture of small aircraft on the site. Extensive work has been carried out to master plan the Welsh Assembly Government’s aerospace proposals to meet the anticipated needs of the aerospace industry, reflecting the proposed disposition of uses in the St Athan Development Brief approved by the VoGC.

Alternative Site Layouts and Evolution of the Preferred Schemes Since acquisition of the long leasehold from the MoD, the Welsh Assembly Government has been developing plans involving the redevelopment and expansion of the existing site. The original concept was to redevelop the whole of the St Athan site plus some adjoining land for an aerospace centre of excellence, focusing on aerospace business and training opportunities. As a result of the success in attracting the DTC to the site, this concept has been modified subsequently to allow for a comprehensive development of defence technical training and aerospace business.

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The layout of the proposed aerospace business park has evolved, particularly with regard to those potential uses on the site that would have the greatest potential environmental effects. In this respect, the location of the engine running facility on the site has been a major consideration, in terms of its effect and those of other noise sources on both existing and proposed land uses on and around the site.

2.2.3 Highway Works In considering the redevelopment of MoD St Athan, the Welsh Assembly Government investigated a number of options for accessing the new development on the site. This culminated, in 2006, in the outline proposals contained in the St Athan Development Brief, which, following public consultation, was approved by the VoGC and adopted as the basis for the determination of planning applications. The access proposals set out in the St Athan Development Brief included:

• The construction of a new Northern Access Road, to run from a new junction on the B4265 and to serve as the principal access to both the DTC and the northern part of ABP. This new road was characterised in the Brief as a new “direct and separate access onto the main road that bypasses both Llantwit Major and St Athan”; • The widening, realignment and closure of existing local roads around the northern part of the site; and • The creation of a new internal site access to serve the development then planned at ABP South. Subsequent developments, together with the refinement of the master plans for DTC and ABP, have necessitated certain changes to the access proposals contained in the St Athan Development Brief. In particular: • ABP South is now proposed to be served from a new Southern Access Road leading from the B4265, replacing the existing bridge over the railway line, which will provide a better and more direct access to that part of the redeveloped site; and

• The proposals to widen, realign and close certain local roads have been abandoned, as they are now rendered unnecessary by changes to the master plan. Improvements are proposed to Eglwys Brewis Road, principally to facilitate access by construction traffic during the early stages of constructing the DTC (before the Northern Access Road becomes available for that purpose).

Access options The access options to serve the development have been guided by four basic principles. These include:

1. The necessity to maintain the national and local security of West Camp for the MoD ;

2. The requirement to deliver an enhanced ABP to accommodate the Welsh Assembly Government’s proposals;

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3. The necessity (strongly promoted by the Council) to avoid extraneous traffic passing through St Athan village; and

4. Airfield airside access, runway operation and runway safety. These four principles have been supplemented by other considerations, including those related to environmental, engineering, and safety factors.

Alternative access options considered The range of access options to serve both DTC and ABP can be subdivided into the following groups: • Access from the north – the range of options considered included a Northern Access Road and Eglwys Brewis Road; • Access from the south – the range of options considered included a tunnel under the runway, a tunnel under the western end of the runway and southern access east of the runway; • Access from the east – the range of options considered included St Athan eastern bypass and a St Athan inner bypass; and • Access from the west – the range of options considered included access through West Camp. With the exception of access through West Camp, all these options were considered by the Welsh Assembly Government (or the WDA) between the period of 2003, when negotiations commenced to acquire the site from the MoD, and 2009. The proposal for access through West Camp arose during public consultation, in March 2009, and was rejected after preliminary assessment for the reasons set out below.

Access from the north At an early stage, consideration was given to whether access could be provided by means of upgrading Eglwys Brewis Road or building a new access road roughly parallel to it (the Northern Access Road). The upgrading of Eglwys Brewis Road was considered unacceptable, principally on environmental and construction phasing grounds.

Access from the south All three of these options considered included a new bridge over the railway; two also include a tunnel under the runway. Unlike the proposed Southern Access Road, which is intended to serve ABP South only, all three options would provide access to both DTC and ABP. The stakeholders have substantial concerns about the operation and effects of such an arrangement. The tunnel options have been dismissed on a number of grounds, including: construction, maintenance and operational issues; affordability; and security and public safety (tunnel under an operational runway). The construction of a new bridge over the railway could pose phasing difficulties, as it would need to be in place at an early stage to facilitate construction access and to serve the DTC development on opening. (This does not apply to the Southern Access Road to serve ABP South, as that access does not serve DTC and is not critical to its implementation and opening).

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Access from the east Both options considered included an on-line improvement of and a new junction on the B4265, and multi-span bridges over the Rills Valley and St Johns Valley respectively. It is considered that both options would have significant environmental impacts. In addition, neither option provides access to ABP South and, hence, an additional access would be required for that, as would improvements to provide access to SFA sites.

Access from the west It was suggested during public consultation that a new access be constructed from the B4265 from the west through West Camp, instead of the currently proposed Northern Access Road. Such a scheme would not obviate the necessity for the Southern Access Road. An access through West Camp is technically feasible, but is unacceptable to MoD as it would prejudice national and local security, and the efficiency, viability and operation of the existing West Camp through adverse impacts, including: loss of buildings, reduction in build-able footprint and additional security requirements to accord with national counter terrorism measures. The Welsh Assembly Government would not support the loss of developable land within the ABP which would adversely affect the economic viability and efficiency of its proposals. Introduction of new through traffic into the ABP would allow public access into secure zones, create security and health and safety issues (that is, access to airfield airside and FOD (Foreign Object Damage) hazards). The Welsh Assembly Government also would not support activities that would infringe the safeguarding of the airfield. The MoD, Metrix and Welsh Assembly Government consider that an access through West Camp would introduce unmanageable phasing difficulties for the DTC and ABP as there would be a need to construct a new railway crossing to enable the main site construction activities to commence. Any new crossing would require the formal approval of Network Rail and would result in considerable delay to the project through negotiation and construction of the new bridge. A West Camp access would also require separate improvements to existing road infrastructure to serve proposed SFA sites.

Summary of Alternative Access Options Considered The Welsh Assembly Government, MoD and Metrix have concluded that the proposed Northern and Southern Access Roads will provide the most appropriate means of serving the development of the DTC and ABP. The adopted St Athan Development Brief for the redevelopment of the site also supports the main access to both sites being provided from the north.

2.2.4 Associated Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTW) and New Rising Main Works Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) became involved in the development at St Athan in September 2006 with the receipt of a request for sewerage requisition. It was identified that the increases in wastewater flows generated by the development would exceed available treatment capacity at the existing Llantwit Major WwTW and West Aberthaw WwTW, and therefore the sewerage requisition had to be combined with upgrading of the wastewater treatment facility. Feasibility studies were carried out in 2007 and 2008 to investigate the options for wastewater treatment and associated conveyance of flows from the development.

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The feasibility studies concluded that there were two options which should be taken forward for further consideration. These included:

• All flows should be directed to Llantwit Major WwTW, which would be extended; or

• Flows should be split; 60% going to Llantwit Major WwTW, and 40% going to West Aberthaw WwTW, with both Works being extended. The initial feasibility study in 2007 concluded that flows should be pumped to both existing WwTW. However, in early 2008 the updated population and land use forecast for the development identified that the overall reduction in flows and loads, together with the reduced variation between term-time and holiday loads, suggested that splitting the loads between the two existing Works was no longer warranted. It was therefore agreed by DCWW and the Welsh Assembly Government that the outline design could be carried out on the basis of loads from the development being directed to Llantwit Major WwTW only. The potential environmental effects of the construction and operation of the rising main and works to the WwTW were considered during the feasibility process. Existing survey information and data determined the preferred route of the proposed rising main. The rising main route was designed with a view to avoiding sensitive ecological and archaeological receptors, and to limit the potential effect on local landowners and the need for crossing roads and railways and bridge crossings.

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3. Scheme Description

3.1 Development Site Description

3.1.1 Site Location The St Athan development site is located in south-east Wales, within the administrative district of the Vale of Glamorgan approximately 8 miles west of Barry and 12 miles south east of Bridgend. To the north of the site, at a distance of approximately 12 kilometres (km), lies the M4 motorway. The National Grid Reference (NGR) at the approximate centre of the site is NGR: ST 004 687. The site lies at approximately 30m to 52m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD)1. (see Figure 1.1 in Volume 3 of this ES). The administrative centre for the Vale of Glamorgan is Barry, with other medium sized settlements including the towns of Llantwit Major, Penarth and Cowbridge situated within the administrative boundary. Smaller villages are located in the immediate area surrounding the site including the villages of Llanmaes, Flemingston, Gileston and the hamlet of Picketston. The land surrounding the site comprises mainly open countryside which is in agricultural use. There are a number of farms located in the immediate area including Great House Farm to the north, Boverton Mill Farm to the south and Pant Yr Awel Farm, Rock Farm and Church Farm to the east. To the east of Cowbridge Road is St Athan Golf Club. To the west, north and east of the site are three existing housing estates that were originally built as MoD families’ accommodation for service personnel and are now privately owned. The West Gate entrance to MoD St Athan is directly off the B4265 which runs south and south- west of the development site from Bridgend to the north of Cardiff Airport, where it becomes the A4226. The East Gate entrance is located directly off Cowbridge Road in St Athan village. The B4265 coast road links towns and villages including St Brides Major, Wick, Broughton, Llantwit Major, Llanmaes, St Athan village, Boverton and Gileston, before becoming the A4226, and then continuing on to Waycock Cross junction on the outskirts of Barry. The Bridgend to Cardiff rail link also runs south of the site. There are a number of watercourses in the immediate vicinity including the Boverton Brook, the Llanmaes Brook, which is a tributary of the Boverton Brook, and Nant y Stepsau, which rises at Picketson and flows eastwards along the northern boundary of the site. Further to the east this watercourse joins the River Thaw. Rhyl Stream rises in the southern portion of the main site and flows eastwards south of and parallel to the main runway. Downstream of the site it flows through St Athan before also joining the River Thaw in the valley below. Approximately 2km to the south of the site lies the Welsh coastline and the Bristol Channel.

1 All Ordnance Survey (OS) Basemapping used to produce the figures within this ES, purchased in June 2008, does not show the Super Hangar or the existing site layout at MoD St Athan.

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The majority of sewage from the west and north of the existing MoD site is routed to the Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTW), located approximately 4.5 km west of the site. Sewage from the remainder of the site is routed to the Aberthaw WWTW, located 2 km to the southeast.

3.1.2 Existing Operational Facilities The development site includes the 293 hectares of MoD St Athan, together with additional and adjoining land that has been, or is in the process of being, acquired by the Welsh Assembly Government (see Figure 3.1 in Volume 3). The site currently has an operational airfield and is occupied by approximately 1,000 structures, including over 230,000 square metres (m2) of office, workshop, hangar and storage space, much of which is either vacant or in poor condition. A considerable proportion of the floorspace on the site has already been vacated. Within the East Camp site there are three man-made ponds which comprise emergency water supply (EWS) tanks and are concrete lined. There are also a number of mature trees with the majority of habitat made up of maintained/managed grass and amenity tree planting. The MoD has retained the freehold of about 40 hectares of West Camp, which is currently occupied by a MoD occupier and which comprises approximately 850 personnel. The DSG integrated maintenance facility, known as the Super Hangar, occupies a site of about 40 hectares in the centre of MoD St Athan and currently houses DSG’s head office. The Super Hangar provides over 45,000m2 of hangar space and 20,000 m2 of workshop, has a roof span of 66m, a working height of 14m, and is capable of accommodating 53 fixed wing fast jets, or 6 medium sized transport aircraft. The standing population for DSG is approximately 400 personnel. Adjacent to the west of the Super Hangar is a 9,750 m2 hangar known as “Twin Peaks”. Other civilian and military operators on the site include No. 4 School of Technical Training (4SofTT), the University of Wales Air Squadron (UWAS), the Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) which operates from Building 634, Juliette (storage operation), Lufthansa Resource Technical Training, which carries out civilian aircraft maintenance training in the buildings at Picketston, Britten-Norman, Bond Helicopter and S&C Thermofluids, which operates an adour test rig on behalf of the MoD. A Spar shop and Post Office are also located on site.

3.2 Proposed Scheme and Site Layout The development proposals associated with the two main outline planning applications comprise three main elements including:

• The Defence Technical College (DTC); including Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA);

• An Aerospace Business Park (ABP); and

• Highways works (the majority of which are common to both the above elements). The development proposals will also require the extension and upgrade of the Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTW) and the construction of a new rising main from the

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site. These associated works do not form part of the main development site but have been included within this ES to ensure a comprehensive and complete assessment of potential environmental effects. These works also do not form part of the two main outline planning applications and will be undertaken by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW). A composite masterplan showing the development proposals can be seen on drawing no.: SA- C0XXX-TP-900-SB-X-7300. This shows the DTC and Phase 3 of the ABP proposals. Table 3.1 summarises the site areas of the main scheme components.

Table 3.1 Site Areas of Scheme Components

Component Description/location Site Area (hectares)

Defence Technical East Camp (87.74 ha), Church of Wales (0.10 ha), Energy Centre Approx 88.57 ha College (DTC) (0.69ha)

Picketston area Approx 65.66 ha

Castleton FTA Approx 60ha

Service Families’ Tremains Farm, North of West Camp, Picketston South West and Approx 25.64ha Accommodation (SFA) Stadium/Golf Course

St Athan Golf course Construction of 6 new greens; 5 new tees, 4 new fairways, and 2 Approx 24.77ha altered fairways (the first half of the 1st and 8th holes remain unchanged).

Total Approx 264.64ha

Aerospace Business ABP, including a number of large hangars, engine running facility, Approx 166.43ha Park (ABP) compass swing area, a industrial employment units and ancillary (including airfield uses. which is 46.41 ha)

Highway works New Northern Access Road (NAR) to Eglwys Brewis road, new Approx 7.72 ha (in Southern access road, realignment and improvement on the B4265 total) at Gileston to Old Mill, improvements to the St Athan cross-road junction and Waycock Cross road junction improvements.

Total 438.79ha

The operational and construction traffic information associated with all the developments can be found in the Traffic and Transport chapter (Chapter 13) of this ES and the supporting Transport Assessment produced by Capita Symonds Ltd.

1. Defence Technical College (DTC) The DTC will make use of parts of the airfield cross runway within the ABP development as shown on the composite DTC and ABP Masterplan (see drawing no: SA-C0XXX-TP-900-SB- X-7300). It is envisaged that there will be approximately 3,240 people living and working on site with a further 2,491 people living off site but working on site. An additional 810 people are envisaged to visit the site/museum/church/hotel and sports and leisure facilities, generating a potential maximum DTC population of approximately 6500 people. The DTC will comprise of the following proposed uses:

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East Camp and the Super Hangar site The main building elements of the DTC will be concentrated on the existing site known as East Camp. (see DTC East Camp Illustrative Masterplan, drawing no.: SA-C0XXX-TP-900-SB-X- 4200). The DTC will mainly comprise the redevelopment of the existing site in the form of new buildings and associated internal access routes, parking areas and landscaping. The proposals on the East Camp and Super Hangar site include: • The provision and refurbishment of existing technical training buildings and facilities, offices, classrooms, storage and workshops ranging in height from approximately 12m to 15m; • Single Living Accommodation (SLA) buildings, up to a height of approximately 15m;

• Messes, ranging in height from approximately 12m to 18m;

• A Medical and Dental Centre (Med and Dent), at a height of approximately 9m to 12m;

• Rank Hubs (containing on-site shops and facilities) at a height of approximately 12m;

• Flight Line training building and Flight Line stores at heights of approximately 9m. The activities associated with Flight Line will include up to three military jet aircraft training on the northern cross runway for up to 4 hours per day from Monday to Friday; • A Receipt of Incoming Deliveries (RID) building and Facilities Management (FM) stores at heights of approximately 15m; • Learning Resource Centre (LRC) at a height of approximately 18m; and

• A Parade Ground and training hardstanding areas, some of the sports and recreation facilities, and other associated training and military and Estate support facilities; • A new access road from the B4265 (shared with the ABP development) to serve the DTC (and ABP) site; • Car-parking for DTC providing a total of approximately 3,700 spaces;

• An energy centre (a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant). The building will be up to a height of approximately 23m, with a 30m high chimney;

• A museum of military history; open to both military personnel and the general public. The museum will be approximately 15m in height;

• A new church and world faith centre and Ghurkha Temple, constructed to the immediate west of St Brise Church (outside the security wire) at a height of approximately 6m;

• Works associated to arrest the decline of the Grade II listed St Brise Church to the south of Eglwys Brewis Road and situated at the new entrance to the DTC. The former church building will be used for ceremonial purposes and a place of quiet contemplation. The Church will be open to both military personnel and the general public;

• Retention of the existing externally situated Spar shop in Eglyws Brewis Road, but with new on-site service and car parking facilities;

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• A tracked armoured vehicle test road parallel to the main runway. This will typically include 1 tank performing 1 run up and down the tank road per day from Monday to Friday;

• A Tank Pan with up to 5 tanks performing training exercises for up to an hour per day (Mon-Fri); • A water storage tank;

• A foul water pumping station to collect foul sewage from the development and transfer it to Llantwit Major WwTW for treatment by the new rising main; and • An electricity primary sub-station.

Picketston Area The Picketston area will comprise external training areas, sports, recreational and family facilities and workshops for the DTC etc. (see DTC Picketston Illustrative Masterplan, drawing no.: SA-C0XXX-TP-900-SB-X-4100). The proposals include: • Picketston Sports Centre; which will be available for use by military personnel during the training day and the general public at agreed times outside of these hours. The sports centre will be approximately 12m in height and include an 8-lane 25m Swimming pool (to Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) standards); 12 court sports hall with retractable seating for 800 people; fitness suite; squash courts; an 8-lane all-weather athletics track & pitch; and a café area & pavilion (with ancillary coach and car parking);

• 12 outdoor sports pitches (four floodlit) and cricket nets for use by military personnel, members of the public and local sports clubs (when not required for military personnel use) (with ancillary coach and car parking);

• An External Training Area. The activities associated with this area will include up to 8 training demonstrations per day. The area will include 3m high grassed earth bunds around the perimeter of the area, in addition to field training bunds, scrub and tree planting and water attenuation ponds; • Additional external training areas and obstacle courses;

• Re-use of some existing buildings for military storage of training assets, and for a DTC museum, fleet storage purposes, a waste storage compound (6m to 9m), a petrol, oil and lubrication point (POL) (6m to 9m) and a vehicle washdown area (3m to 6 m);

• New Mechanical Training (MT) Workshops at a height of 5m and a White Fleet Garage at a height of 12m;

• An outdoor firing range including approximately 6 to 8 hours intermittent small arms fire per day;

• An aerial farm where aerials will be erected, dismantled and climbed for training (aerials of between 20m and 30m in height), a telegraph pole field;

• Respiration testing facilities;

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• The construction of new buildings for elements of DTC technical training, ranging in height from 3m to 12m; and

• The construction of a footbridge from the main DTC site across Eglwys Brewis road to the Picketston area.

Picketston Hotel The development proposals also include a 150 bed/key hotel on land adjacent to Picketston Sport Centre and sports pitches. The hotel will be available for use by members of the public and is likely to be used by families attending passing out parades as well as other visitors to the DTC, and for use by visitors to the ABP. The hotel may also be used to accommodate trainees at times of peak operating demand. The hotel will be approximately 12m in height.

Castleton Farm An outdoor Field Training Area (FTA) is proposed on the Castleton Farm area. (see DTC Castleton Illustrative Masterplan, drawing no.: SA-C0XXX-TP-900-SB-X-4300). The FTA will use the existing field access (with improvements) on Cowbridge Road and will also have an emergency access onto Castleton Road. Proposed activities on site will include: • Day and night-time training, on a daily basis;

• On-foot and vehicle based training (no tracked vehicles);

• The use of mini flares, and

• The use of ground-based smoke grenades. Facilities on the site will include: • Hardstanding for vehicle parking and turning space in order to access the training site;

• Temporary toilet facilities in association with training on the site;

• Briefing shelter building; and

• Storage buildings for non-hazardous materials in association with training on the site. The FTA will be used by up to approximately 100 military personnel at any one time. The area will be used during the week and for a limited number of weekends.

St Athan Golf Course The development proposals also require changes to be made to the existing St Athan Golf Club, including a small extension to the site, in order to accommodate the proposed SFA housing development. (see DTC Castleton Illustrative Masterplan, Drawing no.: SA-C0XXX-TP-900- SB-X-4300). The proposals include;

• Construction of 6 new greens; 5 new tees, 4 new fairways, and 2 altered fairways (the first half of the 1st and 8th holes remain unchanged); and

• A new practice area.

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Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA) The development also allows for the provision of up to 483 dwellings in the form of Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA) required in association with the DTC. The proposed dwellings will comprise mainly 2-storey detached and semi-detached dwellings with some 3-storey town houses. The ridge height of the 3 storey town houses will be approximately 11.5 metres. The proposals include providing crèche and community centre buildings adjacent to the Picketston South West SFA site. All SFA dwellings will be designed to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The locations of the SFA housing sites can be seen on the DTC and ABP Composite Masterplan (see drawing no.: SA-C0XXX-TP-900-SB-X-7300) and in the supporting SFA Housing Statement and SFA Site Plans. A breakdown of the number of units and site areas of each SFA site is set out below in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2 Service Families’ Accommodation

Location No. of units Site Area (Ha)

Stadium site and part Golf Course 172 (based on a layout) 8.02 ha

Land at Tremains Farm 169 (based on a layout) 8.77 ha

Land north of West Camp 59 (based on a layout) 3.97 ha

Land at Picketston South West 83 (based on a layout) 4.88 ha

Total 483 25.64 ha

The SFA dwellings are to accommodate approximately 483 personnel and families in their new dwellings.

2. Aerospace Business Park The ABP will be developed around the existing operational runway as an aerospace centre of excellence for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of aircraft. The envisaged workforce will be approximately 2,300 personnel by 2028 (Phase 3), when the development will be fully operational. (Phase 3 of the ABP Masterplan is shown on the ABP Masterplan phase 3 drawing no.: A024845drg23). The ABP will have two areas of built development, either side of the runway:

• ABP North: comprising an area north of the runway and west of the disused cross- runway, between DTC to the east and the MoD occupied part of West Camp; and

• ABP South: comprising an area south of the runway at Batslays, West Orchard and Beggar’s Pound. Essentially, there would be two types of buildings: those with uses that would require access to the runway, generally hangars for MRO, the sizes of which would depend on the type and number of aircraft that they would accommodate; and, those that would house activities that would not require runway access. The latter would be more standard-type industrial/

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employment and office buildings, with uses including aircraft design, training, research and development. Both of these building types would be located within ABP North and ABP South. The ABP development will comprise the erection of new and replacement buildings and airfield operational facilities and structures; the provision of access roads, hardstandings and other infrastructure; highways improvements; security fencing; landscaping; and all associated building and engineering operations. There will be an increase in commercial jet movements associated with the ABP in Phases 1, 2 and 3, however the number of proposed commercial jet movements will be less than the number of military fast jets which has occurred in previous years. There will also be an increase in taxiway usage and aircraft stands. There will be an increase in other aircraft future movements associated with the proposed ABP, mainly due to small general aviation and also small business jets/turbo-props. The historic and future aircraft movements show that the majority are due to training aircraft activity. Detailed information and data of the proposed future aircraft movements can be seen in the Noise Chapter of this ES (Chapter 16). The ABP development will provide: • An aerospace administration centre at Batslays Farmhouse, including the conversion of Batslays Farm buildings; • An engine running facility (replacing an existing facility on ABP North) constructed on ABP South which will include acoustic screening on three sides of the test pen. The proposed ABP will carry out aircraft engine running of civilian fixed wing aircraft and commercial and military aircraft. For Phase 1 of the developed it is proposed to carry out testing for approximately 1 hour per week, for Phase 2 testing would be carried out for approximately 3 hours per week and for Phase 3 testing would be carried out for approximately 5 to 6 hours per week. In addition, this will also include helicopter engine testing, including 1 helicopter engine run per week during Phase 1, 2 helicopter engine runs during Phase 2 and 3 helicopter engine runs during Phase 3 (all carried out Monday to Saturday). Detailed information and data of the proposed future engine running can be seen in the Noise Chapter of this ES (see Chapter 16); • A paint-spray workshop approximately 25m in height;

• A number of hangars with approximate heights of 12m to 25m. ;

• A number of industrial/employment units and offices ranging in height from 7m to 10m;

• Renovation and extension of the existing Twin Peaks building on ABP North;

• Relocation of the existing fire training area on the airfield to the south of the runway;

• The relocation of a helipad;

• The relocation of the Air-Traffic Control Tower (ATC) and fire station;

• Construction of hardstanding within ABP South to accommodate a compass swing area for aircraft with an approximate radius of 100m;

• A new access road from the B4265 (shared with the DTC) to serve ABP North;

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• A new access road from the B4265 to the south of the airfield to serve ABP South;

• Car parking for the ABP development;

• The same foul water pumping station to collect foul sewage from the development and transfer it to Llantwit Major WwTW for treatment as for DTC; and

• The same electricity primary sub-station as for the DTC.

3. Highway Works The following highway works are proposed to serve both the DTC and ABP developments:

• Construction of a northern access road (NAR) from the B4265 to Eglwys Brewis Road, north of the ABP;

• Improvements to Eglwys Brewis Road leading to St Brise Church;

• Realignment of the highway and associated improvements on the B4265 road at Gileston to Old Mill;

• Signal control of the St Athan cross-roads junction (within the existing highway boundary) on the B4265;

• Construction of a southern access road off the B4265 road; and • Highway works and associated landscape planting at Waycock Cross road junction involving the provision of a new roundabout.

Associated Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwWT) and new rising main The development at St Athan will require an extension of the Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTW) and a new rising main, running between the development site (DTC and ABP) and the WwTW to treat the foul water associated with the increase in population (see Figure 3.2 in Volume 3 of this ES). The extension and upgrade of the WwTW will be carried out within the exiting site boundary, although additional land would be required to accommodate temporary construction site compounds. The works will include the locating of a new balancing tank, extension of inlet works, upgrading of aeration ditches, a new 16m diameter final settlement tank (identical to the existing two tanks), and the upgrading of treatment processes and flow control facilities. The new rising main will be approximately 5.5km in length and will be located adjacent to field boundaries, and as much as possible, will use existing field access points and gaps in hedgerows. The rising main has been designed to avoid major roads and minimise the effects on land owners and sensitive receptors. A 6m wide permanent easement will be required along the length of the pipeline to provide DCWW with maintenance access to its assets2.

2 Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (2009) RAF St Athan Sewer Requistion, Outline Scheme Report for Foul Sewerage and Wastewater Treatment Facilities.

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3.2.1 Landscape Proposals Landscape proposals have been produced for the DTC, ABP and SFA, including the highway works. The process for producing these has been through collaborative design between the landscape architects, environmental consultants and planners, including Scott Brownrigg and HLM (for the DTC), and WYG (for the ABP, SFA and highway works). As part of the process a number of design review meetings have taken place between the architects, planners, landscape architects and Entec’s landscape specialist and ecologist. These meetings have informed the design and layouts of the master plans, and have ensured that both planning applications are coordinated from an environmental perspective by providing mitigation and enhancement measures within the schemes. Details of these can be found in the Landscape and Visual (Chapters 7 and 8) and Biodiversity chapter of this ES (Chapter 6). The key drivers for the overall landscape proposals include:

• Enhancement to the landscape enhancements resulting from the proposed development;

• Incorporation of both existing, and creation of new, habitats within a ‘green’ framework for the site that leads to an enhanced biodiversity resource; • Consideration of the surrounding landscape character with retention of existing trees and hedgerows, where possible, to reduce the effect of the development on local landscape character; • Supplementing of the existing site vegetation and extension of the vegetation pattern into the site to integrate the proposed development into its landscape setting; • Creation of an attractive, distinctive and legible landscape for future residents and visitors to the site; • A general consideration of sustainability requirements; and

• All planting design will follow the guidance as set out in the Civil Aviation Publication 772 ‘Birdstrike Risk Management for Aerodromes Bird Control’ 2007 and Safeguarding Aerodromes Advice Note No.3 – ‘Potential Bird Hazards from Amenity Landscaping and Building Design’ 2003.

1. Defence Technical College (DTC) A Landscape Design Statement3 describes the landscape design proposals for the DTC at St Athan4. (see DTC Design and Access Statement). The Design Statement supports the DTC Masterplan design of the site and the individual assets/structures within the proposals. The site design was produced in relation to key drivers including the military ethos, safety, sustainability and environmental considerations, and maintenance. The Statement has been produced taking into account the varying proposed uses to outline the key values of the DTC project and by taking into account the varying proposed uses. This

3 DTC St Athan Package 1 Stage C. Design Statement: Landscape

4 The landscape proposals for the SFA are contained in the SFA Design and Access Statement prepared by WYG.

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process was carried out in a structured way, considering the key constraints and opportunities on site, and within the surrounding area. The landscape design proposals of the DTC have been informed by strategies and studies carried out to inform the entire development design and also following consultation with key stakeholders. This has included the undertaking of a number of design review meetings with attendance by members of the consultant team including architects, landscape specialist and ecologists as well as external stakeholders. Of particular importance was ensuring that landscape proposals complement the surrounding landscape character (see Chapter 7 of this ES). Furthermore a major driver of the landscape design was to ensure that effects to ecological resources could be mitigated and importantly that the value of the site for biodiversity would be increased as a result of the development. In summary the landscape proposals focus on: • The retention and protection of existing trees, with the existing trees also forming a basis for enhancing and creating new planted and woodland areas; • Protection and enhancement of existing ecology;

• Managing ground level changes and earth modelling;

• Using hard and soft landscape detail to provide specific zones and areas;

• Consideration within the proposals of internal access and movement; and

• Consideration of the military ethos. The main feature of the DTC landscape proposals includes a substantial green corridor through the site with an interlinking network of woodland and parkland which will provide a connection with the existing surrounding local landscape. The link will run from the existing tree line in the south east corner of the site and connect through to the existing trees along the eastern side of Picketston, always subject to safeguarding criteria affecting the safe operation of the airfield. The Design Statement divides the site into landscape zones with ten key areas which are identified as: • The Mall, Hub and Parade Ground;

• Entrance and Museum Area;

• Heritage Park, Military House Offices;

• MESS and Frontage Areas;

• Junior Ranks SLA Accommodation;

• Gate 2, Energy Centre and RID;

• External Technical Training;

• Sports and Recreation;

• Picketston; and

• Field Training.

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Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA) WYG has designed landscape proposals for the SFA areas, forming a part of the DTC proposals. This has been achieved through collaboration with the landscape architects working on the DTC. A number of design review meetings have taken place with the landscape architects and planners Scott Brownrigg, HLM and Entec’s landscape specialists and ecologist. The meetings were held with the purpose of incorporating environmental measures into the schemes for each of the SFA sites, reducing any potentially significant effects on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity, and providing environmental enhancements and benefits to the scheme. Details of these can be found in the Landscape and Visual (Chapters 7 and 8) and Biodiversity chapter of this ES (Chapter 6). In summary the landscape proposals focus on: • The layout of roads, lanes and housing is designed to help create a ‘village’ character and quality that reflects existing settlements within the Vale of Glamorgan; • Existing mature vegetation would be retained as part of the green infrastructure within the proposed development where possible; • Existing hedgerows and scrub will be supplemented by tree and shrub planting to soften the effect of the proposed development; • Proposed planting will be designed for ease of maintenance, using robust, native species of trees and shrubs that are well suited to the climatic and soil conditions that occur on site; • Native species will be used as these contribute to increasing the biodiversity value of the vegetation and are more appropriate to the semi-rural setting; and • Open space and play areas will be provided within each of the SFA sites.

2. Aerospace Business Park (ABP) WYG has designed landscape proposals for the ABP (see Chapter 4 of the ABP planning statement. The landscape strategy for ABP focuses on enhancement of the site and surrounding context within the northern and southern parts of the site, where the most significant changes will occur as a result of the proposed development. Key elements of the landscape proposals for ABP relate to the area to the south of the runway. It is proposed that planting, earthworks and building elevation treatments would be used in combination to integrate the proposed buildings into the landscape context. The screening landform located in the southern part of the ABP site extends between Batslays and West Orchard. It will form a continuous earthwork up to 5m in height with a naturalistic form. A hedge-bank around the southern edge of the compass swing would link the main elements of the landform to form a continuous feature. An added advantage of the screening landform is the shelter it would provide, which will assist in plant establishment. Proposed scrub planting along the landform would increase the overall height of the screening provided in the longer term and help to integrate the development within the landscape. This planting would be complemented by scrub and woodland planting along the embankment slopes of the B4265 and southern access road. Colour treatment of the hangar elevations would aim to

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break up the mass of the remaining upper parts of the building which are visible above the screen landform and planting.

3. Highway Works The development of the landscape design proposals for all the sections of highway improvements are underpinned by a number of key landscape design objectives: • To protect and replicate vernacular landscape features and character in a manner to enrich the wider landscape;

• To incorporate the provision of sustainable and effective measures to mitigate against the impact of the highways works;

• To undertake measures to minimise the need for mitigation through careful design and avoidance techniques;

• To incorporate high quality habitat mitigation; and

• To provide landscape proposals which incorporate sustainable management techniques. The Northern Access Road (NAR) defines, in part, the western boundary to the proposed development and the agricultural character of the area is reflected in the landscape proposals. Boundary planting of hedges is a key component with the introduction of the traditional Glamorgan hedge-on-bank in selected areas. The translocation of existing hedges is also proposed, and planted links to existing retained hedges would be undertaken. The verges to the highway improvement incorporate grass lined ‘swales’ as part of the sustainable drainage system. At the eastern end the interface with the existing residential development would include the introduction of feathered and standard trees in grass to reflect the current setting of the buildings. The access to south of the runway from the B4265 consists of an off-line improvement with a new over-bridge to the railway. The new section of the highway will be elevated and scrub planting to the embankment slopes will help to create continuity with the existing areas of vegetation along the railway boundary with further enhanced habitat linkages provided through the planting of redundant sections of highway. Where the highway improvements create isolated non-economic parcels of agricultural land these would be planted as woodland for habitat creation and landscape screening. On the B4265 Gileston to Oldmill improvement the retention of existing field hedge boundaries and the translocation of a section of existing hedgerow will provide continuity and a level of maturity to the highway improvement, whilst new hedges and supplementary copse planting will enhance the existing agricultural landscape. At the B4265 St Athan junction the rationalisation of the existing footways would improve access and linkages for pedestrians, and new tree planting will help define the context of the junction. At the B4265 Waycock Cross junction at the edge of Barry, focal tree planting within the proposed roundabout and formal tree planting to define and reinforce the interface between the highway and the adjoining urban and rural areas. The woodland and scrub planting proposals and the new field boundaries on all schemes will consist of native hedges incorporating local provenance plant species.

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3.2.2 Sustainability Proposals

Defence Technical College (DTC) Sustainability and Energy Statement A Sustainability and Energy Statement5 has been produced for the development proposals which outlines the development’s sustainability, energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies for meeting the sustainability targets set out by The Vale of Glamorgan Council, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and HM Treasury. To benchmark this process, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) methodologies have been used. They consider the broad environmental concerns of climate change, pollution, impact on occupants and the wider community. They balance these with the need for a high quality, safe and healthy internal environment. These standards go beyond the requirements of the current Building Regulations. A Bespoke BREEAM assessment of the buildings on the site is currently underway, with pre-assessments indicating that “Excellent” ratings are being achieved for new buildings and “Very Good” for refurbished buildings. Good practice sustainability measures have been incorporated in the design, including: • Substantial reductions in energy usage achieved through passive design solutions such as, natural ventilation and passive day-lighting;

• On top of the contribution of the passive elements to the overall energy balance, energy efficient appliances and systems will be specified;

• A central Energy Centre will provide heating and electricity to the site via a district heating network supplied by a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant, with the potential of reducing CO2 emissions by 60%;

• A Transport Assessment (TA) has been carried out and a transport plan prepared to reduce car-dependency, pollution and congestion (further information provided in the Traffic and Transport chapter of this ES (Chapter 13); • Materials with low overall environmental impact are presently being considered from the Green Guide to Specification and where possible they will be sourced locally. All timber will be purchased from responsible forest sources; • Recycling facilities will be provided to reduce waste during operation;

• Construction and water use will be reduced by the specification of water efficient taps, shower heads, dual flush toilets, low water use appliances and in some cases rainwater harvesting systems;

• The construction site will be managed in an environmentally sound manner in terms of resource use, storage, waste management and pollution;

• The remediation of soil being undertaken on site where appropriate techniques are practically available;

5 Metrx (2009) Sustainability and Energy Statement.

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• The use of the site manufacture and pre-fabrication of buildings and building elements to permit use of highly sustainable material and processes; and

• The SFA will be constructed to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Aerospace Business Park (ABP) Sustainability Statement A sustainability statement for the ABP has been produced for the Welsh Assembly Government and is contained in Chapter 5 of the ABP planning statement.

3.2.3 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will be produced for the operational phase of the development. This will sit alongside and follow on from the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) (see the Construction Method Statement). The draft CEMP includes environmental measures which have been informed by the assessment of effects in this ES. Due to the complexity of the ecological aspects of the construction and operational phases of the development a separate Ecology Strategy and an Outline Habitat Management Plan (OHMP) have been produced for the development (see Appendix D of the Biodiversity, Chapter 6 of this ES). A proposed outline of what will be included in the full EMP is summarised below and includes: • An Environmental Policy;

• Contractual and other client requirements, including any environmental objectives and targets;

• Training, awareness and competencies - the plan should identify the training, awareness and competency levels that are required for all site staff and subcontractors whose work may affect the environmental issues identified in the plan;

• Register of relevant legislation - a list of legislation relevant to managing environmental issues. The contractor should review and amend/up-date this list, as appropriate;

• Procedures for communications and reporting of incidents; • Procedure for checking and corrective action review;

• Environmental objectives and targets;

• Details of site management (personnel and structure) to be provided, including specialist assistance (engineering, ecological, archaeological, other);

• Procedure for recording site visits by the Regulators (including Environment Agency, local council pollution control officers and/or environmental health officers);

• Procedures for review and up-date of the plan;

• Operational control and documentation - all activities that may impact on the environment or are relevant to the management of environmental issues must be controlled by the implementation of procedures and method statements, including the following:

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- Emergency preparedness and response;

- Waste classification;

- Regulatory/licensing controls and requirements;

- Energy management;

- Good housekeeping, including storage of materials; - Employee and sub-contractor induction and EMS awareness; and

• Details of proposed environmental monitoring.

3.3 Demolition and Construction Information

3.3.1 Construction Programme and Phasing The construction and phasing information for the DTC and ABP development proposals can be found in the DTC and ABP Construction and Phasing Statement. Table 3.3 summarises the overall construction and demolition programme of the DTC, and ABP developments. The programme shows that the early works (including demolition and services diversions etc.) will commence during the second quarter of 2009 and the overall construction programme will run until the end of 2014 for the DTC and Phase 1 of the ABP and until 2028 for Phase 3 of the ABP (dependant on commercial interest).

Construction Working Hours The working hours during the demolition and construction phase will be: Monday to Saturdays: 07:00 to 19:00; and Sunday: only non-noise generating works/activities. Any works that are required to be carried out outside the above working hours will only be undertaken after consultation with the Vale of Glamorgan’s Environmental Health Officer (EHO) and local residents through established and agreed communication channels. The DE site team will also be informed of any working outside of normal working hours.

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Table 3.3 Overall Demolition and Construction Programme

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Quarters

Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr Otr 1 Otr 2 Otr 3 Otr . 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 4

Early works.

DTC main works. P 1 P 2 P3

Northern Access Road (NAR). Final W/C

Eglwys Brewis upgrade - to Gate 2. Final W/C

Eglwys Brewis upgrade - Gate 2 to Final W/C Gate 1.

Gileston Old Mill re-alignment.

B4265 St Athan Junction.

Waycock Cross road works.

SFA - Picketston & Tremains.

SFA - St Athans Golf Course Site.

ABP - Phase 1.

ABP - Phase 2 + Southern Access 2014-2020 Road.

ABP - Phase 3. 2020-2028

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1. Defence Technical College (DTC) The Construction and Phasing Statement6 outlines the DTC construction summary programme and the key project activities associated with the development, from design, through to planning, procurement and financial close, enabling works and service diversions/alterations, Phase 1 construction and handover, Phase 1 operational, and Phase 2 and 3 construction and handover. The overall DTC construction programme is based on a three main stages. The outline of demolition and construction phasing for the Defence Technical College is shown on the following drawings in the Construction and Phasing Statement:

• Enabling Works Stage1 – drawing no.: SA-C0XXX-SK-XXX-LO-X-0032 rev P01;

• Enabling Works Stage 2 – drawing no.:SA-C0XXX-SK-XXX-LO-X-0033 rev P01;

• Construction Phase 1 – drawing no.: SA-C0XXX-SK-XXX-LO-X-0034 rev P01;

• Construction Phase 2 – drawing no.: SA-C0XXX-SK-XXX-LO-X-0035 rev P01; and

• Construction Phase 3 – drawing no.: SA-C0XXX-SK-XXX-LO-X-0036 rev P01.

DTC Enabling Works and Services/Utilities Diversions In order to facilitate the main construction start date for the DTC, the following enabling works and services/utilities diversions will be undertaken by the Welsh Assembly Government, DE and Metrix:

Enabling Works Stage 1 (Summer 2009 – Early 2010) Stage 1 of the enabling works will include the following: • Refurbishment of existing buildings to the southern side of the existing East Camp to allow 4SofTT transition from its current estate, spread across the large proportion of East Camp to a confined enclave outside the the construction site for the DTC until the DTC facilities are available; • Asbestos removal and demolition of existing buildings which are currently vacant on East Camp along with service disconnections, alterations and diversions within the site boundary and along Eglwys Brewis road; and

• Ecological mitigation and enhancement works in relation to bats, great crested newts, hedgerows and trees. Access for these works will be via the existing West Gate through West Camp and /or the existing aircraft gate (denoted as Gate 2 on the Phasing Plans), off Eglwys Brewis Road opposite the Picketston access point.

Enabling Works Stage 2 (Early 2010 – Summer 2010) Upon completion of the transition of 4SofTT to the southern enclave in early 2010, stage 2 of the enabling works will include:

6 Laing O’Rourke (2009) Construction and Phasing Statement

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• Demolition of the remaining existing buildings on the northern part of East Camp (except existing Medical and Dental, Eglwys Brewis Road Spar Shop, a small number of buildings to be used during the construction process or those retained for protected species habitats);

• Demolition of the southernmost Hangar on the Picketston site, carried out in the Summer of 2010; • Completion of service disconnections, alterations and diversions within the site boundary and along Eglwys Brewis road; • Construction traffic improvements to Eglwys Brewis road;

• Any remediation of contaminated soils required as part of the enabling works to provide a clear site ready for the main construction of the new DTC; • Construction of the new museum access point off Eglwys Brewis Road and installation of new perimeter security/boundary fencing to the main DTC site and Picketston; • Installation of construction site offices, welfare and compounds;

• Translocation of great crested newt populations to receptor ponds; and

• Ecological mitigation and enhancement works. Access for these works will be via the existing West Gate through West Camp and/or Gate 2 for access to the former East Camp, off Eglwys Brewis Road and Gate 3 into the Picketston site.

Overview of the DTC Construction Phasing The construction phasing for the DTC is shown in the Construction Method Statement and is essentially based around the 4SoTT transition requirements in conjunction with demolition in the early phases and the DTC training commencement in the later phases. An overview of the construction phasing is provided below:

Construction Phase 1 (Summer 2010 – Late 2013) – 39 months The bulk of construction of the new DTC will be carried out over a 39 month period commencing in Summer 2010 following the completion of required ecological mitigation works, and clearance of existing buildings and underground services on the existing East Camp. The DTC Phase 1 construction site will be handed over to Metrix in late 2013 to prepare and bring into service the new DTC for training commencement early 2014. Access for Phase 1 construction works will be via Gate 1 and 2 into the former East Camp and Gate 3 for access to Picketston, accessed initially along the existing Eglwys Brewis Road, and subsequently along the northern access road once available for construction use (approximately Autumn 2011).

Construction Phase 2 (Early 2014 – Spring 2014) – 6 months During Phase 2 of the construction, the Single Living Accommodation (SLA) will be completed alongside new buildings, demolition of the 4SofTT southern enclave, following transition of 4SofTT into the new DTC, and demolition of existing buildings used for construction purposes on the main DTC campus.

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The SFA housing will be completed by April 2014.

Construction Phase 3 (Spring 2014 – Summer 2014) - 4 months The remaining phase of the construction will be the completion of hard and soft landscape works to the southern car parking and existing East Gate following the demolition/removal of the 4ScoTT enclave. This is planned for the end of August 2014, a further 4 months after Phase 2 construction handover.

Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA) All SFA sites will be carried out as one continuous phase commencing in the second and third quarters of 2011 and continuing to the overall completion to the end of the second quarter of 2014. Completion of houses at each site will be arranged such that progressive occupants can commence early in the fourth quarter of 2013 and coincide with Phase 1 of the completion of the DTC and the mobilisation of the training.

2. Aerospace Business Park (ABP) The ABP development will be carried out incrementally over a period of time, dependant upon commercial demand. Each phase comprises new build or refurbishment works to provide runway related and non-runway related industrial units and associated office accommodation. The provisional/indicative programme is as follows: Phase 1 – up to 2014 (see ABP Masterplan phase 1, drawing file: A024845drg21). Phase 1 of the ABP construction works comprise of the following:

• ABP North works comprise the construction of Building No 1, S;

• ABP South include the refurbishment and extension of Building B2, B3, plus a new compass swing, fire training, bulk fuel extension and vehicle parking and extensions to taxiways. Buildings 211, 5 and 8 will be demolished. All these works will be accessed from north of the runway. Actual progress of the works will be subject to tenant take-up. In addition surplus excavated material from Northern Access Road, Gileston Old Mill and St Athan B4265 Junction upgrade will be deposited in fill areas on the south side of the runway. Access to these filling works will be via a temporary access off the “C” class road running from the B4265 to Batslays just north of the existing railway bridge.

Phase 2 – 2014 to 2020 (see ABP Masterplan phase 2, drawing file: A024845drg22) Phase 2 of the ABP construction works comprise of the construction of Buildings 2, B3 (extension) B4 and associated taxiways/aprons together with construction of the new southern access from the B4265 which, when complete, will provide both constructional and operational access. Building 208 will be demolished in this phase. These works will be undertaken as dictated by tenant take-up over the Phase 2 period. Initially access to these works will be obtained from North of the runway via an ATC controlled crossing of the western end of the runway until such time as the new southern access is established and available for construction traffic use.

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Phase 3 – 2020 to 2028 (see ABP Masterplan phase 3, drawing file: A024845drg23) Phase 3 of the ABP will comprise of the following: • ABP South - at the commencement of this phase the new southern access from the B4265 will be operational and will provide construction and operational access from the south. Existing buildings no’s 383 & 385 will be demolished, all new Estates roads and infrastructure as required will be installed and buildings no’s B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10 and B11 will be constructed all subject to tenant demand; • ABP North – existing buildings no’s 215,217 & 232 will be demolished and the new roads and infrastructure will be completed. Buildings 3, 4 , 5, 6 and 7 will be constructed subject to tenant demand and the ATC tower and fire station will be relocated. It is assumed during this phase that the aerodrome would move to licensing by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

3. Highway Works The phasing of the construction of the highways works includes:

Northern Access Road (NAR), Southern Access Road and Eglwys Brewis Road upgrading from ABP entrance to DTC Gate 1 Initially the NAR will be constructed from its intersection with the B4265 to its intersection with the existing Eglwys Brewis Road at Picketston as a single phase, up to a temporary wearing course. It will then be opened to construction traffic thus avoiding use of the existing Eglwys Brewis Road west of the new ABP entrance at Picketston. The online updgrading/widening of the Eglwys Brewis Road will be undertaken in two parts. The first part, from the new ABP entrance (i.e. the eastern end of the NAR), will be constructed at the same time as the NAR to ensure the earliest possible upgraded road access to the new DTC construction entrance at Picketston. This online widening and re-alignment work will be carried half carriageway at a time working under protection of single-way shuttle traffic lights. Utility diversions/re-alignment will be carried out at the beginning of the first part. Once the first part is complete the second part will follow on from DTC Gate 2 (the construction entrance) around to DTC Gate 1 at Eglwys Brewis working half carriageway at a time under protection of single-way shuttle traffic lights. This work will make due allowance for continuity of access to the dwellings at Picketston and Picketston Close. The southern access route will begin construction during Phase 2 of the ABP development and be fully operational during Phase 3.

Gileston Mill Improvement of B4265 and St Athan B4265 junction improvement It is intended that both of these road improvements are undertaken as a single continuous phase for each with work completed prior to the peak delivery periods for DTC, ABP and SFA occurring. The envisaged construction period is from the third quarter of 2010 to the end of the second quarter of 2011.

Waycock Cross Road Junction Improvements The works at Waycock Cross will be split into 2 phases. Phase 1 will comprise that work necessary to improve the junction for DTC/ABP/SFA construction traffic. This work will be undertaken in parallel with the Northern Access Road, Gileston Old Mill and St Athan junction

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improvement such that it is complete in time for peak construction traffic use. Phase 2 will be completed to coincide with the opening of the DTC, ABP phase 1 and SFA.

Associated Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwT) and rising main work The upgrade and extension to the Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works and the construction of the rising main will be carried out line with the programme for the DTC.

3.3.2 Overview of Construction Methods and Activities

1. Defence Technical College (DTC) New build construction activities will be undertaken across the DTC areas, with refurbishment works to the existing Super Hangar and Picketston hangars using traditional construction methods supplemented with modern methods where such is appropriate including modular SLA buildings, pre-cast cladding concrete structural frame and cladding systems, prefabricated/modular building services and plant rooms. The location of site offices, welfare and compounds are shown on the Site Logistics plans; Site Logistics Phase 1 and Site Logistics Phases 2 and 3 (see St Athan Construction and Phasing Statement). Where possible site accommodation will be located within existing buildings and supplemented with temporary porta-cabins or modular buildings. Car parking will utilise existing hardstandings and or new permanent car parks constructed early. Generally materials will be delivered to individual buildings or work fronts on a ‘just in time’ basis and stored in the short-term locally. Where bulk materials are delivered that are weather susceptible, these will be stored within existing hangars (Picketston and Super Hangar) and distributed around the site when required. Because of the overall expanse of the site, a number of temporary stores and waste recycling stations will be set up around the site, where construction waste will be deposited, sorted and recycled before collection and transportation to the appropriate off-site recycling centres. Areas (zones) may be set aside for the treatment of soil contamination.

Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA) The development of SFA requires the construction of up to 483 new houses to provide living accommodation for the military personnel with families who will be teaching or studying at the new DTC. It is envisaged that largely traditional house building construction will be employed, although every opportunity will be taken to use modern construction methods such as prefabricated elemental construction of internal shell and roofs. Each of the sites will be set-up individually with its own site compound adjacent to the entrance onto the public highway.

2. Aerospace Business Park (ABP) During the construction of the ABP, modern construction methods will be used to maximise off- site pre-fabrication activity, therefore reducing the on-site workforce requirements and increasing certainty of delivery. The main activities in each phase will be site earthworks and preparatory works, drainage, structural steelworks, cladding and roofing, floor laying, internal fit-out works, access road and car-parking works, the construction of the new aircraft apron and taxiway and the proposed landscaping works.

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3. Highway Works Northern Access Road (NAR), Southern Access Road (SAR), Eglwys Brewis Upgrade, Gileston Old Mill and St Athan B4265 Junction Improvement The NAR includes the construction of a new road on a greenfield site to provide good access from the B4265 bewteen the existing Boverton and Llanmaes signalised junctions through to the ABP and DTC. Traditional road construction methods will be employed with the main activities including bulk earthworks (a significant proportion will be in rock), the construction of the bridge over the Llanmaes Brook, drainage construction, and carriageway construction and landscaping. Any surplus excavation from the NAR will be taken by road (exiting at the new junction with the B4265), to the ABP south of the runway where it will be used to reduce deficit of fill material thereby avoiding the use of imported fill material and reducing road haulage. It is anticipated that the site compound for both the NAR and the Eglwys Brewis Road will be at Picketston west where the eastern end of the new road intersects with the existing Eglwys Brewis Road thus providing good road access from the commencement of construction activity. The Gileston Old Mill and St Athan B4265 junction improvement works will be undertaken using traditional construction methods for this type and size of works. Any surplus excavated material will be incorporated into the general filling requirements in the southern part of the ABP. The SAR will include a grassed earthed bund with landscaping.

Associated Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwT) and rising main works The Llantwit Major WwTW extension and upgrade will be accommodated within the existing site boundary although additional land will be required during the construction for a temporary site compound. Access will also be arranged for laying the new outfall pipeline. The rising main will be constructed via a 700mm wide open-cut trench which will be excavated and reinstated on a daily basis where it is feasible. A temporary easement of approximately 12m (fenced width) will be required where the pipeline is located on private land. The easement will be fully stripped of its topsoil and the working width will be reviewed to avoid or minimise the area affected. Two temporary compounds will be required to construct the pipeline. These temporary compounds will be used for the storage of materials and machinery required during the construction. The construction of the pipeline will affect five roads, including the proposed new Northern Access Road and there will also be a need to cross the Cardiff to Bridgend rail line.

3.3.3 Overview of Construction Assumptions The following assumptions have been made during the programming of the construction phasing:

• Improvements to Eglwys Brewis Road to accommodate construction traffic until such time that Northern Access Road is available as a haulage route;

• Newt and Bat Licences to be obtained by February 2010;

• Newt translocation to be undertaken from March to July 2010;

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• East Camp buildings will be demolished on a phased basis, but many by the end of July 2010;

• Remediation of contaminated areas will commence in July 2010; and

• Archaeological evaluations will be completed by July 2010.

3.3.4 Overview of Construction Labour Workforce During the overall construction works programme, the workforce is predicted to peak at 1700 workforce with an additional 430 construction staff. These figures are broken down further into the relevant phases and into manageable elements by the separate contract provisions associated with the development. The DTC is the only construction element of the development which is expected to require workforce outside the normal daily travelling distance. The construction labour workforce for the different elements of the scheme are outlined below.

1. Defence Technical College (DTC) The demolition and construction phase of the development is proposed to last from 2009 to 2014. The total construction staff envisaged is 140 construction partner employees in addition to 200 sub-contractor staff. Of the construction partner staff approximately 50% will be local South Wales/M4 corridor residents with the remainder from within the Construction Partner national organisation. With an over 3+ year construction period for the DTC, staff living outside daily travel will either take lodgings in Cardiff/Barry/Llantwit Major/Bridgend or buy/rent houses within the local South Wales area. Sub-contractor staff are anticipated to be a similar 50/50 split. The geographical spilt of local labour resources have been estimated as:

• 20% of labour from the west (Port Talbot, Swansea, West Wales);

• 15% from the north (Bridgend and the western valleys); and

• 65% from the east (Cardiff, Newport, Bristol and the M4/M5 corridors). Depending on the timing of other major projects in the region, it is envisaged that a minimum of 70-80% of labour will be “local” (residing within daily travelling distance) and any additional labour not able to travel daily would take lodgings in nearly Cardiff, Barry, Llantwit Major or Bridgend or where there appears to be suitable accommodation. The “non-local” labour will generally be skilled sub-contractor (e.g. steel erectors, cladding erectors, kitchen installers etc.) who are long term employees of companies based out of the local area. Supplier and sub- contractor processes will take into account labour source sustainability issues alongside finished element functionality and commercial considerations.

Early Works Workforce and Staffing There will be a maximum of 180 construction workforce and 30 construction straff during the early works workforce. It in envisaged that, save for any specialist sub-contractors specifically required for the works, the workforce will mainly be from the Construction Partners existing workforce and supply chain providing continuity for known labour.

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Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA) For the construction of the SFA, it is envisaged that the workforce will peak at approximately 380 construction workforce in addition to 45 construction staff to meet the programme to have the SFA complete for the opening of DTC Phases 1 and 3 which are currently programmed for November 2013 and April 2014 respectively.

2. Aerospace Business Park (ABP) The construction of the ABP is spilt into three phases with the labour and staff resources predicted as follows: • Phase 1 – this peaks at approximately 110 workforce and 20 staff;

• Phase 2 and 3 – during Phase 2 (2014-2020) it is envisaged that a peak of 250 workforce and 40 staff will be required. During Phase 3 (2020-2028) the construction workforce will peak at approximately 410 construction workforce with 60 staff. The Assembly Government has well established policies for inclusion of social clauses in its procurement contracts designed to improve the economic activity rates in Wales and this practice will be applied to any contracts let by the Assembly Government in respect of capital works for the ABP.

3. Highway Works It is envisaged that the workforce for the highway works (including the new Northern Access Road, Eglwys Brewis Road upgrade, Gileston Old Mill, St Athan B4265 junction improvements and Waycock Cross roundabout works) will peak at 229 construction workforce and staff at approximately 46 construction staff. It is anticipated that these resources will be available in the local south Wales/M4 corridor area.

Associated Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTs) and Rising Main Works The upgrade and extension of the WwTW and the construction of the rising main will be carried out utilising DCWW’s own contractors and workforce.

3.3.5 Construction Management

Overview of the Draft Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) The principal objective of the Draft Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) is to mitigate the effects of the scheme on the environment as set out in this Environmental Statement, with reference to environmental baseline survey reports, environmental measures, consultations and commitments (see Appendix C of the Construction Method Statement7). The draft CEMP describes the way in which the project will be controlled to minimise adverse environmental effects as a result of the construction processes. Measures for implementation and control of the CEMP will be set out and agreed before the commencement of the demolition and construction phases. The draft CEMP will also form part of the Environmental Management

7 Laing O’Rourke (2009) St Athan Construction Method Statement.

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System (EMS) and will be obligatory for all project staff. Prior to the commencement of any demolition/construction processes a more detailed CEMP will be produced. The draft CEMP will ensure that the scheme: • Minimises the effects on biodiversity, including protected species and habitats;

• Minimises the effects on the surrounding landscape;

• Minimises the effects of noise and vibration on the amenity of adjacent receptors, residents and businesses;

• Minimises the effects on groundwater and avoids adverse affects on surface water quality;

• Minimises effects on Historic Environment and archaeology;

• Ensures the delivery of the environmental commitments made during the development of the scheme;

• Ensures the compliance of the legislative environmental requirements of the Vale of Glamorgan Council and other statutory consultees; • Safeguards the environment and mitigates the effects of the scheme’s construction by implementing robust methods and controls.

Other Measures to be Incorporated Within the Draft CEMP Environment Aspect and Impact Register (EAIR) (Appendix D of the Construction and Phasing Statement) This document highlights the main environmental risks associated with the varying construction operations, highlighting how construction operations will be managed to mitigate any possible risks (see Construction Method Statement8);

Draft Site Waste Management Plan (Appendix A of the Construction and Phasing Statement) Prior to commencement on site the delivery partner will prepare a Draft Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) which complies with the requirements of current legislation (see Construction Method Statement). This document will be progressively updated through an iterative process as designs develop, materials are selected and quantities are available, which in turn allows comparison and measurement objectives. The Site Waste Management Plan provides an outline of proposals and processes for reclamation and re-cycling which will be developed as design and site surveys progress.

Sustainable Construction Techniques It should be noted that generally the approach related to the construction processes has evolved whilst paying particular regard to being sustainable. Specific measures adopted include:

8 Laing O’Rourke (2009) St Athan Construction Method Statement.

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• Reducing waste and traffic movements to St. Athan. All the Single Living Accommodation (SLA) on the DTC will be constructed using modern methods of construction with the majority of its construction carried out off site;

• Maximising use of preassembled / packaged plant rooms and mechanical, electrical and plumbing components; • Carefully planning site excavation and fill operations to ensure a balance of earthwork is achieved with the minimal amount of on site movement of materials as possible. Surplus excavated material to be used within landscape bunds; • Re-cycling of demolition materials by crushing and processing concrete and brick elements to be used as fill materials or capping layers for roads and footpaths. Steel, metal, timber and glass products to sorted and removed off site to the appropriate recycling centres; • Effective remediation of contaminated soils on site using appropriate techniques;

• Minimising waste on site by having just in time deliveries of materials and products, manufactured to the correct size, thus reducing on site off cuts; • Where appropriate purchasing of bulk deliveries and storing within existing hangers on site to avoid many small deliveries and reducing traffic movements; • Setting up on site supplier centres such that materials can be brought in bulk, again avoiding lots of smaller deliveries; • Planning construction activities to allow continuity of labour and plant resources;

• Encouraging trade contractors to take over plant hire from preceding trades to reduce traffic movements; • Using local resources where appropriate and available;

• Sourcing all timber from FSC approved sustainable sources;

• Encouraging supply chain to ensure all materials sourced by sustainable means and delivered with minimal packaging;

• Use of off-site precast concrete products cast using cement replacement products;

• Procuring on site concrete from local sources using cement replacement products;

• Ensuring all site waste materials will be sorted and recycled as appropriate at designated recycling compounds located around the DTC site in accordance with the Site Waste Management Plan;

• Where possible reusing existing service trenches to avoid importation of additional fill materials and excavation of new trenched in rock formation;

• Using existing buildings on East Camp and Picketston for construction, offices, welfare, canteen and storage facilities; and

• Retaining existing trees and vegetation to strategic locations which will be fully protected during the construction period.

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Statutory Requirements Environmental legislation A Register of all Environmental Legislation will be produced which identifies Acts and Statutory Instruments specifically applicable to the Project. On production of the Environmental Legislation Register this register will be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary. Staff on site should be notified of any changes in legislation through environmental briefings.

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4. Approach to Preparing the ES

4.1 The EIA Process EIA is a process. The preparation of the ES is one of the key stages in this process, as it brings together information about any likely significant environmental effects, which the competent authority, The Vale of Glamorgan Council, which is responsible for determining the planning application, will use in making a decision about whether or not the development should be allowed to proceed. If permission is granted, the EIA process should continue, reflecting any requirement for monitoring or the need to use environmental information to inform day to day decisions about how to deal with detailed design, siting or other issues. The steps to be followed in the EIA process based on the EIA Regulations, government guidance and good practice are as follows:

• Defining the project, including consideration of the need for the project and alternatives for meeting this need; • Deciding on the likely significant effects that need to be assessed and how the necessary assessments will be carried out - the findings being set out in a scoping report; • Using the scoping report as a basis for consulting over the scope of the EIA and refining the scope in response to the comments that are received (with this refinement process continuing as the proposals for the scheme and the understanding of its environmental effects evolve); • Assembling further information about the baseline environmental conditions that relate to the likely significant effects; • Determining whether this baseline is relevant to the assessment or whether it is more appropriate to predict how the baseline will have changed by the time that the development is constructed or operated; • Identifying measures to avoid, reduce or compensate for adverse effects, or to increase the environmental benefits of the scheme, and liaising with the project design team to incorporate these (where possible) into the proposals; • Ongoing consultation with statutory consultees and other interested parties, as appropriate;

• Assessing the magnitude and other characteristics of the environmental effects being assessed;

• Evaluating the significance of the predicted effects;

• Collating the findings in an ES and summarising the findings in a non-technical summary (NTS);

• Submission of the ES to the relevant competent authority;

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• Decision-making, which may involve ongoing negotiation and requests for further information; • Informing stakeholders of the decision on whether or not the development is to be permitted; and • Ongoing environmental monitoring, assessment and other work, as required.

4.2 EIA Terminology In some ESs, the terms ‘impacts’ and ‘effects’ are used interchangeably, whilst in others the terms are given different meanings. Some use ‘impact’ to mean the cause of an ‘effect’ whilst others use the converse meaning. This variety of definitions has led to a great deal of confusion over the terms, both among the authors and the readers of ESs. The convention used in this ES is to use ‘impacts’ only within the context of the term EIA, which describes the process from scoping through ES preparation to subsequent monitoring and other work. Otherwise, this document uses the word ‘effects’ when describing the environmental consequences of the proposed development. Such effects come about as a result of: • Physical activities that would take place if the development were to proceed (e.g. vehicle movements during construction operations); and

• Environmental changes that are predicted to occur as a result of these activities (e.g. loss of vegetation prior to the start of construction work or an increase in noise levels). In some cases one change causes another change, which in turn results in an environmental effect. The environmental effects that are predicted to result are the consequences of the environmental changes for specific environmental receptors (e.g. for bats from the loss of roosting sites or foraging areas, or for people from an increase in noise levels etc.). This ES is concerned with assessing the effects of the development, rather than the activities or changes that cause them. However, this requires these activities to be understood and the resultant changes quantified, often based on predictive assessment work. An example of how a physical activity and environmental change can lead to an environmental effect is for a development that involves extensive earthmoving, mobile plant would undertake a number of activities related to the excavation of materials, including soils, superficial deposits and rock strata. These activities would lead to an increase in background noise levels that it might be determined could have significant effects on people living nearby and on wildlife. It would therefore be necessary to obtain information that would determine the magnitude of change in noise levels, drawing on data from plant manufacturers to determine the amount of noise each item of plant would generate when undertaking excavation and other activities and comparing this with the baseline conditions in the absence of the scheme. For each receptor that could be significantly affected, an assessment would be made of the effects caused by the change in noise levels.

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4.3 Scoping and Scheme Evolution

4.3.1 Scoping Scoping involves identifying:

• The people and environmental resources (collectively known as ‘receptors’) that could be significantly affected by the proposed development; and

• The work required to take forward the assessment of these potentially significant effects. Entec’s approach to scoping accords with WO Circular 11/99 Environmental Impact Assessment, which states that: “In many cases, only a few of the effects will be significant and will need to be discussed in the ES in any depth. Other impacts may be of little or no significance for the particular development in question and will need only very brief treatment to indicate that their possible relevance has been considered”. Our approach involves scoping being started at the outset of our work on the EIA, with the initial conclusions about the potentially significant effects of the development being set out in a scoping report. The preparation of this report is informed by information about the legislative and policy context to the scheme. It is also informed by the simple rule that to be significant an effect must be of sufficient importance that it should be considered to be material when making a decision about whether or not permission should be granted for the proposed development or an element of it (i.e. it is of sufficient importance that it should be taken into consideration when determining whether or not to grant permission for the development); in this ES this is referred to as the ‘material consideration test’. At the scoping report stage, the conclusion that is made about significance using the material consideration test, is based upon professional judgement, with reference to the project description, and available information about the magnitude and other characteristics of the potential changes that are expected to be caused by the proposed development, receptors’ sensitivity to these changes, the effects of these changes on relevant receptors and, where relevant, the value of receptors. If the information that is available at the scoping report stage does not enable a robust conclusion to be reached that a potential effect is not likely to be significant, the effect is then taken forward for further assessment. The scoping report for the St Athan development was submitted to the VoGC (the competent authority) and others for comment and a scoping opinion was received in August 2008. The scoping opinion is in Appendix A. The scope of the assessment was progressively refined subsequent to the issue of the scoping report in response to comments from consultees (see section 4.5), the environmental information resulting from survey or assessment work, and the evolution of the project proposals (see section 5.4.2). The technical chapters (6-15) detail the final scope of the assessment in relation to effects that it was considered could be significant and hence needed to be subject to more detailed assessment. These chapters also include (where appropriate) an explanation about why other obvious potential effects are not likely to be significant. All other effects (i.e. that are not referred to in the technical chapters) are not likely to be significant.

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4.3.2 Project Evolution Even before the start of the EIA process, many development proposals are informed by environmental considerations. For example, early decisions might be made to avoid direct effects to designated nature conservation or Historic Environment features and there will often be recognition of the need to implement standard measures to control noise and dust emissions, and to minimise the risk of pollution incidents. Further opportunities to avoid or reduce potential adverse effects, or to deliver environmental enhancements, may be identified whilst preparing the scoping report. Some of these opportunities will become part of the scheme for which permission is being sought. The iterative process of scheme evolution, whereby design changes are made in response to environmental information and the amended scheme is then subject to further assessment work, leading to further design changes (and so on), continues through to a ‘design freeze’ at which stage detailed work to assess the effects of the finalised scheme can be completed. Consideration of alternatives (see section 2.2.2) is part of this iterative process Entec’s approach to EIA is to assess the effects of the scheme proposals as they stand at the ‘design freeze’, incorporating the environmental measures that have been incorporated as part of the scheme proposals.

4.4 Consultation The St Athan project team has undertaken an ongoing programme of consultation and communication with the local community and other stakeholders as deemed necessary. This programme of consultation began in 2006 when The Vale of Glamorgan Council (VoGC) with Metrix, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) consulted widely on the draft St Athan Development Brief. This consultation included a public exhibition and helped shape the current draft plans for St Athan’s redevelopment. In July 2008, Metrix, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) began a programme of public consultation which continued until the submission of the planning applications. This has included the distribution of newsletters, a web-site, workshops, interest groups and a series of public exhibitions. A dedicated consultation phone line and e-mail address also make it as easy as possible for comments to be made and questions asked. The first round of public exhibitions was held over five days in July 2008. During the week, approximately 300 members of the public attended exhibitions in St Athan, Cowbridge and Llantwit Major. On 10 September, a further public exhibition was held in Llanmaes at the request of Llanmaes Community Council. Representatives from Metrix, the Welsh Assembly Government, the MoD and members of the specialist consultant team were on hand to answer questions whilst exhibition materials provided background information on a range of subjects including environmental matters. During December 2008, the St Athan project team held two public workshops which focused on the subject areas of Community Facilities and Transport. The workshops attracted well over 100 attendees from the local community and other stakeholders from throughout the Vale of Glamorgan. The subject matter of these two workshops were a direct result of the response to questions and opinions collected at the July exhibitions.

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Following on from the Workshops, two Interest Groups focusing on the Environment and Community Welfare were held during February and March 2009. These provided an opportunity for the St Athan project team to discuss issues within these topic areas in more depth with members of the local community. Again, the subject matter was based upon the July exhibitions findings. A second series of public exhibitions was held in March - April 2009 providing an opportunity for members of the public to view the latest iteration of the draft plan. Feedback was given on how comments received during Phase One of the consultation and at workshops and interest groups had been taken into consideration and, where applicable, informed the draft plan. Also, the exhibition informed attendees about those suggestions which would not be incorporated within the designs and the reasons why.

4.4.1 EIA Consultation In addition to the community consultation described above, consultation has also taken place throughout the period of the EIA with organisations including: • The Environment Agency Wales (EAW);

• The Vale of Glamorgan Council – Environmental Health Officers, Planning, Landscape, Biodiversity officers, Economic and Development and Leisure Team; Transport;

• Local health providers;

• Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust;

• Cadw;

• Countryside Council for Wales (CCW);

• South and West Wales Wildlife Trust;

• Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW);

• Welsh Assembly Government Department for Environment, Planning and Countryside and the Department for Culture, Sports and Welsh Language; and • The Design Commission for Wales;

• Western Power Distribution; and

• Ministry of Defence (MoD).

4.5 Overview of Assessment Methodology

4.5.1 Introduction All of the topic assessments presented in the ES have been undertaken on the basis of a common understanding of the nature of the project, as described in chapter 3. For each topic, the detailed assessment of likely significant effects has been undertaken by people with relevant specialist skills, drawing on their experience of working on other development projects, good practice in

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EIA and on relevant published information. For some topics, use has been made of modelling or other methodologies. The generic approach that has been adopted to defining the baseline for the assessment is set out in section 4.5.2. The general approach for identifying receptors that could be significantly affected by the St Athan development is described in section 4.5.3. Details of topic-specific assessment methodologies are provided in the topic chapters (6-16). With a few exceptions, each topic chapter follows a common format, as outlined below: 1. Introduction; 2. Policy and legislative context; 3. Data gathering methodology; 4. Overall baseline (where appropriate, further detail is set out under section 9 on the assessment of potential effects); 5. Environmental measures incorporated into the scheme; 6. Scope of the assessment; 7. Assessment methodology; 8. Assessment of effects - where appropriate, dealing separately with each receptor or category of receptors that could be significantly affected - the assessment is made against the predicted future baseline and, in so doing, incorporates consideration of any cumulative effects; 9. Optional environmental measures; 10. Conclusions of significance evaluation; 11. Implementation of environmental measures; 12. Terminology; and 13. References.

4.5.2 Baseline for the Assessment The assessment of potentially significant effects requires a comparison to be made between the likely environmental conditions in the presence of the St Athan development and in its absence (i.e. the ‘baseline’). As the various elements of the St Athan development would be built over a period of 5 years for the DTC, and over a phased period for the ABP of 5 years for Phase 1 (running alongside the DTC), 6 years for Phase 2, and 8 years for Phase 3, and then operated indefinitely, it cannot be assumed that the baseline conditions in the absence of the project would be the same as at present. This reflects changes resulting from human influences, such as new development or increased water demand, and ‘natural’ processes, all of which have the potential to modify the current environmental conditions. It is therefore necessary to undertake the assessment in relation to the baseline conditions that are likely to occur in the years that are selected for assessment.

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Where it is concluded in the ES that aspects of the current conditions are likely to represent the future baseline in 2014 (for the DTC and Phase 1 of the ABP) the predicted future baseline should reflect current conditions. Where this is not the case, the future baseline for a particular element of the project has been extrapolated or otherwise predicted using: • Information about existing environmental conditions;

• Survey information and modelling outputs;

• Information about other developments that are under construction or that are likely to occur and could affect relevant aspects of the environment; and

• Information about any other likely changes that could affect environmental conditions. In combination, this information has been used to predict the likely baseline conditions when the St Athan development is constructed and operated. It is against these predicted baseline conditions that the assessment has been carried out.

4.5.3 Approach to Significance Evaluation

Introduction One of the requirements of an ES is to set out the conclusions that have been reached about the likely significant environmental effects of the project that has been assessed. Reaching a conclusion about which effects, if any, are likely to be significant is the culmination of an iterative process that involves the following stages: i) Identifying those effects that may be significant (see section 4.3.1 on scoping); ii) Assessing these effects (and any causal environmental changes); and iii) Determining whether or not these effects are likely to be significant. Chapters 6-15 describe the approach that has been used in relation to stages (i) and (iii), for each of the environmental topics that is considered in this ES. There is some common ground between the approaches to stages (i) and (iii) for all of these topics, which is described below.

Identification of Potentially Significant Effects To inform the identification of potentially significant effects, all of those involved in the preparation of the ES were supplied, at an early stage, with information about the proposals for constructing and operating the St Athan development. As the proposals evolved, progressively more detail became available about construction and operational activities. This enabled an understanding to be developed about the environmental changes that could be caused by the project, including information about their spatial extent and other characteristics (e.g. their magnitude, frequency etc.). The identification of receptors that need to be considered draws on available information about environmental changes, which in some cases can be translated into defined geographical areas outside of which the changes are predicted to be sufficiently small that receptors are not likely to be significantly affected. In addition, for some environmental topics (e.g. biodiversity and Historic Environment) an evaluation is undertaken to define those receptors that are of sufficient value that they could be significantly affected. Only those receptors that are of sufficient value

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and/or that are located within the defined geographic areas where effects could be significant are taken forward for further assessment. The technical assessments in chapters 6-16 describe the treatment of environmental changes and effects for different environmental topics and the topic-specific approaches that have been used to identify the receptors that could be significantly affected by the proposed development.

Significance Evaluation The receptors that could be significantly affected are identified within each topic chapter. The approach that is adopted to determine whether the effects on these receptors are significant is to apply a combination of professional judgement and a topic-specific significance evaluation methodology that draws on the results of the assessment work that has been carried out. In applying this approach to significance evaluation, it is necessary to ensure that there is consistency between each environmental topic in the level at which effects are considered to be significant. Thus it is inappropriate for the assessment of one topic to conclude that minor effects are significant, when, for another topic, only comparatively major effects are significant. In order to achieve the desired level of consistency, the specialist responsible for writing each of the technical chapters has been guided in their decision-making about likely significance by the ‘material consideration test’ that informed the preparation of the scoping report (see section 4.3.1) as well as the relevant topic-specific significance evaluation methodology. The conclusion about significance is arrived at using professional judgement, with reference to the project description, and available information about the magnitude and other characteristics of the potential changes that are expected to be caused by the proposed development, receptors’ sensitivity to these changes and the effects of these changes on relevant receptors. In some cases, use of the ‘material consideration’ test alone will enable a conclusion to be reached in the ‘Scope of the assessment’ section of the topic chapter without the need for more detailed assessment, that a potential effect is not likely to be significant. In other cases, however, effects identified in the ‘Scope of the assessment’ section are taken forward for further assessment in the subsequent section(s) of each topic chapter. For some of these effects, relatively little assessment work may be required to reach a conclusion that an effect is not likely to be significant; in other cases, more extensive assessment work is required. Sometimes the application of the ‘material consideration’ test is sufficient to support this conclusion but, in other cases, the relevant topic-specific significance evaluation methodology is used to inform the evaluation of significance (to determine whether an effect is or is not significant). Having applied the methodology, the topic specialists check the conclusions against the simple test of whether or not the effect should be considered to be material to the decision-making process. If this test results in a different conclusion to that reached through the use of the methodology, a detailed justification is provided as to why this different conclusion is valid. For some of the topics that are assessed in the ES, there is published guidance about significance evaluation. Where such guidance exists, even if in draft, it has been used to inform the development of the significance evaluation methodologies that are used in this ES. For other topics, it has been necessary to develop methodologies without the benefit of guidance. This has involved technical specialists drawing on their previous experience of significance evaluation in EIA.

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5. Policy Overview

This section of the ES sets out the main national, regional and local planning policy context against which the environmental effects of the proposed development.

5.1 National Planning Policy Context

5.1.1 Wales Spatial Plan (WSP) The Wales Spatial Plan “People, Places, Futures” (WSP) was updated in 2008 and reflects the Welsh Assembly Government’s overarching key principles and policies in relation to the development and use of land in Wales, as set out in the One Wales document. The WSP, which covers a twenty year period, introduces five spatial plan themes:

• Building sustainable communities;

• Promoting a sustainable economy;

• Valuing our environment;

• Achieving sustainable accessibility; and

• Respecting distinctiveness. The principal objective of the WSP is to deliver sustainable development through its six Area Strategies in the context of the Welsh Assembly Government’s statutory Sustainable Development Scheme. The development site at St Athan is located within the South East Wales – The Capital Network spatial plan area. The Assembly’s overall vision for the area is: “An innovative skilled area offering a high quality of life – international yet distinctively Welsh. It will compete internationally by increasing its global visibility through stronger links between the Valleys and the coast and with the UK and Europe, helping to spread prosperity within the area and benefiting other parts of Wales.” The WSP recognises the Capital Region as the main economic driver and that its competitiveness needs to be sustained to help raise the economic potential of the rest of the nation. The Plan proposes that the area should function as an overall networked city-region in order to realise its full potential and that an integrated transport system will be a crucial part of that vision. The Capital Region promotes three Strategic Opportunity Areas (SOAs), of which St Athan is one. The SOAs have been identified as offering potential regional benefits from their sustainable development.

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5.1.2 Planning Policy Wales (2002) The context for national planning policy in Wales is set out in Planning Policy Wales (PPW) March 2002 (as updated by Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statements (MIPPSs), and supplemented by a series of topic-based Technical Advice Notes (TANs), and further procedural advice found in Welsh Assembly Government / Welsh Office circulars. The purpose of PPW is to set the context for sustainable land use planning policy, within which statutory development plans are prepared by local authorities and development control decisions are taken on individual planning applications and appeals. PPW also sets out the land use planning policies of the Welsh Assembly Government and elaborates the Assembly’s commitment to sustainable development through its four main objectives: • Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone;

• Effective protection of the environment;

• Prudent use of natural resources; and

• The maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment. A key principle of PPW is for a preference for the re-use of previously developed land, which is defined as “land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, excluding agricultural or forestry buildings and associated fixed surface infrastructure”. A large proportion of the St Athan development site represents previously developed land in terms of this definition. PPW also emphasises the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to building a modern Welsh economy, one that provides a “broader economic base that provides job opportunities for all, and where greater use of modern technology redresses the problems of access and peripherality”. Similarly, the Welsh Assembly Government’s economic development objectives emphasise the need to enhance the economic success of both urban areas and the countryside, helping businesses to maximise their competitiveness.

5.1.3 Technical Advice Notes Technical Advice Notes (TANs) are a series of topic-based advice notes that supplement policies and guidance contained within Planning Policy Wales. The twenty TANs are issued by the Welsh Assembly Government (and previously the Welsh Office). Those considered to be most relevant to the proposals are as follows:

TAN 5: Nature Conservation and Planning – 1996 TAN 5 provides the Welsh Assembly Government’s planning policy guidance on issues relating to nature conservation. Local Planning Authorities are advised that nature conservation policies within development plans should indicate the criteria against which a development should be judged, having regard to the relative significance of international, national and local designations. The statutory framework for nature conservation can be found in TAN 5 Annex A and descriptions of various types of sites designated for their nature conservation value are at Annexes B and C.

TAN 6: Agricultural and Rural Development – 2000 TAN 6 establishes the Welsh Assembly Government’s policy on Agricultural and Rural Development.

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Paragraph 3 states that when preparing development plans and considering planning applications, local planning authorities should consider the quality of agricultural land and other agricultural factors and seek to minimise any adverse affects on the environment. Paragraph 12 relates to the re-use or adaptation of rural buildings, and states that the primary consideration should be whether the nature and extent of the new use proposed for the building is acceptable in planning terms. It is also stated that it should not normally be necessary to consider whether a building is no longer needed for its present agricultural or other purposes (although in the case of a tenanted agricultural building, the value in planning terms of the existing use should be taken into consideration). Paragraph 13 refers to visual amenity and local landscape, and encourages applicants to take into consideration local building styles and materials, when submitting conversion proposals.

TAN 8: Renewable Energy – 2005 TAN 8 provides technical advice to supplement the policy set out in Planning Policy Wales (PPW) as amended by the Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statement 01/2005 (MIPPS) on Renewable Energy. The guidance note relates to the land use planning considerations of renewable energy, taking its context from UK and national energy policy. Energy policy is a reserved function that is not devolved to the Assembly Government. Nevertheless, all decisions relating to renewable energy in Wales must take account of the Assembly Government’s policy. Paragraph 3.6 refers to Combined Heat and Power (CHP) installations, and states that local planning authorities should take an active role in facilitating CHP systems through development plan and development brief processes. Paragraph 4.1 states that design and energy should be considered when development plan policy is produced, in supplementary planning guidance such as design briefs, and during the submission of planning applications. Paragraph 6.1 stipulates the importance of consideration of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and conservation measures at the outset of any new development.

TAN 11: Noise – 1997 TAN 11 provides advice on how the planning system can be used to minimise the adverse impact of noise without placing unreasonable restrictions on development or adding unduly to the costs and administrative burdens of business. It outlines some of the main considerations which local planning authorities should take into account in drawing-up development plan policies and when determining planning applications for development which will either generate noise or be exposed to existing noise sources. Paragraph 8 advises that local planning authorities should ensure that noise generating development does not cause an unacceptable degree of disturbance. They should also bear in mind that if subsequent intensification or change of use results in greater intrusion, consideration should be given to the use of appropriate conditions. Paragraph 9 states that noise characteristics and levels can vary substantially according to their source and the type of activity involved, and in some cases the character of the noise should be taken into account as well as its level. It also suggests that sudden impulses, irregular noise or noise which contains a distinguishable continuous tone requires special consideration. In

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addition to noise from aircraft landing and taking off, noise from aerodromes is likely to result from engine testing as well as ground movements. Paragraph 11 states that measures to mitigate the impact of noise introduced to control the source of, or limit exposure to, noise should be proportionate and reasonable. These may include: • Engineering: reduction of noise at point of generation (e.g. using quiet machines and/or quiet methods of working); containment of noise generated (e.g. insulating buildings which house machinery and/or providing purpose-built barriers around sites); protection of surrounding noise-sensitive buildings (e.g. improving sound insulation in these buildings and/or screening them by purpose-built barriers);

• Lay-out: adequate distance between noise source and noise-sensitive building or area; screening by natural barriers, other buildings, or non-critical rooms in a building;

• Administrative: limiting operating time of noise source; restricting activities allowed on the site; specifying an acceptable noise limit. Paragraph 13 suggests that there may be circumstances when it is acceptable or even desirable in order to meet other planning objectives, to allow noise generating activities on land near or adjoining a noise-sensitive development. In such cases, local planning authorities should consider the use of conditions or planning obligations to safeguard local amenity.

TAN 12: Design – 2002 TAN 12 was published in 2002 and sets out the Welsh Assembly Government’s national planning design policy. The advice note advocates that good design has the potential to assist environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social inclusion, and can have a significant impact on the quality of lives. Paragraphs 3.11 and 3.12 identify a series of key objectives of good design that can contribute to the Assembly’s wider objectives of sustainable development. • Achieving sustainable design solutions;

• Sustaining or enhancing character;

• Promoting innovative design;

• Promoting a successful relationship between public and private space;

• Promoting high quality in the public realm;

• Ensuring ease of access for all;

• Promoting legible development;

• Designing for change;

• Promoting quality, choice and variety; Paragraph 3.26 advocates that those involved in the design process should consider how the following aspects of their development meet objectives of good design and respond to local context:

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• Landscape setting;

• Layout of development;

• Density and mix;

• Scale of development; and

• Appearance and materials. Paragraph 4.5 states that the visual appearance of development, its scale and its relationship to its surroundings are material considerations in determining planning applications.

TAN 13: Tourism – 1997 TAN 13 provides the Welsh Assembly Government’s guidance on tourism related development. The guidance emphasises the major contribution that tourism makes to the Welsh economy, through providing employment in a wide variety of occupations and bringing benefits to local economies and communities in urban and rural areas. Paragraph 5 refers to new hotel developments, and emphasises the associated benefits for the local community and support amenities and activities for residents and tourists that such developments can provide.

TAN 15: Development and Flood Risk – 2004 TAN 15 provides technical guidance to supplement the policy set out in Planning Policy Wales in relation to development and flooding. The guidance note provides advice on development and flood risk and sets out a framework within which risks arising from both river and coastal flooding, and from additional run-off from development in any location can be assessed. The TAN advocates caution in respect of new development in areas at high risk of flooding by setting out a precautionary framework to guide planning decisions. The overarching aim of the precautionary framework is, in order of preference:

• To direct new development away from those areas which are at high risk of flooding; and • To ensure that where development has to be considered in high risk areas (zone C) only those developments which can be justified on the basis of the tests outlined in section 6 and section 7 are located within such areas.

TAN 16: Sport, Recreation and Open Space – 2009 TAN 16 provides guidance on the planning framework for Sport, Recreation and Open Space within Wales. The TAN’s aim is to further integrate the links between health and well-being, sport and recreational activity and sustainable development through the development of land use planning guidance in accordance with policies set out in PPW. Paragraph 3.2 states that local development plans should set out the strategic vision for the authority with regard to providing, protecting and enhancing facilities for sport, physical activity, open space and recreation, and provide clear area-based or criteria-based policies. Paragraph 3.15 refers to the planning of new open space and recreational facilities, and states that local planning authorities should ensure that new development, including that in

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commercial and industrial areas, makes adequate provision to meet the recreational needs arising, and opportunities for walking and cycling. Paragraph 3.34 relates to golf course development, and states that golf is an established recreational activity and has the potential to contribute as a popular tourist attraction in Wales. Subject to thorough consideration of the impact upon the landscape, land use patterns and the natural environment, creative use of previously developed sites in accessible locations can produce good quality golf courses and driving ranges, accessible by public transport. Proposals for mixed development, including a golf course and residential, wildlife or other uses in out of town locations should be considered in relation to policies for these other forms of development. Paragraph 4.7 states that the provision of floodlighting at sport and outdoor recreational facilities can allow for more efficient use of such facilities through extended opening hours.

TAN 18: Transport – 2007 TAN 18 was published in 2007 and provides the Welsh Assembly Government’s guidance with regard to the integration of land use planning and the development of transport. The advice note states that the integration of land use planning and development of transport infrastructure has a key role to play in addressing the environmental aspects of sustainable development, and in particular climate change. Integration can help the Assembly Government achieve its wider sustainable development policy objectives by: • Promoting resource and travel efficient settlement patterns;

• Ensuring new development is located where there is, or will be, good access by public transport, walking and cycling thereby minimising the need for travel and fostering social inclusion; • Managing parking provision;

• Encouraging the location of development near other related uses to encourage multi- purpose trips;

• Promoting cycling and walking;

• Supporting the provision of high quality, inclusive public transport;

• Supporting provision of a reliable and efficient freight network;

• Promoting the location of warehousing and manufacturing developments to facilitate the use of rail and sea transport for freight;

• Encouraging good quality design of streets that provide a safe public realm and a distinct sense of place; and

• Ensuring that transport infrastructure or service improvements necessary to serve new development allow existing transport networks to continue to perform their identified functions. Paragraph 9.2 refers to Transport Assessments (TA) and establishes a requirement for developers to submit a TA to accompany planning applications for developments that are likely to result in significant trip generation. The advice states that TAs should, as a minimum, provide information on the likely modal split of journeys to and from the site.

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TAN 21: Waste – 2001 TAN 21 provides advice on how the land use planning system should contribute to sustainable waste resource management. The guidance has been prepared in parallel with the draft Wales Waste Strategy.

5.1.4 Welsh Assembly Government’s Energy Policy for Wales The Wales Energy Route Map1 (September 2005) is the latest Welsh Assembly Government’s energy policy document. It highlights the challenges facing energy policy and the preservation of Wales’ international competitiveness; tackling fuel, poverty and climate change. The policy document identifies that energy must be produced safely, securely and reliably, must be affordable and competitively priced while causing minimal environmental impact and be used as efficiently as possible. The energy policy currently has five important strategic areas: • Securing 4TWHr per annum of renewable electricity production by 2010 and 7TWHr by 2020; • Driving much greater energy efficiency in all sectors, as described in the ‘Energy Savings Wales’ energy efficiency action plan published in October 2004; • Pursuing more electricity generation from cleaner, higher efficiency fossil-fuel plants;

• Stimulating significant energy infrastructure improvements; and

• Achieving measurable carbon dioxide emission reduction targets for 2020 on a holistic basis. The final version of the Wales Energy Route Map will be produced after consideration of the findings from the UK Energy Review. Following the finalisation of the Route Map, The Welsh Assembly Government will establish a series of industry-led fora where energy specialists and stakeholders will help advise on and guide future Welsh Assembly Government energy policy.

5.1.5 South East Wales Regional Transport Plan The final draft South East Regional Transport Plan was submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government in December 2008, and provides the principal framework for the development and delivery of a Regional Transport Plan within the South East Wales ‘Capital’ region. The publication of the draft RTP is a key step in taking forward the regional transport agenda in a manner which supports, and will help deliver, the Welsh Assembly Government’s Spatial Plan and Transport Strategy. The Plan has been produced by the South East Wales Transport Alliance (Sewta), a consortium of ten local authorities (Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda-Cynon-Taf, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan).

1 (http://www.wales.gov.uk/subitradeindustry/content/consultations/ewrm-map-e.pdf)

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The Plan is shaped by three key Welsh Assembly Government policy documents which together provide the principal framework for the development and delivery of Regional Transport Plans in Wales:

• One Wales – A progressive agenda for the government of Wales (27th June 2007);

• One Wales: Connecting the Nation – The Wales Transport Strategy (April 2008); and • People, Places, Futures: The Wales Spatial Plan.

5.2 Local Development Plan Context

5.2.1 The Vale of Glamorgan Unitary Development Plan (UDP) The St Athan site falls within the administrative boundaries of The Vale of Glamorgan Council. The statutory development plan for the area is The Vale of Glamorgan Adopted Unitary Development Plan 1996-2011 (UDP), which was prepared by The Vale of Glamorgan Council and adopted by the Council on 18 April 2005. Section 38(6) of the Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 provides that “If regard is to be had to the development plan for the purpose of any determination to be made under the planning Acts, the determination must be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.” UDP Policy EMP 10 relates specifically to MoD St Athan, stating that “further appropriate developments in respect of RAF activity within the RAF St Athan base will be favoured provided there is no unacceptable impact on local amenity”. The supporting text to EMP 10 states “the RAF Base at St Athan provides an important source of employment for the local economy. Appropriate expansion, within the boundaries shown on the Proposals Map, will be supported, subject to environmental considerations.” Further UDP policies relevant to the proposals at St Athan are included in the technical topic chapters and the planning statement.

5.2.2 The St Athan Development Brief The St Athan Development Brief was prepared on behalf of Metrix, the developer of the proposed Defence Technical College, in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly Government, land owners of the development site, and The Vale of Glamorgan Council. The Development Brief is designed to provide a framework for the future development of the St Athan site. In accordance with The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s protocol for preparing development briefs, the St Athan Development Brief has been formally considered by the Council’s cabinet, relevant committees, and the full Council. The brief has also been the subject of a public consultation exercise. The brief was adopted in July 2006 and forms a significant material consideration in the determination of any future planning application(s) for the site.

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5.2.3 Supplementary Planning Guidance Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) produced by The Vale of Glamorgan Council provides additional policy advice based on the adopted UDP 1996-2011. In accordance with PPW, SPGs are prepared in consultation with the general public and interested parties, and may be taken into consideration in the determination of planning applications. SPG covers a wide range of topics; those most relevant to the proposals include: • SPG: Model Design of Wales;

• SPG: Public Art;

• SPG: Affordable Housing;

• SPG: Amenity Standards;

• SPG: Design in the Landscape;

• SPG: Sustainable Development;

• SPG: Trees and Development;

• SPG: Golf-Related Development;

• SPG: Planning Obligations; and

• SPG: Conversion of Rural Buildings.

5.2.4 The Emerging Development Plan The Vale of Glamorgan Council is currently preparing The Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan (LDP), a statutory plan which when adopted, will supersede and replace the existing UDP. The LDP sets out the Council’s land use planning policies against which developments will be assessed during the period 2011 to 2026. Work on the plan commenced in 2006 and is scheduled for completion in 2011, when the plan is expected to be adopted. In December 2007, the Council published for consultation, The Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan Draft Preferred Strategy. The Draft Preferred Strategy seeks to address the key social, economic and environmental issues affecting the Vale, whilst setting out the Council’s strategic priorities and broad locations for development in the period 2011-2026. The Draft Preferred Strategy’s objectives are summarized as follows: To ensure the effective and efficient use of land and to promote the sustainable use and management of natural resources;

• To ensure that development makes a positive contribution to reducing the impact and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change;

• To provide the opportunity for people in the Vale of Glamorgan to meet their housing needs;

• To maintain, enhance and promote community facilities and services;

• To foster the development of a diverse and sustainable economy that meets the needs of the Vale of Glamorgan and wider South East Wales region;

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• To reduce the need for Vale residents to travel to meet their daily needs and enabling them greater access to sustainable forms of transport;

• To protect and enhance the historic, built and natural environment; and

• To sustain and further the development of sustainable communities. In accordance with the Wales Spatial Plan, the Draft Preferred Strategy identifies St Athan as one of only two Key Settlements within its local settlement hierarchy. The area is also described as a key development opportunity, capable of providing greater opportunities for supporting future sustainable growth. Paragraph 16.6 states that, “… the focus of development will be on capitalizing on the significant investment and employment opportunities arising from the DTA development. New development will also reinforce its role as a key settlement both locally and regionally within the context of the WSP, ensuring that future investment delivers benefits to its residents and to the Vale as a whole. The overall emphasis will be to ensure sustainable growth both within the framework of the LDP Draft Preferred Strategy and its regional context.”

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6. Biodiversity

6.1 Introduction The proposed development could have effects on flora and fauna within the site and/or the surrounding area. This section of the Environmental Statement assesses these potential effects. Initially this chapter summarises the relevant policies and legislation and outlines the methods of baseline data collection. It presents information on the baseline condition of flora and fauna within and surrounding the site. These baseline conditions have been identified through a Scoping Study, consultations with nature conservation organisations, a desk-based review of existing biological survey data relating to the site and the surrounding area and from field surveys. The nature conservation value of these habitats and species has been evaluated whereby those receptors which are valued have been identified. The environmental measures incorporated into the development to avoid or minimise adverse effects on, and to enhance the nature conservation value of, habitats and species within the site are identified and the effects of the development are described and assessed. This chapter concludes with a summary of the likely effects of the development on biodiversity, identifying those effects that are likely to be significant. This approach is in line with appropriate guidance most specifically that produced by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM, 2006). Biodiversity is a material consideration in determining planning applications and therefore has to be examined during the development process. It encompasses habitats and species that are legally protected and those that are of nature conservation value on a non-statutory basis, both of which have to be taken into account in the definition of the scope of the EIA.

6.2 Policy and Legislative Context

6.2.1 Policy Context

Table 6.1 Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference Policy Issue

National planning policies

TAN 5 Nature Conservation and Planning

(currently awaiting revision) Sets out national guidance on how government polices for the protection and enhancement of Wales’s biodiversity and geology should be reflected in land use planning.

Local planning policies – Vale of Glamorgan adopted UDP

Policy ENV 14 National Sites of Nature Conservation

Development likely to have an adverse affect on a National Site of Nature Conservation importance will not be permitted unless there is no alternative or the benefits clearly outweigh the species interest of the site

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Table 6.1 (continued) Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference Policy Issue

Policy ENV 15 Local sites of Nature Conservation Significance

Development and land use change likely to have an unacceptable affect on a Local Site of Nature Conservation Significance will not be permitted unless the benefits clearly outweigh the local importance of the site

Policy ENV 16 Protected species

Developments that would cause harm or threaten the continued viability of a protected species will only be permitted if there are exceptional circumstances that justify the proposals, there is no alternative and that effective mitigation measures are provided.

Other policies

UK Biodiversity Action Plan The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) identifies priority habitats and species for (UK BAP) (Biodiversity conservation action and those present, or likely to be present, at the site have been Reporting and Information identified in the ES. Group, 2007)

Vale of Glamorgan Local At a local level, the Vale of Glamorgan BAP has currently produced 21 Species Action Biodiversity Action Plan Plans (SAPs) and 19 Habitat Action Plans (HAPs), with a further 23 SAPs and three HAPs proposed. The LBAP also identifies additional species that are considered to be notable at the regional/local level, but for which SAPs have not been produced.

6.2.2 Legislative Requirements The following legislation and European Directives afford protection to wildlife and have been used to inform this assessment:

• Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended);

• Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act)

• Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC Act);

• The EC Birds Directive (Directive 79/409/EEC), as transposed into UK law by the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations (1994) (as amended);

• The EC Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) as transposed into UK law by the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations (1994) (as amended);

• The Protection of Badgers Act (1992); and

• The Hedgerows Regulations (1997). The legal status of species and habitats has been used, in part, to inform the evaluation of the site’s value for biodiversity. Where appropriate the potential effects on habitats and species that are afforded protection is considered in the ES. Additionally, the NERC, 2006 places an obligation on all public bodies to conserve biodiversity, which includes restoring and enhancing habitats and species populations.

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6.3 Approach to Data Gathering In order to assess the effects of any development on nature conservation, it is necessary to define the ecological resources (i.e. the habitat areas and species) that need to be considered in the assessment. The approach taken in this ES (explained in detail in Appendix C in Volume 2) is to identify ‘valued ecological resources’, namely: • Resources of sufficiently high value for ‘biodiversity conservation’ that an effect upon them could be significant;

• Resources that provide social or economic benefits of sufficiently high value that an effect on them could significantly affect these benefits; and

• Legally protected species. Biodiversity conservation policy focuses on protecting rare or declining habitats and species, and sites designated to protect such resources. Identification of these valued resources has been made with reference to relevant site designations and lists of rare, declining and protected species, as set out in Box 6.1. In identifying these resources, it is also important to recognise that a development can affect not only the site itself, but also resources ‘off-site’ – the potential ‘zone of influence’ of the development.

6.3.1 Desk Study A data gathering exercise was undertaken to obtain ecological information relevant to the proposed development. Specifically, information relating to statutory and non-statutory nature conservation sites, and records of habitats and species that are considered to be legally protected or are otherwise notable in nature conservation terms (see Box 6.1) was sought for a search area, defined as the site and a 2km radius around the site boundary. The exception was for sites designated as being internationally important where records were obtained for a 10km search area.

Box 6.1 Designated Wildlife Sites and Protected/Notable Habitats and Species Statutory Nature Conservation Sites The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) notifies sites that are of international or national importance for nature conservation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) (although some sites that are of national importance for certain species have not been so designated). Internationally important sites may also be designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Ramsar sites. Non-Statutory Nature Conservation Sites Vale of Glamorgan County Council has identified candidate Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) throughout the county. However, these sites have yet to be subject to a detailed field survey and landowner consultation and therefore full details of the sites’ defined interest and reason for designation is not entirely known. Legally Protected Species Many species of animal and plant receive some degree of legal protection. For the purposes of this study, legal protection refers to:  Species included on Schedules 1, 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), excluding species that are only protected in relation to their sale (see Section 9[5] and 13[2]), reflecting the fact that the proposed development does not include any proposals relating to the sale of species;  Species included on Schedules 2 and 4 of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994 No. 2716); and  Badgers, which are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

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Notable Habitats and Species There are a number of habitats and species, which, whilst not receiving statutory protection, are of importance to nature conservation. These are referred to in this report as notable, and include:  UK and local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority habitats and species;  Habitats and species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in Wales. These are required under Section 42 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 and were published in 2007 by the Welsh Assembly Government.  Species listed in the relevant UK Red Data Book (RDB);  Nationally Scarce species. These are recorded from 16-100 10km squares of the national grid; and  Birds included on the Birds of Conservation Concern red list (Gregory et al., 2002)

Sources of desk study information are listed in Table 6.2.

Table 6.2 Sources of Desk Study Information

Topic Source of Information

Statutory Designated sites (SPA, SAC, Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside website Ramsar, NNR, LNR) www.magic.gov.uk

South and East Wales Biological Records Centre (SEWBReC)

Countryside Council for Wales (CCW)

Non-statutory designated sites SEWBReC

Vale of Glamorgan County Council

Highway Verge Conservation Zones Vale of Glamorgan County Council (HVCZs), Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and hedgerow data

Records of protected and notable SEWBReC species Environment Agency Wales

CCW

Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend Bat Group

Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan Amphibian and Reptile Group

Glamorgan Bird Group

Glamorgan Badger Group

Butterfly Conservation

Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI)

1:10,000 scale Ordnance Survey (OS) maps and aerial photographs were used to identify potential migration or dispersal corridors for protected, UK or Local BAP or conservation notable species, and any potential receptors of site-derived pollutants in the wider landscape.

6.3.2 Survey Work An ecological survey area was defined that extends slightly further than the application site boundary. This approach was adopted to ensure that any ecological features of importance that occur just on the fringes of the proposed development area could also be identified and used to

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inform the assessment. Figure 6.1 shows the exact survey area overlaying the application site boundary for context. Extensive ecological survey work, commencing in 2002, has been undertaken at the site. A summary of the ecological surveys carried out in support of the EIA for the site is provided in Table 6.3. All the surveys followed standard guidance, as recommended by IEEM. Where surveys deviated from the standard methodology, namely the bat and reptile surveys, the proposed approached was agreed with CCW. Full details of these surveys can be found in Appendix B (in Volume 2 of this ES).

Table 6.3 Baseline Surveys

Survey Survey specification Date Completed by Source Requirement

Habitat mapping Extended Phase 1 habitat survey Summer 2007 and Capita Symonds Appendix B (JNCC, 2003) 2008 (Volume 2)

Hedgerow survey Assessment of hedgerow Summer 2007 and Capita Symonds Appendix B importance in relation to 2008 (Volume 2) Hedgerow Regulations (1997)

River Corridor Survey to characterise riverine September and Capita Symonds Appendix B Survey habitats (National Rivers October 2007 And (Volume 2) Authority, 1992) 2008

National Vegetation Survey to characterise habitats in June 2008 Capita Symonds Appendix B Classification Survey detail (Rodwell, various) (Volume 2)

Reptile survey Presence/absence survey for August to October Capita Symonds Appendix B reptiles (Froglife, 1999) 2008 (Volume 2)

Great crested newt Presence/absence surveys of 36 20th May and 26th David Clements Appendix B (GCN) survey waterbodies and structures with June 2008 Ecology Ltd (Volume 2) potential to support GCN

Badger survey Survey of site for evidence of Summer 2007 and Capita Symonds Appendix B badger activity and a habitat 2008 (Volume 2) assessment

Bat surveys Assessment of potential for trees January – Capita Symonds Appendix B to support bat roosts (BCT, 2007) February 2008 (Volume 2)

Assessment of potential for May to September Capita Symonds Appendix B buildings to support bat roosts, 2008 (Volume 2) including internal and external inspections (BCT, 2007)

Activity survey of potential May to September Capita Symonds Appendix B foraging and commuting areas 2008 (Volume 2) (BCT, 2007)

Hibernation surveys November 2008 to Capita Symonds Appendix B March 2009 (Volume 2)

Otter survey Survey of site for evidence of September 2007 Capita Symonds Appendix B otter activity and habitat (Volume 2) assessment

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Table 6.3 (continued) Baseline Surveys

Survey Survey specification Date Completed by Source Requirement

Water vole survey Survey of site for evidence of June to Capita Symonds Appendix B water vole activity and a habitat September 2007 (Volume 2) assessment

Dormouse survey Presence/absence survey of May to Capita Symonds Appendix B dormouse using a total of 441 November 2008 (Volume 2) tubes and a habitat assessment

Breeding bird survey Survey of site to determine which April to June Capita Symonds Appendix B birds are breeding using CBC 2008 (Volume 2) methodology

White-clawed Survey of site for evidence of June to October Capita Symonds Appendix B crayfish white-clawed crayfish and a 2007 (Volume 2) habitat assessment (Peay, 2003)

Other invertebrates Habitat assessment of potential June to Capita Symonds Appendix B for site support notable September 2007 (Volume 2) invertebrate species and surveys for a range of species groups

6.4 Overall Biodiversity Baseline

6.4.1 Current Baseline The site itself is not subject to any statutory nature conservation designations. However, there are three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located within 2km of the site and one Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Two Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), one Special Protection Area (SPA) and one Ramsar site occur within 10km of the site. Four sites subject to candidate non-statutory nature conservation designations (cSINCs) occur adjacent to the site with three of these overlapping the development site boundary itself (the current boundaries cannot be mapped as the sites are yet to be fully surveyed and their status agreed with the landowners). A further eleven cSINCs are located within a 2km radius of the site. Certain details on the cSINCs, including for some sites their specific reason for designation, are not yet available due to their candidate status. Summary details of the statutory and candidate non-statutory sites that occur within an adjacent to the site are outlined in Table 6.4. Further details are provided within the summary baseline report in Appendix B and also within, where it is appropriate, section 6.8 of this chapter Assessment of Effects.

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Table 6.4 Statutory and Non-Statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Interest

Site and Grid reference or Reason for designation Approximate designation location (where distance from the grid reference site is not available)

International Statutory Designated Sites within 10km of site

Severn Estuary ST321748 (central) This complex of sites has been designated 9km (from SAC, SPA and because they support a wide range of marine Waycock Cross Ramsar and inter-tidal habitats and species. This highway includes estuaries, mud flats, Atlantic salt- improvements) meadows, sea (Petromyzon marinus) and river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), wintering Bewicks swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) and over 20,000 wintering waterfowl

Dunraven Bay SAC SS886727 The site has been designated solely on the 7.5km (from the grounds of the small remnant colony of shore Llantwit Major dock (Rumex rupestris) present. WwTW)

UK Statutory Designated Sites within 2km of site

Cliff Wood – ST090 669 The best example of a mixed woodland in South 1.2km (from Golden Stairs SSSI Glamorgan supporting a canopy of pedunculate Waycock Cross and LNR oak, ash, maple and yew. highway improvements)

Barry Woodlands ST090 690 A series of fourteen separate woodland blocks, 0.2km (from SSSI some of which are connected by hedgerows, Waycock Cross situated on gently sloping ground associated highway with clayey, often waterlogged, moderately base improvements) rich lowland soils that in Wales are almost entirely restricted to the Vale of Glamorgan. Long-established woodland on this particular soil-type gives rise to ash-dominated woodland that supports a rich ground flora. This series of woodlands is the best example of this habitat in Wales.

Cwm Talwg ST103 688 Two small areas of semi-natural woodland on 0.7km (from Woodlands LNR the outskirts of Barry. Waycock Cross highway improvements)

East Aberthaw ST042 658 A small stretch of coastline supporting a range of 1.75km (from St coast SSSI habitats making it one of the richest coastal Athan junction wildlife sites in the county. Rocky and sandy highway shore, shingle spits, saltmarsh, relict sand dunes improvements) and Liassic limestone cliffs all support species of plants and animals that are of a limited distribution in the county.

Candidate Non-Statutory Designated Sites within or adjacent to site

Beggars Pound Located to the south Semi-improved neutral grassland (possibly Adjacent cSINC of the proposed MG5) near to a watercourse development.

The Lower River A major river valley Ancient semi-natural woodland, species-rich Adjacent and Thaw cSINC located to the east grassland, saltmarsh, swamp, marsh and overlapping and south (includes improved grassland providing habitat for a wide Rills Valley) of the of fauna. site

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Table 6.4 (continued) Statutory and Non-Statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Interest

Site and Grid reference or Reason for designation Approximate designation location (where distance from the grid reference site is not available)

Candidate Non-Statutory Designated Sites within or adjacent to site

Walter’s Farm Located to the east of Supports species-rich, semi-improved neutral Adjacent and Fields cSINC the Waycock Cross grassland. overlapping Junction.

Nant y Creek and Situated to the east of Moderately species-rich semi-improved Adjacent and Trefflemin Slopes the proposed grassland and marshy grasslands supporting a overlapping cSINC development site. range of fauna, adjacent to the Nant –y- Stepsau.

Candidate Non-Statutory Designated Sites within 2km of the site

Aberthaw Lagoon ST031 664 Comprises large artificial lagoons, neutral and 0.5km (from and Disused calcareous grassland and scrub and is important Gileston highway Limeworks cSINC for dragonflies, damselflies and migrant birds improvements)

Lower Kenson East of the River This major river is a tributary of the River Thaw 1km (from Gileston River cSINC Thaw and supports ancient woodland and species-rich highway grassland on the adjacent banks. improvements)

Pant y Coed cSINC East of the River Ancient semi-natural woodland in a tributary 1.5km (from Thaw stream valley. Castleton)

Cwm Tresilian West of Llantwit Ancient semi-natural woodland in a tributary 1.5km (from cSINC Major stream valley, opening at the coast Llantwit Major WwTW)

Cwm Col-Huw South-west of Comprises a large mosaic of semi-improved 1.7km (from cSINC Llantwit Major neutral and calcareous grassland and scrub, Llantwit Major which is important botanically and for breeding WwTW) and migrant birds.

Summerhouse South-west of St Species-rich improved grassland with mixed 1km (from the ABP Point cSINC Athan village scrub and arable fields supporting shepherd’s development) needle

St Donats Point to South-east of Llantwit A long section of coastline comprising rocky 1km (from the ABP Leys Beach cSINC Major shores, cliffs, maritime grassland, scrub, development) saltmarsh and calcareous and neutral grassland, important botanically and for birds and invertebrates.

The site contains a wide variety of habitat types. Poor semi-improved and improved grassland (including that which is used for amenity purposes, and the built environment (i.e. hard standing and buildings) are the predominant habitats present, with also frequent areas of semi-natural woodland (some of which is considered to be ‘ancient’), and dense and scattered scrub. Semi- improved neutral grassland also frequently occurs. The majority of the agricultural fields within the site are separated by a mixture of species-rich or species-poor, intact or defunct hedgerows, a number of which are considered to be ‘important’ under the Hedgerow Regulations (1997). On occasion they are reinforced by post and wire fences, and/or walls. Several small watercourses, ditches and waterbodies occur within the site and the River Thaw is present adjacent to the site. Habitats that occur infrequently within the site include saltmarsh (adjacent to the River Thaw at Gileston), tall ruderal and ephemeral/short perennial vegetation and swamp (also along the River Thaw).

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Four species of reptile have been recorded at the site. From the surveys it appears that slow- worm (Anguis fragilis) is the most commonly occurring reptile species on the site with only a small number of adder (Vipera berus), grass snake (Natrix natrix) and common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) also recorded. Great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) occurs within the southern and eastern parts of the site specifically around Batslays, East Camp and Castleton Farm, and also near the pipeline corridor at Llantwit Major WwTW. Common frog (Rana temporaria), common toad (Bufo bufo) and palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus) are the other amphibians that have been recorded within waterbodies at the site. Evidence of otter (Lutra lutra) activity has been found on the majority of the watercourses, with likely holts and resting places also recorded on the larger streams and rivers adjacent the site boundary. No evidence of water vole (Arvicola terrestris) has been found and, as the habitat present has been assessed as generally being sub-optimal, it is considered that this species is absent from the site. Limited evidence of badger (Meles meles) activity has been recorded across the non-developed areas of the site although setts are present within the study area albeit outside of the development boundary. Presence of dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) has been identified with a single nest found during surveys in the south-west part of the site. No evidence of white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) was recorded during the surveys, although the habitat is considered to be suitable. The site supports a number of confirmed bat roosts within buildings (used by pipistrelle, long- eared and Myotis sp bats) and, whilst no confirmed tree roosts have been found, a small number of trees are considered to have high potential to be used by bats for roosting. At least six species of bat have been recorded at the site during the roost and activity surveys. These are common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), noctule (Nyctalus noctula), long-eared (Plecotus sp), Myotis sp and lesser horseshoe (Rhinolophus hipposideros). A large number of predominantly common bird species have been recorded breeding and using the survey area, including four red list species, 11 UKBAP and two LBAP species, 14 species of importance under Section 42 (s42) of the NERC Act (2006) and three Schedule 1 species (although of these only barn owl Tyto alba was found to be breeding). European eel (UKBAP and s42 species) occurs in watercourses within and adjacent to the site, and bullhead, a local and declining species, is also present in some watercourses. It is possible that Atlantic salmon and or brown trout (UKBAP and s42 species) may also occur. The UKBAP listed mammals polecat (Mustela putorius), hedgehog (Erinaceous europaeus) and brown hare (Lepus capensis) were all recorded during the course of the many other surveys at the site, primarily to the east of the DTC and ABP developments around Castleton and Gileston. A wide variety of invertebrates were found to occur within the survey area including the pearl bordered fritillary (Boloria selene), which is locally notable, listed on the UKBAP and a s42 species. A further 13 UKBAP species have also been recorded (all moths and butterflies).

6.4.2 Predicted Future Baseline Most of the habitats present are currently managed in a way which will ensure they remain in a state which is similar to that now (e.g. pasture and amenity grassland). Particularly with those which are associated with agriculture or are associated with airfield and other military practices, the future land-use and management, and therefore their future baseline, is likely to remain broadly similar in the long term. The baseline surveys have, however, highlighted areas where

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potential habitat exists for notable species that are not currently present (e.g. certain reptile species). Therefore, there is potential for these species to colonise and use the site further and for their numbers in the local area to increase. Some changes to the baseline may occur, particularly to the more natural habitats such as the woodlands, as a result of climate change. Such changes cannot now be accurately defined and there is no saying whether such would actually increase or decrease an area’s value for biodiversity. It is however, important to consider such changes when considering enhancement and mitigation measures. Throughout the UK, over the last 100 years, there has tended to be an intensification of agricultural farming practices (albeit recent policy has tried to halt this with some success). There is no evidence to suggest that such practices would happen to any part of the St Athan study area in the future, however, if such did occur it would be likely to result in a reduction of the area’s value for biodiversity. As mentioned previously certain areas, particularly some of the woodlands and more semi- natural habitats that occur on the site and within the local area, are currently subject to candidate SINC status. If, as is likely, they do eventually become fully designated there is the potential that there will be more emphasis for them to be managed in the longer term specifically for biodiversity. This would be entirely up to any landowners will, and also appropriate funding being available, as there would be no statutory duty for such to be carried out. However, where such did happen would be likely to result in a site(s) value for biodiversity increasing.

6.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme Table 6.5 summarises the environmental measures that will be incorporated into the scheme that will minimise adverse effects on flora and fauna, provide biodiversity enhancement within the site (and benefiting the local area) and ensure compliance with the relevant wildlife legislation. A detailed description of the environmental measures is provided in the Ecology Strategy contained within Appendix E and where a measure is specifically related to an effect that has been subject to detailed assessment further information is also provided in the detailed assessment of effects sections towards the end of this chapter.

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Table 6.5 Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Receptor Potential Effects

Statutory Increased dust deposition Best practice construction methods will be adopted in line with designated sites affecting growth/survival of those stipulated in the Construction Environmental Management plants. Plan (CEMP) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP). These will include measures to deal with dust and other pollution Decrease in water quality reduction measures (see Section 13, Table 13.5). from polluted site run-off.

Candidate non- Increased noise levels Best practice construction methods will be adopted in line with statutory during construction and those stipulated in the CEMP and EMP. These will include designated sites of operation affecting measures to deal with dust and other pollution reduction nature conservation components of cSINCs. measures (see Section 13, Table 13.5). value (cSINCs) overlapping or Increased dust deposition An EMP will be produced to detail methods to be used to adjacent to the site affecting growth/survival of manage+ noise levels and prevent surface water becoming plants. contaminated.

Decrease in water quality An Outline Habitat Management Plan (OHMP) has been from polluted site run-off. produced (Appendix D) (incorporating the proposed Field Training Area at Castleton) which details measures to enhance Temporary and permanent and compensate for areas of cSINC permanently lost or disturbance of land causing damaged as a result of the development. loss and damage to designated site features.

Habitats Temporary and permanent Best practice construction methods will be adopted in line with disturbance of land and loss those stipulated in the CEMP and EMP. These will include of habitat features. measures to deal with dust and other pollution reduction measures (see Section 13, Table 13.5). Increased dust deposition affecting growth/survival of Hedgerows that could be damaged by the operation of the site plants. (e.g. within the Castleton Training Area) will be fenced to ensure they are protected (this will also provide less disturbed wildlife Decrease in water quality corridors). from polluted site run-off. Buffer zones will be retained along all watercourses (except at road crossings) to reduce disturbance to the habitat corridor and the species present (particularly otter). Where the Northern Access Road crosses the Llanmaes Brook a clean-span bridge will be constructed. Culverts will be used at all other watercourse crossings, designed to ensure the characteristics of the watercourse are retained.

Habitats – Environmental measures will be implemented to minimise continued potentially significant effects on ‘important’ and species-rich hedgerows and the hedgerow network arising as a result of the development. These are detailed in section 6.9.2 and the Ecology Strategy (Appendix E).

An Outline Habitat Management Plan (oHMP) has been produced that sets out broadly how the retained and created habitats on the site will be managed.

Reptiles Loss and fragmentation of Environmental measures will be implemented to habitat suitable for reptiles avoid/minimise/compensate for potentially significant effects on due to construction and reptiles arising as a result of the development. These are permanent land change detailed in section 6.15.2 and the Ecology Strategy (Appendix E).

Potential harm or injury to A post construction monitoring programme will be implemented reptiles due to construction over a minimum of five years to determine the success of the and permanent land use environmental measures associated with reptiles. change and new infrastructure and operation.

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Table 6.5 (continued) Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Receptor Potential Effects

Great crested newt Death / injury / disturbance Environmental measures will be implemented to (GCN) of great crested newt in avoid/minimise/compensate for potentially significant effects on breeding ponds and GCN arising as a result of the development. These are detailed terrestrial habitat. in section 6.12.2 and the Ecology Strategy (Appendix E). Loss of breeding ponds and An Outline Habitat Management Plan (OHMP) has been foraging habitat. produced that sets out broadly how the ponds and areas of Fragmentation of landscaping will be managed to continue to provide suitable habitat for great crested newt. populations.

Death / injury / disturbance during routine landscaping works and maintenance.

Bats Temporary or permanent Environmental measures will be implemented to loss of foraging and/or avoid/minimise/compensate for potentially significant effects on breeding habitat bats arising as a result of the development. These are detailed Fragmentation / severance in section 6.13.2 and the Ecology Strategy (Appendix E). of foraging and commuting corridors Disturbance or loss of roosts Death / injury of animals

Increase in mortality due to increase in site traffic.

Badger Disturbance of setts. Environmental measures will be implemented to Potential loss of setts avoid/minimise/compensate for potentially significant effects on through land takes. badger arising as a result of the development. These are detailed in section 6.14.2 and the Ecology Strategy (Appendix E). Temporary and permanent obstruction to foraging grounds. Temporary and permanent loss of foraging habitat

Harm or injury as a result of collision with traffic.

Otter Disturbance of holts or Best practice construction methods will be adopted in line with resting places. those stipulated in the CEMP and EMP. These will include measures to deal with dust and other pollution reduction Disturbance of individual measures (see Section 13, Table 13.5). otters Environmental measures will be implemented to avoid/minimise/compensate for potentially significant effects on Temporary or permanent otter arising as a result of the development. These are detailed loss of habitat. in section 6.11.2 and the Ecology Strategy (Appendix E). Deterioration in water quality Post construction monitoring to determine the success of the of the River Thaw reducing created holts, resting areas and underpasses will be undertaken. foraging resource.

Death / injury of animals.

Dormouse Temporary and permanent Environmental measures will be implemented to loss of habitat. avoid/minimise/compensate for potentially significant effects on dormouse arising as a result of the development. These are Habitat fragmentation detailed in section 6.10.2 and the Ecology Strategy (Appendix E).

Death / injury / disturbance of animals.

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Table 6.5 (continued) Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Receptor Potential Effects

Breeding birds Destruction of birds nests Environmental measures will be implemented to during breeding season and avoid/minimise/compensate for potentially significant effects on disturbance of Schedule 1 breeding birds arising as a result of the development. These are birds during breeding detailed in section 6.16.2 and the Ecology Strategy (Appendix E). season during construction and operation. Temporary and permanent loss of habitat. Invertebrates Loss of habitat leading to Much of the habitat supporting the more species-rich loss of individual species or assemblages of invertebrates will be retained as part of the species assemblage. development proposals.

The new landscaping planting and ponds will provide additional habitat for BAP and Section 42 listed invertebrate species.

Please note a further environmental measure which will be implemented is to ensure that update ecology surveys are undertaken, as appropriate (for example, for most protected species an out of date survey is one which is more than two years old), throughout the duration of the construction period particularly where such are needed to inform measures required to ensure that the requirements of the ecology strategy are met.

6.6 Scope of the Assessment The scope of assessment has been informed by the responses to the Scoping Report received from consultees (via the Vale of Glamorgan Council), consultation with CCW regarding survey requirements and methodologies and by the results of baseline surveys undertaken (Appendix B). It has also evolved to reflect scheme design iterations and up-to-date best practice.

6.6.1 Potential Receptors As stated earlier in identifying these resources, it is also important to recognise that a development can affect not only the site itself, but also resources ‘off-site’ – the potential ‘zone of influence’ of the development (e.g. noise generation on the site of the development could affect bird populations that occur off-site). The approach that has been taken in this ES is to identify ‘valued ecological receptors/resources’ and protected species (in accordance with guidelines produced by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management [IEEM], 2006). The approach to the identification of valued ecological receptors, which are subject to more detailed assessment as part of this environmental impact assessment, is provided in Appendix C. The following biodiversity features have been identified as potential receptors:

• Designated sites (SACs, SPAs, Ramsar, SSSIs and cSINCs);

• Species-rich hedgerows and the hedgerow network;

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• Waterbodies;

• Watercourses;

• Dormouse;

• Great crested newt;

• Otter;

• Bats;

• Reptiles;

• Badger; and

• Breeding birds;

6.6.2 Potentially Significant Effects The potentially significant effects of the development, which are subject to further assessment in this chapter, are:

• Direct effects on cSINCs overlapping the site (Lower River Thaw and Walter’s Farm Fields) during construction and operation due to habitat loss or alteration;

• Degradation of habitats within SSSIs and cSINCs that have public access up to 2km from the site (East Aberthaw Coast SSSI and Beggars Pound, Aberthaw Lagoon and Disused Limeworks, Lower Kenson River, Lower River Thaw, Cwm Col-Huw, Summerhouse Point and St Donats Point to Leys Beach cSINCs) as a result of increased public access due to an increase in the size of the local population; • Loss of ‘important’ and species-rich hedgerows during construction and through permanent land-take reducing the amount of, and diversity of, this habitat type and altering the existing hedgerow network by removing habitat connections through and around the site; • Loss and fragmentation of suitable dormouse habitat as a result of construction and operation of the development, and effects on dormouse during construction and operation through harm or injury to individuals; • Effects on otter as a result of permanent and temporary habitat loss and by harm, injury or disturbance to individuals during construction and operation of the development;

• Effects on great crested newt caused by permanent and temporary loss of aquatic and terrestrial habitat, degradation of retained aquatic habitat and by harm or injury to individuals during construction and operation;

• Loss of roosting and foraging habitats used by bats as a result of construction and operation of the development and effects on bats through harm, injury or disturbance to animals themselves;

• Effects on reptiles as a result of habitat loss and harm or injury to individuals. All four common species have been confirmed as present, with relatively small numbers recorded

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of grass snake, common lizard and adder, but larger populations of slow-worm, such that, although individually the survey areas do not reach the threshold to qualify as Key Reptile Sites, the site does if assessed in its entirety (Froglife, 1999); • Positive effect on biodiversity caused by implementation of measures noted within the Ecology Strategy, and the Landscape Strategies for each development, which will include ensuring better management than currently exists of existing and creation of new ecological resources of biodiversity value. The following effects are not likely to be significant (because it is considered that the resources concerned are not valued) and hence do not require further assessment from an EIA point of view. However, there are legal implications which still need to be addressed because they relate to species which are afforded statutory protection. Therefore a detailed assessment of the potential for contravention of the legislation has been undertaken albeit whilst considering the environmental measures which are to be introduced. • Effects on badgers by loss of foraging habitat harm to individuals or disturbance of setts. Badgers are common and widespread and are protected due to the risk of persecution rather than rarity. Badger activity at the site is limited and there are currently no setts within or adjacent to the proposed works areas;

• Effects on breeding birds causing a potential contravention of legislation. The following effects are not likely to be significant and hence do not require further assessment. • Effects on biodiversity through polluted run-off during construction and operation. Best practice environmental measures will be implemented during construction to ensure compliance with the Environment Agency’s Pollution Prevention Guidance (PPG) and other guidance as relevant. During operation, an appropriately designed SuDS system incorporating a mixture of source control features (such as soakaways) and attenuation ponds will reduce the amount of entrained debris and dissolved pollutants within site runoff (further detail is provided in the Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology Chapter 11);

• Effects on biodiversity through changes in air quality as a result of construction (e.g. dust disposition) and operation (e.g. traffic and aircraft movements, and operation of the biomass plant). All effects related to air quality and dust have been scoped out of the detailed assessment because they are limited in their nature, are of low magnitude and can be mitigated (further detail is provided in the Air Quality Chapter 14); • Effects on biodiversity through an increase in noise during construction and operation (further detail provided in the Noise Chapter 16);

• Effects on biodiversity through contamination of soil or water during site remediation. Best practice measures will be implemented to prevent the spread of contamination (further detail provided in the Land Quality and Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology Chapters 10 and 11 respectively);

• Effects on the qualifying features of the European designated sites that occur within 10km of the application site boundary during both construction and operation as a result of increased noise, changes in air quality or polluted run-off. All the European

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designated sites are located over 10km from the main DTC and ABP areas of the development (and thus also the airfield). At this distance the relatively minor changes in aircraft movements could not cause effects to the qualifying features. Hence such effects are scoped out. Furthermore the development activities at Llantwit Major WwTW and Waycock Cross, which still lie a considerable distance from European designated sites (7.5km and 10km respectively), are considered to be more minor in their nature being only an upgrade to an existing WwTW works and minor junction improvements. Thus effects including by such things as polluted run off (or increased noise and/or air quality changes for example during construction) will not occur as a result of the development activities;

• Effects on Nant y Creek cSINC which overlaps the site through land-take. The development has avoided locating new buildings and infrastructure within the area of the Nant y Creek. The only activities within the cSINC itself will be enhancement planting, which will be appropriate to the biodiversity of the area and will aim to actually increase the value and diversity of the cSINC; • Effects on SSSIs and cSINCs with no Public Rights of Way (PROW) up to 2km from the site (Nant y Creek, Pant y Coed, Walter’s Farm Fields and Cwm Tresilian) through habitat degradation as a result of increased access. As these sites currently have no PROW access they are assumed to not be used to any great extent for recreational purposes; • Effects on hedgerows during operation of the site. Once operational the hedgerows retained are highly likely to be unaffected by any of the activities proposed and will continue to be managed in accordance with the Habitat Management Plan; • Effects on waterbodies and watercourses as a result of permanent habitat loss. Of the 23 waterbodies within the site, only three (the emergency water supply tanks on East Camp) will be permanently lost as a result of the development. It is considered that these waterbodies have little intrinsic biodiversity value themselves due to their construction and the limited flora they support. However, all do support great crested newt and therefore the effect of the loss of these waterbodies is considered during the specific assessment of effects on great crested newt at the site; • Effects on notable mammals (e.g. polecat, hedgehog and brown hare) through loss of habitat and harm to individuals. Although, no specific surveys were undertaken, incidental records of notable mammals occur from the fringes of the application site (e.g. Castleton and Gileston), where the most suitable habitat for these species is present. These areas are largely avoided by extensive construction works and will remain predominantly unaffected and available for use by notable mammals. The wider countryside also contains large amounts of further suitable habitat;

• Effects on notable birds (i.e. BAP and birds of conservation concern) through loss of habitat. The birds recorded on the site are of nature conservation concern because of population declines, not because of their rarity. Only relatively small numbers of common and widespread species of birds were recorded on the site;

• Effects on other invertebrates through loss of habitat and range. Most of the other invertebrates recorded at site, although notable, are reasonably common and widespread and are predominantly using habitats that will be retained. The environmental measures

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proposed (Table 6.5), will also ensure any habitat loss will be replaced or existing habitat enhanced.

6.7 Assessment Methodology

6.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects The prediction of the effects of the proposed development on the receptors identified in section 1.7.1 is based upon:

• The construction, operational activities associated with the scheme, as defined in Chapter 3; • Changes in water quality as defined in the Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology Chapter 11; • Changes in air quality, as defined in the Air Quality Chapter 14;

• Changes in noise, as defined in the Noise Chapter 16; and

• The geographic extent, magnitude, probability, timing, frequency and duration of these changes. The assessment of how the receptors are affected by the above changes is based upon the results of the desk study and field surveys and published information on the receptor’s status, distribution, sensitivity to these changes, biology, and knowledge of ecological processes and functions. The assessment is based on the available data and current scientific knowledge at the time at which it was undertaken.

6.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology Within this chapter, significance evaluation is carried out only in relation to valued ecological resources including legally protected species.

Negative Effects For habitat areas and species, an effect is considered to be significant if the favourable conservation status of a valued ecological resource is compromised by the proposed development. Conservation status is defined by the IEEM (2006) as follows:

• “For habitats, conservation status is determined by the sum of the influences acting on the habitat and its typical species, that may affect its long-term distribution, structure and functions as well as the long-term survival of its typical species within a given geographical area; and

• For species, conservation status is determined by the sum of influences acting on the species concerned that may affect the long-term distribution and abundance of its populations within a given geographical area”. The decision as to whether the conservation status of a valued ecological resource has been compromised has been made using professional judgement drawing on the results of the assessment of how each resource will be affected by the proposed development. The decision is

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informed by an understanding of relevant ecological processes and is based on existing published information on the resource’s distribution and status at a given geographic scale. A similar procedure has been used for designated sites that are affected by the development, except that the focus is on the effects on the integrity1 of each site, defined as “the coherence of its ecological structure and function, across its whole area, that enables it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats and/or the levels of populations of the species for which it was classified”. This assessment has been made with reference to the features for which the site has been designated and involves combining assessments of the effects on the conservation status of each of these features.

Positive Effects A positive effect is considered to be significant if development activities are predicted to cause: • An improvement in the condition of a habitat/species population from unfavourable to unfavourable recovering or favourable – condition data are only available for SSSIs but professional judgement has been used to apply the same principle to habitats/species elsewhere; or • Partial or total restoration of a site’s favourable condition. If a species population, habitat or site is already in favourable condition, it is still possible for there to be a significant positive effect. There is, however, no simple formula for determining when such effects are significant. In such cases, decisions about significance have therefore been made on a case by case basis, in the context of whether the effect should be considered material when making a decision about whether or not consent should be granted for the Scheme. A justification is provided as to why the decision has been reached. Positive effects that are not likely to be significant are also described in the Environmental Statement. Information about these effects may assist the local planning authority/decision maker in determining whether the proposed development complies with the guidance in the NERC Act (2006) relating to biodiversity enhancement, to which both significant and non- significant effects can make a contribution.

6.8 Assessment of Effects: Designated Sites

6.8.1 Baseline Conditions

Current Baseline Conditions Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) are non-statutory sites designated locally for their biodiversity interest. In the Vale of Glamorgan candidate SINC sites have been identified, but they have not yet been subject to detailed surveys and site assessment (Vale of Glamorgan Council are due to survey the sites in detail during 2009), and therefore have yet to

1 The term ‘integrity’ was first adopted for assessing effects on biodiversity within the context of Appropriate Assessments for European wildlife sites, as required under the Habitats Directive. The principle of integrity in terms of the structure and function of sites is, however, equally relevant to designated sites that are not European sites. For this reason, the term was adopted by IEEM (2006) in its Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom.

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be fully adopted. Hence, detailed information on the flora and fauna which occur at the sites is not available. However, where cSINCs or parts of cSINCs lie within the development site detailed survey work has been conducted.

Designated Sites Overlapping the Development Site Lower River Thaw cSINC The lower River Thaw cSINC (which includes part of the Rills Valley) is located adjacent to the east of the development site. Small sections of this cSINCs’ site boundary also overlap with the Castleton and Gileston areas of the development site. The cSINC comprises a major river valley which is regularly inundated by tidal flow and as a result supports extensive areas of saltmarsh and swamp. Adjacent to the upper reaches of the river within the site and along the Rills Valley, the salt water influence decreases and semi- improved neutral grassland occurs, although scattered plant species characteristic of salt marsh persist. The banks of the river are vegetated by semi-natural broad-leaved woodland (both ancient and secondary colonisation), which supports a number of ancient woodland indicator species such as bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and ramsons (Allium ursinum). The cSINC also supports a wide range of notable species including otter and fish such as brown trout (Salmo trutta morpha fario), spawning sea trout (Salmo trutta morpha trutta), bullhead (Cottus gobio), river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). The small area of the cSINC that overlaps within the site boundary at Castleton supports tall ruderal vegetation dominated by nettle (Urtica dioica), with frequent large herbs and tall grasses. The part of the cSINC within the site boundary at Gileston supports semi-natural broad-leaved woodland, continuous scrub and saltmarsh.

Walter’s Farm Fields cSINC This cSINC is located to the east of the roundabout associated with the road improvement proposals at Waycock Cross and part of the cSINC site overlaps with the development site. Walter’s Farm Fields comprise a series of fields that support species-rich semi-improved neutral grassland, old hedgerows, scattered scrub and areas of marshy grassland, supporting the Section 42 (of the NERC Act, 2006) listed species tubular water-dropwort (Oenanthe fistulosa). The small area of the cSINC that overlaps with the development site supports semi-improved grassland with abundant common grasses and herbs, some of which are indicative of wetter ground conditions.

Nant y Creek and Trefflemin Slopes cSINC The Nant-y-Stepsau is a tributary of the River Thaw and is located adjacent to the north-east boundary of the site. The habitats adjacent to the watercourse include moderately species-rich semi-improved grassland and marshy grasslands. The Nant-y-Stepsau provides habitat for otter, and also supports bullhead, European eel and the regionally uncommon blue water-speedwell (Veronia anagallis-aquatica). A small area of the western part of the site overlaps with the site. This area supports improved grassland including frequent common herbs and grasses. A large, dense patch of blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), and a silted pond and ditch also occur in this area.

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Designated sites in the wider area Note that all baseline information regarding designated sites in the wider area has been extracted from the SSSI and cSINC site descriptions provided by the consultees.

East Aberthaw Coast SSSI and St Donats Point to Leys Beach cSINC The SSSI and cSINC cover the same stretch of coastline, located to the south of the development site, and have been designated for similar reasons. The sites support a range of habitats, including rocky and sandy shore, shingle, saltmarsh, sand dunes and Liassic limestone cliffs, calcareous and neutral grassland, all of which support flora and fauna which have a limited distribution in the Vale of Glamorgan. Certain valuable plants occur on the limestone cliffs including maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris), red hemp nettle (Galeopsis augustifoila) and purple gromwell (Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum). Valuable invertebrates that are found include a gall wasp (Phanacis caulicola) and the bombardier beetle (Brachinus crepitans).

Beggar’s Pound cSINC This cSINC comprises two species-rich semi-improved neutral grassland fields located within St Johns Valley adjacent to the south and west of the proposed development site, and near to a watercourse.

Aberthaw Lagoon and Disused Limeworks cSINC The cSINC supports unimproved neutral and calcareous grassland, large artificial lagoons that maybe of interest for dragonflies and damselflies, and scrub that is used by migrant birds.

Lower Kenson River cSINC The Kenson River is a tributary of the River Thaw and supports a large mosaic of habitats along the river valley, including ancient woodland, species-rich semi-improved neutral grassland supporting corn parsley (Petroselenium segetum), and a large area of swamp dominated by lesser pond sedge (Carex acutiformis).

Cwm Col-Huw cSINC This cSINC comprises a mosaic of habitats that occur along the slopes of the Afon Colhuw stream valley including primarily calcareous grassland and scrub that is important for nesting and migrant birds. The cSINC is also a Wildlife Trust Reserve.

Summerhouse Point cSINC Summerhouse Point comprises species-rich semi-improved neutral grassland, areas of mixed scrub, and arable fields supporting the notable arable weed Shepherd’s needle (Scandix pecten- veneris).

Predicted Future Baseline In the absence of intervention, it is likely the SSSI and cSINCs would remain in a broadly similar state to the current baseline and will continue to support diverse habitats and notable species. The grassland and woodland habitats within the sites would, however, require periodic management to maintain their current interest. As mentioned previously if, as is likely, the cSINCs do eventually become fully designated there is the potential that there will be more emphasis for them to be managed in the longer term

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specifically for biodiversity. There will however, in most cases, be no statutory duty to do such and therefore such management will likely rely totally on the will of the landowner.

6.8.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance

Effects due to Construction/ Permanent Land Use Change At two locations within the development site, construction will occur within a cSINC. These locations are at the road improvement sites at Waycock Cross and Gileston, and will affect Walter’s Farm Fields cSINC and the Lower River Thaw cSINC respectively. Although the application site boundary overlaps the Nant y Creek and Trefflemin Slopes cSINC and another part of the Lower River Thaw cSINC, no construction will occur in these areas. At Waycock Cross, part of Walter’s Farm Fields cSINC will be permanently lost and another area will be temporarily disturbed as result of realigning the eastern approach to the roundabout. The route of the road will also result in the fragmentation of the field, such that a small area will be separated from the rest of the cSINC by the development. Whilst the citation for the cSINC indicates that the grassland within the designated site is species-rich, semi-improved neutral grassland (and therefore of county nature conservation value), the results of the Phase 1 habitat survey suggest that the area of the cSINC that would be affected by development (including the area fragmented) is only moderately species-rich and supports plant species that are common throughout the development site and the wider countryside. Also, the area that supports tubular water-dropwort, the most important plant species known to occur on the cSINC, is outside of the proposed area of development. Overall, approximately 1ha of the cSINC will be affected by the development of which approximately 0.6ha will be permanently lost. As the cSINC is approximately 16.6ha in area, the development will result in the loss of approximately 3.6% of the habitat present. The proportion of the cSINC unaffected by the works is considered to be of sufficient size to ensure that the habitat of interest (the grassland) will retain its species-richness and therefore its conservation status will be maintained. Only approximately 0.4ha of the site will be fragmented from the main fields as a result of the realigned road and it is not considered that the fragmentation of such a small area would result in the integrity of the remainder of the site being compromised significantly. Furthermore, if this area is continued to be managed sympathetically (as part of the management of the retained areas of cSINC), it is possible that it will retain the level of species-richness currently present. Therefore, it would still be contributing to the wider species-rich neutral grassland resource. At Gileston a small part of the Lower River Thaw cSINC will be permanently lost and another area temporarily disturbed as a result of the realignment of the B4265 to the west of the River Thaw. The approximate area which will be subject to disturbance is 0.1ha. Of this ~0.05ha will be permanently lost as a result of the development. The approximate size of the Lower River Thaw cSINC has not been provided, however it has been estimated as being around 100ha. Therefore, the loss of less than 0.1ha of the site represents ~0.05% of the cSINC. The Phase 1 Habitat survey results indicate the works in this location have the potential to affect saltmarsh, semi-natural broadleaved woodland and dense scrub (although no saltmarsh will be permanently lost), all of which were found to be moderately species-rich (although it was noted the broadleaved woodland showed signs of under-management). All these habitat types are listed on the citation for this cSINC and therefore contribute to the nature conservation value of the site. They are not, however, restricted in distribution to the works area only, but are present

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throughout the cSINC and also in the wider area (e.g. the Lower Kenson River cSINC supports similar habitats). It is therefore considered that the permanent loss of such a small proportion of these habitat types from the cSINC will not affect the integrity of the site and that its current biodiversity value will be maintained. It is also unlikely to affect the conservation status of the habitats or species it supports. This all said it is therefore considered that the loss of a small proportion of both Walter’s Farm Fields and the Lower River Thaw cSINCs would not be significant.

Effects Due to Additional Recreational and Visitor Pressure As a result of the development, more people will be living and working at the St Athan site and, potentially, wishing to use the surrounding countryside for leisure activities such as walking. This could cause increased recreational pressure on the designated sites local to the development site and affect the habitats and species for which they have been designated. Eight of the 12 designated sites within 2km of the main development area (i.e. excluding the road improvement areas) are publicly accessible via footpaths and/or permissive paths. These are East Aberthaw Coast SSSI and St Donats Point to Leys Beach cSINC and Beggars Pound, Lower River Thaw, Lower Kenson River, Aberthaw Lagoon and Disused Limeworks, Cwm Col-Huw and Summerhouse Point cSINCs. All of these sites can be accessed from the development area using the existing network of footpaths, with Beggars Pound, the Lower River Thaw, Summerhouse Point and the coastal sites being the nearest and thus considered to be the easiest and most likely to be accessed. Summerhouse Point (and East Aberthaw Coast SSSI to the south) and Cwm Col-Huw are served by public car parks. The primary reason for designation of all the sites above is due to the notable habitats or habitat mosaics they support, often comprising semi-natural neutral and/or calcareous grassland and scrub. These habitats in turn are noted for supporting notable plant species, invertebrates and are used by nesting or migrating birds. Of the habitats present within the designated sites, it is considered the sites comprising primarily neutral grassland and scrub areas (e.g. Beggars Pound, Lower Kenson River and Summerhouse Point cSINCs) would be most resilient to additional disturbance, whereas those sites (e.g. Aberthaw Lagoon and Disused Limeworks cSINC, Cwm Col-Huw cSINC and East Aberthaw Coast SSSI and St Donats Point to Leys Beach cSINC) supporting calcareous grassland and the coastal habitats (e.g. shingle and sand dunes), and the species that rely on these habitats, would be less robust and more prone to degradation. This means that two of the sites that are considered to be the most vulnerable to public disturbance are those with the best facilities, i.e. the East Aberthaw Coast and Cwm Col-Huw, Reflecting this, there are already measures in place to minimise effects to these sites by appropriately managing access. This is noted within the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) for the Vale of Glamorgan, which indicates there is a management plan in place to spread the burden of public access along the sensitive coastline (see also the Community Chapter 12). Given the accessibility and facilities available at these designated sites, it is considered that they are already likely to be well used by local residents and that, without proper consideration, they may be subject to greater recreational pressure due to the increased number of people resident in the area as a result of the development. As a result of the development, 483 new residential units will be built and 70 existing houses re- occupied by, on average, three people. The development would therefore result in an increase

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of approximately 1659 residents when it most densely populated (further information provided in the Community Chapter 12). To accommodate the recreational needs of the new population the landscape strategy for the development site incorporates new footpaths and open spaces close to the new accommodation areas. These, it is considered, will, in the main, ensure that the new population will undertake their regular outdoor recreation in these newly created spaces and that they will be unlikely to travel regularly to the important biodiversity sites identified to engage in informal recreation. In fact the Defence Training College also includes the provision of extensive formal leisure facilities (such as a swimming pool and sports centre) that will be available to both the trainees and their families, and also the wider population. It is because of this that Entec consider that the development will not cause the conservation status of the SSSI and cSINCs to be affected adversely because of recreational pressures. Such pressures are likely to be avoided because of the provision of more convenient and better facilities within the new development. Therefore recreational pressures will not lead to significant effects occurring to designated sites.

6.9 Assessment of Effects: Hedgerows

6.9.1 Baseline Conditions

Current Baseline Conditions A total of 247 hedgerows were subject to assessment. Of these, 57 are considered to be ‘important’ under the criteria defined by the Hedgerow Regulations and a further 24 are considered to be species-rich (based on the definitions provided within The Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Surveying, JNCC, 2003). The remainder of the hedgerows were classified as species- poor intact or defunct hedgerows. The management of the hedgerows present within the site varies with some subject to only very periodic management and others considered to be over managed. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is the most frequently recorded hedgerow species, with hazel (Corylus avellana), field maple (Acer campestre), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), elm (Ulmus procera) and elder (Sambucus nigra) also common. Lords and ladies (Arum maculatum), wood false-brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) and wood avens (Geum urbanum) were frequently recorded hedgerow ground flora. The majority of the hedgerows within the site have an associated bank or wall for at least half the length of the hedge, but only a very small number have an associated ditch. Most of the hedgerows present within the site boundary are located around the edges, in the less developed areas e.g. Castleton, and along the Llantwit Major Pipeline route and the Northern Access Road route. In these three areas in particular, the majority of the field boundaries comprise hedgerows, a high proportion of which are intact and species-rich, and in addition 49 of the 57 ‘important’ hedgerows occur in these parts of the site. Similarly, the field boundaries within the Gileston and Batslays survey areas are also predominantly hedgerows (of which 2 are ‘important’).

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A high proportion of the hedgerows are connected to, or parallel to, one or more further hedgerows or areas of woodland, thereby forming a network of habitat links throughout the site, as well as connecting to further hedgerows off-site in the wider countryside.

Predicted Future Baseline In the absence of development, the current management of the hedgerows is likely to continue. This is unlikely to result in the currently defunct and/or species-poor hedgerows improving in quality but is likely to ensure maintenance of the biodiversity value of the species-rich and ‘important’ hedgerows.

6.9.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance

Effects due to Construction/ Permanent Land use Change Effects of Temporary Disturbance to Hedgerows The rising main between the site and Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTW) is approximately 5.5km in length and will require a working area of approximately 12m in width. The route is predominantly located adjacent to the Northern Access Road or within agricultural fields. However, the route also passes through, and thus affects, 20 hedgerows, of which 15 are species-poor and therefore not considered to be valued ecological resources in their own right but they do contribute to the wider hedgerow network. Five are species-rich and all are also considered to be ecologically ‘important’ under the Hedgerow Regulations (1997). As already stated a maximum of 12m from each hedgerow would be temporarily removed (although effort will be made to reduce the working corridor width through the ‘important’ hedgerows). Therefore, a maximum of approximately 180m of species-poor and 60m of ‘important’ hedgerow would be affected. In all locations the hedgerow would be re-planted on completion of the works using native, locally sourced species, chosen to reflect those that are already present in the hedge. The species-poor hedgerows would be enhanced by planting a wider range of locally found hedgerow species. The installation of the pipeline, and associated temporary hedgerow removal, also has the potential to temporarily fragment the wider hedgerow network, which could also affect the fauna that rely on this network for foraging and commuting (e.g. dormice and bats). However, the pipeline route is located in close proximity to main roads (primarily the B4265), which have already severed the habitat corridors. Therefore, the development would only temporarily fragment the small sections of hedgerow that are located between the road and the pipeline corridor, which, given their location (already being adjacent to the road), are unlikely to be key foraging or commuting areas for fauna. In addition to the pipeline, further areas of hedgerow are likely to be temporarily disturbed during the construction of the Northern Access Road. These will also be replanted on completion of the works using native species. With all this said, it is considered that the temporary loss and disturbance of valued hedgerows will not result in a significant effect as their conservation status will not be affected in the long term. Furthermore, the severance on a temporary basis of the hedgerow network is unlikely to have a significant affect on the integrity and connectivity of the network and in actual fact the planting up of gappy, species poor hedgerows will, in the longer term, actually result in an enhanced hedgerow network albeit it is considered unlikely that such a positive effect would be significant.

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Effects of Permanent Habitat Loss As part of the scheme design hedgerows have avoided, or been incorporated into (e.g. in the SFA areas), the development wherever possible to ensure the retention of these habitats in-situ. However, permanent loss of hedgerow will nonetheless occur in a small number of locations. The main carriageway (including verges) of the proposed Northern Access Road will be around 20m in width. The total width of the area disturbed as a result of the road will vary in size depending on the embankment and bunds required at the edges of the road and at junctions. For the purposes of assessment, an average disturbance area of 30m has been assumed. The route of the road crosses ten existing hedgerows (none of which are located at junctions). Of these, three are considered to be ‘important’ under the Hedgerow Regulations (1997) and the remainder are species-poor. Based on a disturbance area of 30m, an approximate total of 90m of ‘important’ hedgerow and 210m of species-poor hedgerow would be permanently lost. However, where possible, hedgerows will be translocated from the works area and will be re-planted along the edge of the new road. Hedgerows considered to be ‘important’ will be prioritised for translocation. Therefore, the permanent loss of hedgerow as a result of the road will actually be less than 300m. Further hedgerows will be permanently lost as a result of the re-development of the Picketston area for the DTC and the south part of the ABP (near Batslays). At Picketson five hedgerows (three species-poor and two species-rich, but none which are ‘important’) will be permanently lost. At Batslays five hedgerows will be lost (all of which are species-poor) and two (also species-poor) will be severed by the new road access. In total this will result in the permanent loss of another approximately 1.8km of hedgerow. However, again, where possible the hedgerows removed will be translocated and planted appropriately within the site such that the total loss of hedgerow will end up being less than this. Due to the new Northern Access Road being located in fairly close proximity to the existing Eglwys Brewis road, the small sections of hedgerow that currently occur to the south of the road will become disconnected permanently with the wider hedgerow network albeit because they are already severed by the existing road, this is unlikely to affect, in any great way, the connectivity of the wider hedgerow network. In total the development is likely to permanently affect all or part of 32 of the 247 hedgerows (13%) recorded within the survey area. This will result in the loss of approximately 2.1km of the hedgerow, which is, in the main, species-poor (approximately 95% of that hedgerow lost is species poor). Given the large number of hedgerows that will remain unaffected by the development (87% in total), the loss of 2.1km (which represents a loss of 6% as a percentage of the total area of hedgerow) of hedgerow is not considered likely to affect the conservation status of the local hedgerow network. Furthermore the measures that are to be implemented to enhance those hedgerows that are currently in poor condition and which will remain unaffected by the development will actually help to reinforce the ability for the site’s hedgerows to function as a network providing not only habitat in their own right but also movement corridors for flora and fauna. Furthermore, only 90m of ‘important hedgerow is to be lost as a result of the development. In total this represents a loss of only 0.2% of the site’s total extent of hedgerow resource, and within the much wider agricultural landscape where ‘important’ hedgerows are fairly common, such a loss would be even less noticeable. For these reasons it is considered that there would be no significant effects caused by the permanent loss of ‘important’ hedgerows.

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As explained earlier it is also worth noting that, where it is possible, effort will be made to translocate ‘important’ hedgerows to suitable parts of the site thus reducing the effect of this loss still further. The landscape strategy also includes the provision of extensive landscape planting using native, locally sourced species to form green corridors, including hedgerows, throughout the site totalling approximately 30ha (further detail in Chapter 7, Landscape Effects).

Legal Implications The removal of any hedgerow, whether temporary or permanent, will require the submission of a Hedgerow Removal Notice to the Vale of Glamorgan which details the location of the hedgerow and its characteristics.

6.10 Assessment of Effects: Dormouse

6.10.1 Baseline Conditions

Current Baseline Conditions A single dormouse nest was found in a hedgerow within the West Camp Access survey area, which is located in the south-west of the site. No evidence of dormouse was found throughout the rest of the site, despite areas of suitable habitat (hedgerows and woodland) being present within the eastern and western areas (e.g. Castleton) of the site. However, as dormice can live at low densities within hedgerows (1.3 adults per ha as opposed to 4-10 per ha in good woodland habitat as stated in English Nature, 2006), they can be more difficult to detect by surveying, particularly if abundant natural nesting habitat is available. Therefore, dormice could occur within other parts of the site. It is also possible that the nest was created by a dispersing individual, as hedgerows and other linear features are often used for this purpose (English Nature, 2006). Continuous habitat connections to the south are severed by the B2465, which although single carriageway is nonetheless a busy road, and therefore dispersal to or from the south is unlikely. However, the hedgerows and woodland in the West Camp Access area connect to the north and east via the vegetation along the disused railway line and into the hedgerows present towards Llanmaes and Llantwit Major (to the north) and the Lower River Thaw valley (to the east), suggesting that the dormouse present on site may have dispersed from the north, potentially from possible populations around Cowbridge (Vale of Glamorgan LBAP).

Predicted Future Baseline In the absence of intervention, and if the current management of hedgerows and woodland continues, it is possible that dormice could colonise the western areas of the site further. This would strengthen the current Vale of Glamorgan population, the status of which at present is largely unknown. However, dormice that occupy hedgerows are particularly vulnerable to over or under-management, which can remove important food sources and alter hedgerow structure, and therefore without specifically tailored management any colonising population could be at

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risk from extinction if linear habitat connections were not maintained (and in order for this to occur they require management) due to the limited potential for dispersal by animals to the south.

6.10.2 Predicted Effects and Their Significance

Effects due to Construction/ Permanent Land Use Change There will be no direct effects on the hedgerow in which the dormouse nest was found as a result of construction. There will also be no disturbance to the adjacent hedgerows and woodland. The nearest area of development to this hedgerow will be the construction of the northern access road, ~300m to the north-west. As dormice tend to only travel up to around 120m from their nests in hedgerows, there is low potential for the dormouse using the West Camp Access area to be individually significantly affected by the development. However, notwithstanding the lack of evidence to indicate dormouse presence along the route of the northern access road, given the likely dispersal routes to and from the West Camp Access area (i.e. to the north and east), the potential for dormice to occur in this location remains. The route of the proposed road will affect 20 hedgerows, resulting in both permanent and temporary habitat loss. This has the potential to result in two effects, those of habitat loss and fragmentation.

Effects of Habitat Loss Firstly, it could reduce the amount of suitable habitat available for the local population to below the threshold required to support a viable population. There are no studies on the minimum number of dormice required to maintain a population, although the Dormouse Conservation Handbook (EN, 2006), suggests a population of less than 20 would be vulnerable to extinction. Based on a density of 1.3 individuals per hectare within hedgerows (Bright and MacPherson, 2002), approximately 15ha of hedgerow would be required to support a viable population. From an aerial photograph of the site and the land to the north and west (http://maps.live.com/), it is clear that many of the agricultural fields are bounded by hedgerows and that there appears to be linkages via hedgerows to remnant pockets of broadleaved woodland located south of Cowbridge. Whilst the quality of the hedgerows as habitat for dormouse has not been assessed, it appears that suitable habitat is available in the wider area. Therefore, it is likely that permanent loss of ~300m of hedgerow as a result of the Northern Access Road is unlikely to significantly affect the long-term distribution or abundance of the local population and the conservation status would be maintained. Nonetheless, additional habitat creation will occur to compensate for the loss of habitat and to increase the amount of habitat available (see below).

Effects through Fragmentation The second potential effect of habitat loss is temporary (during construction) and permanent (as a result of the land use change) fragmentation of the local dormouse population resulting in the isolation of individuals using the habitat south of the new road, as dormice generally avoid crossing open ground (which exposes them to predation). In the short-term, temporary fragmentation could affect the breeding success of the local population (e.g. if too many female dormice were isolated from males and the number of young born reduced) which, if sustained over two to three years, could result in a long-term decline in the conservation status of the local population and ultimately therefore have a significant effect. In order to minimise this potentially significant effect, a number of environmental measures are

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proposed to ensure connectivity is maintained. The primary measure will be using bales of hay, augmented with brash to provide cover, positioned at the end of each day (April to November inclusive) along the line of severed hedgerows to provide cover for dormice when foraging and dispersing. Once completed the new northern access road is likely to form a permanent barrier to dormouse movement, as dormice rarely cross roads (English Nature, 2006). This will isolate those dormice present to the south of the new road from the population to the north of the road. Given the limited habitat present south of the new road, the size of any dormouse population in this area may not be sufficiently large to be viable in the long-term and therefore has the potential for extinction. However, it is considered that any individuals north of the new road would be sufficiently connected to off-site habitat to form part of a wider viable population, thus maintaining conservation status. In order to minimise this fragmentation and isolation effect, additional habitat will be created along the Boverton and Llamnaes Brook (including underneath the Northern Access Road bridge) to link the hedgerows south of West Camp with those in the wider area north of the Northern Access Road (further detail in the Ecology Strategy, Appendix E). Where smaller brooks or footpaths interrupt the green corridor, small bridges such as steel “arbors” planted with climbers will be used. These measures will ensure that movement between the northern and southern areas can continue and that the long-term viability (and therefore conservation status) of the local population is maintained, such that a significant effect will not occur. The existing hedgerows within this southern area will also be enhanced with additional planting (if necessary) and future management designed to ensure that only a proportion of each hedgerow is managed each year to retain areas that continue to produce food for dormice. The detailed habitat management plan will provide guidance on timing and frequency of management to ensure that the legislation relating to dormice is not contravened. Nest tubes/boxes will also be installed to increase the carrying capacity of the habitat for support dormice. In addition, the landscape strategy includes the provision of a green corridor around and through the site, which links to existing habitat features. This could comprise trees, scrub, rough grassland or hedgerows and will be created using native, locally sourced species. The additional habitat around the site will create and enhance existing dispersal corridors that will be available to dormice and should increase movement west-east across the site. The use of a wide variety of native species will also increase the potential for the habitats present to support higher densities of dormouse.

Effects on Individual Dormice Despite the lack of absolute evidence there is potential for dormice to occur within the hedgerows that will be affected by the works (as described above). Consequently there is the potential for individual animals to be harmed or injured and for nests/resting places to be disturbed and thus the legislation relating to the animals to be contravened. A development licence from the Welsh Assembly Government will be obtained prior to the works commencing to allow the potentially disturbing works to proceed without causing an offence under the legislation relating to this species (Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations, 1994 (as amended)). This will detail the measures that will be implemented to minimise potential effects on dormouse.

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In summary, vegetation clearance in those areas with high potential to support dormouse will be restricted as much as possible and phased to minimise potential disturbance to dormice present. Vegetation will initially be cut down to a minimum of 12 inches above the ground during the winter, when dormice are hibernating near to the ground and birds are not breeding. This will encourage any dormice present to passively leave the area of development when they emerge from hibernation and move into adjacent hedgerows that will not be affected by works. Following this, in the summer (June onwards) the root bases will be removed. Measures will also be implemented during the site clearance works to reduce potential effects on individual dormice, e.g. phased vegetation clearance, timed to encourage passive movement out of the works area and destructive searching for nests. Based on the likelihood of dormice occurring, and with the environmental measures described above, it is considered that significant effects on dormice will not occur during construction.

Effects Due to New Infrastructure and Operation Predation Effects With an increased number of residents based at the Defence Technical Centre, there is potential for an increase in dormouse predation from pets, notably cats living in the areas of new housing, as it has been recorded that cats will hunt dormice if they encounter them (e.g. Nelson et al, 2005). However, this appears to be a relatively uncommon occurrence probably due to the scarcity of dormice and the low densities at which they occur. For example in one study, of the 14,370 prey items brought back by 986 pet cats, only 12 were identified as dormice, equal to 0.008% of the total (Woods et al, 2003). Nonetheless, the loss of only a small number of dormice from the local population could affect its long-term viability and therefore conservation status. However, as part of the site wide landscape strategy additional areas of habitat will be created, using native shrub and tree species that are likely to provide good habitat for dormice. These habitat corridors will be created throughout the development, including areas where habitat for dormice has previously been limited, absent or isolated from the wider landscape and where cats will not occur during operation of the site, e.g. around the DTC. The additional areas of habitat will enable dormice to occur where predation from cats will be limited. It may also increase the size of the local population, which would contribute to offsetting potential effects arising from cat predation. Given the environmental measures that are incorporated into the scheme, it is considered that the development is unlikely to have a significant effect on the long term conservation status of dormice.

6.11 Assessment of Effects: Otter

6.11.1 Baseline Conditions

Current Baseline Conditions Evidence of otter activity was recorded on all the named watercourses surveyed, i.e. the Nant-y- Stepsau, Rhyl Stream, River Thaw, Boverton Brook and Llanmaes Brook, of which the latter four are present within the site boundary.

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The greatest level of activity was recorded on the River Thaw, with a confirmed holt located adjacent to the River to the east of Castleton Farm and a possible holt in the Rills Valley south of Castleton. No other likely resting places were found along the river, although otter activity in the vicinity of both Castleton and Gileston was high, with spraints found at 11 locations within the two survey areas and with several otter footprints also found. Three sprainting locations were found along Boverton Brook (one at the junction with Llanmaes Brook) and one spraint was found on Llanmaes Brook. No holts or potential resting places were found on these watercourses, although areas of dense bramble along Llanmaes Brook were identified as being suitable for use as temporary resting locations. All the watercourses in the survey appear to have good water quality (as described in the Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology Chapter 11) and support fish populations. Therefore, the watercourses are likely to be well used by otter for foraging and will also provide movement corridors to suitable habitats within the wider area. The Lower River Thaw valley in particular appears to provide good foraging and resting places. Given the high level of otter activity on the larger watercourses it is highly likely the smaller field drains (e.g. on Castleton) could also be used by this species on an infrequent basis. However, use of all the watercourses is unlikely to be constant, as given the large territory sizes of otters, individuals and family groups will use different parts of a territory at different times of year dependant on the food resource available (Chanin, 2003).

Predicted Future Baseline The otter population in Wales has been steadily increasing since the middle of the 20th Century, such that otters are now found throughout Wales in good numbers. They occur on almost every watercourse and have expanded and consolidated their range in England as well. Due to the high level of legal protection they receive persecution has reduced, although deaths from traffic accidents still occur reasonably regularly. Given the current status of otters in Wales, the future baseline at the site is likely to remain similar to the existing baseline, such that otter use of the watercourses is likely to remain high. Based on the existing high use, it is possible the local area is at carrying capacity for otters and it is therefore unlikely usage would increase. The way otters use the watercourses (i.e. for foraging, commuting and resting) is also likely to remain broadly similar provided the water quality remains at its current level (or improves) and the adjacent habitats are managed as they are at present.

6.11.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance

Effects Due to Construction/ Permanent Land Use Change Effects of Habitat Loss/Alteration The main areas of development largely avoid the areas of otter habitat (primarily the watercourses). However, both the northern access road and the Gileston road improvements will directly affect watercourses that are known to support otter. At both these locations habitat loss will be negligible and limited to the areas underneath and adjacent to new watercourse crossings or, in the case of Gileston, to the area of the bridge upgrade. No holts or potential resting places have been recorded at any of the proposed crossing locations. The upper reaches of the Boverton Brook will also require re-aligning through the northern part of the Defence

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Training Centre to accommodate new infrastructure. No evidence of otter has been recorded in this location. However, given the high level of otter activity in the St Athan area, there is high potential for otter to use this part of the watercourse, although there is limited suitable habitat available to accommodate holts or resting sites. A buffer zone of at least 7m will be maintained around watercourses in all other locations. This would be demarcated by fencing. This buffer would be maintained during operation of the site and scrub would be encouraged to colonise in certain locations to provide areas that can be used by otter for resting. Artificial holts will also be created along the Boverton and Llanmaes Brooks. Given the amount of suitable alternative habitat available, the amount of habitat loss or altered will not significantly affect the long-term distribution and abundance of the local otter population. Therefore the conservation status will be maintained and significant effects will not occur.

Effects on Individual Otters As otter resting places can be difficult to locate definitely and can change throughout the year, there is potential for an otter to be disturbed whilst using a resting place during the construction of the watercourse crossings. However, this is considered to be a low risk because the bankside habitats present in the crossing locations are generally inappropriate for such a use. To minimise this risk further, and to ensure compliance with the legislation relating to otters (Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations, 1994 (as amended)), a re-survey of the crossing locations (and a buffer zone each side) will be undertaken prior to the start of construction. Should a confirmed resting place be found, consultation with CCW would be undertaken and a development licence obtained from the Welsh Assembly Government to allow otherwise illegal activities to proceed, if required. Given the high usage of the watercourses within the development site, there is potential for the legislation relating to otters to be contravened through individual otters being harmed/ injured or disturbed during the construction phase. As outlined in the Ecological Strategy (Appendix E), environmental measures will be employed to ensure that all potentially harmful or disturbing construction activity has finished when otters are most likely to be using the watercourses and that access to foraging and commuting routes is not restricted. These measures will include: • Working only during daylight hours;

• Leaving the watercourses clear of construction materials at the end of each day. With the implementation of these measures it is considered the construction will adhere to the relevant legislation concerning otters and that the conservation status of the local population will be maintained. Therefore, no significant effects will occur on otter as a result of construction or land-use change.

Effects Due to New Infrastructure and Operation Effects through Fragmentation The watercourse crossings will be designed in consultation with the Environment Agency Wales. The main crossing for the northern access road over the Llanmaes Brook will be a clear- span bridge that will preserve the character of the watercourse and its adjacent banks. Other, smaller crossings may be culverted (using box culverts), particularly where Boverton Brook is

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crossed by the B2465 and a second where the Nant y Stepsau is crossed by St Athans Road (following guidance provided in the DMRB). In all cases, features to facilitate otter movement (such as mammal ledges and underpasses) will be provided at each crossing. The watercourse crossings will all carry single carriageway traffic and the width of the crossing will be minimised, although otters are known to travel through large culverts to access areas of suitable habitat. These measures will minimise the potential for fragmentation or isolation from productive foraging grounds and/or holt locations off site, thereby maintaining the long-term viability of the local population and the conservation status. As a result it is considered that significant effects will not occur.

Effects of Increased Traffic and New Roads By designing the crossings to allow unhindered otter movement along the watercourses affected, there will be a reduction in the potential for road casualties which are mainly caused when otters cannot follow the Course of the stream or river and are therefore forced to cross the road. Measures to guide otters to the safe crossing points will also be employed e.g. dense landscape planting and otter proof fencing used along roadsides to discourage animals from moving on to roads.

6.12 Assessment of Effects: Great Crested Newt

6.12.1 Baseline Conditions

Current Baseline Conditions Great crested newt have been confirmed as present in 11 ponds within the survey area, all of which are located within the site boundary; at Batslays (three ponds), East Camp (three ponds), west of Llantwit Major (three ponds), Castleton Farm (one pond) and St Johns Valley (one pond). A great crested newt has also been recorded within an underground structure on the south side of the runway. The waterbodies are quite widely spaced, although it is anticipated that there is exchange of individuals between the waterbodies in each area and also occasionally between the different areas. Two of the waterbodies in the Batslays area (numbered three and four) comprise stone-lined field ponds, located in improved pasture fields which are bounded by species-poor hedgerows and fences. To the south of the Batslays area, the vegetation along the railway line provides good terrestrial habitat for great crested newt. Ponds 3 and 4 initially supported a small population (max count 11 in 2002) of the species, although counts in 2008 were slightly higher (max count 25 on same survey night). The third pond (WC3) in this area comprises one of the new ponds created in 2007 to receive the great crested newt from East Camp (when they are translocated). It is a linear pond, which is concrete lined (to replicate the ponds on East Camp). It was first surveyed in 2008 and at least four great crested newts were recorded, including one juvenile, which are all likely to have colonised from ponds 3 and 4. This cluster of ponds is considered to support a ‘medium’ population of great crested newts (following guidance in English Nature, 2001) and breeding has been confirmed in all three ponds. The three ponds on East Camp (numbered 19, 19a and 20), all comprise emergency water supply (EWS) tanks and are concrete lined. Pond 19 holds only shallow water, but has some limited marginal vegetation. The other two ponds hold much deeper water and have little aquatic or emergent vegetation. Maximum counts in each pond (on the same night) in 2005

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were 25 (pond 19), 31 (pond 19a) and 44 (pond 20). In 2008, the maximum counts (on different nights) were broadly similar at 19, 29 and 17 respectively. Given the numbers recorded, the ponds on East Camp are considered to support a ‘medium’ to ‘large’ sized great crested newt population (English Nature, 2001). Breeding has been confirmed in all three ponds. All the ponds have very limited suitable terrestrial habitat surrounding them, restricted to the small compounds in which they are located, which support small amounts of ruderal and scrub vegetation. Beyond these areas the habitats comprise predominantly amenity grassland, hardstanding and buildings, which provide largely unsuitable terrestrial habitat for newt. Similarly to many of the other ponds surveyed, two of those (number L31 and L41-2) supporting great crested newt west of Llantwit Major comprise rectangular stone-lined field ponds. Both support limited aquatic or emergent vegetation and are located within improved pasture fields. The third pond (numbered L31-A) is a garden pond with a stone surround and butyl liner. It is a small pond, but supports extensive aquatic and emergent vegetation. Ponds L31 and L31-A are located north of the B4265 and Pond L41-2 is located south of the B4265. Low numbers of great crested newt were recorded within these ponds during 2008, with maximum counts of nine (pond L31), one (pond L31-A) and two (pond L41-2). Whilst individually the ponds support ‘small’ great crested newt populations, combined, the population is likely to fall within the ‘medium’ category (as defined by English Nature, 2001). Great crested newt have been anecdotally reported as occurring in two further ponds north of L31 and L31-A. The single pond at Castleton (numbered 18) is similar to those at Batslays and is a large stone- lined field pond, holding relatively shallow water (~50cm) and surrounded by scrub with some aquatic vegetation. The maximum counts of great crested newt in this pond were six in 2005 and seven in 2008, indicating a relatively stable but ‘small’ breeding population (English Nature, 2001). The pond is located at the junction of two species-rich hedgerows, which link to further species-rich hedgerows and semi-natural broad-leaved woodland, providing excellent terrestrial habitat for great crested newts. The hedgerows border improved and arable fields that provide less suitable habitat for newt. The single pond within St Johns Valley (WC2A) is another of the new ponds created in 2007 to receive the great crested newt from East Camp. It is small, has a butyl liner and within it stones and rocks are present. One great crested newt adult was recorded in this pond in 2008. The nearest existing great crested newt population to pond WC2A is East Camp and this is the most likely origin of the newt found in the pond, although the habitat connections between Batslays and WC2A are also good. A single female great crested newt has also been recorded within a storm-drain that receives surface water from the runway and discharges into a small watercourse to the south of the runway. These drains are not considered to support a self sustaining population of great crested newt, instead, it is considered likely that animals are occasionally swept into the drains. Further waterbodies also occur within the site and the surrounding landscape, but at present they have not been confirmed as supporting great crested newt. The quality of the terrestrial habitat throughout the application site varies from poor quality hard-standing and amenity grassland within the St Athan base to good quality species-rich hedgerows and scrub around the edges of the pasture fields, woodlands and the railway line. Terrestrial surveys of the railway line (DCE, 2003b) have shown that it is used by great crested newt and this feature may enable movement east-west across the site. The hedgerows within the Castleton Farm area, Picketston and west of

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West Camp may also provide corridors or movement to the north of the application site, although few ponds are thought to be extant in the landscape to the north.

Predicted Future Baseline At present, all the ponds supporting great crested newt appear to be in reasonable condition, with the exception of Pond 19 where the liner is torn and the depth of water is significantly reduced. It is likely that the ponds at Batslays, Castleton and St Johns Valley would remain in reasonable condition in the future provided they are still required as field ponds or, in the case of the new ponds, if they are maintained. Therefore, it reasonable to assume that if the ponds remain in the same condition, the great crested newt population will also remain broadly the same as at present. The ponds (the EWS tanks) at East Camp are considered likely to gradually degrade as the liner breaks down meaning that their water holding potential is reduced. This has already occurred at one pond although this does not appear to be negatively affecting the great crested newt population. In the absence of the proposed development, these EWS would be retained on site and would therefore require maintenance, which if sensitively carried out (bearing in mind the presence of the species) may not be detrimental to the great crested newt population. Great crested newts are currently unable to colonise the remaining nine ponds created in 2007, as exclusion fencing has been installed around their perimeters. However, they are clearly suitable for great crested newt as two have already been colonised. Therefore, further aquatic habitat for great crested newt could be available if development did not occur, which could increase the local population.

6.12.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance

Effects due to Construction/ Permanent Land Use Change Effects on the Batslays Population All the ponds supporting great crested newt at Batslays will be retained and will remain unaffected by the development. Therefore, breeding habitat for the population of great crested newt that occur here will remain. Development for the ABP will occur to the north and east of the ponds, and will result in the permanent loss of approximately 32ha of land. This area currently supports arable crop, improved grassland, species-poor hedgerows and bare ground/hard-standing. Due to the proximity of these habitats to the ponds (i.e. within 50m to 500m distance), they are likely to be used by great crested newt when they are in their terrestrial phase. However, usage is likely to be limited as these habitat types offer little foraging or hibernation opportunities. It is considered that the habitats along the railway line to the south of the ponds are likely to be used more extensively for foraging, hibernation and dispersal. Nonetheless, loss of terrestrial habitat within 50m of a breeding pond is considered within the Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines (EN, 2001) as a high level of impact (please note these guidelines are used in the absence of a Welsh equivalent). At Batslays, this potentially significant effect will be minimised by the management of land to the south of the ponds as part of the site’s wider great crested newt strategy. Within 50m to 250m from the ponds, the fields which are currently improved and grazed by stock, will be managed less intensively to encourage a species-rich and structurally diverse grassland sward

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which will offer an improved foraging habitat. This will link to further green corridors to the east and west, along the railway line, which will facilitate dispersal. An amphibian underpass will be installed beneath the southern access road to allow movement between Batslays and St John’s Valley. The improvement of habitat adjacent to the south of the breeding ponds at Batslays is considered to compensate for the permanent loss of poor quality terrestrial habitat to the north of the ponds, such that the favourable conservation status of the local population would be maintained and significant effects will not occur.

Effects on the Castleton Farm Population The single pond supporting great crested newt will be retained and will remain unaffected during construction. The pond will be protected from disturbance during works by a fenced 10m buffer area. Therefore, breeding habitat for the population of great crested newt that occur here will be preserved. The pond is currently located within agricultural land comprising arable and improved grassland fields offering the species limited suitable terrestrial habitat. Oxmoor Wood to the east of the pond does, it is considered however, provide excellent terrestrial habitat for the species. Small amounts of construction activity will occur within these habitat types located within 500m of the breeding pond. This will be limited to groundworks and landscaping to create the golf course extension, the construction of less than 10 houses as part of the SFA development north of the golf course and additional landscape planting to buffer the Castleton Training Area from the housing to the north and south. The housing will be located over 450m from the pond and will result in the loss of approximately 0.1ha of poor quality terrestrial habitat (currently arable crop), which would have a low level impact on the local great crested newt population (EN, 2001). Altering the location of the golf course fairways and the additional landscape planting around the edge of the Training Area will increase the amount of good quality terrestrial habitat within 500m of the pond, as these will replace the poor quality species-poor improved grassland and arable crop habitats that currently occur there. Given that construction and land take at Castleton will result in no or low level potential impacts, it is considered that the favourable conservation status of the local great crested newt population would be maintained and significant negative effects will be avoided.

Effects on the East Camp Population As a result of the development, three great crested newt breeding ponds will be permanently lost. The ponds collectively support a medium to large great crested newt population, which is likely to be, in the main, confined to the waterbodies and their immediate environs as the surrounding terrestrial habitat is considered to be of extremely poor quality (that is also intensively managed and regularly disturbed) for the species. Loss of any breeding pond is considered to be a high level impact within the Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines (EN, 2001). In order to mitigate the potential effect of permanently losing these ponds, nine receptor ponds were created in 2007 within St John’s Valley to the south of the airfield. These ponds were created specifically to receive newt relocated from the East Camp ponds during redevelopment of the site. They were built in 2007 to ensure that the conditions within the ponds had matured and would be suitable for amphibians when the time came to undertake the translocation. As the aim of the ponds was to provide breeding habitat for great crested newt on East Camp, they

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were constructed in a similar fashion to the EWS tanks that were to be lost. They have been fenced since their construction to prevent natural colonisation by great crested newt. The nine ponds represent a 3:1 replacement for the ponds lost on East Camp, which is line with the guidance provided by EN (2001) that states that the first aim of mitigation should be to at least replace what is being lost. The poor quality terrestrial habitat that occurs within 500m of the ponds at East Camp will be permanently lost because as a result of the development the newly developed areas that are not subject to building or associated infrastructure will be, in the main, ‘formal’ managed landscape which will be subject to high levels of maintenance. Such areas will be of very low value for the species and so they will be permanently excluded from this area. This will allow maintenance and normal operational activities to be undertaken with no risk to the animals (see Effects due to new infrastructure and operation). Such a loss of habitat is therefore considered to be a very low level impact because of the poor quality of the habitats that are currently present and because much better new habitat is to be created (or retained) in the vicinity of the new ponds. The new ponds to which the East Camp great crested newt will be relocated are situated in an area of scrub and rough grassland which will provide better opportunities for the species to forage and hibernate than that which currently exists in East Camp. The habitats will also be managed appropriately in the long term. In summary given the provision of new ponds adjacent to good terrestrial habitat, providing a greater amount of habitat than is currently present, it is considered that the favourable conservation status of the East Camp great crested newt population will be maintained. Therefore, potentially significant negative effects are unlikely to occur and, in actual fact, it is considered likely that because currently the population at East Camp is threatened by the deterioration in the water holding capacity of the existing ponds themselves and that the quality of the terrestrial habitat that exists is poor, in the long run the affect on the East Camp great crested newt may be positive. Effects on the St Johns Valley Population No construction will occur within St John’s valley. Therefore, the aquatic and terrestrial great crested newt habitat present in this location will remain unaffected by the development and potentially significant effects will not occur.

Effects on the Llantwit Major Population The route of the pipeline avoids all waterbodies, including those that have been shown to support great crested newts. Therefore, great crested newt breeding habitat will not be affected by this aspect of the development and no impact will occur. However, the pipeline route passes through arable, species-poor grassland and hedgerow within approximately 100m of two ponds supporting great crested newt (the third pond is separated from the works by a main road). Therefore, the construction of the pipe will result in temporary disturbance of potential great crested newt terrestrial habitat within 250m of a breeding pond. Due to the temporary, not permanent, loss of habitat and the distance from the ponds, this level of impact is classed as low (EN, 2001). Based on the avoidance of the breeding ponds and temporary loss of habitat, it is considered that the installation of the pipeline will not affect the favourable conservation status of the local great crested newt population and significant effects therefore will not occur (albeit certain

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mitigation to avoid contravention of the legislation will still need to be implemented – see immediately below).

Effects on Individual Great Crested Newt throughout the Application Site – General Principles of Mitigation to avoid Contravention of Legislation Due to the proximity of great crested newt breeding ponds to a number of the works areas (primarily East Camp, Batslays and the pipeline), there is the potential for individual newts to be harmed or killed during construction activities. Therefore, to ensure compliance with the legislation relating to great crested newt (Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations, 1994 (as amended)), a licence will be obtained from the Welsh Assembly Government prior to major works (minor works may occur before a licence is obtained under the supervision of an ecologist if the risk is deemed to be low). This will detail the methods of works that should be followed to minimise the potential for harm to great crested newt and the environmental measures (described in more detail in the Ecology Strategy in Appendix E) that will be employed to relocate animals and prevent them from accessing the works area. In summary, where required, animals will be captured in spring when the majority of the population is likely to be present in breeding ponds. It is considered likely the animals occupying the waterbodies on East Camp do not travel far from the pond for foraging or hibernating due to the very poor habitat present, however amphibian exclusion fencing, pitfall traps/refugia and destructive searching would nonetheless be used to capture animals in the terrestrial phase here as well as at Batslays. Bottle traps will also be used to capture great crested newt within the EWS tanks on East Camp, before they are carefully drained of water and then demolished. As noted previously all great crested newt captured on East Camp would be translocated to St John’s Valley in the southern part of the site where nine new mitigation ponds were constructed in 2007 to act as a receptor site. Great crested newt caught south of the airfield will be relocated to the Batslays ponds. Minor demolition works required prior to obtaining a licence, will be completed under a Method and Risk Assessment Statement and the supervision of a CCW great crested newt licence holder (described in more detail in the Ecology Strategy in Appendix E). As a result of these actions there will be no contravention of the legislation as a result of these activities.

Effects due to New Infrastructure and Operation Effects on Individual Great Crested Newt Once the development is operational, management of the infrastructure and landscaping will commence. Where these activities occur outside the permanent amphibian exclusion fencing, they have the potential to harm or kill great crested newts that may be present in the vicinity of the works being undertaken and therefore to contravene the legislation relating to this species (as outlined above). To ensure compliance with this legislation and to minimise potential effects on individual great crested newts, a statement will be produced providing guidelines for staff on the most appropriate method to undertake likely maintenance or management activities. This will also provide guidance on when a licence may be required to undertake certain works. By adherence to these guidelines, there will be no potential to contravene the legislation and the favourable conservation status of the site population will be maintained.

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Effects on the Site and Wider Population through Fragmentation Within the application site, five great crested newt populations occur. The East Camp, Batslays and St John’s Valley ponds are all relatively close together (around 500m apart) and exchange of individuals between these populations is highly likely. The ponds at Castleton and Llantwit Major are more distant and separated from the other ponds by roads with few suitable ponds in- between (that could be used as ‘stepping stone’ habitats). It is therefore likely that only very infrequent migration occurs to and from these ponds. With all this said it is important to ensure connectivity across the site and into the surrounding landscape so that the ability for transfer of individuals throughout separate populations is maintained. The development primarily re-uses areas of existing building and hard-standing, such that the existing habitat connections across the site will remain, in the main, intact. However, the Northern Access Road and SFA housing areas could create barriers to east-west amphibian movement, fragmenting the site population, and thereby reducing the viability of the wider population. To avoid this there will be the implementation of a comprehensive great crested newt strategy, which sits within the wider Ecological Strategy (Appendix E). The principle aims of the newt element to this strategy are to increase the available aquatic habitat and to maintain and bolster terrestrial habitat connectivity. To achieve this, a further 20 waterbodies will be constructed (in addition to the 11 already built in St John’s Valley to accommodate translocated great crested newt from East Camp) and one waterbody will be restored, around the perimeter of the main development area. Including those retained this will result in a total of 35 ponds, each suitable for habitation by newts, occurring. The ponds will be located at intervals of around 500m to ensure they are within terrestrial ‘range’ for the species, with preference given to locations that have the greatest probability of naturally holding water on a regular basis throughout the species breeding season. In addition, terrestrial habitat will be created and/or maintained, all of which will be managed in the long term, around the perimeter of the site to maintain habitat connectivity. At pinch points (e.g. the edge of the airfield and in built up areas), the terrestrial corridor will be between 4m- 10m wide and will comprise existing hedgerows and tree lines, enhanced by additional landscape planting. Larger areas of appropriate habitat will be created along Boverton Brook (south of the Northern Access Road) and at the Castleton Training Area and Golf Course, in addition to the good habitat already present within St John’s Valley. In total, approximately 144ha of terrestrial habitat will be available to GCN within land owned by the developer. Access for great crested newt to ponds and terrestrial habitat will be facilitated across potential barriers, such as roads, by amphibian (or multi-purpose, e.g. for badgers as well) underpasses and overpasses. A total of 28 underpasses (13 with StopGrid3) and one overpass are proposed. Providing additional breeding and terrestrial habitat will contribute to maintaining the site great crested newt populations at a favourable conservation status. The increase in aquatic habitat and the terrestrial links to off-site habitat should actually allow an increase in the population

3 'Stopgrid' is a proprietary name of an ACO product. It comprises a pre-cast polymer concrete subsurface culvert (newt tunnel) with an integral slotted roof which lies at surface level. The slots are sized and arranged so that any newts attempting crawl over the top fall down into the culvert below.

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size of great crested newt in the area. Therefore, it is considered that the implementation of these proposals is likely to have a significant positive effect on the great crested newt population.

6.13 Assessment of Effects: Bats

6.13.1 Baseline Conditions

Current Baseline Conditions Bat roosts in Built Structures (Summer or Transitional) Within the site the main concentrations of buildings are on the existing base, namely East Camp, the edges of the Airfield, F3 and Picketston. Here a total of 484 buildings of various construction and size occur. Of these, 24 buildings were found to support bats during the 2008 surveys. Within three additional buildings evidence of bat usage had previously been identified but no recent evidence of bats was found during the surveys of 2008. At a further 43 buildings, although no evidence of bat usage was recorded the potential remains because the buildings are built in such a way and are of such a design that they could support bat roosts. To illustrate this point on East Camp a number of the buildings are identical and so if bats have been recorded using one, there is (in most cases) the potential for them to use others. East Camp contains the highest number of buildings supporting bat roosts (16). South of the Airfield, there are five bat roosts within buildings, these being near Batslays, at West Orchard and just north of St Athan village. Three buildings within the F3 area support bats. Common pipistrelle was the most frequently recorded species entering or exiting buildings during the dusk and dawn surveys undertaken. It is likely that the droppings found within the buildings also belong to pipistrelle species except at one location (building 437 on East Camp), where the droppings found resembled those made by brown long-eared bat. Whilst not recorded in 2008, Myotis sp. have also previously been recording using building 854 within the Picketston area. The following roost types have been recorded within the survey area:

• Two common pipistrelle maternity roosts (buildings 437 - 442 and buildings 324, 344, 353, 361 and 377);

• One (possibly two) brown long-eared maternity roosts (buildings 437 – 442 and possibly 394 - 401);

• Seven common pipistrelle male roosts (buildings 437 – 442 and 303);

• One non-maternity brown long-eared roost;

• Three common pipistrelle mating/transition roosts;

• Two brown long-eared night roosts/occasional day roosts;

• One night roost for a unknown species of bat;

• Two unclassified (and possibly defunct) Myotis sp roosts;

• Two unclassified roosts of unknown species of bat.

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Bat Roosts in Built Structures (hibernation) The automated bat detectors used in the hibernation surveys recorded a single lesser horseshoe pass, a small number of Myotis sp., noctule, nathusius pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle calls and a relatively large number of common pipistrelle calls. Based on the timings and number of calls recorded it is it is considered that common pipistrelle is the only species likely to be hibernating at the site (further detail provided in the Ecology Baseline, Appendix B). However, it is unclear whether common pipistrelles use the underground structures. Instead, it is considered more likely that these bats are hibernating within buildings 344, 353 and 361, which are also used as non-maternity summer pipistrelle roosts.

Bat Roosts in Trees A total of 450 trees within the survey area were assessed for their potential to support bat roosts. None of the trees were found to support a confirmed bat roost. However 54 trees were considered to have high potential to support a roost. These included ash (Fraxinus excelsior), oak (Quercus robur), London plane (Platanus x hispanica), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and silver birch (Betula pendula) trees with features such as woodpecker holes, broken limbs, rot holes and splits and cracks within the trunk. High potential trees are scattered throughout the site including at East Camp, Castleton Farm, the Llantwit Major pipeline and Batslays.

Bat Activity Foraging and commuting bats were recorded throughout the site during the surveys in 2008. Pipistrelle bats were recorded most frequently, with both common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle present in almost every part of the site surveyed. Noctule and Myotis sp. were also recorded in the majority of the areas of the site surveyed. At the golf course the Myotis sp recorded is considered likely to be a natterer’s bat (Myotis nattereri). Two lesser horseshoe passes were recorded during the surveys, one along the Boverton Brook (near to the B4265 road Junction) and one along the River Thaw Valley (outside the application site). A possible long- eared bat was recorded along the route of the Llantwit Major pipeline (these species are difficult to record as the echolocate softly) and at Gileston it could not be determined whether one registration was a noctule or leislers (Nyctalus leisleri). No other species of bat were recorded during the surveys. Limited bat activity was recorded across the airfield, at Batslays and within the F3 area. Considering the number of roosts present within East Camp, relatively low levels of bat activity were recorded here as well. Greater amounts of bat activity were recorded in the less built parts of the site, with peaks of activity recorded at Castleton Farm and near to the route of the Northern Access Road. At all locations, the survey results indicate that linear features, such as hedgerows, landscape planting, woodland edges and the railway, are well used, although none appear to be regularly used by particularly large numbers of bats.

Predicted Future Baseline In the absence of the development it is unlikely that the current baseline for bats would alter significantly.

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6.13.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance

Effects due to Construction/ Permanent Land Use Change Effects due to loss of Building Roosts Of the 24 buildings with confirmed bat roosts, 21 will be demolished to accommodate the development. A further seven buildings of similar construction to those supporting known roosts will also be permanently lost. Hence, three buildings supporting bat roosts will be retained. The buildings that will be permanently removed are considered to support two common pipistrelle maternity roosts, two brown long-eared bat maternity roosts and several common pipistrelle male summer roosts. A number of buildings are also considered likely to support a hibernation roost, although none of the underground structures at the site are likely to support significant numbers of hibernating bats (however, the presence of a small number cannot be ruled out). The Bat Mitigation Guidelines (EN, 2004 - please note these guidelines are used in the absence of a Welsh equivalent) state that the likely scale of impact (in the context of the site) resulting from the loss of a maternity roost or a minor hibernation roost is high, whereas the loss of a summer night-roost (such as the male roosts) is likely to be low. However, it is recognised that crevice dwellers, such as common pipistrelle, are known to move between maternity sites and as such the loss of this roost type may result in a medium rather than high impact, because the bats are likely to have alternative roost locations. Brown long-eared bats, however, have more specific roost requirements and the loss of maternity roosts is considered likely to result in a high level impact. Given the scale of impact resulting from the development, environmental measures will be employed to minimise potentially significant effects arising from the loss of roosting habitat. The primary measure will be the construction of six purpose built bat houses that will incorporate roosting features and climatic conditions to suit a wide range of bat species during summer and winter, including (but not limited to) the species that will be displaced from the demolition of the buildings. Whilst not providing an exact replica of the roosts lost, these buildings will be designed and maintained to provide optimal roosting habitat. In addition, six roosts will be constructed to compensate primarily for the loss of the four maternity roosts (albeit spread over several buildings), resulting in more than a ‘like for like’ replacement. Both pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats have been encouraged successfully to use replacement roosts for previous developments, e.g. at Manchester Airport (EN, 2004), providing the construction of the bat house incorporates the required roosting features and environment. Therefore, following guidance from the Bat Mitigation Guidelines, the buildings will be of block construction with a pitched roof over bitumen underfelt sarking. The buildings will be ‘L’ shaped, have cavity walls and be at least 5m high. All the buildings will incorporate an underground structure (either existing such as air-raid shelters or newly constructed) that will be kept at 90% humidity (at least) and between 4oC and 10oC (further detail is provided in the Ecology Strategy in Appendix E). Two of these buildings will be built prior to the demolition of any buildings supporting (or highly likely to support) roosts in line with the guidance provided in the Bat Mitigation Guidelines (EN, 2004). These buildings are likely to be located around the edge of the DTC, within the landscape planting which should ensure they are linked to the wider landscape and should be found easily by bats. The remaining bat houses will be built as the demolition of the

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site progresses. A further bat house will be located on the DTC, one will be within the Picketston area and the final two will be located within the ABP. In addition to the purpose built bat houses, which it is considered would in themselves provide roosting habitat (in buildings) additional to that currently present at the site, a number of the retained buildings not supporting bats will be refurbished to incorporate roosting features, including Picketston Guardhouse and semi-detached dwellings within the ABP area. Two storage sheds, required as part of the development, will also be built to be suitable for incorporating roosting features (creating dual use buildings). For these the ground floor will be used for materials and equipment storage, and the roof space will be suitable for roosting bats. It is considered that the implementation of these environmental measures incorporated into the scheme design, will result in a net gain of highly suitable roosting habitat, not only for the species that will be displaced by the development, but which may also provide habitat for species such as lesser horseshoe bat and Myotis sp. that have been recorded as foraging/commuting (but not roosting) at the site. Therefore, the favourable conservation status of the local common pipistrelle and brown long-eared bat populations should be maintained at the current size and may even increase because of the improved roosting potential available. Based on this, it is concluded that potentially significant effects on bats as a result of the loss of building roosts will not occur.

Effects due to loss of Potential Tree Roosts Of the 54 trees considered to have high potential to support bat roosts, approximately 18 will be removed as a result of the development. Further surveys (likely to comprise a climbing inspection and/or emergent/dawn surveys) will be required nearer the time that they are to be felled (such features can be used transiently and infrequently and so surveys should be undertaken just before they are felled) to determine whether these trees do actually support bat roosts and, if so, what type of roost is present. Should a roost be confirmed within a tree to be removed appropriate environmental measures will be implemented in consultation with CCW. This may include attaching the roost feature (e.g. split limb or rotten branch) to an adjacent tree, maintaining the same aspect and height. Alternatively, bat boxes could be employed to provide roosting habitat within nearby trees. In all cases, as with the measures detailed to replace building roosts, a greater amount of roosting habitat will be provided than removed to ensure both compensation and enhancement. It is considered that given that suitable measures will be implemented should a tree roost have to be affected that potentially significant effects will be easily avoided. Additionally there will be no contravention of the legislation as a result of tree felling activities.

Effects due to Temporary Fragmentation of Commuting and Foraging Corridors During construction of the Llantwit Major pipeline, 20 hedgerows will be temporarily severed (they will be replanted as soon as works are completed) by the works corridor. Whilst activity along the hedgerows crossed by the route was found during the surveys to be generally low, four species of bat (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, noctule and Myotis sp.) were recorded using at least half of the hedgerows at some time or other. The maximum gap created within a hedgerow during the works would be 12m, although as even smaller gaps (e.g. 10m, JNCC, 2001) can prevent bats from using hedgerows, it is anticipated

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that the works area would, where it is feasible, narrow as it goes through the hedgerows such that there would be an attempt to keep gaps smaller than 10m in width. Even where gaps are made it is considered that most bats that currently occur on the site will be little affected. Noctule bats often fly away from linear features and generally are able to cross open spaces. Therefore, this species should be largely unaffected by the temporary fragmentation. Pipistrelle bats, which occur most commonly on the site, will also fly in areas away from vegetation cover and are therefore likely to be able to cross fairly large gaps and so would continue to use the hedgerows affected. The Myotis sp., found very rarely in the surveys, is the species least likely to cross the gaps in the hedgerows. However, given the temporary nature of the works and because the width of the gaps will be minimised, it is considered that this is unlikely to significantly affect the viability of the local population in any way. Therefore, it is considered the favourable conservation status of the local bat population, will be maintained during the works and potentially significant effects will not occur.

Effects on individual bats– general principles of mitigation to avoid contravention of legislation Bats have been confirmed as roosting in 24 buildings and six species have been recorded using the application site. Therefore, there is the potential for individual bats to be affected through harm, injury or disturbance during the site clearance and construction of the development. Based on the results of the survey, individual common pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats are most at risk from harm or disturbance, as these species are known to occur in buildings that will be demolished (see above), although only relatively small roosts occur. To reduce the risk of affecting individual bats, where possible, all buildings that are confirmed as supporting non-hibernation bat roosts will be demolished during the winter period (November to February) when bats will not be present, under a licence from the Welsh Assembly Government. Those buildings likely to support a hibernation roost will be demolished in late summer to allow the bats to find alternative hibernation locations (such as the newly constructed bat houses). All demolition works will be supervised by an Ecological Clerk of Works (with a bat licence). All the remaining buildings will be inspected by a licensed bat worker to ensure that the buildings remain unused by bats and can then be demolished with caution. However, a residual risk of affecting individual bats will remain and as a result, a development licence will be obtained from the Welsh Assembly Government prior to any works that could affect bats. This will ensure compliance with the legalisation relating to bats (Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations, 1994 (as amended)). As part of the licence application, a Method Statement will be produced detailing the environmental measures described above and additionally, the actions that will be taken should bats be found during site clearance and construction.

Effects due to new Infrastructure and Operation Effects due to New Roads and Infrastructure The bat surveys did not highlight any consistently well used flightlines that will be affected by the operation of the development. The layout of the DTC and ABP may alter the location of habitat corridors slightly, but the additional landscape planting through and around the edge of the site (e.g. as part of the Ecology Strategy) is likely to maintain foraging and commuting routes between roost sites (including the new roosts built as part of the scheme).

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Notwithstanding this, the Northern Access Road and the Waycock Cross highway improvements are significant pieces of new infrastructure that will fragment foraging and commuting habitat, and result in the potential for harm to bats attempting to follow flightlines (e.g. hedgerows) that are severed by the road. The safest point for bats to cross the Northern Access Road will be underneath the clear span bridge over the Llanmaes Brook. Therefore, no lighting will be installed underneath the bridge to ensure a dark corridor is available for bats (and other wildlife). Lights along the road will be designed to minimise the amount of light spillage outside the road corridor (e.g. by the use backshields), which will allow bats to forage and commute undisturbed along the road edges (i.e. using the lengths of translocated species-rich hedgerow). The roadside lighting and fencing should discourage bats from crossing the road, whilst the roadside planting should guide bats to the bridge crossing point. Similarly at Waycock Cross, mature planted trees and tall fencing will be used to provide a sheltered and elevated crossing point (further detail in the Ecology Strategy in Appendix E) Given the relatively low levels of bat activity recorded along the route of the Northern Access Road, it is considered that the implementation of these measures will ensure potentially significant effects are unlikely to occur.

6.14 Assessment of Effects: Badger

6.14.1 Baseline Conditions

Current Baseline Conditions Evidence of badger activity was found in a small number of locations within the survey area, concentrated around the periphery, in the less developed and disturbed areas. Two outlier setts and one disused sett were found in the broadleaved woodland present along the Rills and Thaw valleys, adjacent to the development site boundary, with footprints also found throughout these areas indicating current use by badgers. No setts were found to be present within the development site, although evidence of activity in the form of footprints, pathways, hair and latrines was found in the northern, western and south-western areas of the site and at the Gileston road junction. In general, the habitat available for badgers throughout most of the development site is poor, as it comprises hard-standing, buildings, roads and amenity grassland, which offer little foraging or sett building opportunities. However, a greater proportion of semi-natural habitat is present around the fringes of the site, i.e. semi-improved grassland, hedgerows, scrub, ruderal and woodland, which provide better prospects for foraging and sett creation.

Predicted Future Baseline In the absence of development, it likely the local badger population would continue to use the edges of the development site for foraging and commuting. Given the suitable areas of habitat available, use of the site by the species may actually increase and setts could be constructed, as the local population also increases.

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6.14.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance

Effects due to Construction/ Permanent Land Use Change At present there are no setts within the development area. However, given the suitable areas of habitat present, particularly along the route of the northern access road and the Picketston areas, there is potential for badger to build new setts prior to the start of demolition and construction. As disturbance or damage to badger setts is an offence under the Protection of Badgers Act (1992), a re-survey of site will be completed prior to any construction work to determine if any new setts are present. Should a sett(s) be found, CCW would be consulted with regard to the likely potential effects of works to determine whether a disturbance licence for the development is required to ensure the legislation relating to badgers is adhered to. Depending on the location of a new sett(s), the licence may be required to permanently or temporarily close a sett, which could necessitate constructing an alternate, artificial sett for use by badgers displaced by the works. Disturbing activities around setts would be avoided during the breeding season (December to June). Given the level of works activity that will occur during construction of the development, there is also the potential for individual badgers to be harmed or killed, which could also cause an offence under the Protection of Badgers Act (1992). In order to ensure compliance with the legislation, environmental measures (as outlined in the Ecological Strategy, Appendix E) will be implemented to minimise the potential for harm to badgers. These measures will include ensuring that: • All excavations are covered or provide a means of escape;

• Site compounds and materials storage avoid blocking badger paths where possible

Effects due to new Infrastructure and Operation Although it is expected that the local badger population will continue to primarily use the semi- natural habitats around the edge of the site, the proposed landscape planting (and the gardens associated with the new housing) will provide additional habitat, which could increase the frequency that badgers use the developed site. This in turn increases the potential for routine site maintenance activities to affect badgers and/or new setts and therefore cause an offence under the Protection of Badgers Act (1992). In addition, the Castleton area will be used for field training, which will result in a greater level of activity and therefore potentially disturbance. Therefore, to ensure that disturbance to badgers and their setts is minimised during operation of the site (and that an offence does not occur), regular monitoring of the site (as part of the site habitat management and monitoring plan) to identify evidence of the species will be undertaken. Where such is identified the potential for operational activities to cause breaches in the legislation will be considered and appropriate measures to avoid such implemented where necessary. These measures could range from obtaining a licence from CCW if a badger sett could be significantly disturbed or damaged or the adoption of working measures, such as those described above. The construction of the northern access road and the predicted increase in traffic as a result of a larger population at the site also has the potential to increase the probability of badgers being killed when crossing roads. This potential effect will be minimised through the use of the green corridor underneath the Northern Access Road at the Llanmaes Brook. Badgers will be guided to this crossing point using fencing and landscape planting rather than crossing the road.

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6.15 Assessment of Effects: Reptiles

6.15.1 Baseline Conditions

Current Baseline Conditions Four species of reptile have been recorded within the survey area; adder, grass snake, common lizard and slow-worm. Adder was recorded at the Gileston road junction only, where one individual was found during the surveys. The Aberthaw Tip area to the south-east of Gileston is well known locally for supporting a large population of adder and it is possible a greater number of adder could therefore use this area of the site. Grass snake was not recorded during the dedicated reptile surveys, but a small number were seen during the other surveys of the site, particularly along the Llantwit Major pipeline route. Common lizard also was not recorded during the surveys, but a single individual was seen at Batslays in the summer of 2002, during surveys for great crested newt. Slow-worm was recorded throughout the areas of the site surveyed, including in the built areas of East and West Camp and the more semi-natural habitats at Castleton. The maximum number of adult individuals noted during a single visit was 13 and this was within the West Camp area (outside the application site but within the survey area). According the Froglife (1999) guidance, this indicates a ‘good’ population of slow-worm. The maximum counts of slow- worm in other parts of the site varied between one and five adults. Overall, slow-worm was consistently recorded on more than one survey visit in each survey area. Given the close proximity of the areas surveyed (which was the entire site except the airfield, golf course and the potential housing locations) it is highly likely there is interchange of individuals between the areas of survey and thus they should be considered as a single population. As evidenced by the survey results, the site generally supports areas of suitable habitat for reptiles, including the tall grass and ruderal vegetation, rubble piles and scrub, although large areas of less suitable habitat also occur e.g. arable and short grassland fields and extensive areas of amenity grassland and hard-standing.

Predicted Future Baseline In the absence of the proposed development, it is likely the land use within the site would remain broadly similar to the current situation, which in turn will retain the areas of suitable reptile habitat. Therefore, it is likely the reptile population will be maintained at approximately its current status.

6.15.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance

Effects due to Construction/ Permanent Land Use Change Effects resulting from Habitat Loss and Fragmentation The areas of the application site that reptiles have been recorded in are generally located on the fringes of the site and are outside the areas of major development. Therefore, most of the habitat currently confirmed as being used by reptiles will remain (and maintain connections to off-site habitats) and potential effects will be limited. However, small areas of habitat confirmed as supporting reptiles (totalling approximately 0.3ha) will be permanently lost as a result of the Southern Access Road, Gileston Highway Improvements and works on East Camp for the DTC.

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The habitat at East Camp is considered to be relatively isolated from further areas of suitable habitat (with the exception of the church yard at St Brise Church). Therefore the loss of this habitat parcel is unlikely to impede reptile movement around and through the site. At Gileston and south of the Batslays area, the areas of habitat affected are quite well connected to other significant habitat corridors (i.e. along the Thaw Valley and along the railway line respectively), but are located at the periphery of the corridors and again their loss is unlikely to restrict reptiles movement. Additionally, extensive areas of suitable reptile habitat will be retained around the edges of the site, notably at Castleton and west of West Camp, which will continue to provide habitat for foraging and migration around the site. Artificial hibernacula would also be built in locations where reptiles are known to occur thus providing additional suitable habitat. Some areas of habitat that support reptiles will also be temporarily lost as a result of the Llantwit Major pipeline. This will affect approximately 1.2ha. However, large areas of suitable reptile habitat are located in close proximity to the areas temporarily affected, which will be available to reptiles during the works. Furthermore all the habitats along the pipeline route will be reinstated as soon as works are complete. Based on the amount of suitable habitat that will retained and that only relatively small areas of habitat confirmed as being used by reptiles will be lost, it is considered that the site and local area reptile population will easily be able to maintain its viability. Potentially significant effects will therefore not occur.

Effects on Individual Reptiles– General Principles of Mitigation to Avoid Contravention of Legislation Given the presence of four species of reptile, albeit in relatively small numbers, within and adjacent to the application site and the suitable habitat that occurs within the works areas, there is potential for individual reptiles to be harmed or killed during the demolition and construction works. This could contravene the legislation relating to the reptile species found on site (Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 - as amended). As stated above, the majority of the habitat shown to support reptiles will be retained. Where habitat is lost, preference will be given to encouraging reptiles into adjacent areas of suitable habitat. This may not be possible in all locations (e.g. on East Camp) and where retention in the existing habitat is not possible, reptiles will be translocated to a receptor site identified at West Orchard (south of East Camp) Amphibian and reptile fencing, used in conjunction with habitat manipulation and refugia, will facilitate the clearance of construction areas where reptiles occur (see the Ecology Strategy, Appendix E). The fencing will remain in place until construction is complete to prevent reptiles from accessing the works area and will minimise the risk of harm to reptiles (and therefore ensure compliance with the legislation). The measures proposed to limit potential effects on reptiles are very similar to those employed for great crested newt and the clearance strategy for these species will be jointly implemented. It is considered that with the implementation of these measures there will be no contravention of the legislation relating to reptiles during operation of the development.

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Effects due to new Infrastructure and Operation Effects on Individual Reptiles Once construction has been completed, non-developed areas will be available to reptiles for re- colonisation e.g. road verges and areas of land temporarily disturbed along the Llantwit Major pipeline and at Castleton. The main DTC and ABP areas will not be accessible to reptiles, as they will be surrounded by permanent amphibian and reptile exclusion fencing. Once operational, the retained habitats and areas of new landscaping (both semi-natural and formal) will require management to maintain the desired structure and diversity, which is likely to involve vegetation clearance via mowing and cutting. This has the potential to kill or injure reptiles that may be present in these areas (possibly as a result of relocation or translocation during construction), which could be considered an offence under the legislation relating to reptiles (the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 as amended). Compliance with this legislation will be ensured by the implementation of a habitat management plan (based on the outline habitat management plan included in Appendix D) in combination with existing site management guidelines (produced by Capita Symonds). This will provide guidance for the on-site landscape management contractors with regard to: • Timing of maintenance works to avoid sensitive times of years (e.g. during the hibernation period);

• Extent of mowing or clearance to ensure that sufficient areas of habitat are left to support the reptiles present; and

• Retention of features that are important for reptiles throughout the year (e.g. existing and created hibernacula). With the implementation of these environmental measures it is considered that the populations present should remain viable and that there will be no contravention of the legislation.

Effects as a Result of Predation As discussed under section 6.10 above (Dormouse), the increased number of local residents and associated potential increase in the number of cats could also result in the killing and injuring of reptiles present within the site. Due to the requirement for reptiles to bask at the beginning of the day in the spring and autumn, reptiles can be easier for cats to catch and in the same study as quoted earlier (Woods el al, 2003), 144 reptiles were caught by cats (0.01%), of which 87 were slow-worm. The only way to prevent predation by cats on wildlife is to place a covenant on homeowners to restrict the numbers of cats present. However, this can be difficult to enforce. Therefore, the areas managed specifically for reptiles will be located away from the housing areas, where possible, and all residents will be provided with information regarding the impacts of cats on biodiversity, which could advise keeping cats indoors at night and using collars with bells. The implementation of these measures will reduce potential predation effects on the site reptile population, but will not completely eliminate the potential for harm to individual reptiles. Nonetheless, it is considered unlikely that the loss of a small number of reptiles from the site wide population would significantly affect the viability of the local population. Therefore, potentially significant effects from predation by cats is considered unlikely to occur.

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6.16 Assessment of Effects: Breeding Birds

6.16.1 Baseline Conditions

Current Baseline Conditions A total of 62 bird species were recorded as breeding within the survey area. Many species, including blackbird, blue tit and wren were recorded as breeding in almost every part of the site, whereas for a few species only one pair was recorded within the development site (e.g. barn owl). Castleton Farm, in the eastern part of the site, was found to support the highest number of breeding species (57). In contrast the area west of the Superhanger (known as F3) supported only breeding skylark. Of the 62 species breeding within the survey area, two (barn owl and kingfisher) are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981, as amended) and four are listed on the Welsh Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) Red List (yellowhammer, starling, bullfinch and grasshopper warbler). Kingfisher is also listed on the Welsh BoCC Amber list, with a further ten species; kestrel, swallow, green woodpecker, stonechat, reed bunting, song thrush, skylark, linnet, spotted flycatcher and house sparrow. The latter six, and the four Red List species, are also listed on the UKBAP and skylark and song thrush also feature on the Vale of Glamorgan LBAP. Most of the species listed above are also Section 42 (of the NERC Act, 2006) listed species and all are considered to be locally important in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Predicted Future Baseline In the absence of development it is likely the current types of habitat present within the site would remain in approximately similar proportions (i.e. the amount of buildings and hedgerows would remain the same). Therefore, it is likely the composition of the breeding bird population will also remain broadly similar.

6.16.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance

Effects due to Construction/ Permanent Land Use Change All active bird nests are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981, as amended). This means that, with certain exceptions, it is illegal to intentionally or recklessly destroy an actively used nest during the breeding season, which is considered to be between March and August inclusive. Those species listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act are also protected from disturbance during the breeding season. However, as no works are proposed in the areas supporting Schedule 1 birds, no environmental measures are required related to breeding Schedule 1 birds. Given the large scale of the development and number of bird species found to be breeding at the site, there is potential for demolition and site clearance activities to destroy active nests and therefore to contravene the legislation. In order to minimise this risk, environmental measures (as outlined in the Ecological Strategy in Appendix E) will be implemented. The key measure will be to ensure that a high proportion of the site clearance (both vegetation and buildings) is completed outside the breeding bird season so that active nests are not present. Where site clearance outside the breeding bird season is not possible (e.g. due to the presence of bat roosts), an ecologist will carefully inspect vegetation

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and/or buildings prior to clearance to ensure that active nests are not present. Should an active nest be found, it will be left in-situ and undisturbed until the young have fledged. It is considered that compliance with the environmental measures proposed will ensure an offence under the legislation relating to breeding birds will be avoided.

Effects due to New Infrastructure and Operation When construction has been completed and the site is operational, maintenance of the retained and new landscape features will be required. This is likely to including mowing of grassland and trimming of trees, scrub and hedgerows, all of which have the potential to support nesting birds. To ensure compliance with the legislation relating to breeding birds, guidance will be provided to the site maintenance contractors within the detailed habitat management plan. This will highlight the most appropriate time of year for completing vegetation management activities (i.e. outside the breeding bird season) and the procedures to follow should maintenance be required during the nesting season (including inspection to ensure no active nests are present).

6.17 Assessment of Effects: Enhancement Measures

6.17.1 Baseline Conditions

Current Baseline Conditions The current baseline conditions within the development site for all habitats and species are summarised in the Baseline Ecology Report (contained in Appendix B).

Predicted Future Baseline In the absence of future development, it is considered likely that the current biodiversity baseline will remain broadly similar.

6.17.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance

Effects due to Construction/ Permanent Land Use Change The application site supports a varied and complex range of habitats and species, the ecological requirements of which overlap, e.g. a hedgerow can be important in its own right and also important for bats, birds and amphibians. Biodiversity is also important in the context of the site and wider landscape, and for residents of the development and residents in the surrounding area. In order to encompass all the requirements of both wildlife and the community, an Ecological Strategy has been produced which works in combination with the landscape strategy and the site masterplan. The full Ecological Strategy is contained within Appendix E and provides details on the measures that will be implemented to minimise potentially significant negative effects on valued ecological resources and also proposals to greatly enhance the biodiversity resource within and adjacent to the application site. In summary, the following is proposed:

• A total of 31 new waterbodies will be created or restored (11 have already been constructed). These will primarily provide extensive additional breeding habitat for great crested newt. However, they will also be of value for reptiles, particularly grass

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snake, bats and invertebrates. As only three ponds will be lost as a result of the development, the creation of these waterbodies is considered to significantly increase the local resource of this habitat type; • A green corridor will be created around the perimeter of the DTC, ABP and associated infrastructure areas, using existing habitat corridors where possible and augmenting this with native landscape planting where required. This corridor will be a minimum of approximately 4m wide. Its primary aim is to facilitate movement of fauna around the outside of the site and to areas of off-site habitat. Formal planting and landscaping will also occur within the DTC, adding to the site’s green infrastructure resource. Areas of previously intensively farmed land located at Castleton, along Boverton Brook and south of Batslays will be managed less intensively to encourage colonisation of scrub and rough grassland, which are more valuable to fauna for foraging. Defunct and species- poor hedgerows at the fringes of the site will also be bolstered with additional planting of native species to strengthen existing green corridors that link into new areas of planting. In total, approximately 144ha of habitat will be available to biodiversity. Given the quantity of buildings, hard-standing and intensive agricultural currently within the application site, it is considered the amount of planting and reduced management proposed will significantly increase the resource of good quality habitat available to fauna and provide strong green linkages throughout the site; • Habitat piles will be created within appropriate areas of greenspace to provide hibernation habitat for amphibians, invertebrates, reptiles etc. Artificial otter holts and areas of scrub to provide resting places will be created along the watercourses (primarily Boverton and Llamnaes Brooks); • A total of six purpose built bat houses and two dual purpose buildings will be created for roosting bats. Refurbishment of further retained buildings will also be undertaken. This will provide tailored and managed roosting habitat for a wide range of bat species, not only those already roosting on site, but also to encourage species not roosting to colonise. Whilst a large number of buildings will be removed and replaced for the development, in terms of confirmed roosts, a total of 24 buildings supporting approximately 11 roosts will be lost. The proposed new buildings will be able to accommodate the roosts displaced by the development and provide space for an increase in the roost size and use of the buildings by other species. Therefore, it is considered the roosting habitat lost will be replaced and further habitat will be provided offering an enhancement of roosting habitat within the development site. Overall, it is considered the cumulative effect of the habitat enhancement and creation proposed has the potential to result in a positive significant effect to the wider biodiversity resource in the local area.

Effects due to new Infrastructure and Operation The habitat created during construction of the site will require management during site operation to ensure that it retains its value as a biodiversity resource. The level and nature of management required will vary for each habitat type. An Outline Habitat Management Plan (oHMP) has been produced and is contained within Appendix D. The oHMP provides a summary of the broad management objectives for the site and the type of management prescriptions that will be implemented to achieve the objectives. The overall aim of the oHMP will be to maintain and increase the biodiversity of the site.

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The key management prescriptions proposed are summarised below: • Waterbodies – these will be managed periodically to preserve areas of open water and prevent encroachment of dominant marginal and aquatic plants and surrounding shading scrub. De-silting may also be required to maintain an appropriate depth of water; • Hedgerows – these will be cut on a rotational basis, such that only one side of each hedge will be cut in a single year. This will help to maintain structural diversity and ensure hedgerow plants themselves are kept in a good condition;

• Grassland – areas of grassland outside of the formal landscaped areas within DTC and ABP will be cut once a year during the summer or early autumn and after the plants present have set seed;

• Bat houses – these will be maintained infrequently (to avoid excessive disturbance) and only to ensure the buildings remain weatherproof and in a stable condition. Alterations to the buildings may be required to achieve optimum roosting conditions (as informed by site monitoring). The management of the site will be habitat based, as maintaining suitable habitat conditions will in turn benefit the various notable and protected species that occur. Monitoring of certain species will be undertaken to satisfy licence conditions or if such is considered appropriate. The monitoring proposals are detailed in the Ecology Strategy. The results of the monitoring will be used to alter the detailed management prescriptions (if required) thus ensuring the maintenance of the habitats created.

6.18 Conclusions of S ignificance Evaluation

Table 6.6 Summary of Significance of Effects

Receptor and Effects Significance2

Level Summary rationale

Designated sites

Permanent loss of habitat NS A small proportion of two cSINCs will be lost, which is considered unlikely to affect the integrity of the site. Proposed planting in other cSINCs may increase biodiversity.

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Table 6.6 (continued) Summary of Significance of Effects

Receptor and Effects Significance2

Level Summary rationale

Degradation of habitats through NS Public access currently available to some designated sites increased recreational pressure within 2km of the development site. The most popular areas along the coast already served by car parks. Landscape strategy includes provision of on-site footpaths to provide alternative recreational areas.

Hedgerows

Temporary disturbance of habitat NS Length of hedgerow disturbed is relatively short compared during construction to the available resource. Works areas will be restricted where possible. All areas disturbed will be replanted using species removed and enhanced with additional native species.

Permanent loss of habitat NS A total of 13% of hedgerows within survey area affected and approximately 2km in length. Many hedgerows remain unaffected and incorporated into scheme design. Viability of hedgerow network retained.

Adherence to legislation NS Hedgerow removal notices will be obtained (as part of the wider planning permission) for the permanent removal of all hedgerows

Dormouse

Permanent habitat loss NS A total of 300m of hedgerow that could be used by dormice will be lost as a result of the Northern Access Road. However, abundant further suitable habitat in wider area available for dormice.

Fragmentation of suitable areas of NS Environmental measures will be employed to minimise the habitat affect by using temporary and permanent alternative habitat connections.

Potential harm / injury / disturbance to NS Welsh Assembly Government development licence will be dormice obtained. Environmental measures employed during works to minimise potential affects.

Increased predation on dormice from NS Cat predation on dormice is relatively uncommon. cats Environmental measures proposed to minimise potential effects.

Otter

Permanent habitat loss and alteration NS Loss of suitable habitat areas is considered to be negligible and unlikely to affect holts or resting places. Abundant suitable habitat in the wider area.

Potential harm / injury / disturbance to NS Welsh Assembly Government development licence will be dormice as a result of construction obtained. Re-survey of watercourses for holt or resting places prior to works. Environmental measures employed during works to minimise potential affects.

Fragmentation of suitable areas of NS Watercourse crossings will incorporate features to habitat facilitate otter movement

Potential harm / injury / disturbance to NS Environmental measures will be employed to guide otters otter as a result of increased traffic to safe crossing points to minimise potential for road and new roads casualties.

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Table 6.6 (continued) Summary of Significance of Effects

Receptor and Effects Significance2

Level Summary rationale

Great crested newt

Potential harm / injury / disturbance to NS Welsh Assembly Government development licence will be individual great crested newt as a obtained. Environmental measures employed during result of construction works to minimise potential affects e.g. exclusion fencing, pitfall trapping.

Permanent habitat loss – Batslays NS Aquatic habitat avoided. Primarily poor quality habitat permanently lost. Habitat adjacent to ponds will be enhanced and linkages provided to further good quality habitat to east and west.

Permanent habitat loss – Castleton NS Aquatic habitat avoided. Total permanent habitat loss is 0.1ha over 450m from breeding pond. Remaining habitat will be enhanced.

Permanent habitat loss – East Camp NS Three breeding ponds will be lost, but the great crested newts using these waterbodies will be relocated to nine new ponds (3:1 replacement). 70% of terrestrial habitat around existing ponds lost, but new ponds surrounded by good quality habitat and will be linked to wider populations.

Permanent habitat loss – St John’s NS No construction work will occur. Valley

Temporary habitat loss – Llantwit NS Aquatic habitat avoided. Potentially suitable habitat within Major 250m of the ponds will be temporarily disturbed only. Replacement planting may increase local botanical diversity and benefit newts.

Potential harm / injury / disturbance to NS A statement will be prepared provided guidance on how individual great crested newt as a activities should be completed to minimise potential effects result of site maintenance and on newts. Licence will be obtained where necessary. management

Fragmentation of site populations by + S Site wide great crested newt strategy will result in 31 new new infrastructure or restored waterbodies and connected terrestrial habitat. Suitably designed under and overpasses will enable movement across potential barriers

Bats

Permanent loss of building roosting NS Known bat roosts will be lost as a result of the habitat development (including common pipistrelle and brown long-eared maternity roosts). Environmental measures will be put in place to minimise the potential effect of this habitat loss, namely the provision of purpose built and dual use buildings specifically designated for a range of bat species.

Permanent loss of tree roosting NS Potential for tree roosts to be lost. Further survey is habitat required to fully determine potential effect. Should roosts be confirmed, environmental measures will be implemented (in consultation with CCW) to minimise effects.

Temporary fragmentation of habitat NS The gaps within hedgerows will be minimised to ensure corridors that most bats will continue to use the corridors.

Potential harm / injury / disturbance to NS Welsh Assembly Government development licence will be bats obtained. Environmental measures employed during works to minimise potential affects.

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Table 6.6 (continued) Summary of Significance of Effects

Receptor and Effects Significance2

Level Summary rationale

Fragmentation of habitat links and NS Majority of development will avoid severing habitat potential harm due to new roads and corridors. Additional planting and a sensitive lighting infrastructure scheme will guide bats to a safe crossing point at the Llanmaes Brook Bridge.

Badger

Disturbance / damage / loss of NS Site will be re-surveyed for the presence of badger setts badger setts prior to development. CCW licence obtained if setts will be affected. Monitoring for setts during operation to ensure setts are not disturbed during maintenance activities.

Potential harm / injury to badger NS Environmental measures will be employed to ensure compliance with the legislation during construction.

Reptiles

Permanent and temporary habitat NS Limited known reptile habitat will be lost and habitat loss and fragmentation connectivity will be maintained

Potential harm / injury to reptiles NS Environmental measures will be implemented to ensure during construction and operation compliance with legalisation.

Breeding birds

Damage to active nests NS Environmental measures will be implemented to ensure compliance with legalisation.

Enhancement Measures

Increased area of valued habitat + S A total of 31 new waterbodies will be created or restored (in addition to the four retained), green corridors within and around the site will be enhanced with supplementary planting and habitat piles, otter holts and bat roosts will be constructed resulting in more and better quality habitat that is currently present.

Management of habitats + S A detailed habitat management plan will be created (based on the oHMP) to ensure the habitat features created are maintained and enhanced.

Key/footnotes:

1. [Add relevant magnitude 2. +/- S = Positive/Negative Significant scale ] NS = Not-significant

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6.18.1 Implementation of Environmental Measures

Table 6.7 Implementation of Environmental Measures

Environmental Measure Responsibility for Compliance Mechanism Implementation

Noise control measures. Site manager or engineer responsible Recommended to be planning for implementation of environmental condition enforcing compliance with control measures. Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

Control of surface water run-off to Site manager or engineer responsible Recommended to be planning prevent pollution. for implementation of environmental condition enforcing compliance with control measures. CEMP and EMP.

Management of dust emissions. Site manager or engineer responsible Recommended to be planning for implementation of environmental condition enforcing compliance with control measures. CEMP and EMP.

Increased quality and area of Site manager or engineer responsible Recommended to be planning habitat available. for implementation of environmental condition enforcing compliance with control measures. CEMP, EMP and Habitat Management Plan (HMP) Ecologist

General habitat protection using Site manager Recommended to be planning fencing to restrict access condition enforcing compliance with CEMP, EMP and Habitat Management Plan (HMP)

Minimisation of habitat loss and Site manager or engineer responsible Recommended to be planning degradation of SINCs for implementation of environmental condition enforcing compliance with control measures. CEMP and EMP.

Preservation of hedgerow network Site manager or engineer responsible Recommended to be planning and ecologically ‘important’ for implementation of environmental condition enforcing compliance with hedgerows control measures. CEMP and EMP.

Maintenance of reptile population Ecologist Recommended to be planning and translocation plan condition enforcing compliance with Site manager or engineer responsible CEMP, EMP and HMP for implementation of environmental control measures

Maintenance of favourable Ecologist Licence obtained from Welsh conservation status of great crested Assembly Government newts Site manager or engineer responsible for implementation of environmental Recommended to be planning control measures condition enforcing compliance with HMP

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Table 6.7 Implementation of Environmental Measures

Environmental Measure Responsibility for Compliance Mechanism Implementation

Maintenance of favourable Ecologist Licence obtained from Welsh conservation status of bats Assembly Government Site manager or engineer responsible for implementation of environmental Recommended to be planning control measures condition enforcing compliance with HMP

Minimisation of effects on badger Ecologist Recommended to be planning condition enforcing compliance with Site manager or engineer responsible CEMP and EMP. for implementation of environmental control measures

Maintenance of favourable Site manager or engineer responsible Recommended to be planning conservation status of otter for implementation of environmental condition enforcing compliance with control measures. CEMP, EMP and HMP

Maintenance of favourable Ecologist Licence obtained from Welsh conservation status of dormice Assembly Government Site manager or engineer responsible for implementation of environmental Recommended to be planning control measures condition enforcing compliance with HMP

Avoidance of effects on breeding Site manager or engineer responsible Recommended to be planning birds for implementation of environmental condition enforcing compliance with control measures. CEMP and EMP.

Retention unharmed of habitat types Site manager or engineer responsible Recommended to be planning supporting diverse invertebrate for implementation of environmental condition enforcing compliance with assemblage. control measures. CEMP and EMP.

6.18.2 Relevant Terminology

Table 6.8 Relevant Terminology

Term/abbreviation Description

Biodiversity The variety and abundance of species, their genetic composition, and the natural communities, ecosystems, and landscapes in which they occur. Fauna and Flora Animal and plant life respectively.

Phase 1 Habitat survey Categorises habitats to a broad level using the methodologies set out by JNCC (2003). Protected species Species included on Schedules 2 and 4 of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended), Schedules 1, 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (excluding species that are only protected in relation to their sale) and badgers, which are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. Candidate Sites of Proposed non-statutory nature conservation sites designated at a county level and Importance for Nature recognised by planning authorities as having county nature conservation value; Conservation (cSINCs) cSINCs have been identified by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Sites of Special Scientific Areas notified under UK legislation for the protection of sensitive wildlife habitats or Interest (SSSIs) geological environments.

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6.18.3 References Anon (2002) Vale of Glamorgan Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Vale of Glamorgan Council. (Bright, P.W and MacPherson, D. (2002) Hedgerow Management, dormouse and biodiversity, English Nature Research Report No.454. Chanin, P (2003) Ecology of the European Otter, Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 10. English Nature, Peterborough. English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines, English Nature, Peterborough English Nature (2004) Bat Mitigation Guidelines, English Nature, Peterborough English Nature (2006) Dormouse Conservation Handbook, English Nature, Peterborough

Bat Conservation Trust (2007) Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust. Froglife (1999) Reptile Survey – An Introduction to Planning, Conducting and Interpreting Surveys for snake and lizard conservation. Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D.W., & Evans, J. (1998). Bird Monitoring Methods: A Manual of Techniques for Key UK Species. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy, Bedfordshire.

Institute Of Ecology And Environmental Management (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom (version 7 July 2006). http://www.ieem.org.uk/ecia/index.html. Institute Of Environmental Assessment (1995) Institute of Environmental Assessment: Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment, E & FN Spon, London. JNCC (2001) Habitat Management for Bats, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough

JNCC (2003) Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey: A technique for environmental audit, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. National Rivers Authority (1992) River Corridor Surveys. Conservation Technical Handbook Number 1. Nelson S.H, Evans A.D. & Bradbury R.B. (2005) The efficacy of collar-mounted devices in reducing the rate of predation of wildlife by domestic cats. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 94, 273-285 Peay, S. 2003 Monitoring the White clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes). Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series I, English Nature Woods, M, McDonald, R. A and Harris, S (2003) Predation of wildlife by domestic cats Felis catus in Great Britain, Mammal Review, Volume 33 Issue 2, Pages 174 - 188

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7. Landscape Assessment

7.1 Introduction This chapter assesses the potential landscape effects arising from the proposed development, including effects on landscape character. The chapter draws upon the baseline information set out in detail in Appendix F (in Volume 2 of this ES) and should be read in light of the project description in Chapter 3 of the ES. The chapter should be read alongside Figures 7.1-7.15 in Volume 3 of this ES1. The assessment is based upon the illustrative masterplans and the landscape strategies in support of the Defence Technical College (DTC), the Aerospace Business Park (ABP) and the highway works. Information within the Design and Access Statements supporting these planning applications has also been used to inform the assessment. Following a summary of relevant policy, the chapter outlines the data gathering methodology that was adopted as part of the assessment. This leads on to summary description of the overall baseline conditions, the environmental measures that have been incorporated into the scheme, the scope of the assessment, the assessment methodology and, for each landscape receptor, an assessment of potential effects. The chapter concludes with a summary of the results of the assessment.

7.2 Policy Context

7.2.1 Policy Context

Table 7.1 Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference: Policy Issue

Planning Policy Wales

Chapter 5 conserving and This chapter sets out Welsh Assembly Government approach to conserving the natural improving natural heritage environment/landscape of Wales, with particular emphasis on the coast. The chapter and the coast seeks to set the context for Unitary Development Plans (UDP) to write policies to conserve the landscape and biodiversity of Wales.

With reference to trees and woodlands, the document states that Local planning authorities should, as appropriate, make full use of their powers to protect and plant trees to maintain and improve the appearance of the countryside and built up areas.

1 All Ordnance Survey (OS) Basemapping used to produce the figures within this ES, purchased in June 2008, does not show the Super Hangar or the existing site layout.

h:\projects\ea-210\24000-24999\24996 dtr metrix (24996&16057)\st athan-vog\eia and the es\env © Entec UK Limited statement_final\chapter 7 - landscape\chapter\st athan es chapter 7_landscape assessment.doc

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Table 7.1 (continued) Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference: Policy Issue

This chapter notes that Local Authorities define the extent of non statutory designations such as Special Landscape Areas. It states that local planning authorities should apply these designations to areas of substantive conservation value where there is good reason to believe that normal planning policies cannot provide the necessary protection. Such designations should not unduly restrict acceptable development.

Landmap: The document makes clear that Landmap is an important resource in understanding the landscape. It states that the Landmap areas can help to inform supplementary planning guidance on landscape assessment (covering, for example, local distinctiveness, Special Landscape Areas and design).

TAN 10: Tree Preservation The effect of planning proposals on protected trees is a material planning Orders – 1997 consideration. Local planning authorities should discuss the implications of a proposal with the developer and may consider it expedient to make a TPO to protect trees on land before a planning application is made. It may be appropriate to require applicants seeking full planning permission to provide details of all existing trees on site, including their crown spread, and the location of those to be felled. Before granting outline planning permission, a local planning authority should consider the effect the permission would have on its ability to provide subsequently for the protection and planting of trees as a reserved matter.

TAN 12: Design-2002 Achieving sustainable design solutions which represent best value by making prudent use of natural resources, incorporate sustainable energy use, waste control measures and provide the means for effective long-term maintenance, efficient operation and management:

• Sustaining or enhancing character in townscape and landscape by responding to and reinforcing, where appropriate, locally distinctive patterns and form of development, landscape, culture and biodiversity;

• Promoting innovative design in buildings, infrastructure, urban and rural landscape and public art;

• Promoting a successful relationship between public and private space through clear boundaries, acknowledging established building lines in new development and enclosure of space; and

• Promoting high quality in the public realm by ensuring attractive, safe public spaces and routes which are fit for purpose and meet the needs of all members of society.

Local Planning Policies

The UDP adopted in 2005 is the current planning policy. The Vale of Glamorgan Council (VoGC) is currently in the process of developing their Local Development Plan. This is currently only at the stage of having a Draft Preferred Strategy. This does not provide detailed landscape policies to use as a basis of this assessment, or even to be used as a material consideration. Therefore the policies contained in the existing UDP is the only local planning policy assessed in this chapter.

Unitary Development Plan - adopted 2005 (The UDP sets out the planning policy for the area until 2011)

Strategic Policy 1 This policy aims to enhance and protect the Vale of Glamorgan’s distinctive rural, urban and coastal character. The policy states that particular emphasis will be given to conserving areas of importance for landscape, ecology and wildlife, the best and most versatile agricultural land and important features of the built heritage.

Strategic Policy 11 Opportunities for improving access to the countryside are encouraged by this policy although the point is made that this should not unacceptably affect areas of nature conservation and landscape and the interest of residents and/or those who derive their livelihood from the land.

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Table 7.1 (continued) Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference: Policy Issue

Policies ENV4, ENV5, ENV10 and ENV11 aim to conserve, enhance, improve and protect the special environmental qualities, countryside conservation and landscape features of the Vale, particularly within the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Land to the south of the B4265 lies within the Glamorgan Heritage Coast which is designated for its scenic beauty and the scientific interest of its geology, ecology and cultural heritage.

Env 3 The landscape between Barry and Rhoose is designated as Green Wedge to avoid unchecked development resulting in urban sprawl between the north western edge of Barry and Rhoose and Cardiff Airport to the south west. No development is proposed within this designation, but the Waycock roundabout is located directly to the north of the designation.

ENV 4 This policy states that development within or closely related to Special Landscape Areas will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that it would not adversely affect the landscape character, landscape features or visual amenity of the Special Landscape Area is located immediately to the east and north east of the site. The majority of the proposed development site falls outside of the designation boundary, but the golf course, and parcel of land to the east fall within the boundary.

ENV 5 These policies aim to conserve, enhance, improve and protect the special environmental qualities, countryside conservation and landscape features of the Vale, ENV10 particularly within the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Land to the south of the B4265 lies within the Glamorgan Heritage Coast which is designated for its scenic beauty and the ENV11 scientific interest of its geology, ecology and cultural heritage. Six objectives were put forward for the Glamorgan Heritage Coast (Glamorgan Heritage Coast Plan, Draft Plan Statement). These were to:

• Conserve its undeveloped character;

• Protect the most valuable parts for protection;

• Make the best use of the coastal resource;

• Promote the enjoyment of the natural qualities;

• To promote land use patterns allowing for visitor access in some places and maintaining ‘remoteness’ in others; and

• Encourage appreciation of the coastline’s high quality and to highlight the need for community concern for its protection.

Design in the Landscape – DG5 Mitigation of Large scale Detractors Supplementary Planning Guidance. The Vale of There are three aims to this policy: Glamorgan Unitary Development Plan 1996- - Locate development avoiding areas of high landscape quality and their setting; 2011 - Avoid landscapes with high ‘intervisibility’;

- Minimise the impact of development;

- Various design principles to minimise impact are proposed including:

- Locate buildings and infrastructure in the location of least visual, ecological and archaeological infrastructure;

- Minimise visual clutter on elevations;

- Minimise light pollution in open countryside;

- Ensure landform and planting screening is of sufficient scale and quality to be effective; and

- Carry out advanced planting to mitigate impact.

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Table 7.1 (continued) Policy issues to be considered in preparing the ES

Policy Reference Policy Issue

DG7 Roads – Rural: The aims are to maintain the rural character of rural roads as an integral element of the landscape, to conserve hedgerows, hedge banks and historical features on the roadside and to minimise the impact of development. In order to achieve this the guidelines proposes, amongst other suggestions to:

- Avoid hedgerow removal, siting entrances in locations to optimise sight lines.

- Avoid excessive signage, using minimum size signage, combining signs on posts where possible. Avoid luminous colours where possible.

- Encourage vegetation regeneration where appropriate as low cost screening of detractors and to promote nature conservation.

DG12 Urban Edge: The aims are to conserve the best landscape features adjacent to settlements, both natural and man-made, and create a strong landscape structure, to support agricultural use alongside recreational use and nature conservation and to create a definite edge between settlement and countryside. In order to achieve this the guidelines proposes, amongst other suggestions to:

- Avoid development into natural barriers such as hillcrests or floodplains;

- Ensure all new development has substantial landscape buffer on countryside edge – minimum 10m wide woodland planted area;

- Where necessary, street lighting between settlements is sensitively designed to minimise light pollution.

DG16 Woodlands and Hedgerow: to conserve, maintain and improve a well balanced matrix of woodland and hedges throughout the Vale, perpetuating where possible, the pattern of small and medium sized woods, large hedges with local variations relating to natural constraints such as degree of exposure, topography and soils and to the historic landscape.

DG22 Planting: General Guidance:

Conserve existing semi-natural habitats, especially unimproved grasslands and marshlands

Maintain/create traditional field boundaries, especially hedges on banks;

Increase area of semi-natural woodland;

Restore or create areas of species-rich semi-natural grassland and marshland;

Maintain/create ponds;

Maintain main river systems, streams and other watercourses.

Supplementary Planning This document states that tree surveys should be undertaken to define the location and Guidance, Trees and quality of trees within the red line boundary so that an assessment of the potential Development, the Vale of adverse effects experienced by the tress can be made. In determining planning Glamorgan Unitary applications, the council will consider the effect of development upon trees and the Development Plan 1996-2011 overall landscape as a material consideration.

Landscapes working for the These volumes puts forward strategy themes and recommendations for the Vale as a Vale of Glamorgan Volumes whole. It also divides the Vale into 33 landscape character areas and sets out a 1-4 (1999) strategy for each.

The document states that the Vale has a superb lowland rural landscape and coast, which are complemented by traditional settlement form. The aim of the document is to set out the key features of the landscape and to define strategies for protecting these features.

Information from this document was used to inform an understanding of the landscape, but as the LANDMAP data was updated in 2004, it supersedes these 33 character areas.

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Policies which cover the site and which have a geographical extent are shown on Figures 7.1 and 7.2 (in Volume 3).

7.3 Data Gathering Methodology To assess the effects of any development on landscape receptors, it is necessary to define the landscape resource that need to be considered in the assessment. The approach taken in this ES has been to identify ‘valued landscape resources’, namely: • Resources of sufficiently high value in landscape policy terms that an effect upon them could be considered significant; and • Resources that contribute to landscape character to an extent to which the removal of the landscape feature would alter the landscape character. Landscape designations are applied either at the national level e.g. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Parks or at the local level within Local Development Frameworks (LDF)/Unitary Development Plans (UDP). The reason behind the designations varies but broadly the designations focus on protecting features of the landscape which are integral to the creation of wider landscape value and/or character, e.g. woodland within a wooded valley, or the sense of openness within an area of green belt. Identification of these valued resources has been made with reference to relevant landscape designations within the Vale of Glamorgan UDP and within National Planning Policy e.g. Planning Policy Wales (PPW) and the associated relevant Technical Advise Notes (TANs) as listed above. In some instances there are landscape features which are not designated but still contribute positively to the local landscape character, and their removal would have an adverse effect on landscape character. These features are also identified as valued resources as part of the initial desk and site assessments.

Study Area and Baseline Information The following study areas have been adopted, taking account of the location and scale of development:

• A 3 kilometre (km) study area has been adopted from the edges of the development site, which includes the Defence Technical College (DTC), Service Family Accommodation (SFA), Aerospace Business Park (ABP), and the northern and southern access roads;

• The 3km study area also encompasses the proposed upgrades to the Gileston to Oldmill. The improvements to the St.Athan road junction are not reported on here as they take place within the existing road extent and will not alter any existing landscape elements;

• To enable assessment of the waste water rising main, a 1km area either side of its route has been adopted. (Construction activity associated with the new rising main will temporarily be a new feature of the landscape, although the scale of the activity has not been judged sufficient to require a broader study area);

• A separate 1km study area has been adopted surrounding the Waycock Roundabout, where a new roundabout approximately 32 metre (m) in diameter, plus approximately 100m of new carriageway is proposed to its north and 200metres off line to the east.

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Appendix F (in Volume 2 of this ES) includes sources used in the collation of baseline information, details of site visits undertaken and sets out the landscape baseline in detail.

7.4 Landscape Baseline Summary

7.4.1 Current Baseline With the exception of the Stadium/Golf Course SFA site which is located on the site of a former athletics stadium and part of St.Athan Golf club course, the development site is located on the existing MoD St. Athan base and farmland immediately surrounding it. The proposed waste water treatment rising main and a section of the northern access road (NAR) cross the gently undulating, landscape to the north - west. Much of the route of the NAR and waste water pipe cross pasture land south of Llanmaes. The proposed extension to the Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTWs) is contained within the perimeter of the existing Works to the north west of Llantwit Major.

Topography The landform generally drops from north to south across both the development site and wider landscape. The landform to the north is gently undulating and dissected in places by steep valley sides e.g. the valley sides of the River Thaw. Occasionally the undulations in the landform are more pronounced, for example along the section of St. Athan Road to the north of the site, facilitating long range views that create a sense of openness. To the south, the landform drops away, steeply in places, within the Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast. The highest points of the site are at the north eastern corner of the Stadium/Golf Course SFA site (approximately 52m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD)) and in the far north western corner of the Picketston external training area where the elevation is also approximately 52m A.O.D. The lowest points of the site are in the southern section of the Tremains Farm SFA site, immediately north of the railwayline. The landform broadly falls away from the site to the east, this gentle fall steepening beyond the proposed Gileston to Oldmill road improvements as the River Thaw valley side is reached. The Waycock Cross roundabout is located at an elevation of approximately 61metres A.O.D. Land form rises to the south east away from the site in the direction of Barry and elevation drops in a north westerly direction.

Buildings on the Existing MoD St.Athan Site There are a wide variety of buildings on the site ranging from small, single-storey service units providing utilities’ connections, to large, freestanding structures, including a number of World War 2 Type C hangars, blister hangars and the DSG Super Hangar, into which DARA’s maintenance operations were to be consolidated, which was built in 2004. The buildings generally have a mixture of cladding systems/ perforated sheet metal in shades of white or green colours. Older buildings on the site generally have brown brickwork as their exterior wall finish.

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Trees and Hedgerow Preliminary tree surveys were completed by ‘Amenity Tree Care Limited’2 (hereafter referred to as the arboricltural survey). Twenty-two land parcels were identified and the value of trees and hedgerow within each of these land parcels assessed by the tree survey. The land parcels used for the assessment are shown on Figure 7.3 (cross reference with table F3 in Appendix F in Volume 2). The arboricultural survey covers trees and also hedgerow. Both trees and hedgerow were classified according to the desirability of their retention. The classification relates the amenity conferred by each tree and is based on the assumption that development will occur on the site. Table F2 of Appendix F (in Volume 2 of this ES) summarises the tree category definitions adopted. Some of these trees have amenity value individually, as defined by the arboricultural surveys, whilst others are in groups that have value in contributing to the wider landscape character. A separate assessment is made of the hedgerows in relation to the Hedgerow Regulations 1994 as part of the ecological assessment (chapter 6). Appendix F contains a summary of the value attributed to each of the trees in the arboricultural survey, within the site boundary. The amenity value of trees within the ABP, SFAs, NAR and southern access road are shown graphically on the following drawings:

• ‘Aerospace Business Park, St Athan: Statement in support of the planning application’

- Drawing 341 – Aerospace Business Park –Tree Survey

- Drawing 342 –Aerospace Business Park, Vegetation retained and removed;

- Drawings L.251 – L255 - DTA St. Athan Access to South of the Runway, Existing Tree Survey Condition Survey and Retention;

- L351-L353 – DTA St. Athan Gileston to Oldmill – Existing Tree Condition Survey and Retention. - L401A – L.402A – DTA St.Athan – Waycock roundabout – Existing Tree Condition Survey and Retention - L151-L.159 – DTA St. Athan Northern Access Road – Existing Tree condition Survey and Retention • Service Families Accommodation – Design and Access Statement

- TF: L03 Tremains Farm Tree Survey

- TF: L04 Tremains Farm Vegetation Retained and Removed

- NWC: L03 North of West Camp Tree Survey

- NWC: L04 North of West Camp Retained and Removed

- GC:L04 Golf Course Tree Survey

2 Preliminary Tree Survey Compiled in Contemplation of Development, Amenity Tree Care Ltd., July 2007

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- GC: L05 Golf course Retained and Removed

- PSW: L04 Tree Survey

- PSW: L05 Picketston South West Retained and Removed

Conservation Areas There are no Conservation Areas directly coinciding with the development proposals and therefore there will be no direct effects. However, there are nine Conservation Areas within the 3 km study area that could be subject to changes to their setting as a result of the development proposals. The Conservation Areas and key characteristics are summarised in Tables F7 to F16, in Appendix F in Volume 2 of this ES. The Conservation Areas are shown graphically on Figure 7.4.

Landscape Pattern and Scale The baseline landscape patterns within the development site are set out in the baseline chapter (Appendix F, Volume 2). In the baseline the following areas of differing landscape pattern are identified: There are seven contrasting scales of development within the site which largely relate to current land use. These are: 1) The airfield and the hangers to the north; 2) East Camp where the buildings are set on a grid road pattern. 3) West of Picketston where the fields are arable, medium sized and bound by hedgerow. 4) Arable fields in the southern section of the existing MoD St.Athan Site, to the south of the runway 5) The small scale pastoral fields overlaying the undulating landscape south of Llanmaes; 6) The larger fields (both pastoral and arable) to the west of Llanmaes 7) The landform surrounding the B4265 between St.Athan and the River Thaw which drops into the River Thaw valley sides. The valley sides are wooded, and this creates a sense of separation from the surrounding arable landscape. 8) The landscape surrounding Waycock Roundabout which is characterised by pastoral fields bound by mature hedgerow and belts and blocks of trees.

Landscape Character Landscape assessment of Wales has been undertaken at a national scale by Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) as part of the LANDMAP assessment3. LANDMAP divides the landscape into five distinct topic areas namely Geological Landscapes, Landscape Habitats, Visual and Sensory Landscapes, Historic Landscape and Cultural Landscapes. For each topic area discrete geographical units known as aspect areas are identified and mapped and a data set developed that includes a description, a classification and an evaluation of quality. The seven Special

3 LANDMAP data for the Vale of Glamorgan. Downloaded from the CCW website (http://landmap.ccw.gov.uk)

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Landscape Areas that were included within the adopted Vale of Glamorgan UDP 1996 - 2011 were based on the LANDMAP data. Details of all of the aspect areas, from all five topics, are set out at Appendix F (in Volume 2 of this ES) and shown on Figures 7.5-7.15 (in Volume 3).

Predicted Future Baseline This landscape is one of contrasts. The rural landscape is interspersed with agricultural building and isolated farmsteads, and the historic cores of villages such as Llanmaes and Flemingston, has changed little over the past century. However, in contrast there are large scale features developed in the latter half of the 20th century which are prominent examples of industry and activity, for example Aberthaw Power station, the MoD St.Athan Base and Cardiff Airport. The document ‘Landscapes working for the Vale of Glamorgan – Technical Annex 4’ notes the following changes to the landscape. Although written in 1999, the same changes to the landscape are evident and ongoing today. • Altering farm management practices e.g. reduction in hedgerows and increase in discontinuous hedges; • Lighting;

• Tourism and recreation e.g. car parking facilities, visitor pressure and erosion of sections of footpath; and

• Urbanising influences on the edges of settlements and along the B4265. It is anticipated that these forces for change will continue in the future, in particular the influence of urbanisation.

7.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme Table 7.2 below, summarises the environmental measures that have been incorporated into the scheme. These have been designed to reduce any potential effects on sensitive landscape and visual receptors.

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Table 7.2 Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Potential Incorporated Measure Effects

Hedgerow During the construction phase, hedgerows Significant effects on hedgerow as a are being removed from sections of the site landscape resource are mitigated by the e.g. field boundaries at Picketston are being proposals to plant additional hedgerow e.g. removed to facilitate construction of the along both sides of the proposed NAR and sports pitches and external training area, also along both sides of the proposed and at Batslays to facilitate construction of southern access road. In addition, hedgerow the Southern Access Road. Sections of removed to facilitate access to the hedgerow are also being removed along the Picketston South West SFA is trans located route of the NAR. This would result in a to form part of the new landscape strategy significant change to this landscape for this SFA. Where possible hedgerow is resource during the construction phase. It retained within all of the SFA sites. will also result in significant effects being experienced on landscape character during As hedgerow lined roads and fields is a the construction phase. characteristic of the landscape surrounding the development site, the hedgerow planting has additional advantages in aiding integration of the proposals into the existing landscape.

Where replacement hedgerows, or gapping up of existing hedgerows, are required an appropriate planting mix will be developed as part of the detailed planting proposals in consultation with the project ecologist and Local Authority.

Trees During the construction phase trees are New native trees are proposed along being removed from the site. These include sections of the boundary between the trees along the route of the NAR, Gileston to Defence Technical College (DTC) site and Oldmill road improvements, Waycock cross Eglwys Brewis Road. In addition, trees that roundabout and some trees within the ABP, are being lost within East Camp are being DTC and SFA sites, although attempts have replaced by new native trees within the been made to retain trees which contribute central Heritage Park as outlined in the DTC positively to the landscape. design and Access Statement.

Landscape character Change to the landscape character of External cladding incorporating two St.Athan Visual and Sensory Aspect Area, horizontal colour bands to visually break up Heritage Coast aspect area and Lower the mass of the upper parts of the hangar Thaw Valley Special Landscape Area as a elevations, together with a plinth to provide result of introduction of further large scale a visual datum. hangars to skyline view

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Table 7.2 (continued) Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Potential Incorporated Measure Effects

Landscape Character of The Visual and Sensory Aspect Area is The DTC landscape masterplan consists of the St.Athan site within judged by the LANDMAP assessment key interlinked areas. Whilst subtle the St.Athan Visual and overall evaluation to have a low value. The variations will reflect the individual character Sensory Aspect Area proposed development within the of each area, a consistent design language development site has the potential to that will support and enhance the military strengthen the landscape character of the ethos and celebrate elements of Tri Service site. identity is to be used throughout, often in the form of military memorabilia and sculpture.

The landscape areas will vary in approach according to their location within the site to help create areas of distinct character - from formal spaces around roads and key buildings to informal and naturalistic areas around the boundaries and quiet spaces.

A palette of predominantly native plant species will be developed and drawn from. Planting design will also be inspired by natural associations with the proposed topography and landscape context. New habitats to be created include woodland and scrub, shrubs and various species rich and species poor grasslands.

Landscape character of Changes to the landscape character of the The landscape strategy for ABP focuses on Heritage Coast aspect northernmost section of the Glamorgan enhancement of the site and surrounding area Heritage Coast Landscape designation as a context rather than wholesale attempts to result of introduction of the Aerospace screen or obscure the proposed Business Park (ABP) to the view. development.

The access to south of the runway from the B4265 consists of an off-line improvement with a new over-bridge to the railway which is located on the northern edge of this aspect area. The new section of the highway will be elevated and scrub planting to the embankment slopes will help to create continuity with the existing areas of vegetation along the railway boundary with further enhanced habitat linkages provided through the planting of redundant sections of highway. Where the highway improvements create isolated non-economic parcels of agricultural land these would be planted as woodland for habitat creation and landscape screening.

Where disturbance as a result of the construction of the ABP and southern access road occurs these areas would be reinstated to mown grass consistent with other areas of grassland around the airfield.

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Table 7.2 (continued) Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Potential Incorporated Measure Effects

Landscape character of Changes to the character of this area (which By locating the proposed Golf the Lower Thaw Valley is also covered by the River Thaw Valley Course/Stadium SFA directly south of Special Landscape Area Special Landscape Area designation) existing housing and on land currently used as a golf course, the change to existing land use is limited and therefore the effects on landscape character is also limited. The site is located at a point to the west of the crest of the valley sides thereby reducing visual impact on the designation.

As part of the Castleton FTA proposals, field boundaries/hedgerows and the woodland shelter belt along the Special Landscape Area to the East will be reinforced using locally appropriate native species mixes.

The B4265 Gileston to Oldmill improvement are located on the southern edge of this designation. The retention of existing field hedge boundaries and the translocation of a section of existing hedgerow along this section of road will provide continuity and a level of maturity to the highway improvement, whilst new hedges and supplementary copse planting will enhance the existing agricultural landscape.

Landscape Character of Changes to the character of the area as a The layout of roads, lanes and housing is the Lias Plateau aspect result of the introduction of new areas of designed to help create a ‘village’ character Area housing reflecting existing settlements within the aspect area.

Mature trees and overgrown vegetation is retained and incorporated into the housing schemes wherever possible to create an attractive setting for development and aid integration into the landscape.

Existing grassland and wetland habitats along the Llanmaes Brook and Boverton brook are retained. the vegetated brooks are a characteristic feature of this aspect area.

The Northern Access Road (NAR) is located within this aspect area and defines, in part, the western boundary to the proposed development and the agricultural character of the area is reflected in the landscape proposals. Boundary planting of hedges is a key component with the introduction of the traditional Glamorgan hedge-on-bank in selected areas. The translocation of existing hedges is also proposed, and planted links to existing retained hedges would be undertaken. The verges to the highway improvement incorporate grass lined ‘swales’ as part of the sustainable drainage system. At the eastern end the interface with the existing residential development would include the introduction of feathered and standard trees in grass to reflect the current setting of the buildings.

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7.6 Scope of the Assessment The scope of the assessment has been informed by responses to the St Athan EIA Scoping Report received from consultees (via the Vale of Glamorgan Council (VoGC)) and by the results of the baseline surveys undertaken (see Appendix F in Volume 2 of this ES). The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) document LANDMAP Information Guidance Note 3 (November 2008) was used to inform the assessment methodology for using LANDMAP data in the baseline. The assessment considers both the construction and operational phases of the proposed development. The ‘operational phase’ is taken to be 10 years after completion, when the planting is predicted to have reached sufficient maturity to fulfil its purpose and the buildings would be fully operational and in use. During the intervening years, until the planting has matured, the full environmental enhancement effects of the landscape strategy will not be fully realised.

7.6.1 Potential Receptors Appendix F, Table F21 (in Volume 2 of this ES) summarises the evaluation of landscape sensitivity. Section 7.8, ‘Assessment of Effects’ focuses on those receptors judged to be of medium or high sensitivity to change. Based on the baseline assessment the receptors listed in section 7.7.3 are scoped into the assessment. An assessment is made of the magnitude of change and overall effect experienced by each of these receptors during both the construction and operation phase.

7.7 Potential Receptors Full descriptions of potential receptors identified for assessment and are included at Appendix F in Volume 2. As demonstrated by Table 7.3, receptors experiencing low levels of sensitivity are unlikely to experience significant effects. In this case, having assessed the magnitude of change due to development proposals, receptors identified as having a low sensitivity within Appendix F are not included as part of the assessment reported in this chapter.

7.7.1 Potentially Significant effects The following potentially significant effects are reported on at Section 7.8: • Loss of hedgerows, Category A and B trees due to construction works. Based upon the Welsh Water document ‘RAF St Athan Sewer Requisition Outline Scheme Report for Foul Sewerage and Wastewater Treatment Facilities’ (February 2009) it has been assumed that construction of the waste water rising main will not result in the loss of mature trees;

• Effects experienced by the Tree Preservation order applied to trees on the eastern boundary of the site at Picketston;

• Effects on the character of the Lower Thaw Valley Special Landscape Area (Policy Env 4 as defined by the Vale of Glamorgan UDP) as a result of the development of proposed SFA housing on a small section of the upper valley sides;

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• Effects on the character of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast (Policy Env 5) as a result of the development of additional large scale, aeronautical buildings which would be uncharacteristic additions to the skyline as experienced from this designation;

• Effects on the landscape pattern and scale of the eight distinct areas of landscape pattern and scale as defined within Appendix F in Volume 2; • Effects on the character of LANDMAP Aspect Areas defined in Appendix F (with the exclusion of those noted as unlikely to be significant, below); and • Effects on the character and setting of Conservation Areas within 1km of the development site.

7.7.2 Effects Unlikely to be Significant The following effects are assessed as ‘not significant’ in landscape terms, • Policy Env 3: Green Wedges is designated so as to avoid development within the landscape between the edge of Barry and Cardiff Airport in order to keep a check on urban sprawl which has the potential to result in incremental loss of open land which can have a detrimental effect upon agriculture, the landscape and amenity value of the land. The proposed Waycock Cross roundabout is not located within the area of land covered by the designation. The development of a roundabout adjacent to the boundary would not result in urban sprawl spreading into the landscape covered by the designation; • Env4: Nant Llancarfan Special Landscape Area. The Vale of Glamorgan Council UDP states that the Special Landscape Areas have been defined based upon the “Landscapes Working for the Vale of Glamorgan” landscape study. Two character areas defined by this landscape study cover the landscape of the Waycock Roundabout. These are LCA 18: Rhoose Environs and LCA 22: Weycock and Kenson Valley. The assessment of LCA 22 describes the area as being a broad gently sloping valley of arable and pastoral fields overlooked by the northern edge of Barry, and LCA 18 is describes as an area of plateau farmland visually dominated by views of Cardiff Airport, Barry and Aberthaw Power station. As large scale suburban and industrial features are noted as key characteristics of both of these areas, the extension of an existing roundabout would not result in a significant change to the landscape character of the designation;

• Loss of Category C and R trees as assessed by Amenity Tree Care Tree Surveys4;

• Effects on the character and setting of Conservation Areas more than 1km from the development proposals, including the route of rising main and the upgrade works to junctions at St.Athan and Gileston to Oldmill, by virtue of the distance of these areas from the proposed development sites;

• Effects on Conservation Areas to the east of the River Thaw valley, which is wooded and therefore will screen views of the development proposals;

• Effects on Conservation Areas where the baseline setting characteristically includes the large scale military/aeronautical land uses found in the surrounding landscape;

4 Preliminary tree surveys compiled in contemplation of development. (July 2008)

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• Effects on the LANDMAP Landscape Habitat aspect areas. Whilst ecology forms a component of the landscape, the creation of new habitats/changes to existing habitats is assessed within the Biodiversity chapter (Chapter 6). Where new landscape elements are introduced, the potential effect has been assessed under effects on the landscape character of the visual and sensory aspect areas; • Effects on the LANDMAP Cultural Heritage aspect areas. Although the proposed development will result in the removal of built form of historic interest and the inclusion of new buildings adjacent to listed buildings, the potential effects of this on cultural heritage are assessed fully in Historic Environment chapter (Chapter 9); • Effects on the LANDMAP Geological Landscape aspect areas. The geological landscape character areas largely refer to the presence of dramatic landforms e.g. the cliffs of the heritage coast, and the presence of geological Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SINC) sites or Regionally Important Geological (RIG) sites. These geological landforms are key features of the wider landscape character. However, the proposed development will not result in any of the visible dramatic landforms being affected, and therefore there will be no effect experienced as a result of their loss, on landscape character. Effects on the geological landscape are assessed within the Land Quality chapter (Chapter 10). In addition, effects on the following LANDMAP Visual and Sensory Areas are assessed as ‘not significant’: • Llantwit Major (VLFGLVS235). The development proposals will not have a significant effect as the built form of the settlement, combined with other landscape features, such as mature tree planting along the B4265, will at least partially screen views of the proposal (from the majority of the area no views will be experienced) and ensure that views of the new development will not indirectly significantly detract from the existing character. None of the key characteristics of the aspect area as defined by the LANDMAP assessment will therefore be altered; • Lower Thaw Valley (VLFGLVS110), Llancarfan and Waycock Valleys (VLFGLVS453), Central Vale Ridges and Slopes (VLFGLVS146), Heritage Coastal Strip (VLFGLVS950), Glamorgan Heritage Coast Intertidal (VLFGLVS920), Lower Thaw Valley Floor (VLFGLVS305), Nant Tre Gof Valley (VLFGLVS952): in each case, none of the key characteristics of these aspect areas, as defined by the LANDMAP assessment, will be altered, although some visual change will be evident and this will be assessed as part of the visual assessment (refer Chapter 8);

• Effects on the Upper Waycock Valley/Dyffryn Area (VLFGLVS608). The LANDMAP assessment describes the area as being an area with ‘broad, pleasing views to well managed countryside, with a coherent field pattern and woodlands with settlements well integrated with the landscape and surrounding vegetation’. These characteristics are written to apply to the whole aspect area which is very large. These key characteristics do not apply at the localised scale of the Waycock roundabout or the surrounding 1km study area, where views of the suburban edge of Barry are more characteristic than broad open views of the well managed countryside;

• Effects on the Rhoose Hinterland (VLFGLVS641). Only a very small section of this large aspect area will be affected and as the Area is so large, many of its key

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characteristics as attributed by the LANDMAP assessment do not apply. Some visual change will be evident and is assessed within the Visual Assessment Chapter (Chapter 8);

• Effects on the RAF St.Athan, Lias Plateau or Heritage Coast Hinterland Visual and Sensory Aspect Areas as a result of increased night time light levels. These areas are very large and in the case of the Lias Plateau Visual and Sensory Aspect Areas and Heritage Coast Hinterland Aspect Areas, spread far beyond the 3km study area of this assessment. Existing large scale and well lit features are already characteristic, for example Aberthaw Power Station and Cardiff Airport. (Effects of night time lighting on local receptors is made in the Visual Assessment Chapter (Chapter 8).

7.8 Assessment Methodology The landscape assessment is based on “The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment: Second Edition5”, (GL&VIA) which are widely regarded by the landscape profession as the ‘industry standard’. The assessment distinguishes between landscape and visual effects. The visual effects are assessed in Chapter 8 of this ES.

7.8.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects The prediction of the effects of the proposed development on the receptors scoped into the assessment (see section 7.6.1) is based upon: • The construction and operational activity associated with the scheme as described in Chapter 3; • The resultant direct effects of the proposed development on landscape elements; and

• The resultant indirect effects of this on the landscape character in terms of increased movement, introduction of new colours, texture and buildings to skyline views, all of which have the potential to have an effect on landscape character and levels of tranquillity. The assessment of how the receptors are affected by the above changes is based upon the results of the desk study and field surveys. In some cases the desk study covers existing studies in which landscape resources have already been attributed a value e.g. the LANDMAP data, in which case this information is used to inform the assessment of sensitivity. Other sensitivity judgements are based on guidelines established in the document “Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment” which states that, the quality, value, contribution to landscape character, and the degree to which particular elements can be replaced or substituted all influence the sensitivity of the resource. Consideration of the sensitivity of the landscape resource against the magnitude of change posed by the development is fundamental to landscape assessment and each of these criteria has been defined in more detail with relevance to this assessment.

5 The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition The Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment 2002.

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Landscape Sensitivity Landscape Sensitivity has been determined by reference to the baseline assessment of the existing landscape and is classified as high, medium or low. The classification of sensitivity is derived from consideration of the existing (baseline) landscape resource as follows: • Landscape condition: the state of repair of the elements and features of a particular landscape, their integrity and intactness and the extent to which the distinctive character of the landscape is apparent; • Landscape value: the relative value or importance attached to a landscape (often as a basis for designation or recognition), which expresses national or local consensus, because of its quality (i.e. condition), special qualities including perceptual aspects such as scenic beauty, tranquillity, or wilderness, cultural associations or other conservation issues including rarity; • Landscape capacity: the ability of a particular landscape to absorb change without unacceptable adverse effects on its character. Capacity is likely to vary according to the type and nature of change being proposed.

Magnitude of Change To establish the magnitude of change the following criteria are considered: • ‘Land Take’ to accommodate development i.e. the extent of land but also its contribution (beneficial or adverse) to prevailing landscape character; • Loss or change in elements and features forming recognisable patterns that contribute to landscape character; • Predicted change to aesthetic perceptions for example ‘tranquillity’;

• Whether change is temporary or permanent.

7.8.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology Within this chapter significance evaluation is carried out only in relation to those receptors which have been scoped into the assessment in section 7.6. Effects on landscape receptors may be direct (i.e. the loss of landscape features within the development site as a result of development), or indirect (i.e. where the changes within a site affect the character of the surrounding landscape). The significance of effect depends upon the sensitivity of the landscape receptor, together with the magnitude of any change. Therefore potentially significant effects could occur directly if features of relatively high importance or value located within the site were removed completely, or a particularly distinct, high quality, designated or rare surrounding landscape character was affected indirectly. Magnitude relates to the type of landscape subject to change and the scale and extent of that change. This may include the loss or addition of particular features and changes to landscape quality, and character. Other factors to be considered include proposed mitigation measures and landscape capacity. The manner in which the sensitivity of the receptors and the magnitude of change are combined to assess effect on landscape receptors is shown in Table 7.3 below.

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Table 7.3 Evaluation of Significance for Landscape and Visual Assessment

Magnitude of Change Sensitivity

High Medium Low

High Substantial Moderate/Substantial Moderate

Medium Moderate/Substantial Moderate Slight/Moderate

Low Moderate Slight/Moderate Slight

Negligible Slight Slight/Negligible Negligible

Key: Significant Not Significant

Significant landscape and visual effects resulting from the proposed development are judged to be those effects likely to result in a ‘substantial’ or a ‘moderate/substantial’ effect. Significant effects can be both adverse and beneficial. In determining the threshold for significance the assessment has taken account of the likely sensitivity of visual receptors, the existing baseline landscape resource and inherent landscape capacity within an area to accept the proposed development. The remaining effects are not considered to be significant.

7.9 Assessment of Effects

7.9.1 Predicted Effects: Construction Phase The assessment of effects during the construction phase is based on construction information as detailed in section 3.3 of Chapter 3 of this report. The assessment of effects during the construction phase is based on construction information within the following documents: • The Construction Method Statement and Appendices (Laing O’Rourke, April, 2009); and • RAF St Athan Sewer Requisition Outline Scheme Report for Foul Sewerage and Wastewater Treatment Facilities (DCWW, February 2009). The following assumptions regarding the timeframes and phasing of construction have been made based on information in the above documents.

• Demolition and Construction activity for the DTC is due to take place between 2010 and 2014;

• Construction activity for the ABP is currently anticipated to be undertaken between 2014 and 2028, based on commercial interest; and

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• Programmes available at the time of writing this chapter propose that construction of the SFA housing and NAR would commence in 2011 and the SFA housing be complete in 2014.

Landscape Designations The location of all relevant landscape designations are shown on Figures 7.1 and 7.2 (in Volume 3).

Env 4 Special Landscape Areas (Thaw Valley Sides) The proposed Golf Course SFA site will be developed in a small section of the western extent of the Special Landscape Area on land currently used as a golf course. The golf course land use sets it apart from the characteristic valley sides which are largely wooded. During the construction phase the majority of the trees on the SFA site will be removed, although key landscape features such as the trees surrounding the pill boxes will be retained. The construction machinery and construction compounds introduced to the Golf Course SFA sites will be uncharacteristic elements. The Castleton Field Training Area is also located within the Special Landscape Area. However, the proposed development here is minimal, being confined to a small areas of hardstanding for turning vehicles and a temporary toilet block, with no significant adverse effect on the prevailing landscape character. The Gileston to Oldmill highway works are proposed along a section of the B4265 which forms the southern boundary of the Special Landscape Area. The construction of this section of road requires the removal of a small section of trees planted on the River Thaw Valley sides (those marked as G3 on the Gileston Arboricltural Assessment)6. However, the removal of this number of trees will not detract from the wooded character of the landscape as a whole. Construction activity will be evident only from a very small part of the designation due to the presence of the wooded Thaw Valley sides. The proposed Waycock Cross highway works also falls on the southern boundary of this designation. Within this area views of the edge of Barry are common place and the settlement edge strongly influences the local landscape character. Whilst views from the designation of the proposed construction activity will be possible for the small section of the designation to the north of the proposed site, they will be viewed within the context of existing built form on the edge of Barry. In summary, parts of the development site do fall within the landscape designation, and other areas of the development site will be visible from within the designation. However, with the exception of the loss of a small number of trees as a result of the Gileston to Oldmill Road improvements, and a section of golf course and associated trees and hedgerow at the site of the Golf Course SFA, no landscape elements will be lost. Views of the proposed construction activity will not dominate the view and will be visible from only a small section of the designation. Overall, change to the prevailing character across the Special Landscape Area will be low (adverse). Combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this landscape designation, the overall effect would be moderate and not be significant.

6 ‘St Athan airfield Gileston preliminary tree survey compiled in contemplation of development.’ June 2008

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Env 5 Glamorgan Heritage Coast The proposed construction activity will be evident as changes to the skyline from sections of the northern part of the designation, immediately to the south of the development site. As discussed in Chapter 8 Visual Assessment, residents at Seaview, and users of footpaths to the south of the B4265 will experience views of the construction activity associated with the ABP scheme. Construction activity associated with the southern section of the ABP site will be visible as a skyline feature e.g. the construction of the southern access road and embankment (undertaken during Phase 2 between 2014 and 2020) and the construction of 25 metres tall hangar B4 to the south of the runway (this hangar will be 25metre tall). However, as topography drops away steeply as a dipslope within the Glamorgan Heritage Coast towards the sea, the proposed development site becomes less visible further south down the dip slope. Whilst the development site will be visible from a small section of this designation, the proposal will not detract from the features for which the landscape is designated. The area is designated for the attractive coastal landscape and any perceived change to the overriding character of the area is predicted to be low (adverse). Combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this landscape designation, the overall effect would be moderate and would not be significant.

Trees, Tree Preservation Orders and Hedgerow Table 7.4 below, assesses the effects on Category A and B trees within the site boundary, including hedgerow which are also assessed within the arboricultral survey. Refer to Figure 7.3 for a graphical demonstration of the land parcels referred to in table 7.4. the assessment is made based on the drawings referenced in section 7.4 above which demonstrate the trees to be retained and removed as part of the proposed development. The assessment is made of the magnitude of change experienced by each of the trees or groups of trees and hedgerow scoped into the assessment (i.e. all trees and hedgerow of Category A or B). Where a large group of Category A or B trees is removed it is judged that there will be a high (adverse) magnitude of change to the trees as a landscape resource. Where one or two Category B trees are removed, or one or two small groups of Category B trees are removed whilst the majority of other trees in the land parcel are retained, it is not judged that this will necessarily have a significant level of effect on the trees as a landscape resource, and a low (adverse) or medium (adverse) magnitude of change is given. Further detail on a case by case basis is provided in table 7.4. An assessment is made of the magnitude of change to landscape pattern and landscape character as a result of the loss of trees under headings Landscape Pattern and Scale, and Visual and Sensory LANDMAP Aspect Areas, below.

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Table 7.4 Construction Phase: Trees Within the Site Boundary

Land Parcel

Airfield There are three groups of category B trees within this land parcel that are being removed. Trees in general are not a characteristic feature of the airfield land use and the trees do not provide a significant level of screening or softening of views of the airfield. As such Cross refer to the following arboricultrual their removal is judged to have a low (adverse) magnitude of change which when combined with the medium sensitivity of the assessments, category B trees would result in a slight/moderate overall effect which would not be significant. ‘St Athan Airfield preliminary tree survey compiled in contemplation of development.’ July 2008

Batslays The bands of category B trees north and south of the railway line are not being removed as part of this proposal. There would therefore be no direct or indirect changes to the trees during the construction phase. Cross refer to the following arboricultrual assessments,

‘St Athan Airfield Bastlays, preliminary tree survey compiled in contemplation of development.’ July 2008

DTR Inside the wire A band of Category B trees on the northern edge of Eglwys Brewis Road (shown as G11 and G12 on the tree survey for area DTRIW3) will be partially removed to construct the proposed NAR. Cross refer to the following arboricultrual assessments, The group of trees along the western edge of Picketston (marked as G3 and G4 on the arboricultural survey for the land parcel DTR W3) are to be retained as part of the Picketston external training area landscape strategy. This includes the band of trees covered by a ‘St Athan airfield DTR W3 preliminary tree group TPO on the eastern boundary of the Picketston external training area which are being retained as part of the proposed survey compiled in contemplation of development and would experience no change. There is however a 3metres tall fence proposed immediately to the west of the TPO development.’ July 2008 trees for screening noise from the Picketston Training Area. It is essential that BS 5837: 2005 is complied with to ensure that the trees are protected during construction. & The category B trees along Eglwys Brewis Road are judged to be of good quality, and the arboricultural assessment states that they ‘St Athan Airfield DTR W1, W2, W4 have good amenity value due to their location. The permanent loss of trees within this grouping of trees would result in a high preliminary tree survey compiled in magnitude of change being experienced. Combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to the category B trees, there would be a contemplation of development’ July 2008 substantial effect which would be significant.

Strips of hedgerow judged by the arboricultural survey to be category c value are being removed. The resultant potential effects of this on the landscape patterns of the area are assessed below under the heading ‘Landscape Pattern and Scale’.

h:\projects\ea-210\24000-24999\24996 dtr metrix (24996&16057)\st athan-vog\eia and the es\env statement_final\chapter 7 - landscape\chapter\st athan es chapter 7_landscape © Entec UK Limited assessment.doc

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Table 7.4 (continued) Construction Phase: Trees Within the Site Boundary

Land Parcel

DTR outside the wire The group of Fraxinus Excelsior trees (G7) in the northern section of the Tremains Farm SFA site are being retained as part of the landscape proposals for the Tremains Farm SFA. Cross refer to the following arboricultrual assessment The band of category B trees along the railway line to the south of the Tremains Farm SFA site (G2) are also being retained as a buffer between the proposed housing and the railway line. Similarly the group of category B tree north of Eglwys Brewis Road (G15) ‘St Athan Airfield DTR Outside the Wire are being retained as a landscape buffer between the proposed housing and the road to the south east. preliminary tree survey compiled in contemplation of development.’ July 2008 Within the North of west camp SFA site, the one group of category B trees, to the south east of Frogland Farm is being retained.

Details of the construction method adopted for the rising main route are not yet know, but conversations with the construction partner Laing O’Rourke show that where possible, the route will avoid mature trees. Assuming the rising main avoids all mature trees, none of the Category B trees which are primarily located along existing roads within the area, would be removed.

There would therefore be no direct or indirect changes to the category B trees during the construction phase.

East Camp The trees on the northern boundary of this land parcel are likely to be removed in order to enable construction of footway and cycleway along Eglwys Brewis Road. Trees within the centre of the site which form the grid pattern are shown as being removed. Cross refer to the following arboricultrual These trees include some groupings of Category B trees, although on the whole the trees removed are Category C. The magnitude of assessment change resulting from the permanent loss of these trees would be high (adverse). Combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to ‘St Athan airfield East Camp preliminary tree Category B trees, the overall effect would be substantial and significant. survey compiled in contemplation of development.’ June 2008

Gileston A section of Category A trees on the western valley sides of the River Thaw would be removed in order to construct the Gileston to Oldmill road improvements. These trees form part of a large group of trees along the valley sides of the River Thaw. These trees are Cross refer to the following arboricultrual marked as G3 on the referenced Gileston arboricultural survey. assessment A section of group G2 (as shown in the reference arboricltural survey for Gileston) are removed to allow for the construction of the ‘St Athan airfield Gileston preliminary tree Gileston to Oldmill road upgrade. However the majority of this group of trees is retained. However, at the closest point, the new survey compiled in contemplation of section of road is located 5 metres to the south of the existing trees. Guidelines for working around existing trees as set out in BS5837 development.’ June 2008 Trees in Relation to Construction should be complied with to ensure that the trees survive.

The combination of the permanent loss of small section of category A trees on the banks of the River Thaw which have a high sensitivity as Category A trees, and a section of the group of category B trees (with a medium sensitivity) will result in a high magnitude of change. Combined with the medium and high sensitivity attributed to category A and B trees, the overall effect would be substantial and significant.

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Table 7.4 (continued) Construction Phase: Trees Within the Site Boundary

Land Parcel

Golf Course The strip of Category B trees in the north western corner of the land parcel will be partially retained to allow for the construction of the SFA housing layout. The magnitude of change during this period resulting from the permanent loss of these trees would therefore be Cross refer to the following arboricultrual high (adverse). Combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to category B trees, the overall effect would be assessment moderate/substantial and significant.

‘St Athan airfield Golf Course Preliminary Tree Survey compiled in contemplation of development.’ June 2008

F3 All of the trees within this area are being retained within the ABP site. There would be therefore be no change.

Cross refer to the following arboricultrual assessment ‘St Athan airfield F3 Preliminary Tree Survey compiled in contemplation of development.’ June 2008

Waycock The strip of Category B (G5 as referenced in Waycock Preliminary Tree Survey) trees to the north of the proposed roundabout is proposed to be partially but not wholly retained. The most southerly section of the group of category B trees would be removed as ‘Waycock Preliminary tree survey compiled would additional trees to the south of this group in including a band of category C trees along the eastern edge of Waycock Road. The in contemplation of development’ July 2008 magnitude of change during this period, resulting from the permanent loss of category B trees would therefore be high (adverse). Combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to Category B trees, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and significant.

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Conservation Areas The location of Conservation Areas is shown on Figure 7.4. The following Conservation Areas have been scoped into the assessment:

Llanmaes Conservation Area7 The Conservation Area Statement for Llanmaes notes that the rural nature of views out of the village between buildings and from the public footpaths are a key characteristic of the village. Due to the location of the Tremains Farm SFA and North of West Camp proposals, the NAR and the waste water pipeline, views of the works will be possible when approaching Llanmaes from roads and footpaths to the south east and from points on the south eastern edge of the village. The increased movement and the introduction of un-characteristic construction activity and machinery would result in an erosion of the rural character of views to the south. Although the construction activity will be visible, as described in chapter 8, it will be as a background feature and a wedge of pastoral fields will be retained between Llanmaes and the construction site, ensuring a level of visual continuity in the foreground of views from the south of Llanmaes. The views experienced from the southern approach to Llanmaes will be changed, but the other characteristics of the conservation area will not. The historic core of the village will not be affected as views out to the surrounding landscape are restricted due to the village’s tightly configured development. As a result of the changed to the context of the southern approach to Llanmaes, the magnitude of change to the Conservation Area would therefore be low (adverse) and combined with the high sensitivity of the conservation area the overall effect would be moderate and would not be significant.

Boverton Conservation Area8 Views out across the rural landscape to the south west, south and east are noted within the Conservation Area Statement. Glimpsed views of construction activity will be experienced from the south eastern edge of the Conservation Area, against a backdrop of existing buildings on the St. Athan site. All other characteristics of the Conservation Area would remain unaltered. The resultant magnitude of change would be low (adverse) which combined with the high sensitivity of the conservation area would result in a moderate effect which would not be significant.

Flemingston Conservation Area9 None of the key characteristics of the settlement as noted by the Conservation Area Draft Appraisal would be altered by the construction activity. No views south westwards are noted as being of particular importance to the Conservation Area within this assessment. Field assessment demonstrated that construction activity would be visible, at a distance, from the

7 Llanmaes Draft Appraisal and Management Plan June 2008 by the Directorate of Environmental and Economic regeneration

8 Boverton Conservation Area Draft Appraisal completed June 2008 by the Directorate of Environmental and Economic regeneration

9 Flemingston Conservation Area Draft Appraisal completed June 2008 by the directorate of Environmental and Economic regeneration March 2009

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footpaths on the south western edge, but due to the viewing distance would not detract from the historic characteristics of the area. Construction activity would be visible within the context of existing large scale military buildings and associated activity on the MoD St.Athan Base. The magnitude of change would be low (adverse) which combined with the high sensitivity of the conservation area would result in a moderate effect which would not be significant.

Gileston Conservation Area10 As noted in the Gileston Conservation Area Appraisal completed June 2008, the defining spatial features of the Gileston Conservation Area is the entrance from the north, which is via a narrow, enclosed lane lined with limestone walls and trees. The steeply southwards sloping topography, the mature trees and the limestone walls restrict views northwards from within the village. As such, no construction activity would be evident, including that associated with the Gileston to Oldmill stretch of the B4265. No other characteristics of the Conservation Area would be altered as a result of the construction activity and there would be no change.

Landscape Character Landscape Pattern and Scale The magnitude of change and overall effect experienced during the construction phase by the eight different areas of landscape pattern and scale scoped into the assessment are assessed below. 1) During the construction of the three phases of the ABP development, some of the hangars to the north of the runway will be demolished and new hangars will be constructed. The DSG hangar and Twin Peaks will be retained. There is no distinctive pattern within this section of the St.Athan site as described in the baseline. As such, the demolition of the buildings will be a discernible change (when buildings are demolished clearer views into other sections of the MoD St.Athan site e.g. East Camp will become available), but will not have either an adverse or beneficial effect. However, the resultant change to the landscape pattern will be reduced by the retention of the large scale features such as the DSG Hangar and the ‘Twin Peaks’ which are key focal buildings. The extensive demolition works will result in a medium (neutral) magnitude of change which when combined with the low sensitivity attributed to this area would result in a slight/moderate effect which would not be significant. 2) The grid pattern road layout at East Camp would be completely removed when buildings and vegetation at East Camp are demolished. The distinctive landscape pattern will be removed during the construction phase and replaced by construction machinery and construction compounds associated with the DTC main works. The magnitude of change would be high (adverse) and when combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to the landscape pattern of this area, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant. 3) At Picketston, the arable fields and some of the hedgerow to the west of Picketston will be removed in order to construct the Picketston external training area. The majority of the hedgerow within the Picketston site will be removed to construct the sports pitches, community crèche, hotel and the sports centre. The removal of hedgerow and the introduction of

10 Gileston Conservation Area Draft Appraisal completed June 2008 by the directorate of Environmental and Economic regeneration March 2009

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construction machinery and construction compounds will add clutter and increased movement to the area, which is currently a simple pattern of hedgerow lined fields to the west and hangars and storage sheds to the west. The removal of the majority of the hedgerow and the introduction of construction activity will be instrumental in removing the existing landscape pattern. It is known that the bulk of the construction works associated with the DTC scheme (only part of which takes place at Picketston) will be carried out over 39months. This will result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change. When combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to the landscape pattern and scale of this area, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant. 4) At Batslays, the demolition of existing farm buildings and removal of hedgerow will contribute to an erosion of the landscape pattern, but more significant will be the introduction of construction activity, machinery and construction compounds to facilitate the construction of the ABP south proposal. The introduction of the construction features, will completely erode the existing localised area of medium scaled landscape created by the hedgerow lined fields and only occasional buildings associated with the farming land use. The magnitude of change would be high (adverse). When combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to the landscape pattern and scale of this area, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial and would be significant. 5) The construction of the Tremains Farm SFA site and North of West Camp SFA and the NAR will result in the partial removal of sections of hedgerow, groups of trees and the introduction of construction machinery and compounds to areas of former pastoral fields. However, the proposed SFA and NAR development does not extend as far west as Llanmaes and as such a stretch of the undulating pastoral fields will be retained. Although the two SFA sites and NAR do not extend as far west as Llanmaes, the proposed WWT pipeline does cross the landscape south of Llanmaes. A 12 metres wide easement will be required, although it is stated in the construction information in chapter 3 that this can be narrowed in order to limit the removal of hedgerow and trees. Sections of hedgerow will be removed in order to construct the pipeline, but this will not significantly detract from the distinctive and small scale pattern that the hedgerow creates. The magnitude of change to this area of landscape pattern and scale would be medium (adverse) representing the change to the landscape pattern as a result of loss of areas of hedgerow and vegetation within the Tremains Farm, North of West Camp and Picketston south SFA sites, and the introduction of construction machinery and areas of material storage, including soil mounds. These changes will result in an erosion of the existing landscape pattern and as a result the localised pastoral character, but will not result in a wholesale change to character as the pastoral fields and vegetation along Llanmaes Brook to the south of Llanmaes are being retained. When combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this area, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial change which would be significant. 6) The route of the WwT pipeline extends across this landscape as far west as the existing sewage works. As stated above, a 12 metres wide easement will be required, although it is stated in the construction information in chapter 3 that this can be narrowed in order to limit the removal of hedgerow and trees. Sections of hedgerow will be removed in order to construct the pipeline, but this will not significantly detract from the distinctive and small scale pattern that the hedgerow creates. The magnitude of change to the landscape pattern and scale as a result of hedgerow loss during the construction period and the introduction of soil mounds and two construction compounds would be low (adverse). When combined with the medium sensitivity

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attributed to the landscape pattern and scale of this area, there would be a resultant slight/moderate effect and would not be significant. 7) The construction of the Gileston to Oldmill road improvements will result in the removal of a section of hedgerow along the northern and southern edge of the B4265 and also of a small section of woodland on the valley sides of the River Thaw. The vegetation removed is located along the edges of the B4265 and will not detract from the landscape pattern of the landscape to the north and south of the road. The amount of woodland lost on the banks of the River Thaw would not result in a significant change to the enclosed and small scale character that the woodland combined with the valley sides creates. The magnitude of change to the landscape pattern and scale would be low (adverse) which when combined with the high sensitivity of the landscape pattern and scale of this area would result in a moderate effect and would not be significant. 8) The construction of the Waycock Cross roundabout will result in the removal of trees along the eastern and western edges of Waycock Road as well as a strip of hedgerow to the north east of the existing roundabout in order to construct the slip road for the new roundabout. A small section of the field to the north west of the existing Waycock cross roundabout and a section of the two fields to the north east of the Waycock cross roundabout, will become a construction site and construction machinery and a contractors compound will be introduced to the landscape. The construction of the proposed Waycock Cross roundabout will not however result in the loss of any further landscape features, and the pastoral fields which extent to the north and north west will experience no change., nor would the woodland blocks to the north which contribute to the sense of enclosure and small scale. The magnitude of change to the landscape pattern would be low (adverse) which when combined with the low sensitivity of the landscape pattern and scale would result in a slight overall effect and would not be significant.

Visual and Sensory LANDMAP Aspect Areas The location of all LANDMAP visual and Sensory Areas are shown on Figure 7.5.

Heritage Coast Hinterland (VLFGLVS890) The construction of a section of ABP South and proposed southern access road fall within this aspect area. The construction of all of these elements has the potential to effect upon the character of the visual and sensory aspect area. Table 7.5 below, assesses the effects of the construction phase on character of the Heritage Coast Hinterland Visual and Sensory LANDMAP area.

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Table 7.5 Heritage Coast Hinterland (VLFGLVS890): Construction Phase

Key Characteristics of the Area Magnitude of Change

The area is a rolling coastal lowland plateau sloping There will be no change to this feature. towards the coast with a sense of openness.

There are long views out to sea and occasionally to The construction of the new southern access road into the Somerset. ABP site, which will be a new junction off the B4265 falls within this aspect area. The junction will be raised to facilitate access to the site across the railway line. However, as the raised junction is located in the very north of the aspect area, there will be no change to this characteristic. No views out would be blocked as a result of the construction works associated with the junction improvements.

The maximum height is approx 98m AOD near Wick and There would be no change to this feature. the lowest 5m AOD at Cwm-Col-Huw.

The landcover is medium sized, rectilinear pastoral fields A pastoral field and some hedgerow will be removed to set within managed hedgerows and stone walls construct the proposed junction enhancement. However, within the context of the entire character area, only a very small section of this characteristic would be changed. The magnitude of change would be low (adverse).

There are several small woodlands. Deciduous There would be no change to this feature as there is no woodlands tend to be concentrated within steep sided woodland in the area of the proposed road junction coastal valleys enhancements.

Isolated coniferous woodlands/shelterbelts occur There would be no change to this feature as there is no coniferous woodland in the area of the proposed road junction enhancements.

There are several nucleated settlements scattered No settlements or isolated farms are removed as a result throughout the area and some isolated farms with of the construction activity. There would therefore be no distinctive grey limestone or whitewash; direct change to this feature of the landscape character. Elements of the construction activity are located in close proximity to individual farmsteads which will change the context of the isolated settlement e.g. the proposed junction enhancements to facilitate access into the southern section of the ABP site are located directly to the north of Seaview (a property within this aspect area). The construction activity in close proximity to Seaview will therefore make Seaview less isolated.

As the existing St. Athan site is already located in close proximity to this isolated farmstead, the proposed construction activity associated with buildings the development will not change this key characteristic. There will be no change.

Many settlements have historic cores but have recently No change developed edges

Trees display coastal windblown characteristics. There There would be no change to this feature. The proposed are several small steep sided coastal valleys which are a development would not involve the removal of any steep distinctive feature pf the landscape. sided coastal valleys.

Several minor roads cross the area The construction activity would upgrade a small section of a rural road in this aspect area removing hedgerow and widening the route. However, within the context of the whole aspect area this would be a negligible change.

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Table 7.5 (continued) Heritage Coast Hinterland (VLFGLVS890): Construction Phase

Key Characteristics of the Area Magnitude of Change

Summary: As a result of the conversion of arable fields in the far north of the aspect area to a construction site there will be a change to character and a loss of rural character to a small section of the aspect area. The loss of a small section of hedgerow will also contribute to the localised erosion of rural character. However, the key elements of the character of this area will not change and the above listed adverse effects will only be experienced locally. There will be an overall low (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this landscape aspect area, the overall effect would be moderate and would not be significant.

Lias Plateau (VLFGLVS805) The construction of the proposed rising main, the northern access road (NAR), part of the DTC at Picketston, and two SFA housing sites (Tremains Farm and North of West Camp) all fall within this aspect area. The construction of all of these elements has the potential to impact upon the character of the visual and sensory aspect area. Table 7.6 below, assesses the effects of the construction phase on character of the Lias Plateau Visual and Sensory LANDMAP area.

Table 7.6 Lias Plateau (VLFGLVS805): Construction Phase

Key Characteristics of the Area Magnitude of Change

Open rolling lowland plateau with high inter-visibility and The proposed construction activity will not change the an exposed character open rolling lowland plateau topography of this aspect area. As noted the within the LANDMAP description for this area, there is a high inter-visibility between this aspect area and the surrounding land uses. This characteristic will be retained and existing views to the St.Athan base will be supplemented by additional views of construction activity on the site, some of which will occur within the aspect area. The most notable changes to the views will be as a result of the demolition of buildings on the existing site e.g. the removal of East Camp, and the linear elements of the proposal such as the rising main and the northern access road.

There will be localised rising of topography as a result of the proposals e.g. the noise bund at Picketston and the embankments which will support the NAR. Although within the context of the whole aspect area these mounds and bunds will not detract from the open rolling topography, at a localised scale they will be visible elements which will appear as uncharacteristic landforms. Te magnitude of change would be low (adverse)

Changes to the view from this landscape are assessed separately within the Visual Assessment Chapter (Chapter 8).

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Table 7.6 (continued) Lias Plateau (VLFGLVS805): Construction Phase

Key Characteristics of the Area Magnitude of Change

Land cover is dominated by a field pattern of mostly Two areas of SFA housing, the proposed waste water arable fields with some pastoral set in managed treatment works and the proposed northern access road hedgerows and fences are proposed for this area. The construction of all of these features will result in the removal of sections of arable fields (only temporarily in the case of the rising main route) and also of small sections of hedgerow.

In the case of the linear routes, such as the northern access road, sections of hedgerow will be removed over a large linear extent (approx 5km in the case of the rising main. An easement of 12m is required during the construction phase for the rising main (reducing to 6m during the operational phase), although a localised narrowing of the working easement may be possible within areas of hedgerow. A 50metres width of hedgerow needs to be removed to construct the NAR.

Within the SFA sites, hedgerow has been retained wherever possible within the scheme design, and therefore hedgerow loss would be minimal.

Although construction activity will result in sections of the arable fields being removed, within the context of the whole aspect area, the extent of arable fields lost is a very small percentage of the overall resource. There would be a (low adverse) magnitude of change resulting from the loss of the fields.

Similarly, in the context of the network of hedgerow crossing the aspect area, the loss of hedgerow to construct the pipeline and northern access road, would not represent a large percentage of the hedgerow resource. However, the landscape pattern and enclosure provided by the hedgerow is one of its key characteristics. The removal of strips of hedgerow will weaken the landscape pattern resulting in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change. This effect may however lessen depending on the amount to which the easement can be reduced when crossing hedgerow routes. The details of this will not be decided until a later date.

A few isolated copses, usually deciduous. Trees are often Within the red line boundary of the development site associated with settlement or minor stream valleys. occasional isolated copses of trees are evident, but more notable are the trees along the network of minor streams e.g. St.John’s valley to the south of the runway within the existing MoD St. Athan Base and Llanmaes Brook to the south of Llanmaes, west of the existing MOD St. Athan Base and to the north of the proposed waste water rising main.

The construction of the rising main is located more than 12m to the south of any rows of trees associated with streams or brooks.

Although occasional other trees will have to be removed along the route of the proposed northern access road and rising main, the trees will not fall into the category of isolated copses of trees associated with minor streams.

The resultant magnitude of change to this characteristic would be negligible.

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Table 7.6 (continued) Lias Plateau (VLFGLVS805): Construction Phase

Key Characteristics of the Area Magnitude of Change

Settlements are scattered throughout the area; mostly The construction activity required to construct the two farms and there are two small nucleated villages at areas of SFA housing in this Aspect Area will lessen the Colwinston and Llysworney existing gap in built form between Llanmaes and the MOD St. Athan Base. This will detract from the nature of Llanmaes as a nucleated, individual settlement.

Within the context of the whole Aspect Area which extends northwards and eastwards far beyond the 3km study area, this change would not be perceptible. However, within the localised area, the magnitude of change to the setting of Llanmaes would be medium (adverse)

Several minor roads cross the area plus the main A48 and The proposed construction activity has the potential to the Bridgend to Barry railway line. Tranquillity is affected further erode the level of tranquillity experienced by small in the vicinity of the A48. sections of this aspect area. The construction of the rising main, new road and SFA housing will result in increased levels of movement within the area and the introduction of uncharacteristic elements such as construction compounds and heavy machinery.

Within the localised context of the arable landscape immediately to the north of Llantwit Major and west of St. Athan MOD ST Athan Base, there will be a further erosion of tranquillity resulting in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change

Summary: There will be erosion of the landscape pattern resulting from the removal of hedgerow during the construction phase. The development of a construction site for the SFA housing to the south of Llanmaes will detract from the sense of separation from the St.Athan base and an erosion of the sense of tranquillity will be caused by the introduction of uncharacteristic construction activity. The Aspect Area extends northwards and westwards far beyond the 3km study area, and for much of the aspect area, change will not be perceptible. However, in the vicinity of the development proposals, there will be a medium (adverse) magnitude of change which combined with the medium sensitivity of the landscape, would not result in a moderate effect which would not be significant effect.

7.9.2 Predicted Effects and Their Significance During the Operational Period For the purposes of this assessment, as set out in the Section 7.6 the operational phase is taken to be ten years after completion of the whole development scheme (phase 3 of the ABP scheme is proposed to be complete in 2038), when the planting would have reached a level of maturity and the buildings would be fully operational and in use. During the intervening years, until the planting has matured, the full environmental enhancement effects of the landscape strategy will not be fully realised.

7.9.3 Assessment of Effects on Landscape Elements

Landscape Designations Env 4 Special Landscape Areas (Thaw Valley Sides) The proposed SFA Golf Course site will be developed in a small section of the western extent of the Special Landscape Area on land currently used as a golf course. Although located within the Special Landscape Area the proposed development doesn’t impinge on the valley sides and there is no visual connection between the valley and the site.

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The golf course land use also sets it apart from the characteristic valley sides which are largely wooded. Housing is to be developed immediately adjacent to that existing and as part of the Landscape Strategy; hedgerow along the eastern site boundary will be retained. This will filter views and the combined effect will be to limit any perceived change to the character of the Special Landscape Area. The Castleton field training area is also located within the Lower Thaw Valley Special Landscape Area. No permanent built development is proposed. However it is proposed that day and night-time training will be undertaken on a daily basis, on-foot and vehicle based training (no tracked vehicles) will take place and mini flares and thunder flashes will be used. As views of the training area will be screened by the dense, mature woodland planting along the River Thaw, the increased movement and activity would not be perceptible from the majority of the Special Landscape Area. Field boundaries/hedgerows and the woodland shelter belt along the eastern boundary of the Castleton FTA will be reinforced using locally appropriate native species mixes. The Gileston to Oldmill highway work improvements are proposed along a section of the B4265 which forms the southern boundary of the Special Landscape Area. However, construction activity will be temporary and evident only from a very small part of the designation due to the presence of the wooded Thaw Valley sides. The landscape strategy for the Gileston to Oldmill road improvements as shown in the document ‘Aerospace Business Park, St Athan: Statement in support of the planning application’ proposes Once operational, the proposed roundabout will be visible from a very localised section of the south east of the designation. It will be viewed against a backdrop of existing busy roads and housing, a view which is not characteristic of the wider River Thaw landscape. Ten years after completion, there would be a low (adverse) magnitude of change as a result of the changed land uses and levels of activity taking place on sites on the extreme western edge of the designation. Combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this landscape designation, the overall effect would be moderate and would not be significant.

Env 5 Glamorgan Heritage Coast No development is proposed within this designation and as such no direct changes to landscape elements will result. The proposals will be evident on the skyline from a very small part of the designation. The most prominent features of the development site will be the proposed S1 hangar, which at 25 metres tall will be an uncharacteristically large feature of the skyline. Views of this building will be supplemented by additional views of smaller hangars immediately adjacent and other military land uses such as the compass swing repair area. However, as discussed in the visual chapter (chapter 8) views of the development site will diminish the further south, towards the sea, receptors are. As such, clear views of the uncharacteristically large new military structures will be visible from only a small section of this designation. As such, a change to the character of the designation will only be experienced from a small section of the designation. As set out in table 7.2 of section 7.5 of this chapter, environmental measures have been designed into the scheme to minimise views of the proposed development, particularly that at ABP south, which is located immediately to the north of the designation. The area is designated for the attractive coastal landscape and any perceived change to the overriding character of the area as a whole is predicted to be low (adverse). Combined with the

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high sensitivity attributed to this landscape designation, the overall effect would be moderate and would not be significant.

Trees and Hedgerow A medium value is attributed to all new native species hedgerow and tree planting which is planted so as to respond to and complement the proposed building layout and design. The assessment of effects experienced during the operational stage is made based on the landscape strategy drawings and trees to be retained and removed as described in section 7.1.1 under the heading ‘trees and hedgerow’ within this chapter: Planting of new trees on both East Camp and on the SFA Golf Course site is proposed during the construction phase. New native species trees will be planted, which will enhance and complement the new built form. The planting at East Camp and the SFA Golf Course site would result in a medium (beneficial) effect which when combined with the medium value attributed to new native tree planting results in a moderate magnitude of change which would not be significant. Within the Picketston external training area it is proposed that new clear stemmed trees, and structure planting will be introduced around the external training area. The introduction of the new tree planting will respond to the proposed land use and land form and complement the overall design. The Design and Access Statement for the DTC scheme states that a palette of predominantly native species of trees will be used. The introduction of trees with good amenity value which respond to the proposed design and land uses will have a medium (beneficial) magnitude of change which when combined with the medium value of planting new native species trees would result in a moderate effect which would not be significant. A small section of hedgerow is proposed along the more easterly section of the southern access road where it connects to the existing rural road. Existing hedgerow has occasional gaps and would benefit from enhanced management. Once the road has been constructed and the new hedgerow has matured, there will therefore be a low (beneficial) magnitude of change. Combined with the medium value attributed to new native species hedgerow planting this would result in a slight/moderate effect which would not be significant. Hedgerow planting is proposed along the route of the new northern access road. This includes the translocation of existing hedgerow removed to construct sections of the new NAR. The planting of new hedgerow will aid integration of the road into the existing landscape which is characterised by hedgerow lined roads. The magnitude of change would be medium (beneficial). Combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to hedgerow this would result in a moderate effect which would not be significant. A landscape scheme has also been developed for the Gileston to Oldmill highway works. The landscape strategy for this area proposes new hedgerow planting along the route of the new road. The planting of new hedgerow will again aid integration of the road into the existing landscape. The magnitude of change would be medium (beneficial). Combined with the medium value attributed to new native species hedgerow planting this would result in a moderate effect which would not be significant in EIA terms.

Trees Within the Waycock Cross Roundabout Boundary Additional trees are proposed around the outer edges of the roundabout and new feeder road within the proposed hedgerow. All trees will be native species, placed to complement and screen views of the proposed roundabout. The magnitude of change as a result of the addition of

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these native species trees would be medium (beneficial), which combined with the medium value attributed to new native tree and hedgerow planting, would result in a moderate/ (beneficial) effect and would not be significant.

Conservation Areas The following Conservation Areas have been scoped into the assessment:

Llanmaes Conservation Area11 Similar effects to those during the construction phase would occur, in this case with evidence of the now completed and established SFA the Tremains Farm and North of West Camp sites and the NAR. As noted in the assessment of construction effects, views of the proposed new structures will change the visual context from the southern approach road. The introduction of closer range views of the proposed housing would contribute to an erosion of the rural character of the southern section of the settlement. However, as in the construction phase, the retention of a wedge of pastoral fields between the southern edge of Llanmaes and the Tremains farm SFA site, will ensure a level of continuity to views from the southern approach road. By year ten after completion, reinstatement of the rising main route will have been completed and associated landscape planting will be mature. In addition, views of the larger scale elements of the proposed northern ABP scheme and DTC scheme will be visible, alongside the existing hangars and ancillary buildings visible from the southern edge of Llanmaes e.g. CHP chimney on the northern edge of the DTC site will be visible. All other key features of the Conservation Area as noted in the Draft Appraisal and Management Plan will remain unchanged. The combination of residential development viewed at closer proximity and additional large scale features within the ABP and DTC scheme becoming skyline features of views from the southern approach to the village would give a low (adverse) magnitude of change which combined with the high sensitivity of the Conservation Area would result in a moderate/substantial overall effect which would be significant.

Boverton Conservation Area12 Similar effects to those during the construction phase would occur, in this case with the large scale elements of the ABP proposal, including the proposed 25m tall hanger and the southern access road which will be raised over the railway line, evident from the south eastern edge of the Conservation Area, against a backdrop of existing buildings. The magnitude of change to the Conservation Area will remain low (adverse) which combined with the high sensitivity of the Conservation Area would result in a moderate overall effect which would not be significant.

11 Llanmaes Draft Appraisal and Management Plan June 2008 by the directorate of Environmental and Economic regeneration

12 Boverton Conservation Area Draft Appraisal completed June 2008 by the directorate of Environmental and Economic Regeneration

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Flemingston Conservation Area13 None of the key characteristics of the settlement as noted by the Flemingston Conservation Area Draft Appraisal would be altered by the proposed development. No views south westwards are noted as being of particular importance to the Conservation Area within this assessment. Following completion of construction DTC buildings would be visible from the footpaths on the south western edge of e Conservation Area. However, due to the viewing distance would not detract from the historic characteristics of the area. The magnitude of change would remain low (adverse) which combined with the high sensitivity of the Conservation Area would result in a moderate overall effect which would not be significant.

Gileston14 As with the construction phase, there would be no change. The magnitude of change and overall effect experienced during the construction phase by the eight different areas of landscape pattern and scale scoped into the assessment are assessed below.

Landscape Character Landscape pattern and scale 1) Once operational, similarly to the baseline conditions, this area will be dominated by military hangers, ancillary buildings and areas of hard standing. The tallest hangars will be 25metres, which is taller than the existing DSG hangar. The introduction of three hangars of 25metres tall within the northern section of the ABP scheme and an additional hangar of 25metres will strengthen the characteristic of this being a landscape with a large scale. Plans indicate that there is no distinctive layout to the area of the ABP scheme to the north of the runway. Whilst in the baseline, the DSG hangar was a distinctive focal point, when other hangars of a similar height are located immediately adjacent to it, the DSG hangar will no longer be such a distinctive focal building. Once operational, the scale of the buildings will be notably large and military in nature. However, as the landscape of the existing MoD St.Athan base is already large scale, the magnitude of change would be medium (neutral). Combined with the low sensitivity of the landscape pattern and scale in this area, the overall effect would be slight/moderate and would not be significant. 2) The proposed layout and design of the DTC is notably different to the grid like formation on the existing East Camp. Although formal, geometric layouts are retained in part e.g. the Mall and the parade ground, this contrast with areas of more naturalistic and organic shapes, layout and planting. An example is within the Heritage Park where winding footpaths navigate through small woodland blocks and open recreational areas. By having contrasting formal and informal spaces, and added layer of visual interest will be added, creating a more diverse landscape pattern. Although the landscape pattern will be markedly different to that in the baseline, the landscape pattern which is proposed will be equally as strong and distinctive.

13 Flemingston Conservation Area Draft Appraisal completed June 2008 by the directorate of Environmental and Economic Regeneration March 2009

14 Gileston Conservation Area Draft Appraisal completed June 2008 by the directorate of Environmental and Economic regeneration March 2009

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The majority of buildings proposed within this area are 9-15metres tall, although the Officers Mess will be taller (18metres). The proposed buildings will be of a slightly larger block size and height than the existing buildings. However, the landscape strategy has been designed in a way which shall ensure that views of the built form is soften and partially screened from much of the site and surroundings. Landscape proposals include areas of wildflower meadow, grassland areas and informal scrub and tree planting around the site boundaries. The proposed landscape strategy for the site concentrates more ‘intensive’ shrub and tree planting and communal spaces towards the centre of the site, where shelter is provided by the proposed built form, earthworks and topography. The magnitude of change would be medium (beneficial) and when combined with the medium sensitivity of the landscape pattern and scale in this area, would result in a moderate effect which would not be significant. 3) At Picketston, the introduction of outdoor sports pitches, an indoor sports hall, a swimming pool, a hotel obstacle course, aerial field (containing aerials between 20 and 30metres tall) and telegraph pole field where telegraph poles will occasionally be erected for training purposes will introduce a land use which is markedly different to existing combination of hedgerow lined arable fields to the west and military hangers to the east. The removal of some of the existing hangars to facilitate this, and much of the hedgerow within the site will erase the existing landscape pattern. The magnitude of change to both the landscape pattern and also the scale of the features within the landscape would be high and due to the erosion of the localised rural character of this area of the site that would result, the change would be adverse. When combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to the landscape pattern and scale of this area, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant. 4) At Batslays, the introduction of a 25metres tall hangar, an engine testing facility, new compass swing and additional ancillary offices will replace the existing land use. The existing hedgerow lined arable fields which create a localised area of rural character which responds to the rural land use to the south, would be replaced by new large scale structure, which in terms of height and block size are uncharacteristic. The magnitude of change would be high (adverse). When combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to the landscape pattern and scale of this area, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant. 5) The Tremains Farm SFA and North of West Camp SFA have been designed to respond and integrate into the surrounding landscape. The layout of roads and housing is designed to help create a ‘village character’ that reflects existing settlements within the Vale of Glamorgan. For example, roads of varying width are proposed which meander through the housing to reflect the pattern found in surrounding villages. Existing vegetation has been retained where possible, particularly along the boundaries of the sites e.g. along the railway line and Eglwys Brewis Road. The route of the NAR is planted with hedgerow on both sides where it is safe and practical to have hedgerow. Hedgerow lined roads are a characteristic of the rural roads within the Vale of Glamorgan and this in another instance where vegetation helps to integrate the road within the existing landscape. The retention of some existing vegetation provides some continuity to views from the surrounding area towards the development.

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The vegetation surrounding Llanmaes Brook is retained as part of the landscape strategy for the site. An existing feature of the landscape pattern of this area is small pastoral fields located between built form (Llanmaes and the Mod St.Athan site). By introducing additional housing, the density of residential units within the area will increase but areas of pastoral fields will be retained, and so the overall pattern of settlement, hedgerow lined pastoral fields and vegetated streams will be retained. The WwT pipe will be located underground, and so once the proposals are completed, the pipeline will not be evident and will not contribute to the landscape pattern or scale. The magnitude of change to this area of landscape pattern and scale would be medium (adverse) representing the addition of new residential units within the small scale pastoral landscape, which will erode the existing landscape pattern and as a result the localised pastoral character, but will not result in a wholesale change to character as the pastoral fields and vegetation along Llanmmaes Brook to the south of Llanmaes are being retained. When combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this area, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial change which would be significant. 6) As stated above, the WwT pipeline will be located underground. Therefore, the pipeline will not be evident and will not contribute to the landscape pattern or scale. There will be no change. 7) The landscape proposals alongside the Gileston to Oldmill road improvements propose hedgerow planting alongside both sides of the B4265. This replaces hedgerow and trees lost during the construction phase. Therefore, although the road layout will be altered, once the hedgerow has matured, the key components will once again, as in the baseline will be a hedgerow lined road running through a landscape of hedgerow lined fields, with the topography dropping into wooded valley sides. There would be no change to the landscape pattern 8) The landscape proposals for the Waycock Cross roundabout (Drawing L401-l403 DTA St.Athan Waycock Roundabout Landscape Proposals within the document Aerospace Business Park, St Athan: Statement in support of the planning application’) show hedgerow and tree planting along all four of the approach roads to the new Waycock roundabout. The key features which contribute to the landscape pattern, (the road junction with approach roads to the north being hedgerow and tree lined and suburban residential buildings of Barry to the south) will remain unchanged. The proposed roundabout is larger than the existing roundabout. However, this will not result in a significant change to the landscape scale and it is judged that the resultant overall change to the landscape pattern and scale would be negligible which when combined with the low sensitivity of the landscape pattern and scale would result in a negligible overall effect and would not be significant.

Visual and Sensory LANDMAP Aspect Areas Table 7.7 below, assesses the effects of the operational phase on character of the Heritage Coast Hinterland Visual and Sensory LANDMAP area.

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Heritage Coast Hinterland

Table 7.7 Heritage Coast Hinterland (VLFGLVS890): Operational Phase

Key Characteristics of the Area Magnitude of Change

The area is a rolling coastal lowland plateau sloping There will be a negligible change to this feature. The towards the coast with a sense of openness. proposed southern access road requires an embankment being built to raise the road above and across the railway line. This will require the raising of the landscape by approximately 7 metres. This proposed land raising would effect only a very small section of the most northerly part of the aspect area and would not alter the overall pattern of a landform sloping towards the sea.

There are long views out to sea and occasionally to The new southern access road into the ABP site, which Somerset. will be a new junction off the B4265 falls within this aspect area. The junction will be raised to facilitate access to the site across the railway line. However, as the raised junction is located in the very north of the aspect area, there will be no change to this characteristic. No views out would be blocked as a result of the new junction

The maximum height is approx 98m AOD near Wick and There would be no change to this feature. the lowest 5m A.O.D at Cwm-Col-Huw.

The landcover is medium sized, rectilinear pastoral fields Hedgerow planted during the construction phase have set within managed hedgerows and stone walls reached a level of maturity by 10 years after the completion of the ABP scheme (i.e. 2038) and therefore there would be a low (beneficial) effect.

Isolated coniferous woodlands/shelterbelts occur There would be no change to this feature as there is no coniferous woodland in the area of the proposed road junction enhancements.

There are several nucleated settlements scattered No settlements or isolated farms are removed as a result throughout the area and some isolated farms with of the proposed development. There would therefore be distinctive grey limestone or whitewash; no direct change to this feature of the landscape character. Elements of the proposed development are located in close proximity to individual farmsteads which will change the context of the isolated settlement e.g. the proposed junction enhancements to facilitate access into the southern section of the ABP site are located directly to the north of Seaview (a property within this aspect area). The proposed development in close proximity to Seaview will therefore make Seaview less isolated.

As the existing St. Athan site is already located in close proximity to this isolated farmstead, the proposed development will not change this key characteristic. There will be no change.

Many settlements have historic cores but have recently No change developed edges

Trees display coastal windblown characteristics. There There would be no change to this feature as there are no are several small steep sided coastal valleys which are a trees in the area of the proposed road junction distinctive feature pf the landscape. enhancements.

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Table 7.7 (continued) Heritage Coast Hinterland (VLFGLVS890): Operational Phase

Key Characteristics of the Area Magnitude of Change

Several minor roads cross the area Changes will be made to a junction on the B4265. The road will be elevated in order to allow access to the southern edge of the St Athan development. The B4265 is an established and well used road. In the section to the south of the St Athan site the B4265 has two lanes, has markings and crash barriers at the edge. All of these features combine to signify that this is a well used route, which has an urban character. The raising of the road in a small section will be a change to the road, but will not alter the character of the road as a well used, urban style of road. The change would be to a very small section of one road within the character area. The magnitude of change would be low (adverse).

Summary: As a result of the conversion of arable fields in the far north of the aspect area to industrial usage and the upgrade of the junction so that there is an urbanising influence on a small section of one of the rural roads of the area, there will be an overall low (adverse) magnitude of change. Views into the site will become a characteristic of the far northern section of the aspect area. However this is not noted as a key characteristic and key views are focused southwards towards the coast. Combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this aspect area, the overall effect would be moderate and not significant.

Lias Plateau (VLFGLVS805) The proposed rising main, the northern access road, part of the DTC at Picketston, and two SFA housing sites (Tremains Farm and North of West Camp) all fall within this aspect area. All of these features have the potential to significantly impact on the key characteristics of this area. Table 7.8 below, assesses the effects of the operational phase on character of the Lias Plateau Visual and Sensory LANDMAP area.

Table 7.8 Lias Plateau (VLFGLVS805): Operational Phase

Key Characteristics Of The Area Magnitude of Change

Open rolling lowland plateau with high inter-visibility and The proposed SFA housing, the most western extent of an exposed character the Picketston external training area (including sports pitches and section of the noise bund) new road and sewage treatment works would all be located within this aspect area during the operational phase. The waste water treatment rising main will have been installed but will be underground and not visible. Despite these changes to the area, there will be no change to the open rolling lowland plateau topography of this aspect area.

There would be no change to the open rolling topography.

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Table 7.8 (continued) Lias Plateau (VLFGLVS805): Operational Phase

Key Characteristics Of The Area Magnitude of Change

Land cover is dominated by a field pattern of mostly Arable fields will be lost to allow for the SFA housing and arable fields with some pastoral set in managed new access road. The sections of arable fields which hedgerows and fences were converted to construction sites during the construction of the rising main will be reinstated once the rising main is laid.

All sections of the hedgerow lost during the construction phase would be reinstated following the completion of the rising main route. Assuming appropriate species of hedgerow are proposed and the hedgerow is reinstated to recreate existing baseline conditions or better, there would be a negligible magnitude of change.

A few isolated copses, usually deciduous. Trees are often Whilst there are isolated copses and trees along minor associated with settlement or minor stream valleys. streams within the red line boundary, none of the trees which fall into this category are removed as part of the proposed development. Vegetation along the banks of Boverton Brook to the south of the ‘North of West Camp SFA’ site is retained within the proposed landscape strategy. In line with the characteristic of trees associated with settlement, both SFA sites within this aspect area retain bands of trees located within their boundary, as part of the landscape strategy.

The resultant magnitude of change to this characteristic would be negligible.

Settlements are scattered throughout the area, mostly Two areas of SFA housing (Tremains Farm and North of farms and there are two small nucleated villages at West Camp) are proposed in the southern section of this Colwinston and Llysworney aspect area. The assessment of construction effects noted that the construction activity associated with building the housing would involve the removal of a section of the arable fields which currently separate the village from the MOD St Athan base. Once operational, the housing will replace the construction activity, narrowing the gap in built form between Llanmaes and the MOD St Athan base. The closer proximity to new housing will detract from the nature of Llanmaes as a nucleated, individual settlement. This is the only settlement within the aspect area to be affected in this way. All other areas of SFA housing are located at a distance from the isolated settlements. Although views of the proposed housing and other proposed buildings may also be possible, views of existing buildings on the site are already a feature of the skyline.

Within the context of the whole aspect area which extend northwards and eastwards far beyond the 3km study area, this change would not be perceptible. However, within the localised area of this study area, the magnitude of change as a result of changes to the setting of Llanmaes would be medium (adverse)

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Table 7.8 (continued) Lias Plateau (VLFGLVS805): Operational Phase

Key Characteristics Of The Area Magnitude of Change

Several minor roads cross the area plus the main A48 and The proposed new road has the potential to further erode the Bridgend to Barry railway line. Tranquillity is affected the level of tranquillity experienced by small sections of in the vicinity of the A48. this aspect area. Once operational the rising main will be underground and not visible. Although the construction of the SFA housing was judged to contribute to a loss of tranquillity during the construction phase, once operational, given the location of the housing adjacent to other areas of military housing, there will be no significant additional disturbance of the tranquillity of the area.

Within the localised context of the arable landscape immediately to the north of Llantwit Major and west of St. Athan MoD St. Athan base, the addition of another stretch of road will further erode the tranquillity of the area. However, as the proposed northern access road is located immediately adjacent to another large road (B4265) the addition will result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change.

Summary: once operational, the only characteristic of area to experience change is the setting of Llanmaes as a result of the loss of arable fields which separate the village from the existing MoD St. Athan base. Although this will be of localised significant effect to the settlement of Llanmaes (as assessed in the assessment of effects to Llanmaes as a Conservation Area, within the context of the entire aspect area which extends northwards and westwards far beyond the 3km study area, this change would not be significant. The magnitude of change overall to the area would be medium (adverse). Combined with the medium sensitivity of this receptor, the overall effect would be moderate (adverse) and not significant

7.10 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation The proposed development, despite the footprint of the site and the scale of the proposed buildings, will result in only a small number of significant effects. The existing MoD St. Athan base ensures that large scale, military buildings are a characteristic feature of the local landscape. In a broader context, the base is one of a number of large scale developments scattered throughout the Vale of Glamorgan rural landscape, others including Cardiff Airport and Aberthaw Power station. The existing MOD St. Athan buildings are instrumental to the creation of the localised landscape character as set out in the LANDMAP St. Athan Visual and Sensory Aspect Area description. Views from within much of the development site, and to the development site from the surrounding landscape will therefore not result in significant levels of change to the existing landscape character as defined by the LANDMAP assessment. However, areas of localised landscape character with distinct landscape patterns have been identified by this assessment, within the development site. Two areas (at Picketston and south of the runway at Batslays) have localised areas of rural character with a medium scale landscape pattern created by the hedgerow network. Within these areas, the introduction of large scale hangars, and other sporting and military infrastructure results in a significant change to the distinctive landscape pattern. This assessment judges that indirect, adverse and significant effects are experienced by one Conservation Area as a result of the proposed development. Llanmaes will experience adverse effects as the result of views in the middle distance of the proposed Tremains Farm and North of

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West Camp SFA and the NAR. In addition, longer range views of the hangars on the ABP north site will be visible. Although in the baseline, partial views of the DSG hangar are a feature of views from the south of the village, the additional hangers will create a more distinctly military character to the views. As such, the rural nature of baseline views from the southern and south eastern edges of the village will be diluted. Trees of Category B and above, TPOs and hedgerow were scoped into the assessment of landscape effects. Whilst individual trees and sections of hedgerow are lost from parts of the scheme, the scheme designs have generally aimed to retain hedgerow and trees wherever possible. Where trees are removed during the construction phase, e.g. at East Camp, they are replaced by the landscape strategy, under which new trees are designed to complement the proposed scheme. Sections of hedgerow are removed during the construction phase, notably to build the new northern and southern access routes. However, the landscape strategy for the new northern road and southern access roads and the proposed road improvements at Gileston to Oldmill and Waycock Cross highway works propose rows of hedgerow along the road route. Hedgerow lined roads are a characteristic feature of the Vale of Glamorgan landscape, and therefore the addition of hedgerow will aid the integration of the new road features into the landscape, and also mitigate the temporary adverse effects experienced following loss of hedgerow during the construction phase. Table 7.9 below, summarises landscape effects as assessed by this chapter.

Table 7.9 Summary of Significant Landscape Effects

Receptor Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation and effects construction operational Value2 phase phase change1 change significance3 significance

Landscape Designations

Env 4 Special Low (adverse) Low (adverse) High Not significant Not significant Landscape Areas (Lower Thaw Valley)

Env 5 Low (adverse) Low (adverse) High Not significant Not significant Glamorgan Heritage Coast

Trees and TPO

Category B Low (adverse) No change Medium Not significant Not significant trees and sensitivity during hedgerow in the the construction Airfield land phase and parcel medium value for new hedgerow and trees during the operational phase

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Table 7.9 (continued) Summary of Significant Landscape Effects

Receptor Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation and effects construction operational Value2 phase phase change1 change significance3 significance

Category B No change Low (beneficial) Medium Not significant Not significant trees and sensitivity during hedgerow in the the construction Batslays land phase and parcel medium value for new hedgerow and trees during the operational phase

Category B High (adverse) Medium (beneficial) Medium Significant Not significant trees and sensitivity during hedgerow the construction within the phase and ‘Inside the wire’ medium value for land parcel new hedgerow and trees during the operational phase

Category B No change Medium (beneficial) Medium Not significant Not significant trees and sensitivity during hedgerow the construction within the phase and ‘Outside the medium value for wire’ land new hedgerow parcel. and trees during the operational phase

Category B and High (adverse) Medium Medium Significant Not significant above trees (Beneficial) sensitivity during and hedgerow the construction in East Camp phase and medium value for new hedgerow and trees during the operational phase

Category B No change No change Medium Not significant Not significant trees and sensitivity during hedgerow the construction within the ‘F3’ phase and land parcel medium value for new hedgerow and trees during the operational phase

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Table 7.9 (continued) Summary of Significant Landscape Effects

Receptor Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation and effects construction operational Value2 phase phase change1 change significance3 significance

Category A and High (adverse) Medium (beneficial) Medium (for Significant Not significant B trees and category B) and hedgerow High (for within the Category A) ‘Gileston’ land sensitivity during parcel the construction phase and medium value for new hedgerow and trees during the operational phase

Category B and High (adverse) Medium Medium Significant Not significant above trees (Beneficial) sensitivity during and hedgerow the construction in Golf Course phase and Land parcel medium value for new hedgerow and trees during the operational phase

Category B High (adverse) Medium (beneficial) Medium Significant Not significant trees and sensitivity during hedgerow the construction within the phase and ‘Waycock’ land medium value for parcel new hedgerow and trees during the operational phase

Conservation Areas

Llanmaes Low (adverse) Low (adverse) High Not significant Not significant

Boverton Low (adverse) Low (adverse) High Not significant Not significant

Flemingston Low (adverse) Low (adverse) High Not significant Not significant

Gileston No change No change high Not significant

Landscape Pattern and Scale

The airfield and Medium(adverse) Medium (neutral) low Not significant Not significant the hangers to the north

East Camp High (adverse) Medium Medium Significant Not significant where the (beneficial) buildings are set on a grid road pattern

West of High (adverse) High (adverse) Medium Significant Significant Picketston where the fields are arable, medium sized and bound by hedgerow

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Table 7.9 (continued) Summary of Significant Landscape Effects

Receptor Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation and effects construction operational Value2 phase phase change1 change significance3 significance

Arable fields in High (adverse) High (adverse) Medium Significant Significant the southern section of the existing MoD St.Athan Site, to the south of the runway

The small scale Medium Medium (neutral) High Significant Significant pastoral fields (adverse) overlaying the undulating landscape south of Llanmaes

The larger Low (adverse) No change Medium Not significant No change fields (both pastoral and arable) to the west of Llanmaes

The landform Low (adverse) No change High Not significant No change surrounding the B4265 between St.Athan and the River Thaw

The landscape Low (adverse) Negligible Low Not significant Not significant surrounding Waycock Roundabout

LANDMAP Visual and Sensory Aspect Areas

Heritage Coast Low (adverse) Low (adverse) High Not significant Not significant Hinterland (VLFGLVS890):

Lias Plateau Medium Medium (adverse) Medium Not significant Not significant (VLFGLVS805) (adverse)

7.11 Implementation of Environmental Measures Table 7.10 outlines how any required Environmental measures would be implemented.

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Table 7.10 Implementation of Environmental Measures

Environmental measure Responsibility for Compliance mechanism implementation

Avoidance of mature trees during the DCWW’s main contractor. In consultation with DCWW. construction of the WwT pipeline

Avoidance of all trees and hedgerow shown Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning on the landscape strategy drawing as trees to responsible for condition enforcing compliance with be retained. implementation of Construction Environmental environmental control Management Plan (CEMP). measures.

Construction of planted embankment around Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning the south eastern edge of ABP south responsible for condition enforcing compliance with implementation of CEMP and Environmental environmental control Management Plan (EMP) measures.

Introduction of trees and hedgerow along the Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning route of the NAR as shown on the landscape responsible for condition enforcing compliance with strategy drawings implementation of the EMP. environmental control measures.

Introduction of trees, hedgerow and other Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning areas of planting within the DTC, ABP, SFA responsible for condition enforcing compliance with and FTA sites implementation of the EMP. environmental control measures.

Colour treatment of the hangar elevations to Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning break up views responsible for condition enforcing compliance with implementation of the EMP. environmental control measures.

The layout of roads, lanes and housing is Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning designed to help create a ‘village’ character responsible for condition enforcing compliance with reflecting existing settlements within the implementation of the EMP. aspect area. environmental control measures.

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8. Visual Assessment

8.1 Introduction This chapter assesses the potential visual effects arising from the proposed development. The chapter draws upon the baseline information set out in detail at Appendices G in Volume 2 of this ES, and should be read in light of the project description in Chapters 3. Reference should also be made to the Landscape Assessment Chapter (Chapter 7), in particular section 7.5 (‘Environmental measures incorporated into the scheme’). This chapter first outlines the data gathering methodology adopted as part of the assessment. This is followed by a description of the overall baseline conditions, the scope of the assessment, and, for each visual receptor, an assessment of potential effects. The Chapter concludes with a summary of the results of the assessment. The assessment is based upon the illustrative masterplans and the landscape strategies in support of the Defence Technical College (DTC), Aerospace Business Park (ABP), and the highway works. Information within the Design and Access Statements supporting these planning applications has also been used to inform the assessment.

8.2 Approach to Data Gathering The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA)1 have been used as the basis for the assessment of Visual Effects. The method adopted is described in more detail in Section 8.6 below. Appendix G in Volume 2 describes the locations of ‘visual receptors’ (i.e. those people potentially having views to the proposed development). The assessment described in this chapter identifies ‘valued visual receptors’ i.e. those judged to be sufficiently sensitive to visual change that visual effects could be significant. In particular these include: • Users of all outdoor recreational facilities including public rights of way, whose attention or interest may be focussed on the landscape; • Communities where the development results in changes in the landscape setting or valued views within the community; and

• Occupiers of residential properties with views affected by the development.

Definition of the Study Area The study area for the assessment of Visual Effects replicates that described at Section 7.3 of Chapter 7 (Landscape Assessment).

1 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment second edition, The Landscape Institute, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment 2002

h:\projects\ea-210\24000-24999\24996 dtr metrix (24996&16057)\st athan-vog\eia and the es\env statement_final\chapter © Entec UK Limited 8 - visual assessment\chapter\st athan es chapter 8_visual assessment.doc

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The main body of the proposed works are located in and around the existing MoD St Athan site, exceptions being: • The proposed waste water rising main, connecting the Defence Technical College (DTC) with the existing Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTWs), approximately 5km to the west; • An additional tank, proposed within the boundary of the existing WwTWs;

• The upgrading of St Athan junction, within the existing highway curtilage;

• Improvements to the B4265 between Gileston and Oldmill; and

• Re-location and enlargement of the Waycock Cross roundabout to the north of the existing junction and a feeder road extending approximately 200metres to the east before rejoining Port Road West. An initial site survey resulted in the adoption of a study area defined by a 3km offset from the development boundary (not including the WwT pipeline, Gileston to Oldmill road improvements or the Waycock cross roundabout improvements, see paragraph below) as beyond this distance, views to the proposed development are limited by a combination of viewing distance, topography, buildings and vegetation, to the extent that significant effects would not be experienced. The proposed construction of the rising main, the installation of an additional tank to the WwTWs, the upgrade works to sections of B4265 at St Athan junction, changes to the location of the Waycock Cross roundabout on the A4226 and upgrades to a section of the B4265 between Gileston to Oldmill are smaller scales of development, and in the case of the rising main construction, the effects experienced by visual receptors are temporary as the rising main will be underground. The smaller scale of the development means that the area over which receptors may experience significant levels of magnitude of change to the view is also smaller. Following field visits to understand the nature of existing views, the topography and the presence of vegetation blocks with screening potential, a study area of 1km surrounding the boundary of these elements was adopted. The study area is shown graphically on all Figures2. The figures accompanying this chapter are within Volume 3 of this ES. Appendix G (Volume 2) includes sources used in the collation of baseline information, details of site visits undertaken and sets out the Visual Effects baseline in detail.

8.2.1 Consultation In addition to responses to the St Athan EIA Scoping Report, additional consultation was sought from Vale of Glamorgan Council (VoGC) regarding viewpoint selection. Consultation was undertaken in the form of emails and telephone conversations between June 2008 and January 2009.

2 All Ordnance Survey (OS) Basemapping used to produce the figures within this ES, purchased in June 2008, does not show the Super Hangar or the existing site layout.

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8.3 Baseline Summary This section provides a short summary of the Visual Effects baseline including the site and surrounding study area.

8.3.1 Current Baseline

Surrounding Receptors The landscape surrounding the site slopes from north to south. From positions to the north and south, this sloping topography has a marked influence upon its visibility. Locations to the north of the main section of the development site, such as sections of St Athan Road and from some individual farmsteads north of Llanmaes, experience wide views across the local landscape. The existing DSG Hangar on the MoD St Athan site is a distinctive feature in these views, which are facilitated by the southwards drop in elevation and the absence of woodland blocks. Where hedgerow is planted along the rural roads to the north, this can screen views of the site. However, where there are gaps in the hedgerow or where the orientation of the roads faces southwards (such as on St Athan Road) views are panoramic. To the south of the B4265 which forms the southern site boundary, the landform drops away in a southerly and south-easterly direction towards the coast. The landform drops away more abruptly in a south-easterly direction falling by approximately 20 metres (m) within 400m south of the B4265. In a south-westerly direction the landform levels out at an elevation of approximately 45m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) for approximately 700m to the south of the B4265 before also dropping away more steeply. The plateau in topography allows more distant views to the site from the south than from the south-east. For example, receptors within Gileston, a settlement approximately 500m south-east of the proposed ABP site do not experience views northwards towards the main section of the site. However, receptors on the road leading to Boverton Mill Farm, experience views north-eastwards across the flat fields towards the B4265 and the ABP site. In addition to the sloping landform, views from Gileston are also screened by a band of mature woodland around the north-western edge of the village. From Llantwit Major, west of the development site, views towards the existing buildings at West Camp and the proposed Tremains Farm SFA site and the ABP site, are restricted by a band of mature trees adjacent to the B4265 and to the railway line. From Llanmaes in the northwest, views are experienced across paddocks in the foreground to rooftops of housing on West Camp and hangars on the DTC site beyond. In the far distance the chimney of Aberthaw Power Station is also visible. To the east of the main site, the waste water rising main cuts across predominantly arable fields from an easterly point within the site of the existing MoD St Athan Base, approximately 5km west to the site of an existing sewage works. The landscape that the rising main crosses broadly drops in elevation from north to south. Therefore visual receptors to the north generally have the potential to experience clearer views to the rising main route. However, as with much of the surrounding landscape, the fields are bound by a network of hedgerow which is characteristically intact and provides effective filtering and screening of low level views. Views across the rising main route are

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characteristically short range and experienced from the network of rural roads, footpaths and from individual houses and villages. The rising main route does not pass through any towns or villages, but does pass immediately adjacent to individual or groups of houses, and also passes approximately 100m south of Llanmaes.

Visual Context of the B4265 The B4265 is a main road, running some 1.5-2km north of the coast between Cardiff Airport in the east and St Brides Major in the west. The road continues inland and northwards of St Brides Major. The landscape surrounding the majority of the route is arable and pastoral fields, although where trees form a screen along the route of the road (e.g. along the stretch of road that passes south of the MoD St Athan Base), or along the route of the railway line, this landscape is not perceptible. The presence of rows of trees as a boundary feature is variable along the route of the road. Although this is not a wooded landscape, occasional woodland copses, and the wooded River Thaw Valley, provide a variable amount of screening and filtering of views across the surrounding landscape. The B4265 does not pass through any settlements, but does pass immediately adjacent to settlements, e.g. Llantwit Major to the south, St Athan village, and the MoD St Athan Base. Settlements are therefore part of the visual context of the route. There are numerous junctions along the B4265, linking both rural road and larger roads such as the B4270 Llantwit Major Road. These include the St Athan junction, between the B4265 and Gileston Road which is the site of one of the proposed junction improvements.

A4226 East of Cardiff Airport the B4265 becomes the A4226, connecting Cardiff Airport with Barry. The western section of the road crosses the pastoral landscape between Cardiff Airport and Barry, and from Waycock Cross roundabout eastwards, the road follows the northern, suburban edge of Barry, generally marking the boundary between the settlement and the pastoral landscape to the north, although more recent development also occurs on its north side. Although the predominant land use to both the north and south of the western section of the road is pastoral fields, there are frequent scattered farms, each with numerous outbuildings, parking and storage areas. The close proximity of the road to Barry and Cardiff Airport, means that its users experience occasional views of large scale built development creating a sense of being within an area of urban fringe. The Waycock Cross roundabout marks the point of transition between the western section of the road which is largely bound on both sides with pastoral fields, and the eastern section of the road which marks the northern boundary of Barry. It therefore marks the transition between views with an urban fringe character and views with a suburban character.

8.3.2 Future Baseline Section 7.4 of Landscape Assessment Chapter (Chapter 7) should be read for a summary of the potential changes to the landscape, which would also result in changes to the visual baseline and views experienced by visual receptors.

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8.4 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme Table 8.1 below, summarises the environmental measures that have been incorporated into the scheme. These have been design to reduce any potential effects on sensitive visual receptors.

Table 8.1 Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Potential Incorporated Measure Effects

Views from the River Introduction of areas of housing at the Golf Field boundaries/hedgerows and the Thaw Special Course/Stadium SFA has the potential to woodland shelter belt along the Special Landscape Area become a visible feature from a very small Landscape Area to the east of the Golf section of this landscape designation. In Course SFA and Castleton FTA will be addition, the increased levels of movement reinforced using locally appropriate native and activity at the Castleton FTA have the species mixes. potential to increase the level of movement visible to receptors within the River Thaw Special Landscape Area.

Views from the The introduction of large scale/military The access to south of the runway from the Glamorgan Heritage structures outside of the designation, but on B4265 consists of an off-line improvement Coast the northern edge of the designation has the with a new over-bridge to the railway is potential to be visible, cumulatively adding located on the northern edge of this to the number of large scale industrial designation. The new section of the highway features visible from this designation will be elevated and scrub planting to the (Aberthaw Power Station is an existing embankment slopes will help to create highly visible industrial feature of the view) continuity with the existing areas of vegetation along the railway boundary with further enhanced habitat linkages provided through the planting of redundant sections of highway. Where the highway improvements create isolated non-economic parcels of agricultural land these would be planted as woodland for habitat creation and landscape screening. Colour treatment of the hangar elevations would aim to break up views of the mass of the remaining upper parts of the building which are visible above the screen landform and planting. Visual receptors on Change to the landscape elements and Hedgerow lined roads and fields are a roads and footpaths to landscape pattern visible to receptors in the characteristic of the rural roads within the the north of the north. surrounding landscape. The planting of development site with hedgerow along both sides of the road aids the potential to the visual integration of this feature with experience views of the views of the surrounding landscape. NAR and the Picketston South West, Tremains Hedgerows within the SFA sites are retained Farm and North of West where possible to ensure a level of visual Camp SFA sites continuity in terms of landscape elements visible and the landscape pattern.

A landscape planting buffer (of variable width) is proposed between the new SFA sites and the northern access road. This will ensure that once the planting within the landscape buffer has matured, views from the north towards the SFA sites will be filtered and partially screened.

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Table 8.1 (continued) Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Potential Incorporated Measure Effects

Visual receptors on the Receptors experiencing partial views across The retention of sections of tree planting eastern and north the existing golf course, which are filtered by along the western edge of the Golf eastern edge of East hedgerow and trees along the boundary of Course/Stadium SFA site will filter views of Vale (Drake close, Scott the SFA site, have the potential to the housing to the east. In addition, the Close and Burley experience change as a result of the placing of an area of open space on the Place). addition of new housing, roads and areas of western edge of this SFA site ensures a open space. level of visual separation between the existing housing on the eastern edge of East Vale and the proposed new housing.

Visual receptors at Addition of two new areas of housing and The elevated nature of the Northern Access Millands the NAR in close proximity to these Road adjacent to Milland Farm, necessary properties has the potential to alter the to cross Llanmaes Brook, is screened in part character of the view. by the creation of a false cutting and hedge on bank on the northern side of the road and the reduced gradient of the embankment side slopes, enabling the area to be returned to agriculture. The vegetation along Boverton Brook is retained. The retention of this vegetation will ensure a level of visual continuity to views south westwards from the Millands settlements.

A 10metres wide landscape buffer zone including tree planting is created between the NAR and the proposed housing. The retention of areas of open space and planting within them will help to break up views of the new housing.

Consideration has been given to the design of the housing at the Tremains Farm SFA site and North of West Camp SFA site, to try and replicate the layout of hosing in surrounding villages to create a ‘village character’. Whilst housing is an uncharacteristic feature of views from thee properties, attempts have been made to ensure that the views will be similar to views of residential areas experienced within the surrounding landscape.

Visual receptors using Receptors using the road have the potential New native trees are proposed along Eglwys Brewis Road to experience clear views into the sections of the boundary between the development site through the security Defence Technical College (DTC) site and fencing. Eglwys Brewis Road. In addition, trees that are being lost within East Camp are being replaced by new native trees within the central Heritage Park as outlined in the DTC design and Access Statement.

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8.5 Scope of the Assessment The scope of the assessment has been informed by the responses to the St Athan EIA Scoping Report received from consultees (via the VoGC) and by the results of the baseline surveys undertaken. Receptors referred to in this section can be located on Figures 8.3 -8.23 in Volume 3. Figures 8.1-8.2 show the Zone of Theoretical Visibility models created to demonstrate the theoretical zones of visibility of both the proposed development and the existing DSG hangar. Further details on the models and their method of preparation are set out in Appendix G (Volume 2). These models were used to gain an initial understanding of how the existing landform and woodland blocks combine to create visual context (i.e. how they combine to either block views of the development site, or allow views of the development site. The models only however provide an initial basis of the assessment, and field assessments were undertaken to gain a more detailed understanding of the visual context and to refine what would be scoped into and out of the assessment. Appendix G (Volume 2) sets out the baseline, and as set out in the baseline report, only receptors judged to be of medium or high sensitivity are assessed in this report. All receptors with a low sensitivity or value are not assessed as; in line with the ‘Guidelines for landscape and visual impact assessment’ referenced ain Appendix G, they would not experience a significant level of effect and therefore are not assessed.

8.5.1 Potentially Significant Effects Potentially significant effects affecting the following locations are reported on in Sections 8.3 and 8.4. Views from the following are included:

Public Rights of Way (PRoWs) All of the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) identified in Appendix G (and shown on Figures 8.3 and 8.4 (Volume 3)), are included in the following assessment with the exception of those where views to the proposed development will not occur. The exclusions are PRoWs west and south-west of Llantwit Major (south of the B4265), those south-west of Llantwit Major, those east of the Thaw Valley and those north of St. Mary Church.

Daytime views from Settlements The location of all settlements is shown on Figures 8.5 in Volume 3: • Views from Llanmaes, Flemingston, East Vale, East Vale and from St Athan;

• Settlements within the Waycock Cross roundabout study area which includes properties on Pontypridd Road, to the immediate south of the existing roundabout. (these include 13 properties west of the Road, 11 properties on its east side and 14 properties on its south side) and properties on the most southerly edge of development north of Port Road West, approximately 700m east of the proposed Waycock Cross roundabout site (i.e. the most south-westerly properties on Enfield Drive, Purdey Close, Coed Mawr).

Daytime Views from Individual Residential Receptors Individual properties within the study area are documented in Appendix G. Properties having potential views to the development proposals and where the change in views may result in significant visual effects are reported in Sections 8.7 (construction phase) and 8.8 (operational

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phase) of this chapter. The location of all individual residential receptors is shown on Figures 8.6-8.10 in Volume 3.

Night Time Views Night time views from the following settlements and individual properties have been scoped into the assessment as there is potential for the introduction of night time lighting to significantly change the view as a result of light trespass and increased levels of sky glow: • Residential receptors on the eastern and north eastern edge of East Vale;

• Residential receptors on the south eastern edge of Llanmaes;

• The two properties north of the golf club (as listed and described in table G6 of Appendix G); • Bridge House Farm, Thursday House, Tremains Farm and Frolics Farm to the west of the Tremains Farm SFA; • Old Barn, Picketston House and 1 & 2 Picketston, Picketston Cottage,

• New Barn Properties including New Barn Farm at Picketston;

• New Barn North properties

• Properties between Llanmaes and Creos Heol;

• Millands Farm, Froglands Farm, Rose Cottage, Millands Caravan Park, Splott House, Old Froglands, Oakwood at Millands;

• Individual residential receptors south of the B4265 (as listed and described table G18);

• All Properties on the southern and western side of Higher End;

• Briarbank;

• Seaview. The following viewpoints have been scoped into the assessment in order to represent night time views experienced by residential receptors to the north south-east and west of the development site. The location of the night time viewpoints is shown on figure8.13 and photographs of the representative viewpoints are shown on figure 8.14 and 8.15.

• Night time viewpoint 1: From Picketston Lane;

• Night time viewpoint 2: From St Athan Road;

• Night time viewpoint 3: From Clive Road; and

• Night time viewpoint 4: from the railway bridge, north of B4625 and Seaview.

Daytime Viewpoints Fourteen viewpoints have been scoped into the assessment to provide the basis for a detailed analysis of views which are broadly representative of views experienced by sensitive visual receptors surrounding the proposed development site, including views from the two landscape

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designations within the study area – The Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast and the River Thaw Special Landscape area (see Appendix F Landscape Assessment in Volume 2). The fourteen viewpoints are described in the assessment at sections 8.6 (construction phase) and 8.7 (operational phase). The location of the viewpoints is shown on figure 8.16 and photographs of the views are shown on figure 8.17-8.23.

8.5.2 Effects Which are Not Likely to be Significant Visual Effects experienced from the following locations either do not occur as views are not possible, or have been assessed as ‘not significant’ as any change will at most be low (adverse) due variously to viewpoint distance and the presence of features that screen or filter views including topography, vegetation and existing development. The following are therefore not reported upon in later sections.

PRoWs • Views from PRoWs east and north-east of St. Athan: views are obstructed the settlement of St. Athan and screened by the belt of trees along the Rills Valley;

• Views from PRoWs north of Llanmaes and south of Siginstone: glimpses to the development proposals may occur but any change will appear as ‘background’ features and at be least partially filtered by intervening networks of hedgerow; • PRoWs south-west of Llantwit Major: views are distant and variously limited by buildings within Llantwit Major, by the wooded valley sides of Afon col-huw and other intervening vegetation; • PRoWS north of Siginstone: views are some 2km from the nearest element of the proposed development and are limited by intervening buildings, hedgerow and blocks of woodland; • PRoWs between Llandough and St.Mary Church: views are again some 2km from the nearest element of the proposed development and limited by intervening buildings, hedgerow and blocks of woodland; • Views from PRoWs between St.Mary Church and Flemingston: these are some 1.5km from the nearest proposed development (Picketston external training area) and filtered by intervening buildings, hedgerow and blocks of woodland; • Views from PRoW north of St. Mary;

• PRoWs east of Green: 2km north-east of the closest element of the proposed development. Sections of the footpaths cut through woodland on the valley sides of River Thaw tributaries. A combination of the variable topography resulting from the numerous tributary valleys crossing the landscape, the woodland and viewing distance from potential development sites, ensures that any views would at worst be long range, heavily filtered and at least partially screened;

• PRoWs within the Waycock Cross roundabout study area: B1/26/2 runs south-west from the edge of Barry to Porthkerry Country Park, mainly through Cwm Cidi woodland, which along with houses on Pontypridd road, screen views northwards. B1/31/1 and B1/73/1 are similarly screened. P7/8/1 and B1/27/1run south-westwards from Port Road

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and are lined on both edges by hedgerow and occasional clumps of mature trees, which combine to heavily filter views; and • Night time views from all public Rights of Way. As set out in the baseline report, it is not anticipated that the Public Rights of Way will be used during the hours of darkness. There will therefore be no visual receptors to experience the change.

Settlements Views from the following settlements are not scoped into the assessment; • Llantwit Major: a combination of the rows of mature trees along the B4265 and the railway line which separate Llantwit Major from the site of the proposed ABP and other proposed development sites e.g. the rising main route, will filter and screen views. The development is located approximately 1km east and south-east of the proposed wastewater works, and as such intervening individual settlements and hedgerow surrounding the pastoral fields will filter views of the proposed upgrade; • Gileston: the village has a wooded setting which combined with the generally southerly fall in topography from the site towards the village, views are limited; • East Aberthaw: tree cover within the village and screen planting around the power station and quarry to the north-east and north-west contain views northwards towards the site and the proposed junction upgrades. Views to the proposed ABP site and the Gileston to Oldmill highway works would not be possible;

• Fonmon, Llanbethery, Llancarfan, Llancadle, Green, Gigman Bridge: all are located east of the River Thaw Valley, on the valley sides of tributaries which flow into the River Thaw, which generally contain views. Where occurring in a westerly direction towards the development proposals screening is also provided by the wooded River Thaw Valley sides; • St. Mary: views from the village to the south are filtered and screened by mature trees within the gardens of properties and an intact network of hedgerow which lines the arable and pastoral fields. These features combined to ensure that views southwards towards the proposed development are not possible from within the village; and • Llanmihangel, Landough and Signinstone: due to the distance separating the settlements from the proposed development sites there are numerous intervening features which combine to ensure that views of the proposed development sites are either not possible, or are viewed at such a distance that they are background features which are barely perceptible.

Individual Properties From the following properties, views to the development proposals are either not possible, or where possible, the magnitude of change is predicted to be at worst low (adverse) and therefore effects will not be significant.

Picketston Area • Tythe Barn: Despite the very close proximity of Tythe Barn to the proposed Picketston area, mature trees located along the southern boundary of the property combined with

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the group of mature trees clustered around the boundary of Picketston House will screen views in a south-west and westerly direction. Mature hedgerow interspersed with hedgerow trees on the western edge of the road will further screen views; • 1 & 2 Picketston Cottages: Views west towards the lane through Picketston and the proposed Picketston area are contained and foreshortened. A group of mature trees clustered around the driveway to the south-west of the cottages and the intervening buildings and outbuildings of Tythe Barn ensure that no views westwards of the proposed Picketston development would be possible. Should any glimpsed views westwards to the road through Picketston be possible, there is again a row of mature trees along the western boundary with the road;

• Ty Draw Bungalow and Ty Draw Farmhouse: Despite close proximity to the Picketston area, views from these properties (shown as number 7 and 8 properties on Figure 8.6) are not anticipated to change. The hedgerow boundary to the south-west of Ty Draw Farmhouse and hedgerow which lines the fields further to the south will provide a screen to views. In addition, the buildings and land uses in the northern section of the Picketston area are to remain unchanged with the exception of the occasional addition of aerials at Aerial Farm and telegraph poles at Hilo Pole Field to the view when they are being used at Aerial Farm for military training. This will not be a permanent feature of the view; • Ashdene: Despite close proximity to the Picketston area, views from this property are not anticipated to change during the construction phase. The mature boundary vegetation surrounding the southern edge of the house, combined with hedgerow which lines the pastoral field to the south, will provide a screen to views southwards. It is anticipated that the hedgerow and trees will also provide a dense screen to views of the proposed Aerial Farm and Hilo Pole Field.

Eglwys Brewis Road/Eagle Road • The Parwg: Views south are restricted by the existing housing at West Camp. In a northerly and westerly direction, views of the landscape planting proposed for development of the northern access route (NAR) and the Tremains Farm and North of West Camp SFA sites are filtered from by mature boundary vegetation.

Higher End (northern side) • A combination of houses on the southern side of Higher End and layers of hedgerow within the fields to the south of Higher End will screen views in a south westwards direction towards the proposed ABP scheme. Views northwards towards the DTC are screened by a combination of planting along the St. John’s Valley and vegetation within the property gardens.

Castleton Road • Views from all properties on Castleton Road during the construction phase. These properties are located to the south of the Castelton FTA. No construction activity is proposed within this area and it will be retained as arable fields, delineated by hedgerow;

• Old Chapel and Ty Chwarel during the operational stage : A combination of the sloping topography and mature trees screen and filter views northwards and eastwards from these properties and give both properties a wooded context. Aerial photography also

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St. Athan Junction – South of St. Athan and North of Gileston • Although receptors will experience views of the proposed construction activity, the works are minimal and contained within the curtilage of the existing road. The magnitude of change would not result in a significant change to views.

Other individual properties to the North • Maesbryn Farm, Chase Farm, Ceirios and West Garth, Pleasant View Farm, Crosswinds, The Nook, Peterswell House, Pen-yr-heol, Newland Farm, Rectory Farm, Godway House, Old Beaupre Farm, The Old Vicarage, The Nest, Springhill, Chigwell House and the Farm, Hoyle Mill Farm: All of these properties are located at least 1km the development proposals. Upper storey views will be experienced. However, lower level construction and operation of the proposed development would be partially screened and filtered from view by the network of hedgerow boundaries to fields and roads within the intervening landscape

View from properties within Frampton during the operation phase as the operational pipe will be underground View from Properties within Morfa Lane During the Operational Phase Properties west of Llantwit Major and south of the Cardiff to Barry railway line • Old Wick Barn, Tir Abad, The Coach House (on Wick Road), Diamond Villa (on Wick Road) and The Meadows: These properties are located to the south of the proposed waste water treatment rising main route and the site of the WwTWs upgrade. The intervening landscape contains numerous layers of hedgerow and woodland copses and as such it is anticipated that only partial and filtered views of sections of the temporary construction activity would be visible in the background of the view.

Dimlands • Tir Abad , Wellington Court, The Stables, Y Llain, Bryn y mor, Dimnlands, The Lodge, 1 & 2 Green Lane: These properties are located to the south of the proposed WwTWs rising main route and the site of the WwTWs upgrade. The intervening landscape contains numerous layers of hedgerow and woodland copses and as such it is anticipated that only partial and filtered views of sections of the temporary construction activity would be visible in the background of the view.

Properties south of the B4265 • Access to Gileston Farm could not be gained as it is located at the end of a long private track. However study of aerial photography and 1:25,000 ordnance survey data indicates a drop in elevation of approximately 15m between the site of the proposed St Athan junction improvements and this property. This, combined with foreground hedgerow will screen views to the proposed development. A similar combination of level change and foreground hedgerow will prevent views to the proposed new southern access road.

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Properties east of the River Thaw • No views towards the existing St Athan site are possible as a result of the sloping valley sides and intervening woodland which cloaks the River Thaw Valley sides in this location.

Properties west and south-west of the Waycock Cross roundabout • Green Farm, Ty-Newydd Farm and the Motel will potentially experience partially screened, oblique views. Other properties in this area would experience no views of the proposed site.

West and south west of the Waycock Cross roundabout • New Farm: There are at least two houses within New Farm. Access to the properties could not be gained but a visit to nearby publicly accessible locations, and study of aerial photography indicates that the band of mature trees along the A4226 immediately to the east of New Farm and another small woodland block immediately adjacent to the site of the proposed roundabout construction, approximately 170m to the east, will screen all views of the proposed construction activity and the development proposals.

North of the existing Waycock Cross roundabout • New Zoo Bungalow: Mature woodland and nearby buildings will screen all views to the proposed Waycock Cross roundabout site. • Walters Farm: Mature trees in the vicinity will screen views from this property.

Views From All Roads As described in section 8.5 which sets out the scope of the assessment, only visual receptors with a medium or high sensitivity/value are assessed within the report. Users of roads experience views transiently and have a low sensitivity to change.

Night Time Views With the exception of the individual properties and settlements listed in section 8.5.3, all views from settlements and individual receptors during the hours of darkness are scoped out of the assessment. With the exception of those listed in Section 8.5.3, all individual residential receptors and settlements fall into one of two categories. They are either, • located immediately adjacent to a section of the existing MoD St. Athan base which is currently lit. Whilst the general arrangement of the lighting will be altered, and lighting will illuminate the new buildings and spaces of the development site, assuming the industry standards for reducing obtrusive light (as set out in Section 8.8 Assessment of night time views) are complied with, for the purposes of this qualitative assessment the levels of lighting experienced will not change significantly. It is anticipated that at most a low (adverse) magnitude of change would be experienced as a result of the introduction of new lighting.

• individual residences and settlements which are further removed from the development site and separated from it by other land uses e.g. settlements, pastoral and arable fields, vegetated streams). These receptors will experience views of the new lighting within the development site, including lighting within areas which are not currently. However, these lighting features will be visible in the middle distance or the background of the

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view. As in daytime views, intervening layers of vegetation will screen and filter views of lighting within the development site. Where lighting is visible it will be viewed against a backdrop of features that are currently lit, the most notable being the DSG Hangar. Therefore, where additional lighting is visible, it will be as a background feature and will not be an uncharacteristic feature of the view. The magnitude of change would be at most low (adverse). These receptors also currently experience views of sky glows above the existing MoD St. Athan. The proposed lighting for the development site will include the lighting of areas which currently have no lighting. It is anticipated that this will cumulatively contribute to an increased visible sky glow above the development site. As sky glow is an existing feature of night time views, the magnitude of change resulting from this would be low (adverse) at most and would not be significant.

Night Time Views During the Construction Phase The hours of working during the demolition and construction phase will be: Monday to Sunday (07.00 to 19:00) Sunday (only non-noise generating activities).

8.6 Methodology Visual effects are a subset of landscape effects and are concerned wholly with the effect of the development on views, and general visual amenity of people who will have views of the development. Visual effects may include the following: • Visual obstruction: physical blocking of a view;

• Visual intrusion: the visual intrusion of the proposed development into an existing view or loss of particular landscape elements or features already present in the view; Significance of visual effects is dependent on two factors:

• The sensitivity of the receptor to the identified effect;

• The magnitude of the predicted changes as measured along an agreed continuum.

Night Time Views It is recognised that the lighting of any development of this scale in a rural area will have the potential to alter the existing night time landscape of the site itself and its surrounding area and could affect the visual receptors within that area. For the purposes of this assessment, receptors passing through or undertaking recreational activities are not judged to be sensitive receptors. Motorists and users of the road network have a low sensitivity to change to the view during both day and night as they are transiently passing through the landscape, and it is not anticipated that receptors will be using the Public Rights of Way during the hours of darkness. Published guidance documents for lighting assessment include:

• Countryside Commission and Department for Communities and Local Government, Lighting in the Countryside, Towards Good Practice (1997); and

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• Institute of Lighting Engineers (ILE) Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light (2005). The ILE guidance notes explain some basic concepts describing light pollution: • Sky Glow - the brightening of the night sky above towns, cities and countryside and the consequent difficulties in viewing astronomical features; • Glare - the uncomfortable brightness of a light source when viewed against a dark background; and • Light trespass - the spillage of light beyond the boundary of the property or area being lit. The ILE guidance also sets out guidelines on how to classify areas as zones according to the light levels in them, and recommends accepted changes in light levels to these defined zones.

Visual Sensitivity Based on the GLVIA, the different receptor categories are ranked in order of their sensitivity to visual effects as set out in Table 8.2. It should be stressed that this table is indicative only as it would be impossible to rigidly tabulate sensitivity to change.

Table 8.2 Sensitivity of Visual Receptors

Visual Receptor Categories Sensitivity

Settlements ↓

Public Rights of Way High

Isolated Residential Properties ↓

Schools/Hospitals/Residential Care Homes Medium

Public and Private Recreational Areas (where landscape ↓ appreciation is not prime purpose)

Motorists Low

Industry, Business and their Employees ↓

Magnitude of Change: Visual Magnitude of visual change is primarily a function of the following factors:

• The distance from receptors to the source(s) of the change;

• The extent of the area(s) over which change would be visible;

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• The degree of change to existing views caused by the construction of an intrusive feature or the obstruction of an existing view, taking into account the agreed mitigation measures. Other factors that can have an influence include: • The degree of contrast or integration of new development in the landscape with the existing landscape in terms of mass, scale, colour and texture. • The frequency and ease with which the development may be viewed from a particular viewpoint taking into account seasonal factors such as leaf loss and weather conditions. • The angle of the main direction of the view and whether the development would be viewed against the skyline or a background landscape. • The duration; whether temporary or permanent, intermittent or continuous and seasonal changes, due to periodic management (e.g. hedge cutting or laying) and leaf loss. Visual effects are positive or negative.

Significance Criteria The approach to evaluating the level of visual effects is illustrated in Table 8.3. The ‘Magnitude of Change’ and ‘Sensitivity’ of landscape resource (or visual receptor) is combined in order to judge the predicted level of effect. The predicted visual effect is based upon professional judgement and reported using seven descriptions ranging from ‘substantial’ to ‘negligible’.

Table 8.3 Evaluation of Significance for Landscape and Visual Assessment

Magnitude of Change Sensitivity

High Medium Low

High Substantial Moderate/Substantial Moderate

Medium Moderate/Substantial Moderate Slight/Moderate

Low Moderate Slight/Moderate Slight

Negligible Slight Slight/Negligible Negligible

Key: Significant Not Significant

Significant landscape and visual effects resulting from the proposed development are judged to be those effects likely to result in a ‘substantial’ or a ‘moderate/substantial’ effect. In determining the threshold for significance the assessment has taken account of the likely sensitivity of visual receptors, the existing baseline landscape resource and in particular, inherent landscape capacity within the area to accept the proposed development. The remaining effects are not considered to be significant.

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8.7 Assessment of Visual Effects: Construction Phase The assessment of effects during the construction phase is based on construction information as set out in Chapter 3 of this report. The following assumptions regarding the timeframes and phasing of construction have been made based on information in the above documents. • Demolition and Construction activity for the DTC is due to take place between 2010 and 2014; • Construction activity for the ABP will be undertaken between 2014 and 2028, based on commercial interest; and • The construction of the SFA housing and NAR would commence in 2011 and the SFA housing be complete in 2014.

8.7.1 Public Rights of Way (PRoW) Public rights of way referred to in this section are shown graphically on figure 8.3 and 8.4. Cross reference to Appendix G should be made for the numberings of Public rights of Way referred to in this section.

Public Rights of Way west of St Athan village The north-east to south-west orientation of footpath S2/5/1, in the direction of ABP South, will result in direct views being facilitated (albeit direct, partially filtered views as a result of the intervening hedgerow). Where the footpath leaves the arable fields and travels southwards along the coastal road connecting Higher End and the B4265, close range and uninterrupted views of the construction activity will be possible. Construction of the southern access road to the ABP site, three 7m tall buildings proposed along the eastern edge of the ABP and the 25m high S1 hangar, used as B767 bays or B737 bays will be visible to the west, south west and north west of public right of way S2/5/1. It is anticipated that large scale machinery and supporting equipment such as scaffolding will be required to construct these features, and views of this will be possible above the hedgerows and fields in the foreground. The proposed development would result in uncharacteristic construction activity being visible and at close proximity from footpath S2/5/1. There would be a high (adverse) magnitude of change and this combined with the medium sensitivity of recreational receptors using the footpaths, would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant. Receptors using the other footpaths would experience more heavily filtered (by more layers of hedgerow) and longer range views of the proposed construction activity at ABP south. However, despite the filtering, views of the construction of larger scale features of the site e.g. the 25metres tall S1 hangar on the southern edge of the ABP south scheme, and the 5metres tall embankment which will be visible to the south west, running parallel to the coastal road which connects the B4265 with Higher End. Receptors using these footpaths would experience a medium (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the medium sensitivity of recreational receptors using the footpaths, this would result in a moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

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Public Rights of Way south of the B4265 and west of Gileston The construction of ABP South and the proposed southern access road will be clearly visible from the northern extents of PRoW S2/19/1, G1/2/3, S2/4/1 and S2/3/3. A 25m tall hangar (S1) is proposed approximately 200m north of Seaview and it is anticipated that the construction machinery associated with building this structure will become a clearly visible feature of views to the north as would the increased level of movement and activity of people working on the site. An approximately five metres tall earth mound constructed to support the southern access road is located to the south of the hangar, and this will form a continuous screen up to 5m in height with a naturalistic form that will partially screen views of the proposed hangars at the ABP site. Detailed information about how such an earth mound will be constructed is not yet known, but it is anticipated that large scale machinery will be required and that this will be visible from footpaths immediately south of the B4265. It is anticipated that large scale machinery and supporting equipment such as scaffolding will be required, and views of this will be possible. During the 10 years construction period for ABP south, increased levels of movement and uncharacteristic construction machinery will be visible from northern sections of the footpath. However, the southwards drop in topography ensures that the visibility of the proposed development would decrease as receptors move further south, down the sloping landform. Therefore the magnitude of change to the view experienced by receptors would be high (adverse) for the more northerly sections, reducing to low (adverse) in the more southerly sections. Combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the footpaths, the overall effect will range from moderate/substantial adverse along the northern sections of the footpaths (which would be significant) to moderate (adverse) along more southerly sections of the footpath which would not be significant.

Public Rights of way south and south-west of Flemingston From positions immediately south-west of Flemingston, direct but distant (approximately 700m) views into and across the site of the proposed DTC would be experienced. Panoramic views of the construction of the DTC and northern section of the ABP will be visible. Particularly prominent will be the demolition of East Camp, and later, the construction of the new East Camp buildings. As set out in the baseline, footpaths E1/1/1 and F1/1/1 travel in a south westerly direction, dropping down the slope towards the MoD St. Athan site. The drop in topography ensures that less extensive and panoramic views of the construction activity would be visible from points on the footpaths further to the south west. However, from the most south westerly points on footpath E1/1/1 close proximity views of the demolition and construction of new structures on the north eastern boundary of the DTC scheme will be visible (JRSLI accommodation blocks and car parking). Therefore, to greater and lesser extents the demolition of existing buildings within East Camp and the construction of new buildings on the site of the DTC would be visible. Foreground housing at Eglwys Brewis would screen views of the works access point on Eglwys Brewis Road. The proposed demolition works are extensive and although information about the equipment to be used is not yet available, it is anticipated that the increased activity and movement on the site, accompanied with the heavy machinery which is likely to be used, will result in a high magnitude of change in views to the site. There is potential for receptors to experience either close range views of a small section of the construction activity, which would dominate a large proportion of the view (from positions immediately north of the DTC northern boundary), and for longer range views into a large area of the site. Receptors would experience

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a medium (adverse) magnitude of change and this combined with the medium sensitivity of recreational receptors using the footpaths, would result in a moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

Public Rights of Way east and south of Llanmaes Footpaths L12/17/1 and l12/16/1 are located within the site of the proposed North of West Camp SFA and immediately south of the proposed NAR route and the waste water rising main. Construction of the SFA sites and NAR are proposed to begin in 2011. Cumulatively the activity, movement and introduction of uncharacteristic machinery will result in large scale change to the views experienced. The views of hedgerow lined arable fields would be replaced by close range views of construction activity which would dominate the entire view. The magnitude of change would be high (adverse). Combined with the medium sensitivity of recreational receptors using the footpaths, this would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant. From footpaths L12/10/1, L12/7/1, L12/9/, L12/6/1, L12/11/1 and L12/8/1, views towards the sites of the Tremains Farm SFA, SFA North of West Camp, Picketston South SFA the majority of the proposed NAR and a section of the eastern part of the waste water rising main route would be visible in an eastwards and southwards direction. However, they would experience a level of visual separation from the construction activity as these footpaths cross the hedgerow lined arable fields which are characteristic of the landscape south-east of Llanmaes. The presence of hedgerow within the intervening fields will partially screen views of ground level and low lying construction activity, is unlikely to be visible. Receptors experiencing views from these footpaths would not experience views completely composed of uncharacteristic construction activity and increased levels of movement and activity. The arable fields outside of the development site ES boundary which create the foreground of the view would remain unchanged. For this reason the magnitude of change would be medium (adverse) for the majority of the route. Combined with the medium level of sensitivity attributed to users of the footpaths, the overall effect would be moderate (adverse) and would not be significant. Footpaths L16/40/1 and L16/38/1 travel south and south-west from the southern edge of Llanmaes and the rising main route runs from east to west across them. However, a gentle localised increase in topography in a southwards direction as landform rises out of the valley sides of Llanmaes Brook, combined with hedgerow field boundaries ensure that views southwards to the rising main route would only be experienced from the most southerly section of the footpath where the landform once again levels out, having reached the southern crest of the valley sides. Oblique views east to the construction activity at the SFA and NAR sites would be possible but as with all other views from the edge of Llanmaes, the views would be filtered and at least partially screened by the network of hedgerows. Fields in the foreground, unaffected by construction, would provide a level of visual separation and softening of views of construction activity in the distance. Receptors using the most southerly section of footpaths L16/40/1 and L16/38/1 would experience a medium (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the medium levels of sensitivity attributed to users of the network of public rights of way, the overall effect would be moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

Public Rights of Way west of Llanmaes Views south and south-west to the proposed waste water rising main are possible, although views towards the route are partially filtered by the hedgerows around the approximately 500m wide band of arable fields to the south which separate the receptors from the site. The network

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of hedgerows would at least partially screen views of lower level construction activity, including low lying mounding, and also the removal of any hedgerow. Intervening fields, which construction activity will not be taking place, provide a level of visual separation and softening of views to construction activity in the distance. It is not yet known whether any large scale machinery is required for constructing the rising main, or the location of the two proposed construction compounds along the rising main route. However, it is anticipated that some of the machinery used will temporarily be visible above the hedgerow network, from sections of these footpaths. Buildings at Llanmaes would screen all views eastwards towards other elements of the proposed development. The partial, filtered views of construction would result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change which combined with the medium levels of sensitivity attributed to users of the network of PRoW, the effect would be slight/moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

Public Rights of Way north of Llanmaes and south of Siginstone Receptors using the elevated northern sections of footpath L12/3/1 and L12/5/1 will experience long distance (approximately 1.5km), elevated and open views south/south-east towards the construction activity at Tremains Farm SFA site, the North of West Camp SFA site, the Picketston South SFA and also construction activity associated with the western extent of the proposed NAR. A section of the waste water rising main runs parallel to the route of the NAR. The digging of the rising main trench, mounding of earth on the edges of the trench and removal of hedgerow within the easement which could potentially be 12m wide, will not have a significant impact upon views from these footpaths due to the visual separation (1.5km) provided by the intervening fields which do not form part of the development proposal. However, the construction activity will cumulatively contribute to the long range views of construction activity as a background feature. As demonstrated by Viewpoints 3 and 4 (see Figure 8.18), views south-east will be filtered and partially screened by hedgerows. Also, the viewing distance is such that construction activity will be a background feature of views and will not dominate, or become the focus of the view. Views south-east, towards the site of the Picketston area, will also be filtered and partially screened by the network of intervening hedgerow. From this elevated position there is potential for some long range views of the south-western section of the waste water rising main. However, similarly to views of the south-eastern section of the rising main route, the rising main trench be at least partially screened from view by the network of hedgerow and would be a background feature of the view where visible. Two construction compounds are required at points along the rising main route, and these, along with any construction activity requiring large scale machinery, may be partially visible in the background of the view. Whilst views of construction activity would be temporary, there is potential for views to be experienced for 3 years. The temporary introduction of partial and filtered views of the construction activity in the background of the view as described above would result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change which combined with the medium levels of sensitivity attributed to users of the network of PRoW, the overall effect would be slight/moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

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Public Rights of Way south east of Llantwit Major Trees along the B4265 will partially filter views into the St Athan site. However, from more south-easterly sections of footpath L16/55/1, direct, long range views into the site of the proposed ABP and of the construction of the southern access road will be possible, including the proposed 5m high earthworks to facilitate the bridging of the proposed southern access road over the railway line. Although the background views of the construction activity will be temporary, they are likely to become elements of the view for a number of years. The introduction of construction machinery, increased levels of movements, soil mounding/storage features as a background feature of views from sections of this footpath will result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the medium sensitivity of footpath users, a moderate (adverse) magnitude of change would be experienced which would not be significant.

Public Rights of Way north of Llantwit Major and the B4265 and west of Llanmaes Footpaths L16/35/1 and L12/1/1 run from the western edge of Llanmaes in a western direction, running broadly parallel with the route of the waste water rising main (approximately 500m to the north of the B4265 and the rising main route). Views southwards and south-westwards across the arable and pastoral fields to the proposed route of the waste water treatment rising main are possible, although views towards the route are partially filtered by the network of hedgerows. The rising main trench would not be visible, nor would other lower lying elements of the construction process, due to the screening effect of the hedgerow network. However, it is understood that two construction compounds are required at a point along the rising main route, and these, along with any construction activity requiring large scale machinery, may be partially visible in the background of the view, From these footpaths, views towards the more easterly proposal sites e.g. the SFA sites, ABP, DTC and northern, Picketston area and the northern and southern access roads, are obscured by built form at Llanmaes and hedgerow which marks the fields that the footpaths cross. The temporary introduction of partial and filtered views of the construction activity in the background of the view would result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change which combined with the medium levels of sensitivity attributed to users of the network of PRoW, the overall effect would be slight/moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

Public Rights of Way west and north west of Llantwit Major (South of B4265) Users of all of footpaths south-west of Llantwit Major do not experience views north-eastwards towards the proposed SFA, ABP, DTC sites or the northern or southern access roads as views are blocked by the northwards rising topography and the intervening built form at Llantwit Major. However, views in a north-west direction from footpaths L16/20/1, l16/24/1 and L16/20/2 (all south of Purlon Farm) are located within 1km of the proposed rising main route and Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) upgrade. There is therefore potential for partial views of the site of the rising main route and WwTW, these being at least partially screened and filtered by intervening hedgerow. The temporary introduction of partial and filtered views of the construction activity in the background of the view would result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change which combined with the medium levels of sensitivity attributed to users of the network of public rights of way, the overall effect would be slight/moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

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8.7.2 Settlements Settlements referred to in this section are shown graphically on Figures 8.5 and 8.6 of Appendix G in Volume 2.

Llanmaes To the south of Llanmaes the band of mature trees which line both sides of Llanmaes Brook, create a vegetated edge to the village which filters and screens views south from the southern edge of the settlement. Therefore, the section of the waste water rising main to the south of the settlement will be screened from views. The residents on the south eastern edge of Llanmaes are located approximately 500metres to the north west of the NAR route and WwT pipeline, approximately 530metres to the north west of the Tremains farm SFA and approximately 700metres to the north west and west of the west of North Camp SFA site. Hedgerow and hedgerow trees within the intervening fields will screen views of lower level construction activity e.g. rising main trench and associated soil piles, but partial views will remain possible. Oblique views from first floor west facing windows, to the waste water rising main, are anticipated to be possible from the three west facing properties on the south western edge of Llanmaes e.g. Franklin Court, Ashlain and Green Fields , although they would also be filtered by the hedgerow within intervening fields. It is not yet known what type of machinery will be used to dig the trench for the rising main, or the location of the construction compounds along the route of the rising main. Depending on the type of machinery used, and the location of the construction compounds, there is potential for partial views of these taller elements of the construction activity above the hedgerow screen. Views of construction activity from all edges of the village will be viewed at a distance of at least 500m, and all views will at least be partially screened by existing layers of vegetation. Although the construction activity will not become the focus of the view, it will be visible as an uncharacteristic addition, and the activity and infrastructure involved will detract from the tranquil, rural quality of views across the gently undulating landscape to the south east. Views of the construction activity at closer range will detract from the sense of Llanmaes being separate from the MoD St.Athan base. The resultant magnitude of change would be medium (adverse). Combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to settlements, the effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

St Athan Village Partially filtered views from northwards facing, first floor windows, of properties on the northern and north eastern edge of the settlement will be possible, including glimpsed views of the demolition on East Camp and construction of the new DTC buildings. Construction of large scale features at ABP south as described in Chapter 3 of this report will also be partially visible to receptors on the south western edge of the settlement. There are three 7m tall buildings proposed on the east edge of ABP south, four 12 metres tall hangars/industrial units and a 25m high hangar (S1) used as B767 bays or B737 aircraft bays. Although details of the construction methods are not yet known, views of large scale machinery and supporting equipment such as scaffolding will be possible.

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Properties on the south-east of the village are approximately 1km to the west of the proposed Gileston to Oldmill highway works. Views of activity would be screened by intervening hedgerow boundaries and the eastwards drop in elevation towards the construction site. Close range views from the northern edge of St Athan to demolition and construction and the potential for longer range views from the south-western edge of the village towards the proposed construction of the ABP site will result in a medium adverse magnitude of change. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to settlements, the effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

East Vale Residents of properties on the west and south-west edges of the settlement experience direct, and largely uninterrupted, views to demolition and construction activity at East Camp resulting in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change. Residents on the eastern and north eastern edges (Scott Close, Drake Close and Burley Place) will experience views to the south and east of the removal of the foundations to the existing stadium, and land remediation and the construction of the SFA housing and landscape planting, on this SFA site. The views of demolition and construction from Burley Place will be partially screened by hedgerow to the south of Burley Place which is largely being retained (although views of the partial removal of a stretch of hedgerow on the western end of Burley Place will be visible). Views from Drake close will also be made clearer by the removal of a stretch of trees and hedgerow along a section of the western site boundary. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to settlements, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Eglwys Brewis Housing on Pinewood Square with south facing windows will experience views across the central open space to the south, to demolition and construction activity in the existing East Camp site. Although views from ground floor windows will be screened by garden vegetation, and trees within the open space will also provide filtering of views from the first floor south facing windows, at least partial and filtered views will be possible. Properties on Picketston Close, in the south western section of the settlement, have southwards and south westwards facing windows. Views from the first floor windows on the south western and southern facades will experience some views of the demolition of buildings within East Camp, however, the retained DSG Superhangar will restrict views. A strip of tree planting along the boundary of the development site, visible from these properties on the southern side of Eglwys Brewis Road, is being removed. Both the removal and the resultant increased visibility of the DSG hangar will be experienced by these residents. The construction of the new NAR alignment will be clearly visible to receptors at Picketston Close from their first floor windows. The removal of some of the scrub like and overgrown vegetation along the existing boundary between Eglwys Brewis Road and the MoD existing MoD St. Athan base will be removed in order to construct the new NAR alignment. The proposed footbridge between the Picketston sports and external training area and the main DTC site will be constructed approximately 200metres to the north west of residents on Picketston Close and approximately 200metres west of residents on Chestnut Grove. The construction activity associated with the footbridge will further contribute to the general views of construction activity, movement and construction machinery. Residents of properties on the southern edge of Lime Grove have windows on the eastern and western facades of their houses. As such no direct views into the development site are possible,

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but due to the close proximity of the receptors to the development site (approximately 20metres) close range and oblique views of the construction of the new NAR, the new entrance feature around Eglwys Brewis Church and the new museum, will be clearly visible. From Chestnut Grove in the northern western section of the settlement, views of the construction of the NAR and the sports pitches, sports hall and hotel within the southern section of the Picketston external training area will be visible at close range. A level of screening will be provided by vegetation which is outside of the development site and is being retained along the banks of Nant y Stepsau. This will result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to settlements, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Flemingston Flemingston is located at an elevated point to the north and north east of the development site. From the south western edge of the settlement there is potential for views to be experienced towards the development site. For a description of the views which would be experienced from the south western edge of Flemingston see viewpoint 12. From the south western edge of Flemingston, the demolition works on the DTC/East Camp site will be possible. The demolition and construction works are extensive and it is predicted that the increased activity and movement on the site, accompanied with the heavy machinery which is likely to be used, will result medium (adverse) magnitude of change and this combined with the medium sensitivity of recreational receptors using the footpaths, would result in a moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

8.7.3 Individual Properties Properties referred to in this section are shown graphically on Figures 8.6 – 8.9 (in Volume 2). As described in Appendix G, the location of the individual receptors and the baseline views they experience is based on a combination of site visits and aerial photography to understand the general visual context and factors effecting the views from properties (e.g. topography, presence of boundary vegetation).

Picketston Old Barn (shown as property 2 on Figure 8.6) Direct views into the development site approximately 20metres to the west would be screened by the hedgerow along the western edge of the lane which separates this property from the development site (the hedgerow being approximately 3-4 metres tall with occasional gaps). This hedgerow will provide a level of filtering of views south westwards towards the proposed construction of the sports pitches, sport hall and hotel and movement of construction vehicles around the site of the Picketston external training area. However, these features will still be at least be partially visible from the first floor, westwards facing windows at a distance of approximately 200metres to the south west of this property. A 3metres tall fence is proposed to screen noise from the Picketston site. The construction of this fence will be visible from the first floor, westwards facing windows.

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It is predicted that the magnitude of change to the view would be high (adverse) as views would be experienced at close range and the construction activity would be an uncharacteristic feature of the view. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Picketston House The front entrance to the property is located on the southern façade of this property. Windows are located on the southern , western and northern facades of the structure. Receptors using the windows on the western façade would have the potential to experience views of the construction of the 3metres tall noise screen to the south of the Police Houses, but the mature trees which are covered by a TPO and are being retained on the eastern boundary of the Picketston external training area, will screen views of construction of the noise screen. A combination of the orientation of windows of the property, the retention of the TPO trees on the eastern boundary of the Picketston site, and the proposals for the north eastern and eastern sections of the Picketston site (10m x 10m gravel surfaces for task command) will ensure that at most heavily filtered and distant views of the construction activity associated with the Picketston external training area will be viewed from this property. The magnitude of change would be negligible. Combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors, the overall effect would be slight (adverse) and not significant.

1 & 2 Picketston (Police Houses) (shown as properties 5 on figure 8.6) The properties are located on the eastern boundary of the Picketston external training area, to the south east of the existing hangars within the development site which are to be retained. Aerial photography indicates that 1&2 Picketston has no large scale planting in the rear (westwards facing garden and as such, clear views into the site during the construction phase would be possible. Although due to proximity and the absence of any large scale garden vegetation, views into the development site will be possible, construction activity within the eastern section of the Picketston area of the development site will be limited. As stated above, the existing hangars to the north west of the properties are being retained. A 3metres tall fence to attenuate noise levels from the Picektston site is proposed along the southern boundary of this property. The construction of the fence will be clearly visible from south westwards facing windows. The retention of hangars directly to the north west of these properties will ensure a level of visual continuity, but the construction of the outdoor sports pitches further to the west, the internal roads through the site and the construction of areas of parking, will be visible above the construction of the proposed 3metres tall fence. It is anticipated that the magnitude of change to the view would be high (adverse) as a result of the close range construction activity as described above. Combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Picketston Cottage (shown as property 3 on Figure 8.6) Views from ground floor windows to the proposed Picketston site would be filtered by the hedgerow along the western edge of the lane through Picketston which forms the boundary

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between the lane and this property. The hedgerow is approximately 3-4metres tall and gappy in places. Despite the filtering of lower level features by the hedgerow, due to the close proximity and the scale of the proposed development, it is anticipated that views from the first floor westwards facing windows will be possible of the construction of the sports pitches, sports hall, hotel and areas of car parking to the west and south west. Current views of the WWII hangar surrounded by open fields only occasionally intersected by access roads would be replaced by close range views of construction machinery, movement of contractors and areas of earth mounding. A 3metres tall fence to screen noise from the site is proposed immediately to the west of the hedgerow. The construction of the fence will be visible from this property at a distance of approximately 20 metres. It is anticipated that the magnitude of change to the view would be high (adverse). Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

New Barn Properties including New Barn Farm (properties 9a-9h and 10 as shown on figure 8.7) These properties are located approximately 300m to the north east of the proposed Picketston training area. The buildings in the northern part of the Picketston site are to remain unchanged and will partially restrict views southwards to the remainder of the site. However, it is anticipated that at least partial views of the higher level construction activity (e.g. use of cranes) of the sports pitches, sports centre and hotel in the south of the site will be visible. It is proposed that an 8 metres tall bund will be located within the western section of the Picketston external training area (to the north of the sports pitches). The construction of an earth mound of this height will require the use of large scale machinery and it is anticipated that partial views of this construction machinery will also become a feature of views southwards from this property from the first floor westwards facing properties. The construction activity described above has the potential to result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change. Partial views of construction activity (which is an uncharacteristic feature of the view) would be viewed at close range. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

New Barn North (numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4) (properties 13 as shown on Figure 8.6) These properties are located approximately 50 metres to the north of the Picketston external training area. Similarly to the other New Barn properties described above ,it is anticipated that at least partial views of the higher level construction activity (e.g. use of cranes) of the sports pitches, sports centre and hotel in the south of the site will be visible to the south. It is proposed that an 8 metres tall bund will be located within the western section of the Picketston external training area (to the north of the sports pitches). The construction of an earth mound of this height will require the use of large scale machinery and it is anticipated that partial views of this construction machinery will also become a feature of views southwards from this property from the first floor westwards facing properties. The construction activity described above has the potential to result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change. Partial views of construction activity (which is an uncharacteristic feature of the view) would be viewed at close range. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

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Millands All of the properties listed below are located in very close proximity to the NAR, the route of the waste water treatment rising main and the Tremains Farm and North of West Camp SFA sites.

Milland Farm (shown as property 14 on figure 8.6) It is predicted that direct, close range and largely unfiltered views from first floor southwards facing windows will be possible to construction activity including the works necessary to elevate the Northern Access Road adjacent to this property to allow the road to cross Llanmaes Brook. The retention of hedgerow in the foreground, along the rural lane to the south east of the property will partially filter views from ground floor windows. Details of the methods for constructing the road, or the location of construction compounds are not yet known. However, it is reasonable to assume that road construction will involve the use of some large scale machinery and that this, combined with the increased levels of activity and movement visible, both during the construction of the road, and then the use of the road by construction traffic to reach the DTA, ABP and SFA sites, will result in a high adverse magnitude of change. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Froglands Farm The proposed NAR passes this property. The existing visual context of filtered views through the boundary vegetation to pastoral fields will be replaced by close range views of construction activity. Applying similar assumptions to those in the assessment for Millands Farm, there will be a high (adverse) magnitude of change to the view. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Rose Cottage The route of the proposed NAR runs immediately to the north of this property. Construction activity relating to the road development will be visible at close range. As the road runs in an approximately north-east to south-west direction across the site, the route of the road construction will be visible obliquely from both the front and back first floor windows of this property. Construction of the road would be the most visually intrusive element. However, the Tremains Farm SFA site is to be constructed only 200m to the south-west, and the North of West Camp SFA is only approximately 30m to the north-east of the property. Once complete, the road will be used by construction traffic to access the SFA, DTA and ABP sites. Further details of the construction activity relating to the road and housing are not currently known. The magnitude of change experienced would be high (adverse), with construction activity occupying a large proportion of the view. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Millands Caravan Park The Caravan Park is located approximately 50m to the north of the proposed northern NAR and approximately 100m north-west of the propose North of West Camp SFA site. The hedgerow

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boundary along both sides of the road to the south of the caravan park will provide filtering of low level of construction activity. However, it is anticipated that filtered but close range views of the two construction sites will be visible. The magnitude of change resulting from partial views of close range construction activity within a view that currently experiences low levels of movement and is composed of simple rural features such as hedgerow and pastoral fields, will result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Splott House, Oakwood These properties are located to the north of two bands of mature trees which form a dense visual screen. Clear views to the site of the proposed NAR and SFA construction sites would not be possible. However, due to the very close proximity of the properties to the construction sites, some glimpsed and partial views of the construction activity are predicted. However, the southern boundaries of the properties would heavily filter and screen views and so the magnitude of change would at worst be low (adverse). Combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be slight (adverse) and would not be significant.

Old Froglands Old Froglands is surrounded by a belt of dense mature trees to the north, east and south. There is an opening in the boundary vegetation at the south-westwards facing driveway. However, the driveway faces directly onto a hedgerow lined road which will also restrict views south- westwards. However, due to the very close proximity to the construction sites of the North of West Camp SFA, Tremains Farm SFA and the NAR, it is anticipated that at least partial but filtered close range views of the surrounding construction activity and associated movement and activity, will possible. The magnitude of change would be medium (adverse). Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

North of St Athan Golf Club Views out of these two properties are extensively filtered and screened by a combination of ornamental planting within the gardens and mature trees along the eastern and western boundaries. Combined with the belt of mature trees along the eastern and northern boundary of the golf course, views to the south-west, to the site of the SFA construction activity, will be heavily screened. However, partial views of increased levels of activity within the site, and the use of machinery to construct the roads and housing will be evident through the boundary vegetation. Where construction activity is visible it will be an uncharacteristic addition. In the baseline, views are across a golf course. The magnitude of change will therefore be low (adverse). These properties have been scoped into the assessment of night time views due to the potential for light spill from the proposed Golf Course/Stadium SFA. Combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors, the overall effect would be moderate (adverse) and not significant.

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Cowbridge Road 1-6 Bingle Lane, Davlyn, 1 & 2 Beggars Pound Boundary vegetation within these gardens would provide screened views of some lower lying construction activity on the DTC. However, from first floor north and north - west facing windows, close range and largely uninterrupted views of the demolition of existing buildings on the DTC site will be experienced. The magnitude of change resulting from such close range views of the extensive demolition works would result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Broadway Cottage, Seren Wyb, Coeden Bach, Pant yn Awel Farm These properties are located on the eastern side of Cowbridge Road, and properties on Bingle Lane provide a screen to direct views into the site. However, to the north-west, oblique and unscreened views into the site of the proposed DTC are possible. Partial and oblique views at close range of the demolition of existing buildings on the existing East Camp site would result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

Pant yn Awel House, Coronation Cottage and Bryn Teg These three properties are located on the eastern side of Cowbridge Road, and properties on Bingle Lane and the farm buildings at Pant yn Awel Farm, provide a screen to direct views to the site. However, partial, oblique and unscreened views into the site of the proposed DTC sare possible. This, combined with the location of all buildings to be demolished being north of the runway, and all proposed building work on the DTC being north of the runway, ensures that at worst, partial, filtered and oblique views of the demolition of existing buildings on the existing East Camp site would be visible. This would result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be slight/moderate (adverse) and would not be significant in EIA terms.

Higher End (All Properties on the Southern Side and Western Edge of Higher End) Properties on the southern side of Higher End currently experience short range and contained views southwards. The southern facing window of the properties look out onto rear gardens which aerial photography demonstrates typically contains associated garden vegetation. However, due to the scale of the proposed development to the at ABP south, views of the construction activity would be visible. The garden vegetation and hedgerow boundaries to the fields to the south and south west will screen views of low level construction activity e.g. vehicular movement and soil mounding, but will not screen views of any crane activity associated with the construction of the 25metres tall hangar and the 5 metres tall screening landform located in ABP South which would extend between Batslays and West Orchard. It is anticipated that views northwards from properties on the northern side of the road will be contained by ornamental garden vegetation or by the belt of woodland along St. John’s Valley which forms the southern boundary of the proposed DTC. However, the woodland along the valley is dense and mature and it is anticipated that views into the site would be heavily screened and filtered. Properties on the southern side of Higher End will experience views of the construction of the 25metres tall hangar (S1) at ABP south, and also the 5metres tall screening landform located in

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ABP South which would extend between Batslays and West Orchard forming a continuous earthwork with a naturalistic form. There would be a resultant medium (adverse) magnitude of change resulting from the uncharacteristic, but partially filtered views. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Briarbank Views from the first floor windows of this property would be possible, across the adjacent hedgerow lined arable and pastoral fields including those proposed at ABP south. Views to demolition and construction at the existing MoD St Athan site would also be possible. The property is orientated north/northwest to south/southeast and therefore direct views toward the construction of the hangars and the 5metres tall screening earth mound running parallel with the coastal road between Higher End and the B4265 will be experienced. It is not currently known at what stage this bund will be constructed or the exact height of the bund. It is however, reasonable to assume that considering the proximity of this property to the site, and the scale of the proposed development on the ABP site to the south of the runway, at least partial views of the construction process beyond the screening bund will occur. Although current military activity on the MoD St Athan site is likely to be visible from this property, construction activity would be significantly greater. The magnitude of change to views would be high (adverse) and combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

North of B4265 and South of Llanmaes Bridge House Farm, Thursday House, Tremains Farm, Frolics Farm These properties are located immediately north of the WwT pipeline and within c. 400m of the route of the NAR and the proposed Tremains Farm SFA site. The properties all have some boundary vegetation which screens or filters views southwards and eastwards. However, clear views of the pipe trench, associated soil mounding and hedgerow removal will be visible during the construction process. Hedgerow within the fields which separate the property from the Tremains Farm SFA and NAR sites will provide filtering and screening of views of these construction processes. However, from first floor windows which are orientated south-east, it is predicted that largely uninterrupted, oblique views to the Tremains Farm SFA site will be possible. views of the construction of the NAR and Tremains farm SFA, combined with close range views of the construction of the WwT pipeline will result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the high sensitivity attributed to these receptors, there would be a substantial (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

Between Llanmaes and Croes Heol From South-east to North-west – on the Northern Side of the Road – Pensam, Pensam Farm House, Penllyne Bungalow From South-east to North-west on the Southern Side of the Road – Casetina, Ebisham Lodge, Silver Dene, The Butts, Creos Heol Receptors in properties on the northern side of the road are unlikely to experience any change to their views from the ground floor as a result of vegetation and boundary screening within the southern facing gardens and also hedgerow along the lane to the south. However, partial,

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filtered views from first floor south and south eastwards facing windows may be possible for properties on both the north and south of the road of the construction activity associated the construction of the NAR, South West Picketston and North of West Camp SFA sites will be possible at a distance of approximately 600metres. Hedgerow and pastoral fields provide the 600metres separation and will provide a sense of continuity ad rural character to the view. Further to the south west, views which are partially screened by the construction of the NAR and SFA will be possible of the construction of the 5metres tall noise attenuating earth mound, sports pitches, sports hall and hotel on the southern edge of Picketston. As the hotel will potentially be 12metres tall there is potential for large scale construction machinery to be used. It is anticipated that longer range views (approximately 1km) to the construction of the larger scale features of the DTC and ABP north will also be possible as a background feature of views from these properties. . Construction machinery and increased levels of movement will be an uncharacteristic addition although at the distance involved, this will not dominate views when these occur. The magnitude of change would be medium (adverse) and when combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a slight (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

Frampton Frampton Court Farm, Frampton Cottages, Little Frampton, and Great Frampton Views from these properties will be confined to partial views of the waste water rising main. Frampton Court Farm is closest to the rising main route. It is anticipated that both direct and oblique views from this property sections of the waste water rising main route will occur. The rising main trench is unlikely to be visible, but the removal of hedgerow and the use of any large scale machinery for digging the trench would be evident. The same applies for other properties within Frampton, which also have the potential to experience partially screened and filtered, oblique and direct views of the rising main route from first floor windows. However, other properties are located to the north of Frampton Court Farm and will benefit from a slightly greater level of viewing distance. Rising main construction would result in uncharacteristic features being introduced to views. However, activity would be at least partially screened by intervening hedgerow and occur at sufficient distance not to dominate the views. The magnitude of change would be low adverse. This combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a moderate (adverse) overall effect which would not be significant.

Floodgate Bridge Lougher Moor and Floodgate These properties are located at close range, approximately 50m north of the proposed water treatment rising main. Although filtering would be provided by the intervening hedgerow and boundary vegetation within their gardens, it is anticipated that partial views of construction would be visible to the south. The removal of up to 12m of hedgerow from any one length of hedgerow (depending on easement width), across the rising main would be visible from these properties. The magnitude of change to the view would be medium (adverse). Combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

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Morfa Lane Morfa Cottages, Whitemoors, Morfa Farm and Bryn Sych The closest of these properties (Morfa Cottage) would experience close range views to the waste water rising main. Although much of the ground level construction activity would be filtered by mature garden vegetation to the south of the property, it is predicted that partial views of the construction would be visible from first floor windows, particularly any large scale machinery required to dig the trench, or any construction compounds which may be located in close proximity to the property (it is not currently known where the compounds will be placed). Hedgerow removal would also be evident from upper storeys, where hedgerow coincides with the rising main easement. The magnitude of change to the view from Morfa Cottage would be medium (adverse) and combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant. Remaining properties further north along Morfa Lane are at greater viewing distances and benefit from the screening provided by intervening hedgerows. The magnitude of change would be low (adverse) and combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a moderate (adverse) overall effect which would not be significant.

Properties West of Llantwit Major and South of the Railwayline Moorland Farm A garden to the north-east of this property is contained by a walled boundary and associated garden vegetation. This will screen views north-east from ground floor windows. It is predicted that direct, partial views of the WwTWs upgrade would be visible. The construction activity would be viewed at a distance of approximately 200m and would be partially filtered by intervening vegetation. Although the construction activity would not dominate the view, it would be uncharacteristic and prominent when viewed at such close range. Although it is anticipated that glimpsed views of the existing WwTWs would be part of baseline views, the addition of further movement and activity within the sewage works boundary and outside of it within the two proposed construction compounds would have a medium (adverse) magnitude of change which would be temporary. Combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

Purlon Farm (junction of Wick road and the B4265) Purlon Farm which is located approximately 20m south of the waste water treatment rising main. Outbuildings linked to the farm are located to the north-west of the house, and this combined with layers of hedgerow and belts of trees to the west (e.g. the belt of trees along Green Lane) ensure that despite the close proximity to both the rising main and the Sewage Works upgrade, at most heavily filtered and screened views of construction activity (including the two proposed construction compounds on the northern and eastern boundary of the existing WwTWs) would be visible. It is anticipated that views from this property towards the construction activity would at most be low (adverse) if the construction is undertaken in winter months when the row of trees along the western edge of the driveway have no leaves. Combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors this would result in a moderate (adverse) overall effect which would not be significant.

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Hendre Alcam and Channel View Hendre Alcam is located approximately 50m to the south of the WwTWs upgrade. A row of trees along the western boundary of its driveway provides a dense screen. Therefore, despite the close proximity to both the waste water rising main and the Water Works upgrade, at most heavily filtered and screened views of construction activity (including the two proposed construction compounds on the northern and eastern boundary of the existing WwTWs would be visible. The magnitude of change would at most be low (adverse) if the construction is undertaken in winter months when the row of trees has no leaves. Combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a moderate (adverse) overall effect which would not be significant.

Properties South of the B4265 Boverton Mill Farm Views north towards the construction sites of the proposed ABP and southern access road are likely to be possible from this property, which is some 700m from the proposed development, which lies to the north-east beyond level farmland. Outbuildings to the north of the farm house and hedgerows will, however, partially filter and in places screen views of construction activity. Detailed information on the construction methods are not currently available, but it is reasonable to assume that given the scale of proposed hangars the south of the runway (including the 25metres tall S1 hangar), large scale construction machinery will be used. It is anticipated that this will be partially visible as an uncharacteristic, background feature of the view. The expanse of arable fields in the foreground will ensure that the construction activity does not dominate the view, but will instead be a background feature within a view which already contains glimpsed background views of activity and movement on the existing St Athan site. The magnitude of change would be medium (adverse). Combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a moderate (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

Sea View This property is approximately 100m to the south of the ABP scheme and proposed southern access route. The absence of features providing screening, will result in clear views of construction activity within the ABP site and the construction of the southern access road, and embankments required to support the raising of the new road above the railway. Although once constructed the raised road will partially screen views of the ABP to the north-west, the construction of the road will in itself result in a significant visual effect experienced by residents at this property. Although views of the construction activity will be temporary, the construction work within ABP south, including the southern access road will be undertaken between 2020 and 2028 and therefore be a long term, if not permanent element of the view. The magnitude of change would be high (adverse). Combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a substantial (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

Boys Village This property is approximately 300m south of the proposed Gileston to Oldmill improvements, to the south of the row of mature trees along the railway embankment. The mature trees on the embankment and the small woodland copse to the north-east of Boys Village, will ensure that any views north and north-east towards the construction activity associated with the Gileston to Oldmill Road upgrades, would be heavily filtered. Details of the construction method for this

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section of road are not yet known, however, it is anticipated that some large scale construction machinery will be required. However, views would be partial and at most a low (adverse) magnitude of change would be experienced, which when combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this individual receptor, would result in a moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

Baronswell This property is located approximately 50m south of the proposed Gileston to Oldmill highway improvements. To the north and north-east direct and oblique views will occur from the property to construction activity. Details of the construction method to be adopted for the highway improvements are not yet known. However, it is anticipated that highway improvements of this scale would require the excavation of the road route, the temporary storage of material and the use of some large scale machinery. Close range and largely uninterrupted views of the construction activity would be possible, resulting in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this residential receptor, would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

West and South West of the Waycock Cross Roundabout Green Farm and Ty-Newydd Farm and Motel Green Farm, Ty-Newydd Farm and the Motel will experience partially screened, oblique views of the proposed site although views will be filtered by trees on the boundaries of the properties and also by the block of trees immediately east of the existing roundabout. The construction method to be adopted in this location, the types of machinery involved and the location of any construction compound is not currently known. Whilst, any construction activity introduced to the view would be uncharacteristic in terms of new infrastructure being introduced, receptors within these properties will be used to experiencing views of activity and movement on the road. The construction machinery and associated activity will be partially screened by the block of woodland to the west of the proposed roundabout. Partially screened views of construction activity within a view that currently experiences high levels of movement and activity will result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a moderate (adverse) overall effect which would not be significant.

North of the Existing Waycock Roundabout Eight properties on the northern side of Port Road West Garden vegetation within to the north of these properties will provide some low level screening of views of the construction activity to the north. However, it is anticipated that direct and unscreened views of close range construction activity will be possible from first floor windows. Details of construction methods are not yet known. However, it is predicted that construction will require removal of a section of hedgerow, in addition to the introduction of construction machinery and a construction compound. These features and the increased level of movement and activity would result in a high (adverse) magnitude. Combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors this would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

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8.7.4 Viewpoints The following viewpoints have been scoped into the assessment to provide the basis for a detailed analysis of views which are broadly representative of views experienced by sensitive visual receptors to the north, south, east and west of the proposed development site including views from the two landscape designations within the study area – The Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast and the River Thaw Special Landscape Area (see Appendix F of Chapter 7 Landscape Assessment gives details of these designations (Volume 2)). The Viewpoints photographs are shown on Figures 8.17-8.23 (photographs taken during winter leaf fall) (Volume 3). The location of all of the viewpoints is shown on Figure 8.16. Appendix G also provides descriptive baseline text.

Viewpoint 1: The Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail west of Llanbethery Farm (Figure 8.17) There will be no change to the view.

Viewpoint 2: St. Athan Road, south of St. Mary Church (Figure 8.17) The north-soth orientation of the road provides the opportunity for channelled views towards the site (notably the existing DSG hangar). The hedgerows either side of the road strengthens the channelled nature of the view towards the DSG hangar. However, despite the channelled nature of views, from this elevated position, construction activity on the site will be evident. The demolition and construction works are extensive and it is predicted that the increased activity and movement on the site, accompanied with the heavy machinery which is likely to be used, will result medium (adverse) magnitude of change and this combined with the low sensitivity of motorists experiencing the view would result in a slight/moderate overall effect which would not be significant.

Viewpoint 3: Un-Named Rural road immediately north of Bryn Goleu (Figure 8.18) Views south-east will be filtered and partially screened by hedgerow which borders the fields and also the distance from the sites will ensure that construction activity will be background features of views to the south and south-east and will not dominate the view or become the focus of it. Views to the Picketston external training area will be filtered and partially screened by the network of intervening hedgerow. The waste water rising main trench would not be visible, nor would other lower lying elements of the construction process, due to the screening effect of the hedgerow network. However, it is understood that two construction compounds are required at a point along the rising main route, and these, along with any construction activity requiring large scale machinery, may be partially visible in the background of the view. Partial and filtered views of the construction activity would result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change which combined with the medium levels of sensitivity attributed to users of the network of public rights of way, which would result in a slight/moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

Viewpoint 4: Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail south of Llanfihangel y Bont-faen (Figure 8.18) Views will be filtered and partially screened by hedgerow. Viewing distance is such that construction activity will be a background feature of views to the south and south-east and will

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not dominate the view or become the focus of it. Views to the Picketston external training area will also be filtered and partially screened by the network of intervening hedgerow. To the south-west, similar views will be experienced to those from Viewpoint 3. Partial and filtered views of the construction activity in the background of the view would result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change which combined with the medium levels of sensitivity attributed to users of the network of public rights of way, would result in a slight/moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

Viewpoint 5: Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail immediately south of Llanmaes looking east (Figure 8.19) From this position, some oblique views east towards the construction sites of the SFA sites and the NAR would be possible but as with all other views from the edge of Llanmaes, the views would be filtered and at least partially screened by foreground hedgerow. This will provide a level of visual separation and softening of views of construction activity in the distance. Within this view land rises southwards, up the valley sides of Llanmaes Brook, and as such views of the B4265 and the proposed waste water treatment rising main construction would be screened from view. The magnitude of change resulting from the introduction of construction activity at the SFA and NAR sites would be medium (adverse). Construction activity will only be partially visible from this viewpoint. Combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to recreational users of the Valeway Millennium Heritage Trail, the overall effect experienced would be moderate (adverse) and not significant.

Viewpoint 6: Boverton Road south east of Boverton (footpath L16/55/1) (Figure 8.19) Landform between this viewpoint and the ABP south site is broadly flat facilitating long range largely uninterrupted views in a north and north-east direction. Detailed information about the construction methods on the ABP site are not currently available but it is reasonable to assume that given the scale of proposed 25 meters tall hangars on the southern edge of the ABP south site, large scale construction machinery will be employed and will be partially visible as an uncharacteristic, background feature of the view. The expanse of arable fields in the foreground will ensure that the construction activity does not dominate the view, which already contains glimpsed background views of activity on the existing St Athan site and the B4265. The magnitude of change would be medium (adverse). Combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the footpath, a moderate (adverse) overall effect would result, which would not be significant.

Viewpoint 7: Footpath north-west of St Athan (Figure 8.20) From this viewpoint, partial views of the rooftops of buildings on the existing St Athan site are possible. As the wooded St John’s Valley will screen views of all low lying construction activity, and none of the existing buildings will be demolished, the view will change very little during the construction period. The approach to construction on the DTC site is not yet known. However, considering the scale of the demolition exercise on this site, it is anticipated that some large scale machinery will be used. If cranes or other large scale machinery is used, there is potential for partial views of it to be experienced above the treeline. However, these views would be almost completely filtered and screened form view and would occupy only a very small percentage of the view. The resultant magnitude of change would be low (adverse). Combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the footpath, a slight (adverse) overall effect would result, which would not be significant.

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Viewpoint 8: Clive Road, St. Athan, looking north-west across Cowbridge Road towards MoD St Athan (Figure 8.20) The portacabins and other one storey building in the foreground of the view will be demolished during phase one of the DTC construction programme. The access point visible in the centre of this view (East Gate) will be used throughout all three phases of the construction programme for vehicular access into the site. The fencing visible in the fore ground, and extending along Cowbridge road in a northwards direction will be replaced during the construction process. The works associated with removing and replacing the fencing will be clearly visible at close range. Car parking is proposed to the north west and west of the fencing which will require the removal of the turf in the foreground and replacement with areas of hardstanding. This process will also be visible at close range. In the middle distance, the deciduous trees within the site will be removed. The process of constructing the proposed Officers Mess (a four storeys tall building) will be visible as a background feature of the view. Close range views of the removal of existing trees and areas of turf, and replacement with hard standing, and longer range views of proposed buildings within the DTC site including four storeys the Officers’ Mess will combine to dominate the view. The introduction of uncharacteristic construction machinery and the loss of trees which help to bind together and soften views into the site will have a high (adverse) effect. Combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors to the north on Clive Road (which this viewpoint broadly represents) the overall effect would be substantial which would be significant. When combined with the low sensitivity of motorists on Cowbridge Road, the overall effect would be slight/moderate (adverse) and would not be significant. This viewpoint is not considered to be representative of views from Ashdene as it is taken from a gateway to a field and the tall hedgerow either side provides a dense screen to views southwards.

Viewpoint 9: Un-named Rural Road north of Picketston (Figure 8.21) None of the hangars visible in the baseline view would be removed. Although the Aerials at Aerial Farm and the telegraph poles at Hilo Pole Field will be in place and visible during the operational phase, these features will be erected as and when they are needed. They will not be installed during the construction phase. The retention of existing hangars visible to the south of this viewpoint, will continue to contain views further southwards, with the exception of views of cranes used to construct the DTC scheme and sports hall and hotel in the southern section of the Picketston external training area . It is anticipated that the existing hangars will screen views of the proposed 8 metres tall earth mound to the south west of this viewpoint. During the construction phase, partial views of crane activity on the skyline to the south, above the existing hangars, will have a low (adverse) magnitude of change which when combined with the low sensitivity attributed to motorists using the rural road would result in a slight/moderate magnitude of change which would not be significant. It should also be noted that this view is experienced from a gateway. The network of hedgerow further to the east and west screens and filters views southwards towards the proposed construction activity.

Viewpoint 10: Gileston Beach (Figure 8.21) The rising topography between receptors on Gileston Beach and the site ensure that no proposed buildings on the site would be visible. The magnitude of change would therefore be negligible. Combined with the high sensitivity attributed to recreational receptors using the Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast the overall effect would be negligible and would not be significant.

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Viewpoint 11: from Footpath S2/6/3 north of Castleton (Figure 8.22) The north-westwards upwards sloping topography and hedgerow will restrict all views of the proposed built form on the site. Although the footpath crosses the proposed Castleton external training area, no built form is proposed within this area. The only proposed landscape change is additional woodland planting along the far eastern boundary of the site. This woodland would not be visible to receptors on the footpath at this location. The magnitude of change to the view would be negligible. Combined with the high sensitivity attributed to the receptors using footpaths within the Special Landscape Area, the overall effect would be slight and would not be significant.

Viewpoint 12: from south-east of Flemingston looking towards the site (Figure 8.22) From this elevated viewpoint, views across the south-westwards sloping fields of the foreground to the demolition works on the DTC/East Camp site will be possible. The demolition and construction works are extensive and it is predicted that the increased activity and movement on the site, accompanied with the heavy machinery which is likely to be used, will result medium (adverse) magnitude of change and this combined with the medium sensitivity of recreational receptors using the footpaths, would result in a moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

Viewpoint 13: Footpath F1/4/1 (Figure 8.23) All low lying construction activity on the Golf Course SFA site would be screened from view by the hedgerow which forms the boundary to the south and west of the field that this footpath crosses. Although only the upper levels of the construction activity would be visible, this view has a strong rural character and inclusion would be uncharacteristic resulting in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change. This combined with the medium sensitivity of recreational receptors using the footpaths, would result in a moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

Viewpoint 14: From the A48, north east of St Athan (Figure 8.23) On a clear day, long distance views towards the site will be possible, although from this distance, details of the construction activity would not be discernible. The magnitude of change will be negligible and combined with the low sensitivity of motorists using the A48 would result in a slight effect which would not result in a significant effect.

8.8 Assessment of Visual Effects: Operational Phase For the purposes of this assessment, the operational phase is taken to be 10 years after completion of the whole scheme, e.g. 10 years after the completion of the ABP scheme which is currently scheduled to be complete in 2028. Ten years has been chosen as, by this point the planting would have reached a level of maturity and the buildings would be fully operational and in use.

8.8.1 Public Rights of Way (PRoW) Cross reference to appendix G should be made for the numberings of Public rights of Way referred to in this section.

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Public Rights of Way west of St Athan village Partial views of the proposed new buildings on ABP south will be possible from all four footpaths in this category. None of the footpaths cross the site and as such, none of the hedgerow which forms the foreground of views will be removed ensuring that all views will remain partially screened and filtered. However, the north-east to south-west orientation of footpath S2/5/1, in the direction of the ABP site, will result in direct views towards the ABP site. The roofline of the three 7 metre tall buildings along the eastern edge of the ABP, four 12 metres tall hangars/industrial units and further to the south-west, the 25m high (S1) hangar used as B767 bays or B737 bays and offices will be evident. The displaced compass swing is proposed to be re-located in the south eastern section of ABP South. Whilst the swing itself would be screened from view by the screening earth mound (see paragraph below), aircraft on the swing, having their compass checked and calibrated would not be screened. The aircraft would be visible above the earth mound and would strengthen the military character of the view. The raised screening earth mound which extends from the elevated road junction of the southern access road parallel along the route of the coastal road to connect to Higher End will be visible, and will partially but not completely screen views of the hangars. Once the planting along the elevated embankment matures, it will help to blend the proposed road, and the hangars to the west, into the existing landscape. The proposed development would result in military style buildings and aircraft being visible from a footpath which characteristically experiences views of hedgerow lined fields with a strongly rural character. In the case of footpath S2/5/1 the military structure will be visible at close proximity. In the case of footpath S2/5/1 there would be a high (adverse) magnitude of change due to the direct and close range views of new large scale (ranging from 7m to 25m tall) industrial/aeronautical structures. Combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the footpaths, the overall effect will be moderate/substantial (adverse) which would not be significant. Receptors using the other footpaths would also experience views of the proposed ABP site but would experience only a low (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the footpaths, the effect will be slight (adverse) which would not be significant.

Public Rights of Way south of the B4265 and west of Gileston From the northern extents of PRoW S2/19/1, G1/2/3, S2/4/1 and S2/3/3 the 25m tall hangar proposed approximately 200m north of Seaview, within ABP south (hangar S1) would be clearly visible above the elevated embankment constructed to the south of the hangar. Once planting on the embankment matures this would provide a level of screening of the S1 hangar. The planted embankment would create a level of visual continuity with existing planting to the east and west along the B4265. However, the S1 hangar, the compass swing and other smaller structures proposed within ABP south would still be visible as a prominent feature of the view above the hedgerow. Whilst ABP south would be a clearly visible feature of views northwards, from the northern section of these footpaths (notably Public right of way S2/19/1) the southwards sloping landform ensures that the visibility of the proposed development would decrease further south. However, due to the scale of the proposed buildings and features on ABP south, in particular the S1 hangar and the use of the compass swing by aircrafts having their compass serviced, there is

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potential for some views to be experienced from the whole extent of the footpaths in this area, although in the more southerly sections, views would be of only the upper section of the hangar and would be partially screened and filtered by hedgerows. The magnitude of change would be high (adverse) for the more northerly sections, reducing to low (adverse) in the more southerly sections. Combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the footpaths, the overall effect will range from moderate/substantial (adverse) along the northern sections of the footpaths (which would be significant) to moderate (adverse) along more southerly sections of the footpath which would be significant.

Public Rights of Way south west of Flemingston From positions immediately south-west of Flemington, direct but distant (approximately 700m) views to the site of the proposed DTC scheme would be experienced, including those to the technical training buildings, facilities and offices (which range in height from approximately 9m to 12m), the energy centre and chimney on the northern edge of the DTC scheme which will be 24 metres tall with an additional 30metres tall chimney and associated internal roads. In addition, to the south west, views of the larger scale elements of the Picketston external training area will be visible e.g. Aerial Farm where aerials of between 20metres and 30metres will be erected. From the footpath to the south-west, the landform is lower and so views would not be as far reaching, being confined to the most easterly buildings on the DTC site, which would be visible at closer proximity. There is potential for receptors to experience either close range views to a small section of the site, which would dominate a large proportion of the view (from positions immediately north of the DTC northern boundary), or for longer range views to a large area of the site. Views of the proposed development would be viewed alongside existing buildings on the site, including large scale buildings with a military character. Receptors would experience a medium (adverse) magnitude of change and this combined with the medium sensitivity of recreational receptors using the footpaths, would result in a moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

Public Rights of Way east and south east of Llanmaes Footpaths L12/17/1 and L12/16/1 will be split by the proposed NAR. Clear views of the proposed NAR and Tremains Farm and North of West Camp SFA sites which will surround these footpaths will be available. In a south-east direction, the proposed hangars at the northern edge of the ABP site (north of the runway) would be visible. It is anticipated that the buildings on the ABP site will screen all views of the 24m tall energy centre, but that the 30 metres tall chimney will be visible above the ABP south buildings. The magnitude of change experienced by receptors using this footpath as a combination of additional views of housing at close range and new large structures on the existing MoD St. Athan site as part of the DTC and ABP schemes would be high (adverse) which combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the footpaths, will result in an overall effect of moderate/substantial adverse which would be significant. From footpath numbers L12/10/1, L12/7/1, L12/9/1L12/6/1, L12/11/1, L16/40/1 and L12/8/1 views to the proposed 25 metre hangars at the northern edge of the ABP site will be experienced. The hangars will however be viewed as a background feature and within the context of other partially visible military/industrial style buildings. The proposed NAR and the rooflines of the two and occasionally three storey houses on the SFA sites will be visible to the south east, although within the context of the larger structures, they will not be a dominant feature of the view, and will be viewed as an extension of existing rooflines at West Camp. The proposed housing and NAR will be partially screened by hedgerow planting proposed along the

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northern edge of the road and a woodland belt proposed to the south, providing a landscape buffer between the road and the SFA housing. From all of these footpaths there is potential for partial views of the 20-30metres tall aerials on Aerial Farm to be visible. These will become visible as large scale and uncharacteristic features on the skyline. The magnitude of change experienced by receptors using these footpath would be medium (adverse) which combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the footpaths, will result in an overall moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

Public Rights of Way north of Llanmaes and south of Siginstone Panoramic views across the St Athan site are possible from sections of footpath number L12/3/1 and L12/5/1. Views of the taller elements of the proposal will be visible, including the proposed 25 metre tall hangars on the ABP site and the 24m tall energy centre with 30m tall chimney. However, these taller elements will be viewed in the context of existing large scale structures on the site, e.g. the DSG hangar, and other industrial features outside of the site, e.g. Aberthaw Power Station. The new buildings will be in keeping with the surrounding large scale military structures visible in the baseline, but will contribute to a cumulative increase in the size and mass of large scale buildings, which forms a marked contrast with the other rural, small scale features of the view. This will result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the footpaths, this will result in an overall slight (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

Public Rights of Way south east of Llantwit Major The proposed ABP site will be visible from the more southerly sections of the footpath. The scale of the proposed development at the southern edge of the ABP site, including 25m tall hangar, other smaller units (between 7m and 10m tall) and the engine testing facility, is markedly larger than the buildings currently visible. The character of the view will change from a rural view with background features which indicate a non rural use, to more notable features of a distinctly military nature. However, as the structures will be viewed at long distance, the magnitude of change would be lessened and would result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the footpaths, this will result in an overall moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

8.8.2 Settlements

Llanmaes The south-east and east edges of the village are not screened by mature trees and views of the route of the NAR and proposed SFA housing at Tremains Farm will be viewed at a distance of approximately 500metres to the south east. North of West Camp SFA will be viewed at a distance of approximately 700metres. Receptors would experience a level of visual separation from these features of the development site due to the hedgerow lined arable and pastoral fields which separate the village from the proposed development. Hedgerow along the northern edge of the NAR has been proposed and this will provide a filtering of views to the NAR from Llanmaes. In addition, a belt of woodland is proposed along the southern boundary of the NAR, between the NAR and the Tremains Farm SFA and North of West Camp SFA. Once the trees become established and begin to mature, they will also filter

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views further to the south and south west of the housing, but it is anticipated that the rooftops of the houses will remain visible. When the Aerials are being used at Aerial Farm, they will become visible skyline features to the east and north east of the view. They will become prominent by virtue of their height. However, the aerials will not have a large block size and therefore will not dominate the skyline in the way that a 20-30 metres tall building may do. Views of the proposed housing and NAR to the south east of Llanmaes will be partially visible from sections of the south eastern and eastern edge of Llanmaes. Whilst housing and military structures are not in themselves an uncharacteristic feature of the view, they will be visible at closer range, and will detract from the rural character of views south east. The closer range views of these structures will result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change, which combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to settlements, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would significant.

St Athan Village Glimpsed and partial views of the proposed buildings and land uses within the south eastern section of the DTC scheme will be visible from the northern edge of St. Athan. Approximately 300m to the north of the settlement edge, an area of car parking would be introduced. Further to the north-east, the sports pitches and proposed 15m tall accommodation blocks would be visible, partially screened by trees planted as part of the landscape strategy which by 2038 (ten years after completion of the ABP scheme) would have reached a level of maturity that will provide a good level of screening. From the south western edge of St. Athan, it is predicted that from first floor windows the ABP site (the section of development to the south of the runway) will also be partially visible at a distance of approximately 800metres. Although nearby hedgerow will provide some screening of lower level features there are three seven metre tall buildings proposed along the eastern edge of the ABP and a 25m high structure used as B767 bays or B737 bays and it is anticipated that the rooflines of these structures would be visible, above the hedgerow. Due to the distance of 1km separating the properties on the south-eastern edge of the village from the proposed Gileston to Oldmill highway improvements, hedgerow within the intervening fields will filter and screen views of the new road layout. In addition, the eastwards drop in elevation towards the site of the upgraded junction will contribute to the screening of views. The potential for close range views from the northern edge of St Athan of new buildings and landscape at the DTC site will have a neutral effect, as although the view will be changed from the baseline, similarly to the baseline, buildings of a military nature within a landscape setting will be visible. However, the potential for longer range views from the south-western edge of the village towards the proposed ABP site will result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change being experienced which combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to settlements, would result in a moderate (adverse) effect and would not be significant.

East Vale Residents of properties on the western and south-western edges of the settlement with south- westwards facing windows, have the potential to experience direct and largely uninterrupted views westwards into the existing East Camp (proposed DTC) site from the first floor windows. Garden vegetation and fencing around the western site boundaries would contain views from the ground floor westwards facing windows.

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From first floor windows, views of the proposed entrance from Cowbridge Road into the site (East Gate) would be possible, and to the west of the entrance, partial views of the Officers Mess will be visible across an expanse of car parking. The four storey Officers’ Mess will be visible to the east, beyond the car park. Views of the building will be partially screened and filtered by the avenue of trees proposed along the western edge of the car park. Properties on the western edge of this settlement (Scott Close and Drake Close) will experienced close range views into the proposed Golf Course/Stadium SFA. Consideration has been made of this in the layout of housing within this SFA. A strip of existing planting to the east of Scott Close falls outside the site boundary and is being retained. In addition, open space is introduced where Scott Close overlooks the site. This will soften views across of the proposed SFA housing, although the roofline of housing will still be viewed at a distance of approximately 40metres separation. A level of screening of views eastwards from Drake Close is provided by the retention of some trees around the pill boxes. However, an area of trees and hedgerow is removed and this will open up views across the SFA site. Properties to the north and west of the proposed Golf Course/Stadium SFA on Burley Place will also experience close range views into the proposed site, however the retention of a strip of trees outside the site boundary, to the south of Burley Place will filter views southwards. The potential for close range views from the northern edge of St Athan of new buildings and landscape at the DTC site will have a neutral effect, as although the view will be changed from the baseline, similarly to the baseline, buildings of a military nature within a landscape setting will be visible. However, the potential for close range views from the east of East Vale to the SFA proposals to the east and south, will result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change being experienced which combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to settlements would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect and would be significant.

Eglwys Brewis Housing on Pinewood Square with southwards facing windows will experience views across the central open space to the south, into the existing East Camp (proposed DTC) site. Although views from ground floor windows will be screened by garden vegetation, and trees within the open space will also provide filtering of views from the first floor southwards facing windows, at least partial and filtered views of the DTC site will be possible. The proposed new 15m tall museum and 12 metres tall accommodation building to the north and north-east of the DTC site will be viewed behind a screen provided by an avenue of trees along the access road to the north of the accommodation blocks. The new accommodation buildings will be viewed within a formal landscaped setting, with expanses of lawn and avenue of trees softening views of the buildings. Residents experiencing views from first floor southwards and south westwards facing windows of properties on Picketston Close will experience views of the new NAR alignment and to the south west, the chimney of the energy centre which is proposed to be 30 metres tall will be visible. The DSG Superhangar is being retained, and although there is a re-arrangement of the areas of car-parking and landscaping around the DSG Superhangar, the main components of the view will remain largely unchanged. Residents of properties on the southern edge of Lime Grove are orientated east to west and as such direct views into the development site are not characteristic, but due to the close proximity of the receptors to the development site (approximately 20metres) close range and oblique views of the new NAR, the new entrance feature around Eglwys Brewis Church and the new

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museum, will be clearly visible. Whilst these features will differ to the baseline arrangement of military style features, the overall character of the view will not be altered. From Chestnut Grove in the northern western section of the settlement, views from the first floor windows will be possible of traffic using the NAR (although partially screened by the hedgerow proposed along the road route) as will the sports pitches, car parking, sports hall and hotel within the southern section of the Picketston external training area. A level of continuity to views from these properties will be maintained by the retention of vegetation along Nant y Stepsau. This vegetation will also provide a level of screening of the proposals. Even partial views of the proposals will however result in a notable change to the visible land use (the baseline being open fields intersected by occasional roads) and in terms of scale (the existing WW11 hangars are viewed at a distance of approximately 200metres and so do not dominate the view). The potential for close range views of new buildings and landscape at the DTC site from Pinewood Square and Lime Grove will have a neutral effect, as although the view will be changed from the baseline, similarly to the baseline, buildings of a military nature within a landscape setting will be visible. The magnitude of change will be medium (neutral) which combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to settlements, the effect would be moderate/substantial (neutral) and would be significant. Views from Chestnut Grove on the north western edge of the village of the proposed sports hall, sports pitches and hotel will result in a notable change to the character of the view, reverting the open fields with a weak military character (resulting from distant views of the WW11 hangars) to a view enclosed by a high density of sporting and recreational land uses. The retention of a strip of pastoral fields between the properties and the development site (approximately 150metres) and the retention of vegetation along the Nant y Stepsau Stream will retain a level of visual detachment from the proposals. It will also lend a sense of continuity of features within the view. The magnitude of change to the view would be medium and the change in the character of the view would have an adverse effect. When combined with the high sensitivity of the residential receptors the magnitude of change would be moderate/substantial (adverse).

Flemingston As explained under the description of viewpoint 12, the foreground of the views from the south western edge of Flemingston would remain unchanged, but view across the south-west sloping fields of the foreground to the proposed large scale military hangars on the DTC, the northern portion of the ABP site (north of the runway) would be visible. The three proposed hangars on the northern ABP site would become distinctive background features of the view adjacent to the Twin Peaks. As existing hangars are a distinctive and characteristic feature of the view, the proposed new development would not appear out of place. The new ABP buildings will however, result in military buildings being a more prominent and distinctive feature. The magnitude of change would be medium (adverse). When combined with the medium sensitivity of the recreational users of the footpath, a moderate (adverse) effect will be experienced as a result of the further erosion of the rural character experienced from this view, which will not be significant.

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8.8.3 Individual Properties

Old Barn (shown as property 2 on Figure 8.6) Direct views from the first floor windows on the western façade of this property to the proposed Picketston site would be possible. Filtering provided by the hedgerow (approximately 3 – 4metres tall and gappy in places) in the foreground would partially filter but not completely restrict views of the proposed 3metres tall fence immediately to the west of the hedgerow. The retention of existing hangars within the eastern section of the site would provide some level of visual continuity and to views to the north west, but from first floor, westwards facing windows, views of the roofline of the hotel and sports hall may be possible, as would movement associated with the use of the PAAB when it is in operation. These changes will be viewed at close range. The land uses and the increased density of development will be uncharacteristic of views from this property. This will result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change, which combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors would result in a substantial (adverse) level of effect which would be significant.

1 & 2 Picketston – Police Houses (shown as properties 5 on figure 8.6) Due to proximity and the absence of any large scale garden vegetation views into the development site will be possible. The location of the 3metres tall screening fence between the property and the PAAB section of the Picketston external training area will screen views from the ground floor. From the first floor windows, views over the screening fence in a south westwards direction will be possible. The retention of hangars directly to the west of these properties will ensure a level of visual continuity to views and will at least partially block views of the aerials and telegraph poles at Aerial Farm and Hilo Pole Field, but will not restrict views of the use of the PAAB external traingn area, the outdoor sports pitches to the south west, or the internal roads through the site and the areas of parking. It is anticipated that the magnitude of change to the view would be high (adverse) as a result of the partial but close range as described above. Combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Picketston House (shown as property 11 on figure 8.6) As stated in the assessment of construction effect, despite the close proximity of receptors within this property to the development site, views of the proposed development will be minimal. A combination of the orientation of windows of the property, the retention of the TPO trees on the eastern boundary of the Picketston site, and the low rise nature of proposals for the north eastern and eastern sections of the Picketston site (10m x 10m gravel surfaces for task command) will ensure that at most heavily filtered and distant views of the construction activity associated with the Picketston external training area will be viewed from this property. The magnitude of change would be negligible. Combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors, the overall effect would be slight (adverse) and not significant.

Picketston Cottage (shown as property 3 on Figure 8.6) A 3metres tall fence is proposed immediately to the west of the hedgerow which forms the development site boundary, approximately 20metres to the west of this property. This fence will

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be almost completely screened from view by the hedgerow. The combination of the fence and hedgerow will screen views into the site from the first floor westwards facing windows. However, from first floor windows, clear views of the obstacle courses at external training area will be possible beyond the fence and hedgerow. Further to the south west, a car park, views of the sports pitches, 12 metres tall hotel and sports hall will be possible. This will be uncharacteristic in terms of type of land use and also density of development. This will result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change, which combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors would result in a substantial (adverse) level of effect which would be significant.

New Barn Properties including New Barn Farm (properties 9a-9h and 10 as shown on figure 8.7) These properties are located approximately 300metres to the north east of the north eastern corner of the Picketston external training area. The buildings in the most northerly section of Picketston site are to remain unchanged with the exception of the addition of a wash-down area and waste storage facility. The retained hangars will provide a level of screening of the proposed sports pitches and sports hall, and the proposed hotel (potentially up to 12metres tall) on the southern section of the Picketston external training area, but partial views of the rooftops of these features may be visible. The use of aerials and telegraph poles at Aerial Farm and Hilo Pole field will be visible approximately 300metres to the south west of these properties. Although these features will be temporary, the movement and activity associated with their use will be an uncharacteristic feature of views from the south of these properties. The proposed planted earth mound which rises to 5metres will be partially visible between the retained hangars to the south west of these properties. Partial and filtered views of the proposed noise barrier and glimpsed views of the proposals within the southern section of the Picketston external training area will result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change, which combined with the high sensitivity attributed to these residential receptors, would result in a moderate/substantial adverse effect which would be significant.

New Barn North (numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4) (properties 13 as shown on Figure 8.6) These properties are located approximately 50 metres to the north of the Picketston external training area. Similarly to the other New Barn properties described above, it is anticipated that at least partial views of the sports centre, the hotel and the roofline of the 25metres tall hangars on the proposed ABP north to the south of these properties will be visible above the planted earth mound (which will be 5metres tall at its highest point) and the retained hangars. The use of aerials and telegraph poles at Aerial Farm and Hilo Pole field will be visible approximately 50metres to the south of these properties. Although these features will be temporary, the movement and activity associated with their use will be an uncharacteristic feature of views from the south of these properties. These additions to the view would result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change, which combined with the high sensitivity attributed to these residential receptors would result in a moderate/substantial adverse effect which would be significant.

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Millands Milland Farm (shown as property 14 on figure 8.6) Direct, close range and largely unfiltered views from first floor southwards facing windows will be possible of the North of West Camp SFA site approximately 120metres to the south east, the Tremains Farm site approximately 150metres to the south west and also the NAR directly to the south. The NAR will cross directly to the south of the property, separating the property from the proposed SFA housing sites. The Northern Access Road will be elevated adjacent to Milland Farm to facilitate the road crossing Llanmaes Brook. This embankment is screened in part by the creation of a false cutting and hedge on bank on the northern side of the road and the reduced gradient of the embankment side slopes, enabling the area to be returned to agriculture. Once the proposed hedgerow planting alongside the road has matured, it will provide some screening. However, the screening will not fully restrict views of the proposed road and housing which will result in a notable change from the existing view of arable fields. The magnitude of change would be high (adverse). Combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Froglands Farm The proposed NAR will cross to the south of this property, separating the property from the proposed SFA housing sites. An area of open space approximately 30metres wide (north to south) by 70metres long (east to west) on the southern side of the road will separate this property from the closest proposed housing, providing a level of visual separation from the north of West Camp site. Once the proposed hedgerow planting alongside the road has matured, it will provide some screening. However, the screening will not be able to fully restrict close range views. The magnitude of change would be high (adverse). Combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Rose Cottage The route of the proposed NAR runs immediately to the north of this property and will be visible obliquely from both its front and rear first floor windows. The proposed hedgerow along the edges of the new NAR will provide some screening, but the road will still be partially visible, at close range. The Tremains Farm SFA will be visible approximately 200m to the south-west, and the North of West Camp SFA approximately 30 metres to the north-east. The new housing at close proximity to both the north-east and south-west, will alter the character of the view, introducing an uncharacteristic element with associated increased movement and activity visible. The magnitude of change will be high (adverse) which combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors would result in a substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Millands Caravan Park The caravan park is located approximately 50m to the north of the proposed NAR and approximately 100m north-west of the proposed North of West Camp SFA site. Despite the hedgerow boundary along both sides of the road to the south of the caravan park, views of the first floor and roofs of the housing on the North of West Camp SFA sites would be visible at close range to the south-east. The roofline of housing on the Tremains Farm SFA would also be visible at a distance of approximately 200m. The proposed NAR will run immediately to the

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south of the caravan park, resulting in increased movement and activity. The magnitude of change will be high (adverse) which combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors would result in a substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Splott House, Oakwood Following completion of the proposed development, it is anticipated that some partial and filtered views of the increased movement on the NAR and during winter months, glimpsed views of the roofline of housing on the North of West Camp SFA sites, would be possible. The magnitude of change would at worst be low (adverse). Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

Old Froglands Due to the very close proximity to both the North of West Camp SFA, Tremains Farm SFA and NAR, it is anticipated that at least partial but filtered close range views of the North of West Camp SFA housing to the north-east and east and associated movement and activity, and increased levels of movement of traffic on the NAR to the north, will be possible beyond the belt of dense mature trees to the north, east and south. The magnitude of change resulting from the partial but close range views of the proposed development would be medium (adverse). Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

North of St Athan Golf Club Views out of these two properties are extensively filtered and screened by a combination of ornamental planting within the gardens and mature trees along the eastern and western boundaries. The partial retention of the belt of hedgerow and tree planting to the south west of these properties will restrict views into the site of the SFA housing. However, the roofline of proposed housing will be visible above the belt of existing trees and hedgerow. Within the northern/north eastern corner of the SFA there are no proposed areas of open space and as such views will be of continuous and unbroken rooflines. A view of the roofline of housing is not uncharacteristic of views from these properties, as partial views of housing at east vale will also be possible. However, the development of housing in this location will ensure that the residents experiencing views from south westwards facing windows will have a view which is wholly occupied by roofs of housing above and between the boundary vegetation, as opposed to approximately half of the view from south westwards facing windows containing roofs. As such, the magnitude of change would be medium (adverse). Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Cowbridge Road 1-6 Bingle Lane, Davlyn, 1 & 2 Beggars Pound From first floor north and north-west facing windows, receptors would experience close range views. Approximately 300m to the north, an area of car parking would be introduced. Further to the north-east, the sports pitches and proposed 15m tall accommodation blocks would be visible, partially screened by trees planted as part of the landscape strategy which by 2038 (ten years after completion of the ABP scheme) would have reached a level of maturity that will provide a good level of screening. The view would be different in terms of layout of buildings,

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and there will be an overall increase in the height of buildings visible, but from a distance of 300m and when screened by the landscape planting this will not have a significant level of effect. The changes to the views would result in a low (neutral) magnitude of change being experienced by residential receptors. Combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be slight (neutral) and would not be significant.

Broadway Cottage, Seren Wyb, Coeden Bach, Pant yn Awel Farm Partial and oblique views of the extensive areas of car parking around the southern and eastern boundaries of the DTC scheme would result in a low (neutral) magnitude of change. Whilst the elements of the view will differ from the baseline, car parking and 12metres tall accommodation blocks within a landscape setting will be visible. As stated for 1-6 Bingle Lane, Davlyn, 1 & 2 Beggars Pound which will experience a similar change to the view, there will not be a notable change to the character of the view. Combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

Pant yn Awel House, Coronation Cottage and Bryn Teg As the location of all proposed building work on the DTC scheme is north of the runway, partial, filtered and oblique views of the proposed car parking and 15 metre tall accommodation block buildings on the DTC site. This would result in a low (neutral) magnitude of change. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be moderate (neutral) and would not be significant in EIA terms.

Higher End all Properties on the Southern Side and Western edge of Higher End Properties on the southern side of Higher end (from east to west - Greystones, Athanaire, Andemos, Pine Tree Lodge, Rose Cottage, New House, Chimneys, Myrtyle Cottage, Swallows Rest, Porth Glwdwr, Tanglewood, Coritani, Capehart, Pentiri, Friendship and Wedderburn Properties on the southern side of Higher End have the potential to experience views in a south- westerly direction towards the proposed buildings on the ABP site. The roofline of the three 7 metre tall buildings along the eastern edge of the ABP and further to the south-west, the 25m high structure used as B767 bays or B737 bays and offices will be partially visible although heavily filtered by intervening layers of hedgerow and ornamental garden vegetation. The raised earth mound which extends from the elevated road junction of the southern access road to the south will be visible as a feature running parallel with the coastal road connecting the b4265 with Higher End. The vegetated mound will be partially visible above the existing hedgerow. The magnitude of change to the view experienced would be medium (adverse) and when combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Briarbank Clear views into the site would be possible from the upper storey of this property. A planted embankment is proposed between this property an the ABP site. However, this will not completely screen views into the ABP site. From south facing windows, views of the roofline of the three 7m tall buildings along the eastern edge of the ABP and further to the south south- west, the 25m high structure used as B767 bays or B737 bays and offices will be partially visible above the planted embankment. The introduction of new large scale built form will result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change and when combined with the high level of

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sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

North of B4265 and south of Llanmaes Bridge House Farm and Thursday House, Tremains Farm and Frolics Farm These properties are located approximately 400metres to the north west of the proposed Tremains Farm SFA. It is anticipated that from the first floor windows which are orientated north-east, largely uninterrupted, oblique views to the Tremains Farm SFA housing would be possible. The introduction of housing of this scale, combined with views of increased levels of movement on the NAR, would result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity of these receptors, would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Between Llanmaes and Croes Heol From South-east to North-west - on the Northern Side of the Road - Pensam, Pensam Farm House, Penllyne Bungalow) No designations apply to this property as a visual receptor From South-east to North-west on the Southern side of the Road - Casetina, Ebisham Lodge, Silver Dene, The Butts, Creos HEOL The closest of these properties (Creos Heol) is located approximately 600metres to the north west of the development site boundary. It is predicted that existing vegetation will only filter views in a south-east direction, from ground floor windows. Views in a south-east and south direction towards the North of West Camp SFA and the proposed NAR may be possible from first floor windows, although views of the proposed NAR will be screened by the proposed hedgerow and tree planting along the NAR. Beyond the housing at Picektston South West SFA, partial views of the roofline of the proposed sports hall and the support poles for the floodlights of the sports pitches may be possible. A distance of approximately 1km separates Creos Heol from the proposed 5metres tall planted earth mound which will act as a screen to noise from the training sites. The remainder of the properties within this section are separated by a distance of approximately 1.5km. This planted mound will heavily filter views of the lower sections of the proposed sports pitches, sports hall and hotel within the southern section of the Picketston external training area. Due to the scale of the 25metres tall hangars proposed on the northern boundary of the ABP north, it is anticipated that all properties may experience views of the rooftops of the hangars as a background feature of the view, above the intervening housing on the SFA sites. Views from these properties would be partial and filtered, and will be viewed alongside existing buildings on the MoD St Athan base. However, the housing will cumulatively constitute some erosion of the rural character of views experienced from these properties, resulting in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change, which when combined with the high sensitivity of these residential receptors would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

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Floodgate Bridge Lougher Moor and Floodgate During the operational phase these properties would experience no change to the view. The rising main is underground. It is proposed that any hedgerow that is removed to construct the rising main will be replaced during the construction phase. By 2038, the hedgerow will have matured.

Properties west of Llantwit Major and south of the Railwayline Moorland Farm Purlon Farm (junction of Wick road and the B4265) Hendre Alcam and Channel View During the operational phase these properties would experience a low (neutral) to the view. The rising main is underground and although new infrastructure will be located within the existing water treatment works, this will not be of a significantly larger height or mass than the existing treatment works infrastructure. It is proposed that any hedgerow that is removed to construct the rising main will be replaced during the construction phase. By 2038, the hedgerow will have matured. When combined with the high sensitivity of the residential receptors the overall effect would be moderate and not significant.

Castleton Road North Side of Castleton Road from East to West, The Old Chapel, West Woods, Rills View, Castleton Court, The Granary, The Gatehouse, Castleton Farm) No designations apply to this property as a visual receptor South Side of Castleton Road from East to West – Ty Chwarel, Caravan Park These properties are located at the end of Castelton Road on the upper valley sides of the River Thaw Valley. Landform slopes north-westwards, up the valley sides, towards the development site. A 50metres wide landscape buffer is proposed to the north of the hoses. It is anticipated that this landscape bffer will screen views of the movement of military personnel sing the site and also the small number of bilt elements proposed for the Castleton FTA (namely an area of hardstanding for vehicle parking and turning space in order to access the training site, a temporary toilet facilities in association with training on the site, storage buildings for non- hazardous materials in association with training on the site and a briefing shelter building). The magnitude of change would be low (neutral) as a result of the planting of a landscape buffer which would create short range views with a vegetated character. This, when combined with the high sensitivity of these residential receptors would result in a slight (neutral) effect which would not be significant.

Properties south of the B4265 Boverton Mill Farm The flat topography between this property and the ABP site, will facilitate long range views of large scale buildings and structures on the site, e.g. the 25m tall hanger on the southern boundary and the southern access road which will be raised above the railway line. The foreground of the view across arable fields and hedgerow would remain unchanged. However, the introduction of uncharacteristically large buildings to the view, even as features of the

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middle distance would result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity of these residential receptors would result in a moderate/ substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Seaview This property has windows facing north from which direct, clear views of both the new southern access road and the ABP buildings south of the runway will be experienced. The new buildings and road infrastructure which includes a 25metres tall hangar, a compass swing and three buildings of seven metres would be viewed at close proximity and would appear uncharacteristic in terms of scale and land use. The proposed southern access road will be elevated to allow it to cross the railwayline. This will be planted as part of the ABP landscape strategy. The planted embankment would partially screen views of the buildings and roads within the site, but not wholly. The removal of arable fields and hedgerow from the foreground of the view will completely erode the rural character, and the proposed large scale buildings would increase the industrial/military character of the view. The resultant magnitude of change would be high (adverse) which when combined with the high sensitivity of these residential receptors would result in a substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Boys Village The combination of the mature trees along the railway line and the small woodland copse to the north-east of Boys Village will ensure that any views north and north-east to the new road layout at Gileston to Oldmill would be screened. There would be a negligible change to the views north and north-east towards the new road layout once it is operational and this would not be significant.

Baronswell Hedgerow is proposed along the route of the Gileston to Oldmill road, and this will screen views from Baronswell. Once operational, the new road will represent a change to the view, but not an uncharacteristic one. The change resulting from a new section of road being introduced alongside views of an existing road would be at worst low (adverse) and when combined with the high sensitivity of these visual receptors would result in a moderate (adverse) magnitude of change which would not be significant.

West and South West of the Waycock Cross Roundabout Green Farm and Ty-Newydd Farm and Motel It is anticipated that Green Farm, Ty-Newydd Farm and the Motel have the potential to experience partially screened, oblique views of the proposed site although views will be filtered by some trees in the boundaries of the properties and also by the block of trees immediately east of the existing roundabout. Partially screened views of a new roundabout, will replace existing views of a roundabout. The proposed Waycock Cross roundabout will be larger than the existing roundabout but located to the north, therefore further away from these receptors. The view would be changed as a result of the new road layout, but the new features would not appear uncharacteristic. The magnitude of change would be low (adverse). Combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors, this would result in a moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

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North of the Existing Waycock Roundabout Eight Properties on the Northern Side of Port Road West Hedgerow is proposed along both the outer edges of the roundabout and the roundabout feeder road. The hedgerow will screen views of the road, but vehicles using the road will still be visible. The vehicles will introduce a higher level of movement that currently, resulting in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change being experienced from first floor, rear facing windows. Combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors, this would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

8.9 Assessment of Night Time Views There is currently no widely accepted methodology to assess the visual impacts of proposed night time lighting without the use of technical models of the proposed lighting and measurements of current level of luminescence. This type of assessment would require a detailed lighting design for the whole development site, which is not available. This section provides a qualitative assessment of the proposed conceptual lighting scheme based on both the lighting strategy set out in chapter 7 of the DTC Design and Access Statement, and the anticipated need for lighting that will be required by the proposed SFA housing, northern and southern access roads and the ABP scheme. For the purposes of this assessment the following assumptions have been made on the conceptual lighting scheme: • The lighting will be the subject of detailed designs submitted with detailed applications when the specification of the proposed lights and their fixtures will be agreed;

• The reduction of obtrusive light will be in accordance with industry best practice and will principally be ensured by choosing lighting equipment that minimises the upward spread of light near to and above the horizontal. Control of pollution will be achieved through broad distribution fittings, with no upward transmission (except for limited feature lighting to be agreed), no saturation lighting, frosted lenses and use of a combination of LED and low wattage metal halide luminaries; • Proposals include lighting of roads, pedestrian paths, open spaces, military hangars and residential properties. Where details of the proposed lighting is available e.g. for the DTC as set out in the DTC Design and Access Statement, this information has been used. Based on the knowledge of the baseline situation and the lighting needs of the proposed development, a qualitative assessment was carried out identifying sensitive receptors, the potential magnitude of change and likely significance of the effects. A specific night time site visit was made on 28th February 2009 between 18:30 and 21:00 hours. As set out in the baseline appendix (Appendix G) residential receptors within both settlements and individual residential receptors to the north, south, east and west of the development site experience views of lighting within the existing MoD St.Athan site, including glare from security lighting and feature lighting of the DSG hangar. As such, baseline views of lighting within the development site are characteristic. The receptors below have been identified to assess the potential effect experienced by residential receptors who have the potential to experience close range views of lighting to parts of the site which currently are unlit or have low levels of lighting. As set out in the baseline (Appendix G) other receptors to the north, south,

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east and west also have the potential to experience views of lighting within previously unlit sections of the site but the lighting will be viewed at a greater distance and partially screened by intervening vegetation and buildings. As such the magnitude of change would be low (adverse), and when combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors would be moderate and not significant.

8.9.1 Settlements

Residents on the eastern edge of East Vale including the two properties listed in table G6 of Appendix G Properties to the north and west of the proposed Golf Course/Stadium SFA sites will experience close range views into the site of the proposed housing. Although some trees along the northern and western boundaries of the site will be retained which will filter views into the housing site, and an area of open space is proposed along the western edge of the SFA site providing separation of approximately 40metres between the existing housing to the West it is anticipated that significant levels of light trespass could still be experienced by residential receptors on Drake Close and Burley Place. This will be as a result of lighting which it is anticipated will be required within the site along the internal roads as well as light spill from the houses. Baseline views eastwards across the Golf Course/Stadium SFA are to dark skies. Therefore the light trespass resulting from the Golf Course/Stadium SFA site will result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change, which when combined with the high sensitivity of the residential receptors, the magnitude of change would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Residents on the south eastern edge of Llanmaes As set out in the assessment of daytime view, residents on the south eastern edge of Llanmaes experience views to the proposed NAR and the additional hosing proposed at the Tremains Farm SFA, Picketston South west and North of West Camp SFA sites. Whilst partial and long distance views of lighting within housing at West Camp and lighting from cars on Eglwys Brewis Road is not an uncharacteristic feature of the night time views from the edge of Llanmaes, the proposed development will result in the introduction of lighting at closer range. An environmental measure designed into the scheme was to plant hedgerow along the northern edge of the NAR and a belt of woodland to the south of the NAR. This will filter views of the headlights of traffic using the NAR and the woodland belt will filter views of lighting within the SFA sites. Whilst at a distance of approximately 500metres from the development site, light trespass or glare will not be experienced; the proposed development will result in additional lit features being visible at a closer range. Lighting will be introduced to an area of the site which in the baseline contributes to the general dark skies visible in the foreground of views from the south eastern edge of Llanmaes. In the assessment of day time views it is noted that views of movement on the NAR and housing visible at closer range will detract from the rural nature of views from the south eastern edge of the settlement. Similarly, at night time, views of the headlights of traffic using the NAR and the introduction of additional lighting to land which in the baseline is pastoral fields will also detract from the rural character of views and the sense of separation of the village from the MoD St.Athan base. The resultant magnitude of change would be medium (adverse). Combined with the high levels of sensitivity attributed to settlements, the effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

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Residents on the western edge of Eglwys Brewis Residents on Chestnut Grove will experience views in a north westwards direction into the southern edge of Picketston external training area. Views of the lighting columns and lighting fixtures used to light the car park approximately 150metres to the north - west will be visible, as will longer range views of the floodlighting of sports pitches further to the west. It is anticipated that vegetation along the Nant y Stepsau will provide some filtering of views of the lighting columns, but that occasional views of the lighting columns will be visible. It is anticipated that the lighting columns will become visible lit features, but assuming good practice for avoiding obtrusive lighting are complied with, will not result in glare or light trespass being experienced. Residents with south westward and westward facing windows at Picketston Close will experience close range and largely uninterrupted views of vehicle headlights and street lighting on the proposed NAR, lighting within the DTC and ABP sites Residents on Picketston Close will however experience baseline views of vehicle headlights on Eglwys Brewis Road and also lighting within the existing East Camp (including the highly lit DSG hangar). As described in the assessment of daytime views, housing on Lime Grove are oriented east to west and so direct views of lighting within the site will not be visible. However oblique views of the feature lighting around the area of the northern gate, including feature lighting around the area of Eglwys Brewis church and the new museum. Although lighting, including feature lighting of the Dsg hangar is a feature of the current east Camp site, the addition of feature lighting around the northern gate will be a change to the current lighting. Whilst views of lighting on the DTC and ABP sites will not be uncharacteristic, views of lighting (including most significantly the floodlighting of the sports pitches) will be visible from these properties and would occupy a section of the view which in the baseline has low levels of lighting. Assuming good practice guidelines are followed, it is anticipated that light trespass and glare will not be experienced. However, the lighting will still become a visible feature of night time views. As views of night time lighting are not uncharacteristic, but the extent of night time lighting will become greater and occupy a larger percentage of the view, there will be a medium (adverse) magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors will result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

8.9.2 Individual Residential Receptors

Bridge House Farm, Thursday House, Tremains Farm and Frolics Farm to the west of the Tremains Farm SFA These properties are located approximately 300metres to the north west of the proposed NAR and the Tremains Farm SFA. From this distance, light trespass from the properties, internal roads and NAR will not be experienced, although partial views of the houses and roads as lit features will be evident through the layers of intervening hedgerow and boundary vegetation, and hedgerow and tree planting proposed along the NAR. The development of the SFA site and the NAR is on pastoral fields which in the baseline are not lit. Currently views from these properties in a south easterly direction are to a foreground of dark skies, although skyglow above the MoD St. Athan site is evident. The introduction of lighting to a site which in the baseline has no lighting will cumulatively contribute to the skyglow evident above the development site. The magnitude of change would be medium (adverse) which when combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors, would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

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Old Barn, Picketston House and 1 & 2 Picketston, Picketston Cottage, at Picketston (see night time viewpoint 1 Figure 8.14) The 3metre tall noise screen fence to the south west of 1 and 2 Picketston will partially screen views into the development site and of lighting within it from the ground floor windows. However, it is anticipated that views into the site from the upper floors of 1 and 2 Picketston (police hoses) will remain possible. However, the lighting strategy for the DTA scheme shows that the only lighting source on the north eastern and eastern boundary of the Picketston external training area is the road to the existing hangars which are to be retained for storage purposes. The roadside lighting will be visible from the first floor windows of 1 and 2 Picketston and due to the close proximity, and absence of significant screening vegetation, may result in light trespass being experienced by residents in 1 and 2 Picketston. Within the southern section of the Picketston external training area (located approximately 200 meters to the south west of the closest of these properties) the lighting strategy is more extensive. The lighting strategy shows three floodlit sports pitches, and lighting of the roads and pathways, the sports hall, the hotel and the running track. A planted earth mound of approximately 5metres tall is proposed to the north of the sports pitches. However, it is anticipated that the lighting columns of the floodlights will be taller than 5metres and as such will become visible features above the planted earth mound. All other properties within Picketston are located on the eastern side of the lane through Picketston and are therefore separated from the development site by the mature trees to the south of 1 and 2 Picketston and the hedgerow along the western edge of the lane. The hedgerow and trees will filter views into the development from ground floor windows, but it is anticipated that views of the lighting of the car park on the south eastern edge of the Picketston external training area, will be visible from Picketston cottage and Old Barn. A distance of approximately 150 metres separates Picketston cottage from the car parking (this is the closest property within Picketston) and as such, assuming good practice for avoiding light trespass is complied with, light trespass or glare should not be experienced. However, these properties, and also 1 and 2 Picketston will experience increased levels of sky glow above the development site as a result of additional lighting of section of the development site which in the baseline have either no lighting or low levels of lighting. The light trespass experienced by 1&2 Picketston (Police houses) and the cumulative contribution to sky glow above the development site would result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change. When combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors there will be a moderate/substantial magnitude of change, which would be significant.

New Barn North, Ty Draw Farm and Bungalow and Ashdene These properties are located between approximately 50metres and 70metres to the north of the northern boundary of Picketston external training area. The existing hangars within the northern section of the Picketston External Training area are being retained, and an additional washdown area and waste compound added. The lighting strategy shows the roads leading to the existing hangars as being lit but no other lighting within the northern section of Picketston external training area is proposed. As described in the assessment of daytime views, views towards the development site from Ashdene, Ty Draw Farm and Bungalow are heavily screened by boundary vegetation and hedgerow along the lane to the south separating the properties from the development site. As a result of the screening provided by boundary vegetation and the low levels of lighting within the

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northern section of the Picketston external training area, it is anticipated that receptors will experience no light trespass or glare from lighting within the development site. However, the properties at New Barn North have clearer views into the site, and it is anticipated that the floodlighting of the sports pitches and lighting at the hotel will be visible to the south at a distance of approximately 400metres, above the 5 metres tall planted earth mound. As such, assuming guidelines for avoiding obtrusive lighting are complied with, it is anticipated that no light trespass or glare from the lighting within the development site will be experienced. It is however anticipated that the proposed lighting within the southern section of the Picketston south site will cumulatively contribute to the skyglow above the development site. This will be evident to receptors within the properties at New Barn North. The addition of lighting as a background feature to the view from the properties at New Barn North and the contribution of the lighting to a larger area of skyglow will result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change, which when combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant. Ty draw Farm and Bungalow and Ashdene experience a greater level of screening form the development site by boundary vegetation and hedgerow and as such would experience only a low (adverse) magnitude of change resulting from glimpsed views of additional lighting and the resultant greater skyglow. Combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors, there would be a moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

New Barn Properties including New Barn Farm Partially filtered views, from a distance of approximately 600metres will be possible from these properties into the southern section of the Picketston external training area. Views of the floodlit sports pitches and lighting of the internal roads within the Picketston training area will be possible although these features will be partially screened by the proposed planted earth mound which will be located to the north of the sports pitches. The distance of 600metres, combined with the screening effect of the planted earth mound ensure that residents of these properties will not experience adverse change to their view as a result of light trespass or glare (assuming that good practice guidelines for avoiding obtrusive lighting are complied with). However, it is anticipated that the lighting columns for the floodlit sports pitches will be taller than 5metres and as such will remain as visible lighting on the skyline above the earth mound. The introduction of additional lighting to the middle distance, and the resultant increase in visible skyglow from these properties would result in a low (adverse) magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors would result in a moderate (adverse) magnitude of change which would not be significant.

Millands Farm, Froglands Farm, Rose Cottage, Millands Caravan Park, Splott House, Old Froglands, Oakwood at Millands Millands farm, Froglands Farm, Rose Cottage and Millands Caravan Park are located to the north east of the Tremains Farm SFA and to the north - west and west of the proposed North of West Camp SFA. The northern access road cuts through the settlement immediately to the north of Rose Cottage, and within 100metres of all of these properties. No lighting strategy has yet been developed for the NAR and SFA sites. However, it is anticipated that roadside lighting columns will be introduced to light the road and that roadside lighting columns will also be introduced to the internal roads within the SFA sites.

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An environmental measure designed into the scheme was to plant hedgerow along the northern edge of the NAR and a belt of woodland to the south of the NAR. This will filter views of the headlights of traffic using the NAR and the woodland belt will filter but not completely screen views of lighting within the SFA sites. As such the existing views across the dark skies above the unlit pastoral fields which surround the properties in the baseline, will be replaced by close range views of artificially lit housing and roads, although a level of screening will be provided by proposed hedgerow planting along the rote of the NAR. Light trespass spilling out of the SFA and NAR sites will be experienced by these receptors. Although the hedgerow proposed along the route of the road will partially filter views of the glare from vehicle headlights, it is anticipated that glare from headlights will still be experienced through gaps in the hedgerow. The resultant magnitude of change would be high (adverse) which when combined with the high sensitivity of the residential receptors would result in a substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant. Splott House and Oakwood are located approximately 70metres to the north of the NAR and to the north of two bands of mature trees which form a dense visual screen. Similarly to during the daytime, clear views to the site of the proposed NAR and SFA sites would therefore not be possible, but partial and heavily filtered views of lighting of the NAR and the SFA sites would be possible, and the lighting would introduce a marked change from the dark skies visible in the baseline. The resultant magnitude of change would be medium (adverse) which when combined with the high sensitivity of the residential receptors would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Between Llanmaes and Croes Heol These properties are located approximately 600 metres to the north west of the nearest part of the development site boundary. As in the assessment of day time views, partial views will be possible from upper floor windows of these properties, of the lighting of internal roads within the northern section of the Picketston external training area although views will be heavily filtered by intervening layers of hedgerow. In addition, views from a distance of approximately 800metres will be possible of the lighting within the South West Picketston SFA and North of West Camp SFA sites, and also views of headlights of vehicles using the NAR. However, the proposed hedgerow planting proposed along the rote of the NAR will provide a filtering of views from the headlights. Due to the filtering of views provided by intervening layers of hedgerow and the distance of at least 600metres, no light trespass from the housing or glare from the headlights of vehicles using the NAR will be experienced by residents of these properties. However, the lighting within the housing and headlights of vehicles using the road will be partially visible as lighting within an area of the site which currently is unlit fields. The introduction of lighting to areas of the development site which are currently dark, and the resultant spread of sky glow will result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change, which when combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) magnitude of change, which would be significant.

All Properties on the southern side of Higher End The most westerly property on the southern side of Higher End is located approximately 250metres from the eastern edge of ABP south. As such it is not anticipated that light trespass will be experienced. However, lit features in the middle distance of the view will be evident.

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The introduction of lighting to what in the baseline are unlit arable fields will cumulatively contribute to the sky glow above the site. The resultant magnitude of change to the view will be medium (adverse) which when combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Briarbank Currently residents of this property experience views across the dark, unlit arable fields to the south of the runway. The new buildings and road infrastructure would be viewed at close proximity. It is anticipated that at the very least lighting will be installed along the roads and footpaths within ABP south and that security lighting will be installed on the facades of the buildings. Views of lighting within the site would be partially screened by the proposed planted 5 metres tall embankment, but it is anticipated that light trespass onto the road to the south west of Batslays (and to the east of ABP south) will be experienced. Due to the proximity of the residence to ABP south, it is unlikely that residents would be able to experience views of the skyglow above the property (a level of visual separation from the point of lighting is necessary to see views above the site as sky glow). The introduction of lighting to the view and the resultant levels of light trespass would result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors would result in a substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Seaview Currently residents of this property experience views across the dark, unlit arable fields to the south of the runway. The new buildings and road infrastructure would be viewed at close proximity. It is anticipated that at the very least lighting will be installed along the roads and footpaths within ABP south and that security lighting will be installed on the facades of the buildings. This lighting would completely alter the character of the night time views. Residents at Seaview would experience views of the light trespass onto the B4265 (the road running immediately to the south of the ABP). Due to the proximity of the residence to the ABP site, it is unlikely that residents would be able to experience views of the skyglow above the property (a level of visual separation from the point of lighting is necessary to see views above the site as sky glow). The introduction of lighting to the view and the resultant levels of light trespass would result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors would result in a (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Night time Viewpoints Night time Viewpoint 1: From Lane through Picketston (Figure 8.14) For a description of the view experienced from this viewpoint, reference should be made to the description above of night time views experienced from Old Barn, Picketston House and 1 & 2 Picketston, Picketston Cottage, New Barn Properties including New Barn Farm at Picketston (see night time viewpoint 1 Figure 8.14) The magnitude of change would be medium (adverse) when combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors along the lane through Picketston who have the potential to experience this view, the effect being moderate (adverse) and significant.

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Night time Viewpoint 2: From St. Athan Road (Figure 8.14) From this viewpoint, the existing MoD St Athan base is visible as a highly lit site, notably the DSG hangar. The lighting strategy has not yet been developed to a sufficient level for detail to accurately describe the light levels that will be experienced. It is however anticipated that as lighting is to be introduced to areas of the site which are currently not lit (e.g. ABP south of the runway, and Picketston), receptors will experience a larger expanse of lighting. Lighting will therefore spread into a currently dark area. As the lighting will be viewed at a distance within the context of highly lit and distinctive features on the existing MoD St Athan site, it is anticipated that the magnitude of change would be low (adverse). When combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using St Athan road, the overall effect would be slight/moderate (adverse) and not significant.

Night time Viewpoint 3: From Clive Road (Figure 8.15) From this position the increased lighting levels of the car parks proposed along the eastern and north-eastern boundaries of the site would be perceptible in the background of the view. It is also anticipated that the other lighting proposed on the site will create a level of sky glow visible above the site to the south-west. It is anticipated that the lighting will make the site a visible feature of the night time views, which currently, from this viewpoint, it is not. The magnitude of change would be medium (adverse). When combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors experiencing this view, the overall effect would be moderate (adverse) and not significant.

Night time Viewpoint 4: From north of Seaview (Figure 8.15) Although a lighting scheme for ABP south is not currently available, it is anticipated that the dark foreground would become populated with light sources along the proposed southern access road and within the business park. Given the very dark skies of the foreground of the view in the baseline, the magnitude of change would be high (adverse). Although views of an extensive lighting scheme on the existing MoD St. Athan are currently available, the lighting is restricted to the background of the view only. When combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors experiencing this view, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

8.9.3 Viewpoints The location of each viewpoint is shown on figure 8.16.

Viewpoint 1: Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail west of Llanbethery Farm (Figure 8.17) There will be no change to the view.

Viewpoint 2: St Athan Road, south of St. Mary Church (Figure 8.17) To the west of the DSG hangar, additional hangars of a similar height and block size will be visible on the ABP site. At this distance changes to the built form on East Camp will not be discernible. Also, at this distance the boundary tree and hedgerow planting and other landscape planting within the site will not be visible. The proposed development will result in additional large scale features being visible in the background of the view adjacent to the existing DSG hangar. As hangars on the existing MoD base are such a distinctive and characteristic feature of the view, the proposed new development would not appear uncharacteristic. The new ABP

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buildings will however result in military buildings being an even more prominent and distinctive feature. The magnitude of change would be low (adverse). Although military buildings are as much as feature of the baseline view as the rural elements such as the hedgerows and arable fields, this magnitude of change will be experienced as a result of the further erosion of the rural character of the view. Combined with the low sensitivity of motorists experiencing the view, the magnitude of change would be slight (adverse) and not significant.

Viewpoint 3: Un-named rural road immediately north of Bryn Goleu (Figure 8.18) From this viewpoint, buildings in ABP north would become clearly distinguishable to the west of the existing DSG hangar. In addition, the roofline of houses on the Tremains Farm SFA site would become visible. Currently, hangars located between East Camp and West Camp are visible on the skyline. The percentage of the view occupied by built form on the site will therefore remain unchanged, but the height of the buildings will be greater as a result of the addition of three new 25 metre high hangars. The proposed hangars would be visible to the west of the existing DSG hangar from this viewpoint. Other proposed buildings on the ABP site, the Tremains Farm SFA site, North of West Camp SFA, Picketston south West SFA and also the DTC buildings would contribute to the overall view. However, they would not individually be distinctive features of the view, combining to contribute to the general built form on the site. The foreground of the view would remain unchanged as a result of the proposed development and the key elements of the view (arable landscape interspersed with views of large scale industrial structures) will remain unchanged. On balance therefore, the magnitude of change would be low (adverse), reflecting the elements of the view that would remain unchanged, but also the addition of the three hangars which will increase the prominence of the site within this view. Combined with the medium levels of sensitivity attributed to users of the network of public rights of way, the effect would be slight/moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

Viewpoint 4: Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail south of Llanfihangel y Bont-faen (Figure 8.18) Similarly to viewpoint 3, the proposed 25metres tall hangars in the northern section of the ABP site would be the most prominent addition to the view, with no change to the foreground and existing key elements of the view. The proposed hangars would be visible to the west of the existing DSG hangar from this viewpoint. Other proposed built form on the ABP site (north and south), the Tremains Farm SFA site, North of West Camp SFA, Picketston South West and also the DTC buildings would contribute to the overall view but would not individually be distinctive features of the view. They would combine to add to the views of general built form on the site. The magnitude of change would be low (adverse). Combined with the medium levels of sensitivity attributed to users of the network of public rights of way, the effect would be slight/moderate (adverse) and would not be significant.

Viewpoint 5: Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail immediately south of Llanmaes looking east (Figure 8.19) In the baseline, the most distinctive feature of the development site within the view is DSG hangar which is viewed in the background as a skyline feature beyond a foreground of paddocks

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and housing on the edge of Llanmaes. The DSG hangar is being retained as part of the proposed development. The roofline of the large hangars within both the ABP north and ABP south sites would be possible. The inclusion of the rooflines of more than one hangar will create a strong sense of a military land use within the view, detracting from the baseline, small scale rural character of the view. The rooflines of the proposed SFA housing would also be visible in the central section of the view, but in the middle distance. However, the housing will be partially screened from view by the topography which rises to the south towards the B4265 and its impact limited, as the rooflines will be viewed as an extension of the existing built form of Llanmaes. The magnitude of change is therefore assessed as medium (adverse), recognising that the addition of partial views of the proposed ABP hangars and rooflines of housing. Combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to recreational users of the Valeway Millennium Heritage Trail, the overall effect experienced would be moderate (adverse) and not significant.

Viewpoint 6: From Boverton Road south east of Boverton (footpath L16/55/1) (Figure 8.19) From this viewpoint, the single proposed 25m tall hangar within ABP south (S1) will be visible beyond the foreground of flat, pastoral fields and the vegetation lining the B4265. The engine testing facility and other smaller units (which are up to 12 m tall) will also be visible on the southern edge of the ABP. The southern access road, including the vegetated embankments supporting the raising of the southern access road above the railway line will also be visible as a background feature of the view. From this viewpoint, uses would be an uncharacteristic feature of the view and the scale and height of the proposed buildings would have an urbanising influence on existing rural character. This would result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change to the view. Combined with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the footpath, a moderate (adverse) effect would result, which would not be significant.

Viewpoint 7: Footpath north west of St Athan (Figure 8.20) The vegetated foreground of the view (created by trees along the St. John’s valley) would remain unchanged and as such will screen views of the car parking and sports pitches to the north within the DTC scheme. Currently, the roofline of the DSG hangar is visible in the far west of the view, above the wooded skyline and as this hangar is to be retained within the development site, it will be retained as a feature of the view. The Twin Peaks, which are also to be retained as part of the proposed development, are not visible. The proposed hangars and air traffic control tower within ABP north would also not be visible from this viewpoint, the proposed hangars again being screened from view by the trees along the St.John’s Valley and the retained DSG hangar. The two sheds partially visible to the north of the woodland belt are to be retained and so would remain as a feature of the view, restricting the view of the proposed DTC built form.

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Despite the close proximity to the site, receptors using the footpath would experience no change as a result of the proposed development.

Viewpoint 8: Clive Road, St. Athan, looking north west across Cowbridge Road towards MoD St Athan (Figure 8.20) Car parking will be visible to the west and north west of this viewpoint. Although the fencing along Cowbridge Road will be replaced, it is anticipated that this will be similar in style to the existing fencing, and will not have a significant visual effect. To the west and north west of the proposed car parking, an avenue of trees are proposed. These will filter and soften views of the proposed four storeys tall officers mess to the north west of this view. Trees within the view and within the development site are to be removed during construction. However, a landscape strategy to compliment the proposed DTC design layout is proposed. Ten years following the completion of the whole scheme (i.e. 2038) the new planting within the DTC site will be approximately 14 years old. It will therefore have reached a level of maturity where it will be visible on the skyline from this viewpoint will soften and filtering views into the remainder of the DTC site to the west and north west. As in the baseline, the proposals for the site will be clearly visible as a military land use. The expanse of car parking which will be visible in the foreground will be clearly visible and unfiltered by tree planting. This will be a harsh and unattractive edge feature, but it is recognised that this is necessary for the site security. The introduction of focus to the view in the form of the Officers Mess, and the visual softening provided by the landscape strategy will have a medium (beneficial) magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity of residential receptors on Clive Road which this viewpoint is broadly representative of) the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (beneficial) which would be significant. When combined with the low sensitivity of motorists as receptors, the magnitude of change would result in a slight/moderate effect which would not be significant.

Viewpoint 9: Un-named rural road north of Picketston (Figure 8.21) The hangars in the foreground of the view will remain however their visual context will be altered by the development of an Aerial Farm and Hilo Pole Field on land to the north of and between the existing hangar (as annotated on figure 8.23). The aerials will be between 20 metres and 30metres tall. The Aerial Field is 2ha in size. The introduction of aerials will be as and when they are needed (they will not be a permanent feature of the view). The introduction of the aerials will be uncharacteristic in terms of height (they will be approximately the same height as the DTC hangar) and land use. The height, form and colour of the existing hangars are not immediately obvious as military structures. The pitched roofs and corrugated metal building materials, combined with the pastoral field n the foreground, means that they could be mistaken for farm buildings. The addition of the aerials and telegraph poles and views of military personnel using the aerials and poles for training purposes will introduce a more evidently military land use and alter the character of the view. The overall magnitude of change as a result of the addition of uncharacteristically tall features, and the resultant change to landscape character will give a high (adverse) magnitude of change. When combined with the low sensitivity of motorists as visual receptors, the overall effect would be moderate (adverse) and would not be significant. As noted in the baseline, and in the assessment of construction effects, this viewpoint is not considered to be representative of

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views from Ashdene as it is taken from a gateway to a field and the tall hedgerow either side provides a dense screen to views southwards.

Viewpoint 11: Footpath S2/6/3 north of Castleton (Figure 8.22) The north-westwards sloping topography and hedgerow will restrict all views of the proposed built form on the site. Although the footpath crosses the proposed Castleton field training area, no built form is proposed within this area. The only proposed landscape change is additional woodland planting along the far eastern boundary of the site. This woodland would not be visible to receptors on the footpath at this location. The magnitude of change to the view would be negligible. Combined with the high sensitivity attributed to the receptors using footpaths, the effect would be slight and would not be significant.

Viewpoint 12: South east of Flemingston looking towards the site (Figure 8.22) The foreground of the view would remain unchanged. As in the baseline, from this elevated position, the view across the south-west sloping fields of the foreground will be to military and residential buildings within a landscape setting. From the south western edge of Flemingston is one of the few opportunities to experience views into the Heritage Park which is proposed as a central spine to the DTC scheme. However, the proposed new hangars within the northern ABP site will result in a large number of large scale military buildings being visible. The three proposed hangars on the northern ABP site would become distinctive background features of the view adjacent to the Twin Peaks, as at closer range, could the buildings of the DTC. As existing hangars are a distinctive and characteristic feature of the baseline views, the proposed new development would not appear uncharacteristic but will a more prominent and distinctive feature. The magnitude of change would be medium (adverse). When combined with the medium sensitivity of the recreational users of the footpath, a moderate (adverse) effect will be experienced as a result of the further erosion of the rural character experienced from this view, which will not be significant.

Viewpoint 13: Footpath F1/4/1 (Figure 8.23) From this viewpoint, the rooflines of houses on the most eastern edge of the proposed Golf Course SFA site would be visible. Although only the roof tops would be visible, as housing is not a feature of the view this would be an uncharacteristic introduction to the view. The introduction of uncharacteristic views of housing would result in a medium (adverse) magnitude of change which when combined with the medium sensitivity of recreational receptors using the footpaths, would result in a moderate (adverse) effect which would not be significant.

Viewpoint 14: from the A48, north east of St Athan (Figure 8.23) On a clear day, long distance views towards the site will be possible from this viewpoint, although the foreground and middle ground of the view would remain unchanged. However, from this distance, and within a landscape where long distance views of industrial/military

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structures including Aberthaw Power Station and the St Athan site are a feature, the magnitude of change will be negligible and would not be significant.

8.10 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation Despite the environmental enhancements which have been designed into the scheme to mitigate adverse effects as a result of the inclusion of large scale military hangars, new areas of housing and new roads, this assessment concludes that significant levels of change to views will be experienced by users of PRoW and within settlements and individual residences to the north, south, east and west of the development site. Although a 3km study area was initially defined, the assessment has shown that the significant effects are experienced by receptors within approximately 1km of the edge of the development site. The existing large scale of buildings on the MoD St. Athan base, which is surrounded by housing initially built for use by military personnel at Eglwys Brewis, East Vale and West Camp ensure that a combination of large scale military and residential land uses are a feature of views. From receptors located more than 1km from the edge of the development site, the details of the proposals are not easily visibly discernible. Therefore whilst additional features will be introduced to the view, they will not result in a significant change to the view. Significant change to the view is experienced by visual receptors within 1km of the development site boundary where the details of the scheme are viewed at close range. In some instances buildings, roads and landscape features proposed within the development site are visible immediately adjacent to PRoW and residential areas. The greatest magnitude of change will be experienced by receptors immediately adjacent to areas of the development site which in the baseline are undeveloped arable or pastoral fields. Two notable examples identified in the assessment above are the receptors within individual residences, and users of PRoW to the south of the B4265 (and to the south of the proposed ABP South scheme) and the individual residential receptors (Millands Farm, Froglands Farm, Rose Cottage, Millands Caravan Park) and users of PRoW to the south east and east of Llanmaes (which are located immediately to the west of the Tremains Farm SFA, North of West Camp SFA, Picketston South SFA and the NAR). Similarly residential receptors on the north eastern and eastern edge of the Golf Course SFA site which experience baseline views across the golf course also experience a significant magnitude of change as a result of the development of the proposed Golf Course/Stadium SFA. Properties immediately adjacent to sections of the site which in the baseline contain no buildings also experience the greatest magnitude of change to night time views. Light trespass will be experienced by houses on the north eastern and eastern edges of East Vale which will experience a significant change to night time views as a result of light trespass from the proposed houses on the Golf Course/Stadium SFA site. Residents within properties at Millands will also experience significant changes to their night time views as a result of light trespass from the proposed NAR and lighting within the Tremains farm and North of West Camp sFA housing. Glare from the headlights of vehicles sing the NAR will be limited by the proposed hedgerow and tree planting along the NAR, but it is anticipated that residents at Millands will experience some adverse effects from the glare of the headlights. Residential receptors at Picketston, Tremains Farm, Bridge House, Frolics Farm, Higher End, Seaview and Briarsbank. will experience significant change to their view as a result of changes to the levels of skyglow above the development site and as a result of views of additional lit features and lighting fittings

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on the development site. Other individual properties and settlements will also experience longer distance views of the additional lighting and as a result of cumulative changes to the skyglow above the development site, but these changes will not be significant, as described in the report above. The assessment concludes that significant levels of adverse effect will be experience by residential and recreational users of PRoW within the northern section of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast landscape designation. Table 8.4, below, summarises the significance evaluation.

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Table 8.4, below, summarises the significance evaluation

Table 8.4 Summary of Significance of Beneficial (or Adverse) Effects

Receptor And Effects Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation phase construction operational Value2 phase significance change1 change1 significance3

Public Rights of Way west of St Athan village (footpath S2/5/1) high (adverse) high (adverse) medium significant (adverse) ificantsign (adverse)

Other Public Rights of Way west of St Athan village medium (adverse) low (adverse) medium not significant not significant

Public Rights of Way south of the B4265 and west of Gileston high (adverse) high (adverse) medium significant (adverse) significant (adverse) (northern section)

Public Rights of Way south of the B4265 and west of Gileston low (adverse) low (adverse) medium not significant not significant (southern section)

Public Rights of Way south and south-west of Flemingston medium (adverse) medium (adverse) medium not significant not significant

Public Rights of Way east and south-east of Llanmaes high (adverse) high (adverse) medium significant significant

L12/17/1 and l12/16/1

Public Rights of Way east and south of Llanmaes medium (adverse) medium (adverse) medium not significant not significant

L12/10/1, L12/7/1, L12/9/1L12/6/1, L12/11/1, and L12/8/1

Public Rights of Way east and south of Llanmaes L16/40/1 and medium (adverse) medium (adverse) medium not significant not significant L16/38/1

Public Rights of Way west of Llanmaes low (adverse) - medium not significant -

Public Rights of Way north of Llanmaes and south of Siginstone low (adverse) low (adverse) medium not significant not significant

Public Rights of Way south-east of Llantwit Major medium (adverse) medium (adverse) medium not significant not significant

Public Rights of Way north of Llantwit Major and the B4265 and west low (adverse) - medium not significant - of Llanmaes

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Table 8.4 (continued) Summary of Significance of Beneficial (or Adverse) Effects

Receptor And Effects Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation phase construction operational Value2 phase significance change1 change1 significance3

Public Rights of Way north of Llantwit Major and the B4265 and west low (adverse) - medium not significant - of Llanmaes

Public Rights of Way west and north-west of Llantwit Major (south of low (adverse) - medium not significant - B4265)

Settlements within 3km of the main site boundary

Llanmaes medium (adverse) medium (adverse) high significant significant

St Athan medium adverse low (adverse) high significant not significant

East Vale medium (adverse) medium adverse high significant significant

Eglwys Brewis (Pinewood Square and Lime Grove) high (adverse) medium (neutral) high significant significant

Eglwys Brewis (Chestnut Grove) high (adverse) medium (adverse) high significant significant

Flemingston medium (adverse) medium (adverse) medium not significant not significant

Individual properties within the 3km study area

Picketston

Old Barn high (adverse) high (adverse) high significant significant

1 & 2 Picketston (Police Houses) high (adverse) high (adverse) high significant significant

Picketston House negligible (adverse) negligible (adverse) high not significant not significant

Picketston Cottage high (adverse) high (adverse) high significant significant

All of the New Barn properties including New Barn Farm medium (adverse) medium (adverse) high significant significant

New Barn North medium (adverse) medium (adverse) high significant significant

Millands Settlements

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Table 8.4 (continued) Summary of Significance of Beneficial (or Adverse) Effects

Receptor And Effects Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation phase construction operational Value2 phase significance change1 change1 significance3

Millands Farm high adverse high (adverse) high significant significant

Froglands Farm high adverse high (adverse). high significant significant

Rose Cottage high adverse high (adverse) high significant significant

Millands Caravan Park high (adverse) high (adverse) high significant significant

Splott House, Oakwood low (adverse). low (adverse) high not significant not significant

Old Froglands medium (adverse) medium (adverse) high significant significant

North of St Athan Golf Club low (adverse) medium (adverse) high not significant significant

Cowbridge Road

1-6 Bingle Lane, Davlyn and 1 & 2 Beggars Pound high (adverse) low (neutral) high significant not significant

Broadway Cottage, Seren Wyb, Coeden Bach low (adverse) low (neutral) high not significant not significant

Pant yn Awel House, Coronation Cottage and Bryn Teg low (adverse) low (neutral) high not significant not significant

Higher End

All properties on the southern side and western edge of Higher end medium (adverse) medium (adverse) high significant significant (From east to west - Greystones, Athanaire, Andemos, Pine Tree Lodge, Rose Cottage, New House, Chimneys, Myrtyle Cottage, Swallows Rest, Porth Glwdwr, Tanglewood, Coritani, Capehart, Pentiri, Friendship, Wedderburn

Briarbank high (adverse) high (adverse) high significant significant

North of B4265 and south of Llanmaes including Bridge House Farm high (adverse) medium (adverse) high significant significant and Thursday House, &Tremains Farm and Frolics Farm

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Table 8.4 (continued) Summary of Significance of Beneficial (or Adverse) Effects

Receptor And Effects Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation phase construction operational Value2 phase significance change1 change1 significance3

Between Llanmaes and Croes Heol (from south-east to north-west – medium adverse medium adverse high significant significant on the northern side of the road – Pensam, Pensam Farm House, Penllyne Bungalow)

From south-east to north-west on the southern side of the road – Casetina, Ebisham Lodge, Silver Dene, The Butts, Creos Heol)

Frampton – including Frampton Court Farm, Frampton cottages, low (adverse) low (adverse) high Not significant Little Frampton, Great Frampton

Floodgate Bridge – (Lougher Moor & Floodgate medium (adverse) no change high Significant -

Morfa Lane

Morfa Cottage medium (adverse) no change high Significant -

Whitemoors low (adverse) no change high Not significant -

Morfa Farm

Bryn sych

Castleton Road

North Side of Castleton Road from East to West, The Old Chapel, - low (neutral) high - not significant West Woods, Rills View, Castleton Court, The Granary, The Gatehouse, Castleton Farm) No designations apply to this property as a visual receptor

South Side of Castleton Road from East to West – Ty Chwarel, Caravan Park

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Table 8.4 (continued) Summary of Significance of Beneficial (or Adverse) Effects

Receptor And Effects Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation phase construction operational Value2 phase significance change1 change1 significance3

Properties west of Llantwit Major and south of the railway line

Moorland Farm medium (adverse) No change high significant -

Purlon Farm (junction of Wick road and the B4265) low (adverse) No change high not significant -

Hendre Alcam and Channel View low (adverse) low (neutral) high not significant -

Properties south of the B4265

Boverton Mill Farm medium (adverse) medium (adverse) high not significant significant

Sea View high (adverse). high (adverse). high significant significant

Boys village low (adverse) negligible high not significant not significant

Baronswell medium (adverse) low (adverse) high significant not significant

West and south-west of the Waycock Cross roundabout

Green Farm and Ty-Newydd Farm and motel low (adverse) low (adverse) high not significant not significant

North of the existing roundabout

Eight properties on the northern side of Port Road West high (adverse) medium (adverse) high significant significant

Viewpoints

Viewpoint 1: The Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail west of no change no change high not significant not significant Llanbethery Farm

Viewpoint 2: St. Athan Road, south of St. Mary Church medium (adverse) medium (adverse) low not significant not significant

Viewpoint 3: Un-named rural road immediately north of Bryn Goleu low (adverse) low (adverse) medium not significant not significant

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Table 8.4 (continued) Summary of Significance of Beneficial (or Adverse) Effects

Receptor And Effects Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation phase construction operational Value2 phase significance change1 change1 significance3

Viewpoint 4: Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail south of Llanfihangel low (adverse) low (adverse) medium not significant not significant y Bont-faen

Viewpoint 5: Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail immediately south of medium (adverse) medium (adverse) m edium not significant not significant Llanmaes looking east

Viewpoint 6: Boverton Road south-east of Boverton (footpath medium (adverse) medium (adverse) m edium not significant not significant L16/55/1)

Viewpoint 7: Footpath north-west of St Athan low (adverse). no change medium not significant not significant

Viewpoint 8: Clive Road, St. Athan, looking north west across high (adverse) medium (beneficial) low for road not significant for not significant for Cowbridge Road towards MoD St Athan (Figure 8.20) users on road users, significant road users, Cowbridge and for residential significant for Clive Road and receptors. residential High for receptors. residential receptors on Clive Road.

Viewpoint 9: Un-named rural road north of Picketston low (adverse) high (adverse) low not significant not significant

Viewpoint 10: Gileston Beach negligible negligible high not significant not significant

Viewpoint 11 from footpath S2/6/3 north of Castleton negligible negligible high not significant not significant

Viewpoint 12 from south-east of Flemingston looking towards the site medium (adverse) medium (adverse) medium not significant n ot significant

Viewpoint 13 Footpath F1/4/1 medium (adverse) medium (adverse) medium not significant not significant

Viewpoint 14: from the A48, north-east of St Athan negligible negligible low not significant not significant

Night time views

Settlements

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Table 8.4 (continued) Summary of Significance of Beneficial (or Adverse) Effects

Receptor And Effects Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation phase construction operational Value2 phase significance change1 change1 significance3

Residents on the eastern edge of East Vale including the two - high (adverse) high gnificant sisignificant properties listed in table G6 of Appendix G

Residents south east of Llanmaes - Medium (adverse) high - Significant

Residents on the western edge of Eglwys Brewis - Medium (adverse) high - Significant

Individual Residential Receptors

Bridge House Farm, Thursday House, Tremains Farm and Frolics - medium (adverse) high - significant Farm to the west of the Tremains Farm SFA

Old Barn, Picketston House and 1 & 2 Picketston (Police Houses), - medium (adverse) high - significant Picketston Cottage, including New Barn Farm at Picketston

New Barn North - medium (adverse) high - significant

Ty draw Farm and Bungalow and Ashdene - low (adverse) high - not significant

New Barn properties including New Barn Farm - low (adverse) high - not significant

Millands Farm, Froglands Farm, Rose Cottage, Millands Caravan - high (adverse) high - significant Park, Old Froglands, at Millands

Between Llanmaes and Croes Heol medium (adverse) high - significant

Splott House and Oakwood - medium (adverse) high -

All Properties on the southern side of Higher End - medium (adverse) high - significant

Briarbank - high (adverse) high - significant

Seaview - high (adverse) high - significant

Night time viewpoints

Night time viewpoint 1: From lane through Picketston - medium (adverse) high - significant

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Table 8.4 (continued) Summary of Significance of Beneficial (or Adverse) Effects

Receptor And Effects Magnitude of Magnitude of Sensitivity or Construction Operation phase construction operational Value2 phase significance change1 change1 significance3

Night time viewpoint 2: From St Athan Road - low (adverse) medium - not significant

Night time viewpoint 3: From Clive Road - medium (adverse) medium - not significant

Night time viewpoint 4: From north of Seaview - high (adverse) medium - significant

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8.11 Implementation of Environmental Measures Table 8.5 outlines how any required Environmental measures would be implemented.

Table 8.5 Implementation of environmental measures

Environmental measure Responsibility for Compliance mechanism implementation

Avoidance of mature trees during the DCWW’s main contractor. In consultation with DCWW construction of the WwT pipeline

Construction of planted embankment around Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning the south eastern edge of ABP south responsible for condition enforcing compliance with implementation of Construction Environmental environmental control Management Plan (CEMP). measures.

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9. Historic Environment

9.1 Introduction The scheme could affect archaeological and other aspects of the historic environment, including historic buildings, located on the site of the proposed development or in its vicinity. This chapter assesses these potential effects. The chapter should be read in the light of the project description in Chapter 3. Following a summary of relevant policy and legislation, the chapter outlines the data gathering methodology that was adopted as part of the Historic Environment assessment. This leads on to a description of the overall baseline conditions, the environmental measures that have been incorporated into the scheme, the scope of the assessment, the assessment methodology and, for each receptor, an assessment of potential effects. The chapter concludes with a summary of the results of the assessment.

Box 9.1 The Historic Environment

The Vale of Glamorgan contains low-lying fertile land alongside an extensive coastline. This resource rich environment has been exploited by local communities over a timeline of at least 6,500 years. It is clear that throughout this period cultural activity has been a major aspect of landscape dynamics, creating a distinctive local historic environment and making a significant contribution to the quality and character of the landscape, which combines contrasting elements that can be regarded as rural, in the traditional agrarian sense, alongside the more recent and prominent military estate. This historic dimension to the landscape is apparent in both a physical form, such as the material remains of the past, and as a series of values. The term ‘historic environment’ refers to both and forms the principal aspect of the heritage under consideration:

 The physical dimension includes the built heritage, ancient monuments, archaeological sites and landscapes, historic buildings, townscapes, parks, gardens and designed landscapes, and other remains, which result from human activity of all periods. It encompasses the context, or setting, in which these features sit and the patterns of past use in landscapes, towns, villages and streets;

 Values might include evidential, historical, aesthetic, and communal considerations1, through which people’s experience and understanding is deepened by increased knowledge of the historic environment. At a more specific level these values may include memories, experiences, identity, customs, beliefs, and local distinctiveness, factors which are fundamental to sense of place, quality of life and cultural identity. These values may also be expressed through curated collections, which provide a material link with all aspects of the historic environment.

9.2 Policy and Legislative Context

9.2.1 Policy Context Table 9.1 lists the planning policy guidance and policies relevant to the Historic Environment, and sets out the implications of the guidance and policies for the scope of the EIA. The full

1 English Heritage 2008 Conservation Principles: Policy and Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.9181

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names of the national plans and guidance cited are given in Appendix H (in Volume 2 of this ES), which details all policies and guidance that are relevant. Recent policy statements promote a greater recognition of values as the basis of historic environment conservation and management decisions and highlight the importance of the historic environment to the economic and social aspirations of Wales2. These considerations have informed our approach to the assessment.

Table 9.1 Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference Policy Issue

Policy reference Implications

Planning Policy Wales 2002

Welsh Office (W.O.) Circular 60/96: Planning and A need to consider the effects of development on features of The Historic Environment: Archaeology* Historic Environment interest within the site. Field evaluation and proposals for mitigation may be required.

Welsh Office W.O. Circular 61/96: Planning and The A need to consider preservation of listed buildings and Historic Environment: Historic Buildings and conservations area, and their settings. Conservation Areas*

Adopted Vale of Glamorgan UDP 1996-2011(2005) A need to consider the effects of development on features of Policy Historic Environment interest within the site, and on the settings of off-site features. Policy ENV 17 - The environmental qualities of the built and historic environment will be protected and development which has a detrimental effect on the special character, appearance or setting of listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled ancient monuments, sites of archaeological and/or historic interest, and historic parks and gardens will not be permitted.

Adopted Vale of Glamorgan UDP 1996-2011(2005) Further development of approach to ES was preceded by Policy appropriate archaeological investigation, in consultation with the Glamorgan/Gwent Archaeological Trust and the Local Planning Policy ENV 18 – Where development is likely to Authority, in order to ensure that any further features can be affect a known or suspected site of archaeological appropriately defined and assessed. significance, an archaeological evaluation should be carried out at the earliest opportunity and may be required before the proposal is determined.

Adopted Vale of Glamorgan UDP 1996-2011(2005) Any archaeological features of importance discovered on the Policy site should either be preserved of recorded prior to disturbance.

Policy ENV 19 – Where development is permitted which affects a site of archaeological importance, archaeological mitigation measures will be required to ensure preservation on site or adequate recording prior to disturbance.

2 Historic Environment Group 2008 The Welsh Historic Environment: Towards a Strategic Statement (Draft)

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Table 9.1 (continued) Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference Policy Issue

Adopted Vale of Glamorgan UDP 1996-2011(2005) Recognises the potential threat of farming practices and the Policy importance of hedgerows in defining the character of the local landscape. Policy ENV 11 - Protection of Landscape Features

Development will be permitted if it does not unacceptably affect features of importance to landscape or nature conservation including: trees, woodland, hedgerows, river corridors, ponds, stone walls and species rich grasslands.

9.2.2 Legislative Requirements Primary legislation for England and Wales are the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (covering Scheduled Monuments) and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, which pertains to the built heritage. Other legislation with relevance to the historic environment in England and Wales are the Treasure Act 1996 and The Hedgerow Regulations 1997.

9.3 Data Gathering Methodology Various methods have been used to gather, collate and synthesise relevant baseline historic environment data. In its most basic form, information has been gathered concerning the likely date, nature, location, extent, survival/preservation and vulnerability of individual or groups of historic environment features. Baseline conditions have been initially examined through the detailed records of known discoveries, held on the Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust Historic Environment Record (HER). This information is set out in detail in Appendix I (in Volume 2 of this ES). In addition research has been undertaken drawing on a wide range of published and unpublished reports, which place the HER record in context and establish the means of drawing inferences from this data set and an initial interpretation of the baseline conditions. This interpretation, which is presented as a local historic environment development model, has been tested and further developed through the programme of field survey, following the assessment and evaluation process described in Welsh Office (W.O.) Circular 60/96: Planning and The Historic Environment: Archaeology. The use of a narrative baseline model, expressed in spatial terms, provides a dynamic means of assessment and facilitates linkages with wider cultural references, especially literary and artistic aspects of the Historic Environment. This link is an important aspect of the local and national

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heritage, as it is an enduring and accessible form of social memory3 (collective representations of the past and associated social practice rather than personal recollection). The values considered as part of this assessment have been principally based on this definition of social memory.

9.3.1 Desk Study An archaeological desk study (DBA)4 by Cotswold Archaeology, on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government, was prepared following the guidelines of the Institute for Archaeology5. This examined a main study area of 22.5km2, along with an area of 40ha on the western periphery of Barry. It included a review of: • Glamorgan and Gwent Archaeological Trust Historic Environment Record (HER);

• Cartographic and historic documents;

• Aerial photographs;

• Registers of designated features;

• Database of wartime defensive sites (Defence of Britain Project6). The DBA also considers the results of archaeological field investigations undertaken within the site in advance of previous development, which illustrates the potential for previously unrecorded aspects of the historic environment at St Athan. The focus of the Cotswold assessment report is the main St Athan site, the adjoining land acquired by the Welsh Assembly Government as part of the DTC/ABP proposal, the associated sewer improvements through to the treatment works at Llantwit Major and the road improvements proposed at Gileston. Whilst the proposed off-site road improvements at Waycock Cross on the A4226 north west of Barry have also been examined, the principal observations relate to the limited available information and the relative modest scale of development. Subsequent to the delivery of the DBA a new HER and Air Photographic search has been undertaken, reflecting revisions to the application boundary and updating the records consulted in the EIA (Figure 9.1, Volume 3). Additional research has also been undertaken during the preparation of the EIA, which has focussed on the wider historic context of St Athan and the Vale of Glamorgan, including the following sources; a) Vale of Glamorgan County Treasures:

- Llanmaes;

3 Holtorf C and Williams H 2006 ‘Landscapes and Memories’ in Hick D and Beaudray M Cambridge Companion to Historical Archaeology, Cambridge:Cambridge University Press, 235-254 http://works.bepress.com/howard_williams/18

4 Cotswold Archaeology 2007 MoD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Historic Environment Assessment (CA Report 07178) unpublished

5 Institute for Archaeology 2008 Standards and Guidance for Desk Based Assessment

6 http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/collections/blurbs/324.cfm

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- Llantwit Major;

- St Athan; b) Draft Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (Vale of Glamorgan Directorate of Environmental and Economic Regeneration): - Boverton;

- Llanmaes; c) LANDMAP (Appendix K, Volume 2); d) Defence Estate Site Management Team 2008 St Athan WWII Ground Defence Structures Gazeteer (information sourced from Cadw, see Appendix L in Volume 2); e) Consultation with Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust; f) Consultation with the Vale of Glamorgan Conservation Officer; g) Consultation with Cadw; h) A Research Framework for the Archaeology of Wales7.

9.3.2 Survey Work Two main stages of archaeological field survey have been identified, based on the predicted archaeological target data and taking into account the effectiveness of proven results and techniques from previous investigations: • Geophysical survey; and

• Trial trench survey.

Geophysical Survey Previous geophysical investigations undertaken at MoD St Athan were restricted to works associated with the construction of the Red Dragon Hangar8. Subsequently an initial trial exercise9, to investigate a range of geophysics prospection techniques was carried out in order to determine the most appropriate strategy for geophysical survey in relation to the current schemes. Based on the results of this trial and taking into consideration the previous investigations a two phase geophysical survey has been completed. Phase 1 comprised a reconnaissance magnetic susceptibility survey, which was undertaken across the entire area of the application site, except where logistical factors, such as the presence of buildings and hard

7 www.archaeoleg.org.uk

8 Stratascan 2003 Geophysical Survey at Eglwys Brewis, RAF St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, Unpublished Report Ref 1715

Stratascan 2003 Geophysical Survey carried out at DARA, St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Unpublished Report Ref 1726

9 Geotec, May 2008, RAF St Athan Geophysical Survey Trial Report, Unpublished Report ref 0804s008

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landscaping, were a constraint. Phase 2 comprised the detailed imaging of target areas identified on the basis of interpretation of the Phase 1 data using magnetometry. This comprised an area equivalent to 27.5% of the total Phase 1 sample area.

Phase 1 (Reconnaissance Survey) Phase 1 of the survey was carried out over 15 areas covering a total area of 290 ha, which represented the maximum area suitable for magnetic susceptibility survey out of a total site area of c400ha (Figure 9.2). The magnetic susceptibility survey was carried out using two Geonics EM-38s which were primarily towed behind a set of quad bikes. The data has been acquired under dGPS control and readings were taken on near-continuous mode along 10 m spaced survey lines. Electromagnetic (EM) surveys are carried out using man-portable instruments with readings taken on a regular grid or along selected traverse lines. The equipment functions by transmitting an electromagnetic field into the ground that induces current flow in any ground conductors present within the targeted depth range. The current flow creates a secondary EM field that is detected by the instrument to produce ground conductivity and metal detector data at each survey station. Measurement of lateral variation in ground conductivity and metal content can be used to map geological features, locate waste materials and delineate foundation structures and services. Survey Equipment: 2 x Geonics EM38 - electromagnetic (EM) ground conductivity instrument Constraints: Measurements are adversely affected by power lines, metal fences, metal debris and utilities. Feature detection is affected by overburden thickness, soil conductivity, and orientation of the features. Phase 1 work was undertaken by survey company TerraDat UK Ltd, with Dr Tim Young archaeological consultant and co-ordinator, responsible for control of data quality, with data being evaluated at the end of each day’s acquisition. Dr Young prepared plots of the survey area(s) in a format agreed with the Vale of Glamorgan archaeology advisor (processed data overlying base map plus interpretation plans). TerraDat designed and implemented a processing sequence to optimise the data quality (raw data plots were also made available).

• TerraDat, in association with the Client’s archaeological consultant (Entec UK Ltd) prepared plots of the survey area(s) indicating areas for detailed magnetometer survey. Interpretation of the Phase 1 data was based upon recent publications, including but not limited to the Cotswold Archaeology DBA report and relevant historic maps. TerraDat, in association with the Client’s archaeological consultant, presented the results of the Phase 1 investigation10 and the recommendations for the phase 2 investigations to the Vale of Glamorgan archaeology advisor and arranged works to be viewed during survey operations.

10 Young Dr T P, February 2009, Report on the EM38 Magnetic Susceptibility Survey with Recommendations for the Initial Phase 2 Magnetometer Surveys, DTRP, St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, Unpublished GeoArch Report 2009/03

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Phase 2 (Targeted Magnetometer Survey) A strategic approach was undertaken in the selection of Phase 2 survey areas, based on the following criteria: • Examining ‘hot spots’ shown in the Phase 1 magnetic susceptibility survey;

• Examining potential archaeological features identified in the Cotswold Archaeology DBA; • Sampling each of the ‘character zones’ identified in the Phase 1 magnetic susceptibility survey; • Maximising sampling areas available on-base

• Sampling areas in close spatial relationship with the area studied by the National Museum of Wales, where enhanced data sets were available to aid interpretation of survey results; TerraDat established a series of 20 x 20 m survey grids to cover the areas selected for the Phase 2 survey. A magnetic survey was undertaken using a magnetic gradiometer with sensors mounted 1.0m vertically apart, which is accurate to a minimum of 0.1nanoTesla, and is able to collect and store data during the acquisition phase. The survey was undertaken with a number of Bartington Instruments Grad- 601 Duals, and two Geometrics G858 Caesium Magnetometers. A Geoscan FM36 was also available. Magnetic surveys are carried out using a man-portable instrument with readings taken on a regular grid or along selected traverse lines. A magnetometer is used to measure the Earth's magnetic field to a very high precision at each survey station. Ferrous-rich materials such as buried tanks, foundations, together with archaeological features possessing an enhanced magnetic susceptibility have an induced magnetic field that is superimposed on the Earth's field creating a localised magnetic anomaly. The spacing of survey stations depends on the width of the expected anomaly, which broadens with both the size and depth of burial of the targeted feature. For this survey line spacings of 1.0m were employed with readings taken at either 0.25 or 0.125m intervals along these lines. Survey Equipment: 2 x Geometrics G-858 – magnetometer and 3 x Bartington Instruments Grad- 601 Duals Constraints: Utilities, power lines, buildings, and metallic debris can cause interference. Solar magnetic storms may cause occasional fluctuations in readings. The size and depth of objects affect detectability. In response to initial survey results, areas were expanded to fully investigate anomalies that were of particular interest. In total the area of the magnetic survey comprised 80ha (27.5% of the total Phase 1 magnetic susceptibility survey area (Figure 9.3)). It was surveyed either at 0.25m centres or 0.125m centres along parallel lines 1m apart. TerraDat controlled spatial location through use of an integrated GPS system and by grid markers on the ground. Once again, our Archaeological Consultant and co-ordinator, Dr Tim Young, was in full control of data quality assurance with data being evaluated at the end of each day’s acquisition. Dr Young prepared plots of the survey area(s) in such a format that is agreeable to the Vale of Glamorgan archaeology advisor. (Note: Further survey is currently in progress, examining sections of the Rising Main and the associated Sewage Treatment Works. This additional sample will be reported as supplementary information as it becomes available.)

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Geophysical Survey Reporting TerraDat provided high quality plans in electronic and hard copy which could be interpreted without ambiguity and demonstrate a robust quality assurance procedure to ensure the accurate capture, analysis and interpretation of field data. The plans include a topographical layout of the area including surface features to give an unambiguous representation of the defined site. TerraDat provided the following drawings: Phase 1: • Plan(s) of magnetic susceptibility survey areas overlying provided basemap;

• Plan(s) of magnetic susceptibility survey data overlying provided basemap;

• Interpretation and proposals for the phase 2 geophysical investigation. Phase 2: • Plan(s) of all survey areas overlying basemap;

• Plan(s) of magnetic survey data overlying basemap; and

• Detailed plan(s) of each detailed magnetic survey area;

Trial Trench Survey Various programming and logistical factors have delayed the start of the planned trial trenching works. Arrangements for carrying out this work are now in preparation, pending further agreement on the scope of investigation with the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust. In addition arrangements are in hand to review proposed geotechnical site investigations (SI). Both programmes of work will result in supplementary baseline information, which will be supplied to the Vale of Glamorgan along with a review of the assessment of significant effects set out in this ES. The current baseline therefore relies on the desk based research and geophysical survey results, which provide a relatively comprehensive baseline for the purpose of defining the principal archaeological features likely to be affected by the scheme. The purpose of the trial trenching works is to refine and add additional detailed information, especially confirmation of dates for the features identified during the geophysical survey, to provide a fully informed assessment of significant effects. : It is intended to design a programme of trial trench works that will further consider:

• Observations from geotechnical investigations on ground conditions;

• Interpretations and recommendation arising from the Geophysical Survey;

• Ground truthing of areas where the geophysical results suggest are apparently devoid of archaeological features;

• Investigation of areas unsuitable for geophysical survey, especially locations where HER data suggests the presence of archaeological remains, such as the area adjacent to

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St Brise Church and the area to the west of the excavations undertaken at the Red Dragon Hangar.

9.4 Overall Historic Environment Baseline

9.4.1 Current Baseline Model

Landscape Context The Vale of Glamorgan (Bro Morgannwg) is a lowland plateau of slightly undulating hills and valleys dissected by streams and small rivers, which extends from the Cardiff Basin in the east to Port Talbot in the west. The Bristol Channel coast defines the southern maritime limits of the Vale, whilst the northern limits are defined by the Pennant Sandstone scarp (Blaenau Morgannwg) which is the southern expression of the upland plateau of central Wales. The geology of the Vale, comprising alternating bands of hard limestone and soft shales (Lower Lias limestones with subordinate mudstones – Porthkerry Formation of the Jurassic Period: Bridgend (Sheet 262 – Solid and Drift Edition, 1:50:000 BGS 1989), is exposed in the line of vertical coastal cliffs up to 60m high, which is intermittently broken by small steep sided valleys. Less dramatic contrasts in topography further subdivide the Vale into the Border Vale, which fringes the Blaenau north of the A48 (the route established by the Romans as the principal road between Caerleon and Carmarthen, which later became known in the medieval period as Port Way) and the Vale Proper; an area between the rivers Ewenni in the east and the Ely in the east, which contains shallow free-draining soils, which are amongst the most fertile in south Wales. The physical division of upland:lowland is associated with cultural distinctions manifest in the archaeological monuments, settlement patterns and historic landscapes. The application site, based around MoD St Athan, comprises c 400ha of land located within the Vale Proper, c 1.3km from the coast and c 5km south of the A48. With the exception of Picketston, the site area is loosely bound by local natural drainage features. The steep-sided River Thaw and its equally incised tributary, the east flowing Rills, together indicate the limits to the east and south; the River Hoddnant and its south-west flowing tributary, the Boverton Brook, broadly demarcate the limits to the west; whilst the Nant-y-Stepsau, another east flowing tributary of the River Thaw, partly defines the northern limits. In addition to surface runoff, these watercourses are fed by various springs, which occur in the valley bottoms and sides where they cut through the alternating bands of limestone and shale. These various aspects of the local relief further influence the distribution and character of archaeological and historic features, whilst the springs themselves have acquired cultural significance, often as holy wells, sometimes commemorating named individuals (Howell’s Well, St John’s Well, Gregory’s Well, etc), that may reflect local traditions that originate in the prehistoric or early medieval periods11. The site is wholly underlain by the Lower Lias Porthkerry Formation. No drift deposits are indicated. Ground investigation data indicates that clayey topsoil overlies silty clay which grades into a weathered limestone with depth. The depth to the limestone is generally less than

11 Edwards Dr N 1994 Holy Wells in Wales and Early Christian Archaeology http://people.bath.ac.uk/liskmj/living-spring/sourcearchive/ns1/ns1ne1.htm

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2m. In some areas, deeper solution features are present with the depth to bedrock in excess of 4m below ground level. In addition Made Ground is likely to be encountered particularly within the airfield due to the present and historic activities. Baseline Description The historic environment baseline summary adopts the chronological framework set out in the Research Framework for the Archaeology of Wales. The baseline information is detailed in the accompanying figures which are within Volume 3 of this ES: • Figures 9.1-9.3 show the total data set for each of the principal baseline sources (Historic Environment Record, Phase 1 magnetic susceptibility survey & Phase 2 magnetometry survey respectively) for the entire study area; • The remaining Figures comprise details of each of the main development proposals, along with the relevant Historic Environment Record and Phase 2 magnetometry survey information.

Palaeolithic and Mesolithic 250,000BC-4,000BC Available records do not identify the presence of archaeological material pre-dating the Neolithic. Deposits that might typically contain material of Lower or Middle Palaeolithic date are not present within the study area and development impacts to these early archaeological remains is highly unlikely. However, the apparent lack of recorded Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic remains need not necessarily mean an absence of remains associated with these later periods, although it can be presumed that, at best, there is likely to be a low incidence of unknown remains associated with hunter-gatherer-fisher communities within the study area. Furthermore, given the effect of recent arable landuse history on relatively shallow soils, the potential for in situ lithic scatters and associated stratigraphy is negligible.

Neolithic and Earlier Bronze Age 4,000BC -1,500BC A probable Neolithic ceremonial monument has recently been identified from aerial photographs12 at Flemingston, c 1.2km to the north of Eglwys Brewis. A causewayed enclosure (CA DBA, Volume 2, Appendix H 49, Figure 4) is situated on a hill, overlooking adjoining valleys containing the River Thaw and Nant-y-Stepsau. This class of monument is characteristic of the earlier Neolithic period in lowland southern and eastern England, where it often appears to have been constructed within woodland clearings. The Flemingston enclosure is one of only five examples currently known in Wales, and the third to be discovered in the Vale of Glamorgan. The scale of causewayed enclosure construction indicates these monuments are the result of communal effort, implying the presence of early farming communities in the general vicinity, although this does not necessarily mean that permanent settlements were present. In contrast with the monumental nature of the enclosures, contemporary settlements comprise more ephemeral traces, which have not, at least as yet, been identified within the study area; the only other known records of Neolithic discoveries comprise individual finds of leaf-shaped arrowheads (CA DBA Appendix H, 15 &51).

12 Driver T 2006 ‘A good year for cropmarks in Wales’ CBA Wales Newsletter No 32 Autumn http://www.britarch.ac.uk/cbawales/Newsletters/newsletter32/newsletter32.html#CMIW

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Ring ditches of Neolithic, but more likely early Bronze Age date represent the remains of an extensive barrow cemetery near Llanmaes13 (Figure 9.4, Appendix I (in Volume 2), Table 4, 02929). The cemetery, comprising a discrete cluster and an outlying barrow, overlooks the confluence of the Llanmaes Brook and the Boverton Brook, where they combine to form the Hoddnant14.

Later Bronze Age and Iron Age 1,500BC-AD43 Iron Age settlements, including defended coastal promontory forts, hillforts and inland enclosed and unenclosed farmsteads, occur widely in the Vale:

• A single inhumation of late Bronze Age date was found on the site of the Red Dragon Hangar15 (Figure 9.6b);

• Cropmarks features, probably of Iron Age/Romano-British date, including enclosures and linear features, have been located during aerial survey to the east of St Athan, in the area of Castleton that overlooks the Rills and Thaw valleys16. Geophysical baseline surveys conducted in the Castleton area, as part of this assessment, have confirmed the presence of a number of enclosures, as well as identifying additional sites, which were not previously known, which are considered below; • Metal detector discoveries led to investigations at Llanmaes, west of St Athan, which has resulted in an on-going research study of a late Bronze Age-early Iron Age and Romano-British settlement (Volume 2, Appendix I, Table 4, 04024s) by Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales; • Apart from the Late Bronze Age burial, excavations in advance of the Red Dragon Hangar revealed the earliest occupation to be a Late Iron Age enclosed settlement, believed to date to the period between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD (Figure 9.6b). Remains of at least two roundhouses were found inside a roughly square ditched enclosure, together with evidence for other structures that may have included raised granaries. Two burials found outside the enclosure might represent former inhabitants. Occupation appears to have diminished after AD50/80, with reuse of the site occurring through the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, probably associated with a westward shift in settlement location; • Apart from a number of linear features that could be prehistoric (Volume 2, Appendix J: MAG10, MAG24, MAG29 & MAG35), Phase 2 geophysical survey has revealed a number of circular enclosures, which are likely to be of late prehistoric date: • Two small circular enclosures are located to the east of Castleton (Figure 9.7, Volume 2, Appendix J, MAG16 & MAG 25);

13 Cotswold Archaeology 2007 MoD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Historic Environment Assessment (CA Report 07178) unpublished, 3.24

14 Young Dr T P 2008 Interim Report on the EM38 Magnetic Susceptibility Survey with Recommendations for the Initial Phase 2 Magnetometer Surveys: DTRP St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, unpublished, Figs 2 & 3.

15 Cotswold Archaeology 2007 MoD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Historic Environment Assessment (CA Report 07178) unpublished,, 3.18

16 Driver T G 1995 ‘New Crop mark sites at Aberthaw, South Glamorgan’ Archaeology in Wales 35,3-9

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• A small circular enclosure has been located to the north of Waycocks Cross (Figure 9.10, Appendix J (in Volume 2), MAG32); The programme of annual seasonal excavations at Llanmaes conducted since 2003 by Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales17&18, is particularly significant. These investigations were initially prompted by a report to the Portable Antiquities Scheme of the discovery of fragments of bronze cauldron by metal detector enthusiasts. Consequently research investigations have identified an extensive Late Bronze Age/Iron Age midden (Appendix I (Volume 2), Table 4, 04024s) and an enclosed Middle Iron Age-Romano-British settlement (Appendix I, Table 4, 02933s), including the remains of at least one timber roundhouse. As indicated by the original discovery, the midden contains important assemblages of artefacts, including cauldrons – an iconic item of Celtic metalwork - along with an equally significant assemblage of animal bone, all suggestive of feasting activities. Various metal tools of Late Bronze Age type, but made of iron, seem to indicate the early adoption of new technology by the prehistoric community at Llanmaes19. The midden represents a special type of archaeological site, where material remains, which may be high quality artefacts or lower quality material or debris associated with special events, are deliberately ‘placed’ as an act of curation. Similar ‘placed’ material may also occur at locations regarded as special, such as springs. The only springs that might be affected by the schemes, which are historic and no longer extant, are located at the head of the St John’s/Rills Valley. The potential for deposits that may contain ‘placed’ remains is discussed below (Palaeoenvironment).

Romano- British AD43-AD410 The Vale was probably the most Romanised society in Wales. Roman expansion into Wales involved the construction of the principal inland road leading to the west from the major fortress and town at Caerleon and Caerwent. This road, connecting Caerleon with forts at Cardiff, Neath and Carmarthen, ran along the inland edge of the Vale Proper and is now the route of the A48. A small Roman town developed along this road at Cowbridge, whilst a number of large villa estates and numerous farmsteads occupied the fertile land to the south, in some cases occupying the sites of previous native Iron Age settlement. The most relevant site of significance, located c.2km to the west of MoD St Athan, is the Scheduled villa at Caermead, north of Llantwit Major. The extensive nature of Romano-British settlement in the vicinity has been further highlighted by recent discoveries: • Archaeological investigations at St Athan and in the immediate vicinity since 199820 have revealed a number of archaeological features of specific interest. These include

17 Gwilt A, Lodwick M & Deacon J 2007 Excavation at Llanmaes, Vale Of Glamorgan, 2006, unpublished draft

18 Lodwick M & Gwilt A 2008 Exploratory Excavation of a Large Univallate Enclosure at Llanmaes, Vale of Glamorgan . unpublished draft

19 Gwilt A, Lodwick M & Deacon J 2006 Excavations at Llanmaes, Vale of Glamorgan, in Archaeology In Wales vol 46, 42-48

20 Cotswold Archaeology 2007 MoD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Historic Environment Assessment (CA Report 07178) unpublished, Table 3

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the excavation in advance of the Red Dragon Hangar21 (Figure 9.6b). After the Iron Age enclosure was abandoned and the ditch completely backfilled, perhaps 100 years or more after it had been last occupied, a trackway and a new network of paddocks and fields was laid out to the west of the enclosure. Remains of two Roman ovens or driers, often used for drying corn or for malting, were found. A burial within the former Iron Age enclosure suggests the previous settlement was now marginal land on the edge of the later Roman settlement. However, the principal focus of the Roman settlement, whose fields and paddocks have been partly revealed, has yet to be identified; • A substantial assemblage of Romano-British artefacts has been recovered during the National Museum of Wales excavations at Llanmaes (Appendix I (in Volume 2 of this ES), Table 4 04024s). Also surface assemblages of Romano-British pottery has been noted at the site of a rectilinear enclosure, presumably Romano-British/Iron Age, which has been identified during geophysical survey at Castleton (Figure 9.7, Appendix J (in Volume 2) MAG18); • The postulated line of a Roman road, connecting Cowbridge to the sea at West Aberthaw22 (Appendix I, Table 4, 01037s) possibly represented in part by the existing St Athan Road, may be an aspect of the early infrastructure that highlights the role of maritime communications as an important aspect of life in the Vale; • The Phase 2 geophysical survey has identified what appear to be Roman field systems at three locations: - Elements of a rectilinear field system occurs to the east of Batslays Farm (Figure 9.5b Appendix J (in Volume 2) MAG07); - A rectilinear enclosure (Figure 9.7 Appendix J MAG18) and an apparently associated field system (MAG19), similar in form to the site excavated in advance of the Red Dragon Hangar, has been identified to the east of Castleton Farm;

• An extensive and complex rectilinear field system (Figure 9.4 Appendix J MAG14) has been identified to the south of Llanmaes. A small rectangular enclosure (MAG15) appears to be associated with the field system. This could be part of a much more extensive Roman settlement site first identified by local antiquarian Iolo Morgannwg23, but subsequently partly obscured by the spoil dumped from the construction of the Llantwit Major by-pass. Iolo’s observation of foundations alongside the bank of Llanmaes Brook would appear to suggest the field system revealed during the geophysical survey is associated with a substantial masonry building.

21 Barber A, Cox S & Hancocks A 206 A Late Iron Age and Roman Farmstead at RAF St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan. Evaluation and Excavation 2002-03, Archaeologia Cambrensis 155, 49-115

22 Sherman A & Evans E 2004 Roman Roads in Southeast Wales, unpublished report Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust, GGAT Report No. 2004/073, 62-63 http://www.ggat.org.uk/cadw/cadw_reports/roads.html

23Thomas H.J. 1985 Iolo Morgannwg Vindicated: Glamorgan's First Field Archaeologist, GGAT Annual Report 1983-84, 149- 57.

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Early Medieval AD410-AD1100 There is widespread historic and other forms of evidence of early medieval communities in the vicinity of MoD St Athan. Some aspects of the secular history of the Vale in the period between the 9th and 10th century are relatively well known24. However, the identification of archaeological sites remains problematic, especially for the period between the 5th and 8th centuries. By the 6th century Glywysing, the early medieval precursor to the area east of the Tawe which later became part of Glamorgan, appears to have been divided into four territorial units, sometimes described as kingdoms25, possibly based on Roman estate boundaries. From the 11th century these units form the administrative regions adopted by the Normans, known as cantrefi. The River Thaw, whose steeply inclined valley in part defines the eastern boundary to the application sites, formed a landmark boundary between two of the three kingdoms that divided the Vale of Glamorgan – later known as the cantrefi of Gorfynydd (west) and Penychen (east). Perhaps reflecting the influence of the previously established Romano-British society, both territories contained major early medieval Christian monastic settlements, at Llantwit Major (Gorfynydd), Llancarfan and Llandough (both Penychen). It also appears that these high-status monastic sites may have functioned in parallel with ‘royal’ secular sites - operating as ‘paired centres’, apparently a relatively common feature in early Christian post-Roman British society. It has been suggested that these settlements, both secular and ecclesiastic, could be direct successors to the Romano-British villas26&27, where Christianity may have initially been established. Further evidence suggesting a residual influence of Roman culture within the early medieval population is the presence of imported pottery at high status sites in the Vale, such as Llandough and Dinas Powys. This probably reflects continuing trade with the southern and eastern Mediterranean via the Byzantine world of the 5th and 6th centuries28, although questions still surround the scale and nature of this apparent trade29. The church and religious school at Llantwit Major (Llanilltud Fawr), founded by Saint Illtud, may have been paired with a royal court at Llysworney30 and was a notable centre for the sculpture of stone crosses. Saints Samson (later Bishop of Dol in Brittany) and Gildas (later Bishop at Llancafarn and author of ‘On the Ruin and Conquest of Britain’ (De Excidio Britanniae), one of the few near contemporary sources for Britain in the 5th and 6th century) were among those who trained at Llantwit Major before embarking on ministries that established early medieval Christian churches across Wales, Ireland and Brittany. The position

24 RCHMW 1982 An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Glamorgan Volume III: Medieval Secular Monuments Part II: Non-defensive, Cardiff:HMSO, 1-2

25 Jenkins P 1988 Regions and Cantrefs in Early Medieval Glamorgan, Cambridge Medieval Celtic Studies 15, 31-50

26 ibid, 45

27 Knight J K 2005 From Villa to Monastery: Llandough in Context, Medieval Archaeology 49, 97

28 Cunliffe B 2001 Facing the Ocean: The Atlantic and its Peoples, Oxford:Oxford University Press, 477-481

29 Thomas C 1988 The Context of Tintagel: A New Model for the Diffusion of Post-Roman Mediterranean Imports, in Cornish Archaeology , vol 27, 7-25

30 Jenkins P 1988 Regions and Cantrefs in Early Medieval Glamorgan, Cambridge Medieval Celtic Studies 15, 44- 45

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of the monastery at Llantwit Major, with access to the coast, reflects the importance of maritime communications in the early medieval period, especially for the dissemination of the early Christian church. However it also proved vulnerable to Viking raiders operating around the Bristol Channel and was attacked in the 9th century31. Despite the importance of Llantwit Major, as an early medieval mother church, the history of the area during the post-Roman period is still largely circumspect, relying on hagiographic accounts, placenames, church dedications to celtic saints (many surviving as dedications on post-Norman churches) and the local presence of holy well sites32. The true extent of early medieval secular and religious settlements and the relationship to the preceding Roman-British communities remains obscure, even in the relatively well documented area of the Vale. As noted by Dr J Knight ‘Other high-status defended secular sites no doubt await discovery’33, with perhaps even greater prospects for settlements more typical of the wider economy and society. However, the difficulty of recognising early medieval Welsh settlement sites is also widely acknowledged, especially the near absence of ceramic material by which they might be dated34. New discoveries, therefore, may resolve some of the many questions surrounding the origins of early medieval Christianity in south east Wales, which continue to be debated35 It is, therefore, prudent to consider the possibility that early medieval archaeological remains could occur at St Athan, especially as these might be considered of national importance, a view reflected in the recent Archaeological Research Framework for Wales36, which states: ‘The early medieval period in Wales (c AD 400-1070), spanning the centuries between the end of Roman rule and the coming of the Normans, embodies a process of fundamental social, political and economic transition from which – in language, human landscapes, culture and belief – the recognisable beginnings of Wales itself first emerged. Yet it is still a period about which we know remarkably little archaeologically and the evidence to date leaves many of the most fundamental questions unanswered.’ This issue has been a key consideration in the formulation of the baseline survey, especially the widespread application of geophysics, which perhaps offers the best means of identifying potential early medieval archaeological sites. The Phase 2 geophysical survey had plotted various undated anomalies, although prior to trial trenching none can be securely identified as early medieval. However, a circular enclosure (Figure 9.7, Appendix J (in Volume 2 of this ES) MAG 17) has been recorded within the Castleton Field Training Area, in a location where early cartographers indicate the presence of a

31 Rednap M 1998 Limit of Viking Influence in Wales, in British Archaeology Issue 40, http://www.britarch.ac.uk/ba/ba40/ba40regs.html

32 Cotswold Archaeology 2007 MoD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Historic Environment Assessment (CA Report 07178) unpublished, 3.38

33 Knight J K 2005 From Villa to Monastery: Llandough in Context Medieval Archaeology 49, 105

34 Edwards N & Lane A (eds) 1988 Early Medieval Settlements in Wales AD 400-1100 Bangor:Cardiff

35 Seaman A 2006 Conversion, Christianity and the Late Roman Transition in south-east Wales, Archaeologia Cambriensis 155, 135-142

36 A Research Framework for the Archaeology of Wales, www.archaeoleg.org.uk

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chapel (Figure 9.7, Appendix I, Table 4 00495s). The chapel is no longer extant nor did it appear within the geophysical survey. However, further evidence could lie beyond the survey limits and its archaeological survival cannot be discounted. The tradition of placing a church building within a circular enclosure, which defines the associated burial ground (llan), is characteristic of early medieval churches across the western British Isles. Therefore, the coincidence of a circular enclosure and records of a chapel at the same location might indicate the presence of an early church on a promontory overlooking the confluence of the Thaw and the Rills valleys, perhaps identifying a significant place on the Gorfynydd/Penychen boundary. A further location that may also reveal early medieval archaeological remains is Eglwys Brewis, a placename derived from the Latin word for church (ecclesia=Welsh‘eglwys’/English‘eccles’=church)37. Eglwys/Eccles placenames are often cited as evidence for late Roman/post-Roman churches and it is possible that a previous church building occupied the site at or near the current Church of St Brise prior to the 12th/13th century, when the present church was founded. Both the possible early church enclosure at Castleton and the area in the vicinity of St Brise Church are considered potential receptors for the purpose of the assessment.

Medieval AD1100-AD1539 Cambro-Norman Whilst there may be early precursors to some of the village settlements, such as Llantwit Major and Eglwys Brewis, the principal historic features that have shaped these and the villages of Boverton, Llanmaes, Flemingston, St Athan and Gileston, such as the church, manorial estates, settlement plan form and associated parochial units (and in the case of Flemingston the place name), all immediately post-date the Norman Conquest. These settlements represent the introduction of Norman feudal society through a process of military conquest and colonisation. Norman expansion into Wales began around 1093 under Robert Fitz-Hamon, Lord of Cruelly, Normandy, from the estate he had recently acquired in Gloucestershire, utilising the stronghold established with the construction of Cardiff Castle by William the Conqueror in 108138. Following the former Roman road, the Port Way39, successive Norman military leaders were to eventually fortify and colonised the fertile lowland coastal territories of the Vale of Glamorgan, Gower and areas of south Pembrokeshire. These areas were to become known as the ‘Englishry’ controlled by Norman or Flemish families under the sovereignty of the English crown. Territories beyond the Englishry, largely the internal uplands, continued to be held by native rulers, albeit under the jurisdiction of the Norman overlords. MoD St Athan occupies the area formerly known as East and West Orchard, within the parish of St Athan and part of the manorial holding of the Nerber family, who held one of the largest

37 Evans E 2003 Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Sites in Southeast Wales: Desk Based Assessment, unpublished report, Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust, GGAT Report No. 2003/030, 40 & 58 http://www.ggat.org.uk/cadw/cadw_reports/early_medieval_ecclesistical.html

38 RCHMW 1982 An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Glamorgan Volume III: Medieval Secular Monuments Part II: Non-defensive, Cardiff:HMSO, 2

39 RCHMW 1991 An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Glamorgan Volume III Part 1a Medieval Secular Monuments: The Early Castles from the Norman Conquest to 1217, London:HMSO, 32

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lordships in the Vale40, which was to include East Orchard Castle (Appendix I, Table 1, GM082) (later associated with the Berkerolles family), Castleton (Figure 9.7, Appendix I, Table 2, 13140, 23222 & 83110) and West Orchard Castle (Figure9.5b, Appendix I, Table 1 GM083). In contrast with most of the other early Norman manors of the Vale, there is no record of any defensive ring fort at St Athan, despite its size and wealth. Solely on placename evidence, it has been suggested that the present late medieval farmhouse at Castleton, located overlooking the north slope of the Rills Valley, to the east of St Athan village centre, might have originated as a early Norman defensive structure. However, there is no direct evidence of defences at Castleton, other than those naturally provided by topographical location. Moreover, the use of the term castle in relation to the manor houses of East and West Orchard is a misnomer, although the later medieval East Orchard, located overlooking the south side of the Rills Valley might justify the term defended manor house. The village of St Athan sits within the relatively shallow St John’s Valley, the upper reach of the Rills valley, alongside the stream which rises from a series of springs. The ruins of West Orchard Castle, close to the spring at the head of the valley, mark the western limit of a linear village form, whilst the Church of St Tathan (Appendix I (in Volume 2 of this ES), Table 2, 13166) was the main focus to the east. Between these two principal buildings the village comprised a series of narrow property plots running perpendicular to Llantwit Road, with the main buildings fronting the road. Vestigial evidence for these plots is suggested in the current property divisions at Higher End, on the north side of Llantwit Road, where they extend as far as the bank of the Rills. The historic environment issues for this period arising from the proposed development are principally matters related to the village of St Athan and key designated sites, specifically West Orchard Castle (SAM 083) and Castleton Farm (Grade II * Listed Building).

Later Medieval The main concentrations of historic buildings, which, apart from St Athan and Eglwys Brewis, tend to broadly correspond with the local Conservation Areas that typically include the surviving historic core of the later medieval settlements, which are principally based on the village settlement pattern established by the Normans. However, there is evidence for shifts in, or reduction of settlement, as suggested by medieval earthworks at Llanmaes, Castleton, Flemingston (Appendix I, Table 1, GM300) and St Athan41(Appendix I, Table 1, GM307). Evaluation investigations at Eglwys Brewis42 suggests that it also shared in the apparent contraction that affected surrounding village settlement during the later medieval period, possibly reflecting the widespread impact of the plague on 14th century rural populations and it is possible that the settlement once extended beyond the disused 12/13th century Church of St. Brise (Grade II Listed Building43) and the later Eglwys Brewis Farm.

40 ibid, 13

41 Cotswold Archaeology 2007 MoD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Historic Environment Assessment (CA Report 07178) unpublished; 3.36

42 Barber A, Cox S & Hancocks A 206 A Late Iron Age and Roman Farmstead at RAF St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan. Evaluation and Excavation 2002-03, Archaeologia Cambrensis 155, 49

43 Cotswold Archaeology 2007 MoD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Historic Environment Assessment (CA Report 07178) unpublished,; Appendix 9 A,135

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Agriculture was the principal medieval economic activity, based on an open-field system that survived until the 15th century. Isolated residual pockets of medieval strip fields can be discerned in the present pattern of fields. The Phase 2 geophysical survey has also suggested that residual traces of ridge and furrow may survive at locations in the area to the north of Castleton (Figure 9.7 Appendix J MAG21) and within the south west corner of the airbase (Figure 9.5b Appendix J MAG03). Elsewhere there are examples of mills located alongside the local streams. There are records of a mill and fishponds within the Rills valley to the east of the village centre (Figure 9.7,Appendix I, Table 4, 01927s). Phase 2 geophysical survey has also suggested the presence of a mill leat or fishpond outfall alongside Llanmaes Brook (Figure 9.4 Appendix J MAG13) to the east of the Scheduled Bedford Castle (Figure 9.4 Appendix J, Table 1 GM113), south of the village of Llanmaes, perhaps indicating the presence of extensive archaeological evidence of the medieval manorial complex to which the Scheduled remains relate. With the exception of Eglwys Brewis, the application sites lie beyond the later medieval settlement foci and the proposed development effects are restricted to the outlying agricultural lands and associated historic farms, such as Castleton.Farm. Archaeological investigations at St Athan and in the immediate vicinity since 199844 have revealed a number of archaeological features of specific interest. These include the remains of a probable medieval structures and possible buildings in the immediate vicinity of St Brise Church, though the character and function of these remains is not clear. In addition remnants of the medieval field system (Figure 9.8, Appendix I, Table 4 02784s), alongside Wick Road to the north west of Llantwit Major, includes the Llantwit Major Sewage Treatment Works. Hedgerows defining these fields are likely to be regarded as ‘Important’ under the historic criteria set out in the Hedgerow Regulations.

Post Medieval AD1539-AD1750 The basic pattern of early modern settlement in the Vale had been established by the 14th century. By the 16th century rural communities had recovered from the stagnation that resulted from depopulation during the Black Death. The 16th and early 17th centuries therefore, were a period of social mobility and economic growth, reflecting a rising population and wider economic factors45. Expanding markets for the agricultural products of the Vale emerged, initially across the Bristol Channel, especially Bristol, but also within the rapidly developing industrial valleys and coastal towns of south Wales46. One response was the increased use of the small port at Aberthaw. A more significant effect was the agricultural improvements of the 16th/17th century, which involved a new phase of farm building, associated with the newly prominent class of minor gentry and yeoman, who acquired landholdings which they organised into larger farms. This period saw a rebuilding or expansion of many earlier farms buildings and the creation of new farmhouses, such as the late 16th/early

44 ibid, Table 3

45 RCAHMW 1981 An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Glamorgan Volume IV: Domestic Architecture from the Reformation to the Industrial Revolution, Part II Farmhouses and Cottages London:HMSO, 7

46 ibid, 8

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17th century Batslays Farmhouse (Grade II Listed Building)47 . It would also appear that the former, and long since demolished, rectory attached to St Brise Church was also constructed around this time48. The open field agricultural system was transformed by the local gentry and yeomanry in the 16th and 17th centuries, resulting in enclosure and the widespread loss of the earlier field pattern, leaving very few small areas of medieval strip fields, which originally sub-divided the open- field system49. Further agricultural improvements included the application of lime to enhance land fertility, using locally quarried limestone that was treated in kilns (Figure 9.6b, Appendix I, Table 4 02611s) constructed within the newly configured agricultural holdings. The principal surviving feature of this period that will be affected by the proposed development is Batslays Farm (Figure 9.5b, Appendix I, Table 2 13299). The scheme is also likely to affect a number of hedgerows, which might be regarded as potentially ‘Important’ under the historic criteria set out in the Hedgerow Regulations, although these principally relate to the Enclosures of the 16th/17th centuries. The buried remains of former lime kilns are also vulnerable to development impact, including an example within East Camp (Figure 9.6 Appendix I, 02611s) and a further example on the bank of the Llanmaes Brook, close to the confluence with the Boverton Brook, which may be associated with a trackway identified during the Phase 2 geophysical survey (Figure 9.4, Appendix J, MAG12).

Industrial and Modern AD1750-Present The establishment of the military air base in 1939 transformed the rural scene and is now the dominant feature of the historic landscape. In the period prior to this transformation, the rural character and basic settlement pattern largely reflected the medieval form, as modified by changes that had occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries. New domestic buildings were built within the existing settlement envelopes, including the mid 19th century Picketston House (Grade II Listed Building: Figure 9.6a, Appendix I, Table 2 81302)50; whilst the early 19th century Bethesda’r Fro Chapel (Grade II Listed Building: Figure 9.6a, Appendix I, Table 2 13242)51, founded by Thomas Williams, a popular preacher and noted hymn writer, reflects the local importance of the non-Conformist church. Potential receptors that have been considered include Bethesda’r Fro and Picketston House, where minor affects to setting may occur. However, the scale of effect due to the proposed development (or related aspects of the scheme such as noise attenuation measures to the north west of Picketston House) is likely to be negligible. Also the former farmhouse at Eglwys Brewis Farm will be demolished, although it is intended that the stone barn adjoining St Brise Church will be retained alongside the church.

47 Cotswold Archaeology 2007 MoD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Historic Environment Assessment (CA Report 07178) unpublished, Appendix 9 A, 61

48 Cotswold Archaeology 2003 Land at Eglwys Brewis, RAF St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan: Stage II Archaeological Evaluation (CA Report 03025), unpublished, 3.4.

49 Cotswold Archaeology 2007 MoD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Historic Environment Assessment (CA Report 07178) unpublished; 3.37

50 ibid; Appendix 9 A, 152

51 ibid; Appendix 9 A,183

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Previous archaeological evaluation works at Eglwys Brewis Farm uncovered what is supposed to be human cremated bone within a ceramic vessel of 18th or 19th century date, which was left in situ and reburied52. This may now need to be recovered for appropriate treatment prior to development of the DTC. The historical implications of this discovery are further considered below, in relation to the values associated with the historic environment of the application site.

RAF St Athan RAF St Athan was established as part of the wider RAF expansion of the 1930s, on land purchased in 193653. Immediately prior to construction the site comprised enclosed fields between the villages of Llanmaes, Boverton and Eglwys Brewis. This area had been known locally as the East and West Orchards54, a reference to a local landuse heritage, apparently introduced following the Norman Conquest. In addition the airfield incorporated areas adjoining the small settlement at Picketston, comprising a number of houses and farmsteads, along with Eglwys Brewis, including St Brise Church. The base was established to serve the functions of aircraft repair and storage, as well as technical training, and was in use throughout WWII. In addition to these principal uses, hangar facilities at Picketston (Jon Berry pers comm.) were provided for the team of scientists headed by E G Bowen who conducted experimental flights as part of their work developing airbourne radar, achieving technological advances that had major implications for the outcome of World War II55. The base developed around two main camps, East Camp and West Camp, which are located to either side of the disused cross runway. West Camp comprised hangars, an engineering workshop, storage and repair sheds, and an engine test house. Personnel accommodation was also provided on the western edge of the site. The East Camp housed the principal training functions and included large workshop hangars, instruction blocks, as well as accommodation blocks. The Cotswold Archaeology assessment report includes a plan illustrating the phased development of the airbase56, which has been extensively altered in the post-War period. In 1940 RAF St Athan suffered several air attacks, sustaining casualties and damage57. As the War progressed units were transferred to and from St Athan, with training of personnel in ground mechanics, wireless and radar operation, physical training and navigation. For a time the Czechoslovak Air Force Depot was situated at RAF St Athan. In the immediately aftermath of WWII the base was used for the disposal of redundant military aircraft. Renamed MoD ST Athan in 2006, today it is the home of No 4 School of Technical

52 Cotswold Archaeology 2003 Land at Eglwys Brewis, RAF St Athan, Vale of Glamorgans, Stage II Archaeological Evaluation (CA Report 03025), unpublished, 2.9

53 Cotswold Archaeology 2007 MoD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Historic Environment Assessment (CA Report 07178) unpublished; 3.43-3.47

54 http://www.turnersco.com/St_Athan.htm

55 Bowen EG 1998 Radar Days, Taylor & Francis

56 Cotswold Archaeology 2007 MoD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan Historic Environment Assessment (CA Report 07178) unpublished, Figure 16

57 http://www.turnersco.com/St_Athan.htm

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Training, which will be incorporated into the DTC, and of the Defence Support Group (DSG), which undertakes maintenance of VC10 aircraft. Other resident units are the University of Wales Air Squadron and No 634 Volunteer Gliding School. The airfield was protected with ground defences comprising pillboxes located in and around the perimeter of the airfield58. This system of ground defences, constructed during the Second World War, is a significant feature of the airbase. They comprise up to 30 structures59, including various standard design pill boxes, an underground battle headquarters and three Pickett-Hamilton Forts, as well as an anti-tank road block. This is an important group of structures, which, apart from two pill boxes and one of the Pickett-Hamilton Forts, survive as a relatively complete and probably unique Welsh example of World War II airfield ground defences.

Undated The geophysical survey has identified a wide range of anomalies, especially isolated linear or curvilinear features, that cannot be dated on the basis of plan morphology or through association with other dated archaeological or historical evidence. These include MAG01, MAG02, MAG04, MAG06, MAG08, MAG09, MAG20, MAG22, MAG23, MAG26, MAG27, MAG 30, MAG34 (Appendix J). Further investigation of these anomalies is a key consideration for the trial trenching phase of the baseline survey. Additional information will be presented in support of the ES once the trial trenching has been completed.

Palaeoenvironment The presence of stratified sequences of Holocene or earlier deposits, that might preserve sedimentological or fossil data that could highlight process of environmental change, perhaps associated with landuse of other landscape scale modifications by communities at or in the vicinity of the development sites, do not occur widely within the study area: • The relatively shallow valleys, which carry potentially seasonally high-energy streams, appear to have no significant accumulations of alluvium/colluvium; • The geophysical survey has identified potential infilled palaeochannels or river accretion surfaces at two locations, at Gileston (See Figure 9.9 Appendix J MAG31) and Waycocks Cross (See Figure 9.10 Appendix J MAG33). Whilst these might provide datable sequences, neither feature is likely to be significantly affected by the proposed traffic improvement works in these areas; • Springs, which occur frequently in the vicinity, might provide locations where organic/inorganic sediments or tuffaceous (carbonate precipitate) material might accumulate. The only known springs that might be affected, which are historic and no longer extant, are located at the head of the St John’s/Rills Valley. Deposits, should there be any associated with these former springs, may extend within the area of the proposed ABP. It should be noted that springs have been a focus of commemoration or

58 ibid; 3.48

59 Defence Estates Site Management Team 2008 St Athan WWII Ground Defence Structures Gazeteer

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veneration since the Bronze Age/Iron Age, and associated deposits may include ‘placed’ artefacts.

Summary The baseline information highlights the presence of archaeological and historic features that are characteristic of the Vale, where, on a number of levels, the historic environment is distinctive in a way that marks out this part of Wales as culturally atypical of the rest. In contrast with immediately adjoining areas, the historic environment of the Vale, from an early stage, reflects cultural influences that highlight associations beyond what might be perceived today as the cultural boundaries of Wales:

• The presence of a causewayed enclosure, a Neolithic monument class more typical of southern and eastern Britain, may simply reflect a common cultural response in similar lowland topographies where fertile soils favourable to the early agricultural practices were available. This contrasts with the predominantly upland character of Wales, where stone built megalithic structures are the more typical class of Neolithic monument. However, there is also the prospect of cultural contact between Neolithic and Bronze Age communities of the Vale and southern Britain, given that the Bristol Channel may have been a significant seaway at this time, perhaps the route used to transport the Preceli Bluestones from the source in Pembroke to Salisbury Plain for use in the construction of Stonehenge;

• The late Bronze Age/early Iron Age midden site at Llanmaes is comparable to sites largely restricted to Salisbury Plain and its associated valleys, such at Chisenbury, All Cannings Cross, Potterne and Westbury, which have been described as ‘ceremonial feasting places’60; • The Vale has the highest concentration of Roman villas and farmsteads in Wales. Recent studies have suggested that an apparent paucity of ceramic material associated with Romano-British settlement in south east Wales61 may indicate a relatively poor material culture in comparison with lowland Romano-British settlement beyond Wales. Again the evidence from the Vale appears to run counter to this view, with significant ceramic assemblages collected during excavations by the National Museum of Wales at Llanmaes and recent observation, during the Phase 2 geophysical survey, of surface finds of Roman ceramic material associated with the rectilinear enclosure at Castleton (Figure 9.7 Appendix J, MAG19);

• The medieval settlement pattern is generally untypical of Wales, reflecting more the landscapes across the border in England, which is unsurprising given that these areas experienced the full influence of Norman feudalism, in contrast to interior and upland Wales.

60 David McOmish "East Chisenbury: ritual and rubbish at the British Bronze Age-Iron Age transition". Antiquity.FindArticles.com. 08 Apr, 2009. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3284/is_n267_v70/ai_n28668303/

61 Evans E M 2001 Romano-British South East Wales Settlement Survey:Final Report, GGAT unpublished report no 2001/023

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These aspects suggest some former communities of the Vale existed as part of a wider cultural milieu, that does not necessarily relate to modern definitions of national identity or geographic/political boundaries. Other aspects of the historic environment reflect insular traditions that are specific local expressions of processes that either originate in Wales, or have a distinct Welsh character:

• The character of the early medieval aspect of the historic environment in the vicinity of St Athan reflects an insular response to the departure of the Roman administration in AD410. This contrasts with the effects of the incoming pagan Anglo-Saxon culture, which comes to dominates much of southern, eastern and northern Britain at this time. The insular Christian cultural identity of the Vale in this period appears to have been particularly prominent, perhaps due to the strength of previously established local Romano-British institutions;

• The emergence of the local gentry and yeoman classes as a significant force for economic change within the Vale during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries influenced major changes in agricultural practice and gives rise to local vernacular architectural styles. Change during this period was not restricted to economic and social factors, but embraced religious and political radicalism. This included non-conformity and nationalism, traditions defined in the 18th and 19th centuries, which either contribute to the historic environment or form part of the values against which the historic environment can be understood. These factors are briefly outlined in the discussion of historical values set out below. The baseline information also highlights apparent patterns in the distribution of archaeological sites within the local landscape:

• There is a clear concentration of major enclosures, possibly spanning the late prehistoric to early medieval period, along the edge of the scarp of the Thaw valley. The sites identified within the application sites overlook the confluence of the Thaw and Rills valley, which may afford a high degree of natural protection. However, these are only part of a distribution that occurs along the scarp on both sides of the Thaw. This distribution is given added significance as the Thaw represents a well established historic boundary between adjacent administrative or political units. The distributions may, therefore, indicate the Thaw Valley as contested space; • Locations within the shallow valleys of the Vale appear to have been densely settled since the late prehistoric period or Roman period, with evidence of significant medieval settlement within the Llanmaes Brook and the Rills Valley.

Values Key historic environment values include evidential, historical, aesthetic, and communal considerations:

Evidential The summary historic environment baseline statement highlights various themes that, at least in part, correspond to some aspects of the strategic research topics identified within the recently published Research Framework for Archaeology in Wales. Individually the archaeological and historical sites identified provide evidential material, which in isolation is unlikely to result in major advances of understanding. They are best regarded, therefore, as a source of evidence that

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can contribute information as part of wider data sets required to meet the high level strategic research aims defined in the Research Framework.

Historical 18th and 19th Century Radicalism • Iolo Morganwg: Forger, Antiquarian and Druid The discovery, during the geophysical survey, of what appear to be an extensive Romano- British field system on the south bank of Llanmaes Brook (Figure 9.4 Appendix J MAG14) corresponds to observations of the remains of masonry buildings first recorded in the 18th century by Edward Williams, a stone mason who worked in Flemingston. Best known by his bardic name Iolo Morganwg, his antiquarian interests were central to his bardic vision62. Iolo made a major contribution to the cultural life of Glamorgan and Wales, through a complex historical and creative synthesis of the history and significance of Wales, for which he relied in part on the forgery of documents he claimed to be historic manuscripts containing, amongst other things, the poetry of the medieval poet Dafydd ap Gwilwm. He was a founder member of the Unitarian movement in Wales, but his most notable legacy is the creation of the Gorsedd of the Bards of the Isle of Britain, which he convinced contemporaries was an authentic institution with direct links to the Celtic Druids. Since 1789 the Gorsedd has been linked with the eisteddfod traditions. The Llangollen Eisteddfod in 1858, attended by Chief Druid Dr William Price, established the integration of the eisteddfod and Gorsedd which resulted two years later in the first National Eisteddfod. The Gorsedd ceremony remains central to this internationally important cultural institution. The apparent confirmation of his archaeological observations at Llanmaes throws light on aspects of his works which remain controversial nearly two hundred years after his death in 1826. • Eglwys Brewis Farm Cremation. Apart from being a member of the Gorsedd responsible for the establishment of the National Eisteddfod and numerous other eccentricities, the notorious Dr William Price of Llantrisant was known as a serious radical political and social campaigner, with close links to the Chartist movement63. The 1902 Cremation Act followed a cause celebre involving Dr Price, whose trial in 1884, for the thwarted attempt to cremate his recently deceased infant son, established, for the first time in the modern period, that cremation was not an illegal act in the UK. In this context, and if the ceramic vessel apparently containing human cremated bone found during Cotswold Archaeology’s investigations at Eglwys Brewis Farm is correctly identified, this is an unusual find, if not a mystery. It is either an individual cremated since the 1902 Act but interred in a private garden within an earlier ceramic vessel, which would itself be unusual, or it could represent a rare example of cremation at a time before this was a legally accepted practice, in which case its presence at the farm may represent an illicit act of burial. Given the potential that this cremation is contemporary with and close to locations associated with both Iolo Morganwg

62 Humphreys E 1983 (3rd edition) The Taliesin Tradition, Seren, 106-114

63 ibid, 141-156

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and Dr Price, key promoters of the 18th and 19th century neo-druid movement, adds to the potential cultural significance of the cremation burial found at Eglyws Brewis Farm.

Aesthetic A literary legacy parallels some aspects of the earlier archaeological interest in the St Athan area, which represent a particularly enduring and accessible form of social memory relevant to the study area, as well as contributing to the wider sense of Welsh national identity64: • The late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age evidence for feasting and the presence of bronze cauldrons at Llanmaes reveals material remains that resonate with aspects of traditional ‘celtic’ tales. The mythical association of the cauldron and rebirth is a feature common to early Irish and Welsh myth, such as The Book of Taliesin and is a motif, in the form of the Holy Grail, which features in Arthurian literature dating from the 12th century;

• Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales has explored this association by means of a contemporary art project. A multimedia collaboration, involving the artist Sean Harris, the Museum and primary school children65, resulted in a 12-minute film Dadeni (rebirth)66, premièred at the National Museum Wales in February 2007, that fused art, archaeology, poetry, music and folklore. This art project has formed part of the National Museum’s wider programme of community involvement in the archaeological work at Llanmaes and raised awareness of it important prehistoric collections (Adam Gwilt, National Museum of Wales pers comm.);

• Surviving medieval transcriptions of the lives of early British saints include accounts of St Illtud and various saints taught at the early medieval monastery at Llantwit Major. Whilst these contain highly modified historic accounts and only a limited grasp of the topographic setting, they reveal apparent relationships, at least in part arising from the spread of the early medieval church, that links the cultural traditions of western Britain, Ireland and Brittany. They often share magical literary motifs that characterise traditional secular tales, such as The Mabinogion and The Book of Taliesin. Furthermore, the Lives of St Illtud and St Gildas, the latter written at the early Christian monastery at nearby Llancarfan, are 12th century sources referring to King Arthur67 which are taken up by Geoffery of Monmouth in his History of the British Kings, a work that had a major influence on the emergence of the European tradition of Arthurian Romances68.

Communal Clearly, the wartime role of RAF St Athan is an important consideration for local communities and those that did military service at the airbase, which forms part of a wider national response to the WWII legacy.

64 Humphreys E 1983 (3rd edition) The Taliesin Tradition, Seren

65 Portable Antiquities Scheme 2007 Annual Report 2006; 12

66Can be viewed on http://www.oncommonground.co.uk/dare.htm

67 Doel F, Doel G & Lloyd T 1999 Worlds of Arthur: King Arthur in History, Legend and Culture, Tempus, 75-78

68 ibid , 89-97

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The scientists developing airbourne radar who were posted at St Athan formed a very specialised community, who achieved widespread acclaim, not only for the work on radar during the War, but also for the success individual members achieved when they resumed research careers once the conflict had been resolved. Notably Sir Alan Lloyd Hodgkin, who worked with Bowen in 1940, was to be jointly awarded the 1963 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine69. Both Bowen and Hodgkin describe their time at St Athan, in autobiographies that provide an unique first hand account of the conditions experience by civilian scientists who worked at the airbase during the War.

9.4.2 Predicted Future Baseline Pending the outcome of the ongoing baseline survey, no significant changes to the physical aspects of the historic environment baseline are anticipated should development not proceed. Similarly, unless further information is forthcoming, the values that influence the significance of the historic environment baseline are unlikely to change.

9.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme Planning policy guidance provides advice on appropriate measure to preserve archaeological and historic features. The following measures have been developed in accordance with this advice, including proposals to retain and incorporate Listed Buildings and other historic structures as key element of the development design. Similarly the schemes incorporate measures to preserve archaeological remains of national importance, including most structures that form the surviving Airfield Ground Defences, as well as provisions for the excavation and recording of archaeological remains of lesser importance prior to the start of construction works. It is proposed that details of these works will be subject to the approval of reserved matters and planning con ditions.

Table 9.2 Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Potential Effects

DTC

Iron Age and undated Three enclosures have been Further consideration of these remains will form enclosures (Castleton provisionally identified from aerial part of the proposed trial trench survey. It is MAG16, 18 & 25) and photographs and magnetometry proposed that the locations of the enclosures are associated field systems survey within the proposed Field detailed as part of the Environmental Management (MAG 19) Training Area (FTA) at Castleton. Plan for the FTA. Intrusive activities will be Whilst there are no proposals to restricted within the sensitive location of the undertake construction within the enclosures. FTA, small scale intrusive works might result from training activities, such as excavation of trenches, etc.

69 Hodgkin A 1994 Chance and Design: Reminiscences of Science in Peace and War, CUP

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Table 9.2 (continued) Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Potential Effects

Iron Age settlement The full extent of the Iron Age It is proposed that, subject to the results of the (Red Dragon Hangar settlement revealed during evaluation trial trench survey, any surviving site) construction of the Red Dragon archaeological remains are excavated and recorded Hangar has not yet been in advance of construction works. determined, pending trial trench investigation. Geophysical survey (Phase 1 magnetic susceptibility) highlights the extensive nature of disturbance within the airbase and it is likely that archaeological traces of features associated with the Iron Age enclosure survive in a fragmentary condition. As in the case of the Red Dragon Hangar, construction of the DTC may result in the loss of these surviving elements.

Romano-British The full extent of the Romano-British It is proposed that, subject to the results of the settlement (Red Dragon settlement revealed during evaluation trial trench survey, any surviving Hangar site) construction of the Red Dragon archaeological remains are excavated and Hangar has not yet been determined, recorded in advance of construction works. pending trial trench investigation. Geophysical survey (Phase 1 magnetic susceptibility) highlights the extensive nature of disturbance within the airbase and it is likely that archaeological traces of features associated with the Iron Age enclosure survive in a fragmentary condition. As in the case of the Red Dragon Hangar, construction of the DTC may result in the loss of these surviving elements.

Putative Cowbridge to As yet no evidence for the presence Identifying the putative Roman Road will East Aberthaw Roman of the Roman Road has been considered as part of the trial trench survey road identified, and, should it exist, it is conducted within the application site. Any surviving likely to follow the route of the local archaeological remains identified that might be highway. affected by construction works will be excavated and recorded in advance of these works.

Romano-British Construction of the northern access It is proposed that, subject to the results of the settlement and field road will result in the disturbance of evaluation trial trench survey, any surviving system south east of buried evidence of the field systems archaeological remains are excavated and Llanmaes (MAG14 & and possible associated masonry recorded in advance of construction works. 15) building.

Possible early Medieval Whilst there are no proposals to Further consideration of these remains will form church and llan (MAG undertake construction within the part of the proposed trial trench survey. It is 17 Castleton) FTA, small scale intrusive works proposed that the locations of the enclosure is might result from training activities, detailed as part of the Environmental Management such as excavation of trenches, etc. Plan for the FTA. Intrusive activities will be restricted within the sensitive location of the enclosure.

Putative early Medieval Evidence of earlier phases of Design measures to retain and present the 13th church (Eglwys Brewis) building at the site of the surviving century Church of St Brise, will take account of 13th Church, which is to be retained, existing ground levels and avoid intrusive is unlikely to be affected by operations. construction works.

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Table 9.2 (continued) Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Potential Effects

Medieval Church of St The Church of St Brise will be The Church will become a key feature at the Brise (Listed Grade II) incorporated into the DTC scheme entrance to DTC, located adjacent to other faith design and will be subject to a and cultural buildings in an area that will be programme of renovation works. accessible to the public. The conservation architect practice Caroe and Partners has been appointed to produce an assessment and schedule of repair and maintenance works.

Medieval settlement Evidence of earlier phases of Design measures to retain and present the 13th (Eglwys Brewis) building at the site of the surviving century Church of St Brise, will take account of 13th Church, which is to be retained, existing ground levels and avoid intrusive is unlikely to be affected by operations where possible. construction works. Elsewhere, it is proposed that, subject to the results of the evaluation trial trench survey, any surviving archaeological remains are excavated and recorded in advance of construction works.

Eglwys Brewis Farm Whilst the stone barn will be retained A basic investigative record of the building should and the former site of St alongside the Church of St Brise, the be compiled both prior to and during demolition, in Brise Rectory former farmhouse, which has been accordance with published technical guidance. converted to offices, will be demolished. Subject to the results of the evaluation trial trench survey, any surviving archaeological remains of earlier buildings on or at the site of the Farmhouse and adjoining areas, including the nearby remains of the former Rectory will be excavated and recorded in advance of construction works.

Limekiln (East Camp) Remains of the former limekiln is It is proposed that, subject to the results of the likely to be affected by construction evaluation trial trench survey, any surviving of the DTC. archaeological remains are excavated and recorded in advance of construction works.

Potentially Important Surviving hedgerows identified on Arrangements for the appropriate management of hedgerows the Tithe Maps dated c 1840 the hedgerows to be retained within the Castleton principally occur in the Castleton and FTA and Picketston should be detailed in the Picketston areas. These relate to the Environmental Management Plan. This should programme of enclosure in the include consideration of the presentation of period up to the 17th century and do associated airfield ground defence structures, not appear to retain elements of the where they occur. earlier and more significant medieval strip fields. They form part of field Given the relatively late date of the hedgerows, systems that have been lost across removal of sections which have no significant the airbase and modified elsewhere, associations with other historic features would not as indicated in the Phase 1 be unacceptable. geophysical survey results. The relatively extensive surviving hedgerows at the Castleton FTA are to be retained. Residual hedgerows at Picketston are associated with airfield ground defences (see below), including a pillbox feature that may be subject to a significant effect.

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Table 9.2 (continued) Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Potential Effects

World War II Airfield Constructions works will be A basic investigative record of the buildings should preceded by extensive demolition of be compiled both prior to and during demolition, in WWII hangars and workshops within accordance with published technical guidance. East Camp. In addition a number of Preliminary discussions with the Royal Commission air raid shelters are also likely to be on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales has demolished. This will continue a indicated that the Commission may be available to process of rationalisation of the undertake the survey as part of their remit to record airfield, which is well advanced historic structures in advance of demolition. following previous phases of demolition and rebuilding that have Air raid shelters that will be retained have been occurred since World War II. considered as suitable locations for ecological Hangars at Pickeston, including the measures, such as bat roosts. building associated with the developments in airbourne radar during WWII, are likely to be retained.

Airfield Ground With the exception of two pill A basic investigative record of pillbox 15 and 11 Defences boxes70 located at Picketston and should be complied both prior to and during Batslays, all surviving Airfield demolition, in accordance with published technical Ground Defence structures within guidance. DTC, SFA and ABP will be incorporated into the scheme design All other Airfield Ground Defence structures will be and will be subject to a programme retained and maintained. Those in areas of public of management and presentation. assess, such as the Battle Headquarters and associated pill boxes, located at the proposed sports facilities near Picketston, as well as those structures sites in formal spaces within the DTC, such as the Heritage Park, will be presented in an appropriate manner, taking account of important aspects of setting, such as associated hedgerows.

Airfield Ground Defence structures to be retained have been considered as suitable locations for ecological measures, such as bat roosts.

ABP

Romano-British Potential impacts from construction It is proposed that, subject to the results of the settlement (Batslays of ABP. evaluation trial trench survey, any surviving Farm MAG7) archaeological remains are excavated and recorded in advance of construction works.

West Orchard Castle No construction works are proposed The Scheduled Monuments lies outside the medieval manor house in the immediate vicinity of West application site. No works are propsed. (SAM GM083) Orchard Castle.

Batslays Farm (Listed Batslays Farm and associated The historic Farm buildings will become a key Grade II) historic curtilage buildings will be feature and resource, as part of the office provision incorporated into the ABP scheme within the ABP, design and converted to appropriate office use.

70 Defence Estates Site Management Teram 2008 St Athan WWII Ground Defence Structures Gazeteer, 15 and 11

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Table 9.2 (continued) Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Potential Effects

Potentially Important Surviving hedgerows identified on Given the relatively late date of the hedgerows, hedgerows the Tithe Maps dated c 1840 occur removal of sections which have no significant in the Batslays areas. These relate associations with other historic features would not to the programme of enclosure in the be unacceptable. period up to the 17th century and do not appear to retain elements of the earlier and more significant medieval strip fields. They form part of field systems that have been lost across the airbase and modified elsewhere, as indicated in the Phase 1 geophysical survey results. Residual elements at Batslays are associated with airfield ground defences including a pillbox feature that may be subject to a significant effect.

World War II Airfield Constructions works will be A basic investigative record of the buildings should preceded by extensive demolition of be complied both prior to and during demolition, in hangars and workshops within what accordance with published technical guidance. was formerly part of West Camp. In Preliminary discussions with the Royal Commission addition a number of air raid shelters on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales has are also likely to be demolished. indicated that the Commission may be available to This will continue a process of undertake the survey as part of their remit to record rationalisation of the airfield, which is historic structures in advance of demolition. well advanced following previous phases of demolition and rebuilding Air raid shelters that will be retained have been that have occurred since World War considered as suitable locations for ecological II. measures, such as bat roosts.

Airfield Ground Apart from site 11, all surviving A basic investigative record of pillbox 11 should be Defences Airfield Ground Defence structures complied both prior to and during demolition, in within ABP will be incorporated into accordance with published technical guidance. the scheme design. All other Airfield Ground Defence structures within The provision of an aircraft hangar in the ABP will be retained and maintained. Airfield the Batslays area will result in the Ground Defence structures to be retained might be demolition of a single FW3/22 type considered as suitable locations for ecological variant pillbox, one of 10 surviving measures, such as bat roosts. examples of this standard design that make up the St Athan Airfield Ground Defences.

SFA

Romano-British field Construction of the residential It is proposed that, subject to the results of the systems south east of accommodation at Tremains Farm evaluation trial trench survey, any surviving Llanmaes (MAG14 &15) will result in the disturbance of archaeological remains are excavated and buried evidence of the field systems recorded in advance of construction works. and possible associated building.

Potentially Important Surviving hedgerows identified on Where possible hedgerows should be retained. hedgerows the Tithe Maps dated c 1840 occur However, given the relatively late date of the in areas identified for SFA. These hedgerows, removal of sections which have no relate to the programme of significant associations with other historic features enclosure in the period up to the 17th would not be unacceptable. century and do not appear to retain elements of the earlier and more significant medieval strip fields.

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Table 9.2 (continued) Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Potential Effects

Possible mill leat south Construction of the residential It is proposed that, subject to the results of the east of Llanmaes accommodation at Tremains Farm evaluation trial trench survey, any surviving will result in the disturbance of archaeological remains are excavated and buried evidence of the former mill recorded in advance of construction works. leat or fish pond outfall.

Possible limekiln south Construction of the residential It is proposed that, subject to the results of the east of Llanmaes accommodation at Tremains Farm evaluation trial trench survey, any surviving may result in the disturbance of archaeological remains are excavated and buried evidence of the former recorded in advance of construction works. limekiln and associated trackway.

Golf Course

Potentially Important Surviving hedgerows identified on Where possible hedgerows are to be retained. hedgerows the Tithe Maps dated c 1840 occur However, given the relatively late date of the in areas identified for SFA. These hedgerows, removal of sections which have no relate to the programme of significant associations with other historic features enclosure in the period up to the 17th would not be unacceptable. century and do not appear to retain elements of the earlier and more significant medieval strip fields. They form part of field systems that have been lost across the airbase and modified elsewhere, as indicated in the Phase 1 geophysical survey results.

Sewage Treatment Works and Rising Main

Romano-British field Construction of the rising main in the It is proposed that, subject to the results of the systems south east of vicinity of Tremains Farm will result evaluation trial trench survey, any surviving Llanmaes (MAG14 &15) in the disturbance of buried evidence archaeological remains are excavated and recorded of the field systems and possible in advance of construction works. associated building.

Important hedgerows Surviving hedgerows identified on Hedgerows should be retained and any gaps the Tithe Maps dated c 1840 largely created for the purpose of construction the rising relate to the programme of main should be replaced and repaired. enclosure in the period up to the 17th century. However a series of strip fields surrounding the Llantwit Major Sewage Treatment Works appear to be residual element of the medieval open fields.

All Areas of Development

Unidentified See 9.11 below Archaeological Remains

9.6 Scope of the Assessment

9.6.1 Potential Receptors Based on the current baseline model the potential receptors affected by the proposed scheme are as follows:

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Palaeolithic and Mesolithic 250,000BC-4,000BC No known receptor, pending trial trench survey

Neolithic and Earlier Bronze Age 4,000BC -1,500BC No known receptor, pending trail trench survey

Later Bronze Age and Iron Age 1,500BC-AD43 DTC: Iron Age settlement (Red Dragon Hangar site) Iron Age/Romano-British enclosures (Castleton) Further receptors pending trial trench survey ABP: Further receptor pending trial trench survey SFA/Golf course: No known receptor, pending trail trench survey

Romano- British AD43-AD410 DTC: Romano-British settlement (Red Dragon Hangar site) Cowbridge to East Aberthaw road Romano-British field system south east of Llanmaes (MAG14 & 15) Further receptor pending trial trench survey ABP Romano-British field systems east of Batslays Farm (MAG07) Further receptor pending trial trench survey SFA(Tremains Farm): Romano-British field system south east of Llanmaes (MAG14 & 15) Further receptor pending trial trench survey Rising Main: Romano-British field system south east of Llanmaes (MAG14 & 15) Golf course: No known receptor, pending trail trench survey

Early Medieval AD410-AD1100 DTC: Putative early Medieval church (Egwlys Brewis) Putative early medieval enclosure and church at Castleton FTA (MAG17) Further receptor pending trial trench survey ABP/SFA/Golf Course: No known receptor, pending trail trench survey

Medieval AD1100-AD1539 Cambro-Norman settlement DTC: Medieval Church (St Brise) Castleton Farm Further receptor pending trial trench survey

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ABP: No known receptor, pending trial trench survey SFA/Golf Course: No known receptor, pending trail trench survey Later Medieval DTC: Medieval settlement (Egwlys Brewis) ABP: West Orchard Farm SFA: Possible mill leat (MAG13) Golf Course: No known receptor, pending trail trench survey Rising Main/STW: Important Hedgerows Further receptors pending geophysical and trial trench survey

Post Medieval AD1539-AD1750 DTC: Picketston House Egwlys Brewis Farm and Rectory Limekiln Important hedgerows Further receptor pending trial trench survey ABP: Batslays Farm Important hedgerows Further receptor pending trial trench survey SFA: Bethesda’r Fro Possible mill leat Limekiln Important hedgerows Further receptor pending trial trench survey Golf Course: Important hedgerows Further receptor pending trial trench survey

Industrial and Modern AD1750-Present DTC: World War II Airfield Airfield Ground defences ABP: World War II Airfield Airfield Ground Defences SFA/Golf Course: No receptor identified

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Implementation of environmental measures, as set out in Table 9.1, addresses the majority of the historic environmental issues presented by the scheme/s and no significant effects arise as a consequence. However, there remains a number of potentially significant effects.

9.6.2 Potentially Significant Effects In relation to the identified receptors, a potentially significant effect arises from the requirement to demolish two pill boxes, which forms part of a group of historic Airfield Ground Defence structures that are important individually, but more specifically as a group. Two listed buildings incorporated into the schemes are also considered potentially significant effects. There is also a risk of archaeological remains that have not been identified during the baseline survey and assessment. These unidentified archaeological remains, if encountered could result in potential significant effects. All other identified effects are not considered significant.

9.7 Assessment Methodology

9.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects The assessment is informed by widely adopted guidance, including: • IFA, IHBC,& ALGAO(UK) 2007 Standard and Guidance for Stewardship of the Historic Environment (Institute of Field Archaeologists’ Standard and Guidance Documents (1994, rev.2001) (http://www.archaeologists.net/MoDules/icontent/inPages/docs/codes/STEW2007interi m.pdfindex.php?page=15).

• English Heritage 2008 Conservation Principles: Policy and Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment (http://www.english- heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.9181); • Institute of Field Archaeologists’ Standard and Guidance Documents (1994, rev.2001) (http://www.archaeologists.net/MoDules/icontent/index.php?page=15); • IFA, IHBC,& ALGAO(UK) 2007 Standard and Guidance for Stewardship of the Historic Environment General Consultation Version 5. • Research Framework for the Archaeology of Wales (http://www.archaeoleg.org.uk/intro.html).

9.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology This evaluation of significance stage considers the known historic environment receptors according to the scale of impact; the relative importance of the receptor and the degree to which impacts can be avoided, ameliorated or mitigated. Consideration of these factors in relation to individual receptors and/or groups of receptors determines the significance of the effect.

Criteria used to Determine Significance of Impact There are three stages to the evaluation of significance:

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• Defining the scale of impact by quantifying the magnitude and nature of impact against the known extent of individual receptors;

• Defining the importance of the receptor and/or those aspects of the receptor liable to impact;

• Defining impact avoidance, mitigation, compensation or enhancement measures and identifying the residual effect of impact. The assessment and mitigation proposals will be directed by and respond to the requirements of local and national planning policy, in line with national guidelines.

Scale of Impact The degree or magnitude of impact is determined by identifying the effect of the development and comparing the scale of impact against the extent of the receptor. The magnitude of any impact is assessed according to the scale set out below: Large: Complete or almost complete destruction of the receptor resource Medium: A high proportion of the receptor damaged or destroyed Small: A small proportion of the surviving receptor damaged or destroyed Negligible: Historic resource will not be affected, because of distance from the development, or method of construction Uncertain: The extent or nature of the historic resource is unknown, or construction techniques have not yet been determined.

Importance This grading is based on a professional judgement of the importance of the receptor, which is guided by the Minister’s criteria for Scheduling Ancient Monuments and Listing Buildings. Features of Historic Environment interest can be described as being of national, regional, local or negligible importance by reference to relevant guidance and legislation71. Scheduled ancient monuments are of national importance, and should be preserved in situ within an appropriate setting. Listed buildings are graded in importance, with grades I (most important), II*, and II. Buildings listed at Grades I and II* are of national importance. Typically effects on features of national importance will be regarded as significant, dependent on the nature of the effect. Sites of regional or local importance are those which do not merit scheduling but which are nevertheless of interest. The preservation of these in an appropriate setting is desirable, but protection is not as high a priority as for sites of national importance. Conservation Areas, maintained on regional and district registers, can be considered to be of local or regional importance. Grade II Listed Buildings are also of local or regional importance. The effect on this category will be determined by a wide range of factors, such as the extent of impact, and in some instances may initially be regarded as significant, depending on whether it will be possible to avoid or ameliorate this by the implementation of effective mitigation measures

71 Criteria for the assessment and designation of Scheduled Monuments are Period, Rarity, Documentation, Group Value, Survival/Condition, Fragility/Vulnerability, Diversity and Potential. Reference to these criteria may usefully be made in the assessment of the significance of all features.

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Features of negligible importance are recorded features whose loss could not result in a significant effect. These may include individual or 'out of context' recorded finds, features which are known to be no longer present and some very common feature types with little or no potential to contribute to an understanding of past human use of the landscape. It is worth noting that programmes for reviewing designations are ongoing, so sites that are not designated may be of local, regional or national importance.

Table 9.4 Summary of Scale of Importance

National Regional/County Local Negligible Unknown

Description Internationally Regionally important Locally Resources Resources and nationally resources not legally important which have little whose important protected of a reasonably resources of or no archaeological resources, often defined extent, nature and low or minor archaeological importance is legally significance importance value, or where unknown protected. remains have been previously destroyed

Examples Scheduled Burial sites, Deserted Field Modern field Single find Ancient Medieval Villages, Roman systems, boundaries, spots, Monuments, roads, dense scatters of ridge and drains and unidentified Listed finds furrow, old ponds features on Buildings, field aerial Nationally boundaries photographs important remains

National: the highest status of site e.g. Scheduled monuments, Listed Buildings Grade I and II*, well preserved historic landscapes; Regional / County: the sites with reasonable evidence of occupation, ritual, industry etc; District / Local: sites with some evidence of human activity, but in a fragmentary or poor state; Negligible: destroyed, non-antiquities, random stray finds, buildings of no architectural merit. Avoidance, Mitigation, Compensation or Enhancement The assessment considers opportunities to modify the design of the scheme to: • Avoid or mitigate potential adverse effects: and

• Increase the environmental benefits through environmental enhancements, some of which might compensate, at least in part, for adverse effects. Such avoidance, mitigation, compensation or enhancement opportunities (see Table 9.3) are likely to be identified at any stage in the evolution of a scheme.

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Table 9.5 Definitions of Avoidance/Mitigation/Compensation/Enhancement

Definitions of Avoidance/Mitigation/Compensation/Enhancement

Avoidance: Measures taken to avoid adverse effects.

Mitigation: Measures taken to reduce adverse effects.

Measures taken to offset/compensate for residual adverse effects that cannot be Compensation: avoided or mitigated. These usually take the form of replacing what will be lost.

Enhancement: The enhancement of environmental interest.

Avoidance, mitigation, compensation or enhancement proposals will be developed in line with planning policies, according to the varying degrees of impact significance and the application of appropriate strategies, methodologies and techniques.

9.8 Assessment of Effects: St Brise Church, Eglyws Brewis St Brise Church comprises a small stone rubble built structure consisting of a nave and chancel with a porch to the south, set within a small churchyard bound by a stone wall. Probably built in the 12/13th century, it is first mentioned in a document of 1254. Interesting features include a square castellated bell-cote at the west end of the nave and double-trefoil lancet windows of the 13th or 14th century at the east end. In the interior there is a Norman tub font, a medieval pillar piscine and a stone bench, also probably medieval. Post-medieval wall paintings, including one of the Royal Arms, may overlie medieval wall paintings. It is proposed to retain the church, its church yard and boundary wall, along with the unlisted stone barn that lies beyond the curtilage of the church, as principal features at the entrance to the DTC, as shown in Figure 9.11. Whilst the church will be located within a traffic circulatory arrangement at the main DTC entrance, appropriate linkages for pedestrian access, which will connect the building to adjoining buildings, are provided. A programme of remedial work will be undertaken to the structure, which has suffered a degree of dereliction since it became redundant. Caroe and Partners are currently preparing proposals for remedial conservation works. The intension is to make the church available as a space for contemplation and occasional religious or ceremonial use. It will form part of a cluster of buildings addressing the cultural, social and religious requirements of DTC, including a Church and Faith Building, a Gurkha Temple, a Museum and a Post Office, all accessible to the public in the area immediately outside the secured entrance to DTC. The development proposals, therefore, provide an opportunity to achieve much needed conservation works to the fabric of the church, while retaining its existing curtilage features. It secures a viable and appropriate use within the DTC that offers the added benefit of a degree of public access, which is not currently available. It will contribute to the cluster of cultural and faith facilities and create a notable architectural feature, of a traditional character in contrast to the other contemporary buildings, marking the DTC entrance.

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The proposed works are not therefore a significant effect, other than significant benefits will arise for the protection, maintenance and use of the building and the provision of greater public access. Arrangements will be made for the prior assessment of historic fabric during the preparation of conservation works and for the recording of historic features revealed during the course of conservation works.

9.9 Assessment of Effects: Batslays Farm As it is in private ownership access to undertake a detailed survey of the Farmhouse has not been possible. Limited external inspection has been carried out, and only brief published records of the interior of the main house are available for the assessment and no detailed survey of the interior of associated curtilage buildings is available. The Royal Commission Inventory describes Batslays Farm as a late 16th/early 17th century farmhouse. John Newman’s description72 of Batslays as ‘One of the best preserved small farmhouses in Glamorgan’ was based, in part, on his observation that the exterior had not been rendered. Since that statement repointing of the main farmhouse has been carried out in a fashion that might require the statement to be further qualified. It is not possible to say to what extent there may have been recent changes to the interior. It is proposed that Batslays Farmhouse, its historic stone-built curtilage building and the stone walls defining the garden will be retained at part of the ABP scheme. Subject to further assessment and the drafting of an appropriate conservation scheme, it is intended that the building will provide administrative facilities, as shown in Figure 9.12. The scheme will, therefore retain the Listed Building, providing a new viable use and providing an opportunity to ensure future management in accordance with conservation principals. The proposed works are not therefore a significant effect, other than significant benefits will arise for the protection, maintenance and use of the building. Arrangements will be made for the prior assessment of historic fabric during the preparation of conservation works and for the recording of historic features revealed during the course of conservation works.

9.10 Assessment of Effects: MoD St Athan Airfield Ground Defences

9.10.1 Predicted Effects and their Significance The demolition of an individual pill box structure at Picketston (site number 15). as part of the DTC scheme, and a second individual pill box at Batslays Farm (site number 11), as part of the ABP scheme, could be a significant effect, as this might have a bearing on the group value of the remaining associated structures that constitute the Airfield Ground Defences.

72 Newman J 1995 Glamorgan, Pevsner Architectural Guides: The Buildings of Wales, Yale University Press, 549

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The assessment therefore considers the effect of the loss of both pillboxes on the group as a whole and considers whether this diminishes the significance of the remaining structures in terms of understanding their historic function and importance. The pill boxes at Picketston and Batslays are two of up to 30 individual structures, all but three surviving. The majority of the individual structures are pill boxes (c 24) and of these 10 are a standard type similar to that at Picketston and Batslays (both FW3/22 type variant pillboxes). It is reasonable to conclude that the specific structure is well represented within the remaining group, should demolition occur at Picketston and Batslays. In terms of the direct relationship with other defence structures in the immediate vicinity, The Picketston pillbox would appear to be an outlying defensive position associated with the cluster of defence structures focussed on the Battle Headquarters, and shares a similar setting, i.e. concealed within a hedgerow. Should demolition occur, therefore, the loss of the pill box at Picketston might affect understanding of a key element in the Airfield Ground Defence, related to protection of the Battle Headquarters, which is the command facility for the entire Airfield Ground Defence. However, other pill boxes, more closely associated with the Battle Headquarters would be preserved, illustrating the defensive deployment designed to protect the Battle Headquarters. It is proposed that this group is retained and managed access made available. The Batslays pillbox forms part of the defences protecting the area to the south of the airfield and may have been associated with three or more surviving pillboxes concerned with defence of the adjoining railway line. Should demolition occur, the loss of the pill box would affect understanding of the role of protecting communication lines associated with the airfield. However, the survival of other pill boxes would continue to register this aspect of the airfield ground defences. It would appear therefore that the loss of an individual pill box at Picketston and an individual pill box at Batslays does not diminish the importance of the surviving group and does not compromise an understanding of the group or particular defensive arrangements between related clusters of defence structures. The provision of sports facilities at Picketston offers the prospect of managed access to the important cluster of structures focussed on the Battle Headquarters, a key feature of the Airfield Ground Defences. On this basis the proposed demolition, whilst not insignificant, is an acceptable effect that will be subject to further mitigation measures, i.e. recording in advance of demolition.

9.11 Assessment of Effects: Unidentified Archaeology

9.11.1 Baseline Conditions It is possible that further unknown and unexpected archaeological discoveries, which have not been specifically considered as part of this assessment, may arise during development remediation and construction works. The desk based research considered the potential presence of archaeological remains of prehistoric, Romano-British, early-medieval, medieval and post-medieval/modern date within the sites. The geophysical survey has explored this potential and has identified extensive evidence for previously unknown receptors. Trial trenching will further clarified the date and

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quality of survival of these identified archaeological remains (supplementary information to be provided). Where archaeological remains have been identified during the preparation of the ES appropriate environmental measures have been set out to address the effect of the development. This process offers a high degree of confidence that further significant effects are unlikely. Nevertheless baseline surveys have been subject to logistical constraints, such as the necessary exclusion of buildings and structures in operational use, and qualified presumptions, such as the loss of archaeological remains in areas previously subject to significant impact. Consequently, not all areas have been subject to the same level of baseline investigation. It should also be recognised that geophysical survey is a key component of the baseline record, and this method can be sensitive to various environmental factors that could have a bearing on the identification of some categories of archaeological features. It is possible, therefore, that further unknown and unexpected archaeological discoveries may arise during development construction works.

9.11.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance Any effects on below-ground archaeology would occur during remediation works or during the construction phase. It is anticipated that construction and remediation activities would result in disturbance to or loss of any below-ground archaeological features within the development footprint. Topsoil stripping would remove the evidence of any artefact scatters that were restricted to this layer, and can be expected to damage shallower archaeological features such as post holes and slots. Heavy plant movements, even over topsoil, can cause damage to archaeological features through compaction and rutting. More substantial excavations for foundations and services could significantly disturb deeper features such as pits and ditches. Generally unidentified archaeological remains, if they are present, are most likely to occur in those areas that were not examined during the Phase 2 geophysical survey. Typically these are areas of relatively limited archaeological potential due to previous disturbance, either as a result of previous development or the impact of deep ploughing, as revealed by extant buildings and/or indicated during the Phases 1 and 2 geophysical surveys, e.g. East Camp. As a consequence any unidentified archaeological remains are expected to be fragmented, relatively poorly preserved and are unlikely to be of particular importance. The effect of development on these potential archaeological remains is regarded as not significant. Nevertheless it would be appropriate to make arrangements for the recording of any unidentified archaeological remains that are encountered . This could be achieved by monitoring remediation and construction activities, including excavations for foundations, services, landscaping etc., in accordance with an agreed written scheme of archaeological investigation, that should include a protocol describing the process by which there will be agreement for undertaking more detailed recording in the event of significant archaeological discoveries. These arrangements can be secured by means of a condition on planning consent. On this basis the prospect of unexpected archaeological discoveries during remediation and construction works, whilst not insignificant, is an acceptable effect that will be subject to further mitigation measures,

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9.12 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation As described in the preceding section, the proposed development would have no significant effects for the majority of the potential historic environment receptors identified, subject to the implementation of the identified environmental measures. Potential significant effects has been identified and assessed. It is concluded that:

• The retention of St Brise Church as part of the DTC scheme offers significant benefit; • The retention of Batslays Farmhouse at part of the ABP scheme offers significant benefit; • The demolition of the pill boxes at Picketston and Batslays does not significantly affect the importance of the surviving Airfield Ground defences; • There is limited potential for unidentified archaeological remains that could result in a significant effect and measures to identify and record these remains allow appropriate mitigation arrangements to be undertaken.

Table 9.6 Summary of Significance of Effects

Receptor and effects Magnitude Importance2 Significance3 of effect1

Level Summary rationale Retention and new use for the Small National NS The DTC scheme affords the Listed St Brise Church benefits of conservation remedial works and a viable and appropriate long term use of the redundant and partly derelict church and graveyard.

Retention and new use of the Small National NS The ABP scheme affords the Listed Batslays Farmhouse benefits of sensitive conversion as part of the administrative facilities, ensuring a viable and appropriate long term use.

Loss of two pill boxes, which are Small National NS Loss of an individual pill boxes part of the Airfield Ground at Picketston and Batslays Defence does not diminish the importance of the surviving group and does not compromise an understanding of the group or particular defensive arrangements between related clusters of defence structures.

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Table 9.6 (continued) Summary of Significance of Effects

Receptor and effects Magnitude Importance2 Significance3 of effect1

Level Summary rationale Potential construction impact to Unknown Unknown NS Whilst the magnitude and unidentified archaeological importance of unidentified remains remains cannot be determined at present, the baseline assessment process suggests that significant effects are unlikely, due to the anticipated effects of previous land uses. Furthermore arrangements for the identification and recording of archaeological remains provide a means of mitigating any effects that have not been defined during the assessment.

Key/footnotes:

1. [Add relevant magnitude 3. S = Significant scale ] NS = Not-significant

9.13 Implementation of Environmental Measures Table 9.7 outlines how any required Environmental Measures would be implemented.

Table 9.7 Implementation of Environmental Measures

Environmental measure Responsibility for Compliance mechanism implementation

Site Management Iron Age and Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning (Operational) undated enclosures responsible for condition enforcing compliance with within the Castleton implementation of the Environmental Management Plan FTA (Castleton environmental control (EMP) MAG16, 18 & 25) measures and associated field systems (MAG 19)

Possible early Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning Medieval church and responsible for condition enforcing compliance with llan (MAG 17 implementation of the Environmental Management Plan Castleton) environmental control (EMP) measures

Potentially Important Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning hedgerows responsible for condition enforcing compliance with implementation of the Environmental Management Plan environmental control (EMP) measures

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Table 9.7 (continued) Implementation of Environmental Measures

Environmental measure Responsibility for Compliance mechanism implementation

Important hedgerows DCWW main contractors Recommended to be planning condition enforcing compliance with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

Archaeological Iron Age settlement Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning Evaluation, (Red Dragon Hangar responsible for condition regarding a program of Excavation, Analysis site) implementation of archaeological investigation. and Publication environmental control (Construction) measures

Romano-British Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning settlement (Red responsible for condition regarding a program of Dragon Hangar site) implementation of archaeological investigation. environmental control measures

Putative Cowbridge Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning to East Aberthaw responsible for condition regarding a program of Roman road implementation of archaeological investigation. environmental control measures

Romano-British Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning settlement and field responsible for condition regarding a program of system south east of implementation of archaeological investigation. Llanmaes (MAG14 & environmental control 15) measures

Romano-British Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning settlement (Batslays responsible for condition regarding a program of Farm MAG7) implementation of archaeological investigation. environmental control measures

Medieval settlement Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning (Eglwys Brewis) responsible for condition regarding a program of implementation of archaeological investigation. environmental control measures

Limekiln (East Camp) Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning responsible for condition regarding a program of implementation of archaeological investigation. environmental control measures.

Possible limekiln Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning south east of responsible for condition regarding a program of Llanmaes implementation of archaeological investigation. environmental control measures

Possible mill leat Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning south east of responsible for condition regarding a program of Llanmaes implementation of archaeological investigation. environmental control measures

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Table 9.7 (continued) Implementation of Environmental Measures

Environmental measure Responsibility for Compliance mechanism implementation

Unidentified Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning Archaeological responsible for condition regarding a program of Remains implementation of archaeological investigation. environmental control measures

Archaeological Eglwys Brewis Farm Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning Building Recording and the former site of responsible for condition regarding a program of (Construction) St Brise Rectory implementation of archaeological investigation. environmental control measures

World War II Airfield Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning (demolition) responsible for condition regarding a program of implementation of archaeological investigation. environmental control measures

Airfield Ground Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning Defences responsible for condition regarding a program of (demolition) implementation of archaeological investigation. environmental control measures

Conservation Putative early Site manager or engineer Listed Building Consent (Construction/Operati Medieval church responsible for onal) (Eglwys Brewis) implementation of environmental control measures

Medieval Church of Site manager or engineer Listed Building Consent St Brise (Listed responsible for Grade II) implementation of environmental control measures

Airfield Ground Site manager or engineer Recommended to be a planning Defences (retained) responsible for condition regarding conservation. implementation of environmental control measures

Batslays Farm Site manager or engineer Listed Building Consent (Listed Grade II) responsible for implementation of environmental control measures

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10. Land Quality

10.1 Introduction The proposed development has the potential to affect land quality and to be affected by potentially poor land quality arising from historical and current use. This chapter assesses baseline land quality and potential effects arising from the development process and should be read in the light of the project description in Chapter 3. The aim of this chapter is to identify potential sources of land contamination and the receptors which may be significantly affected during site preparation, construction and operation. Following a summary of relevant policy and legislation, the chapter outlines the data gathering methodology that was adopted as part of the assessment of land quality. This leads on to a description of the overall baseline conditions, the scope and methodology of the assessment, and a description of the environmental measures that have been incorporated into the proposed developments. This is followed by an assessment of the significance of potential effects for each receptor identified during the baseline assessment. The chapter concludes with a description of the residual effects and a summary of the responsible parties and compliance mechanisms for the implementation of any required environmental measures. The assessment of effects on groundwater and surface water is summarised in this chapter with references to Chapter 11 Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology.

10.2 Policy and Legislative Context

10.2.1 Policy Context This section outlines the relevant legislation and policies relating to the protection of receptors from poor land quality including the effects of groundwater contamination. When defining the scope of the assessment it is important to consider the policy context and relevant policy issues so that the assessment can be informed and legislative requirements for the proposed development can be addressed. For the purposes of this assessment national planning policy is divided into UK planning policy and national (Wales) planning policy representing policies prepared by the Welsh Assembly Government. UK planning policies provide a reference in Wales but are not formal policy. Table 10.1 lists the UK, national and local planning policies relating to the review and management of land quality aspects relevant to this assessment.

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Table 10.1 Policy Issues Relevant to Land Quality to be considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference Policy Issue

UK planning policies

Planning Policy Statement 1: PPS 1 sets out the UK Government’s overall planning policies on the delivery of Delivering Sustainable sustainable development through the planning process. As part of this process, the Development (PPS 1) statement promotes the consideration of environmental issues such as flood risk and the impacts of climate change in development plan policies.

Planning Policy Statement Annex 2: Development of Land Affected by Contamination identifies the principles, 23: Planning and Pollution procedures, roles and responsibilities for management of potentially contaminated land Control (PPS 23) through the development process.

National planning policies

Welsh Assembly Government New development is not undertaken without an understanding of the risks arising from policy previous land use. Development should not take place without appropriate remediation. Consideration is to be given to the effects of remediation on natural and Wales Spatial Strategy historic environments.

Planning Policy Wales, 2002 Note: Both these documents pre-date PPS23. WLGA guidance (see below) post-dates and Welsh Office Circular PPS23 and refers to that guidance in the absence of a relevant Technical Advice Note. 22/87

Local planning policies

Vale of Glamorgan adopted The Initial Sustainability Appraisal review the Local Development Plan Strategic Unitary Development Plan Options and Issues related to the impacts on environmental quality, opportunities for (UDP), draft Local enhancing the natural environment and minimising impacts from climate change. New Development Plan (LDP) development should be undertaken with reference to maintaining or improving the 2011 – 2026 – Draft environment and in accordance with sustainability objectives. Preferred Strategy and Initial Sustainability Appraisal

Land Contamination: A Guide Local planning policy by the Vale of Glamorgan Council (VoG) on management of ‘land for Developers, Welsh Local affected by contamination’ is in accordance with national policy as established by the Government Association, Welsh Assembly Government. For consideration of contaminated land in July 2006 developments, VoG refers developers to WLGA guidance1. The guidance published by WLGA is prepared as a reference document for Developers and their advisors. It promotes the hazard assessment, risk evaluation and risk mitigation strategies which meet the requirements of national policy.

Guidance relevant to consideration of land quality includes the following: • Manual on the Management of Land Contamination, 2nd Edition, Welsh Development Agency, 2003;

• Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination, Contaminated Land Report 11 (CLR11), Environment Agency, 2004;

• BRE Special Digest 1: 2005, Concrete in Aggressive Ground, Building Research Establishment, 2005;

1 Land Contamination: A Guide for Developers. Welsh Local Government Association, Welsh Assembly Government & Environment Agency, July 2006.

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• DEFRA Circular 01/2006, Environmental Protection Act 1990: Part 2A, Contaminated Land, DEFRA, 2006; • Part 2A Statutory Guidance on Contaminated Land, Welsh Assembly Government, December 2006; and • CIRIA Report C665, Assessing Risks Posed by Hazardous Ground Gases to Buildings, 2007. The Welsh Assembly Government does not have a Technical Advice Note (TAN) relating to development of land affected by contamination. Guidance published jointly by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), Welsh Assembly Government and Environment Agency Wales details the information required by planning authorities to assess applications on land where contamination may be present. The guidance follows a risk-based framework in line with CLR11 Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination2. Reference has also been made to guidance in the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) Manual on The Management of Land Contamination (WDA, 2003)3. The Assembly Government’s Policy and Advice is contained within Planning Policy Wales, March 2002 and Welsh Office Circular 22/87. In the absence of a contaminated land TAN in Wales, further information can be found within Planning Policy Statement 23 (PPS23) issued by Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)4. PPS23 is considered to provide an appropriate reference for this project. Planning Policy Statement 23 (PPS23) Planning and Pollution Control provides guidance to planning authorities in relation to development on land affected by contamination. This assessment takes account of the policies in PPS 23 and specifically the advice provided in the accompanying Annexes (Annex 1: Pollution Control, Air and Water Quality and Annex 2: Development on Land Affected by Contamination). Until replaced by the Local Development Plan (LDP), planning policy is set by the Unitary Development Plan (UDP). The Wales Spatial Strategy Plan is a statutory plan but is not part of the development plan. Annex 2 to PPS 23 expands on the policy considerations in relation to development on land affected by contamination. It gives necessary legislative and technical background and some examples of good practice to assist authorities in implementing the policies contained in PPS 23. In managing issues of potential contamination, the developer is responsible for the following:

• Ensuring that the development is safe and suitable for use for the purpose for which it is intended;

2 Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination, Contaminated Land Report 11, DEFRA and the Environment Agency, September 2004.

3 Manual on the Management of Land Contamination, Welsh Development Agency, 2003.

4 Planning Policy Statement 23: Planning and Pollution Control, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now DCLG), 2004.

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• Determining whether the land in question is already affected by contamination through contaminant-pathway-receptor linkages and how those linkages are represented in a conceptual model; • Determining whether the development proposed would create new linkages; and

• Determining what action is needed to break those linkages and avoid new ones, dealing with any unacceptable risks and to enable safe development and future occupancy of the site and neighbouring land. The site must be suitable for the purpose for which it is intended. Where unacceptable risks are identified, action will be required to enable safe development and occupancy of the site and neighbouring land. This action will result in enhancement of land quality at the site. Implementation of pollution prevention guidance as set out in EA PPG (Pollution Prevention Guidance) notes and CIRIA guidance will help to mitigate potential effects during construction. Construction Method Statements will be agreed with the LPA prior to the commencement of any development which will incorporate a Pollution Incidence Response Plan similar to that outlined in PPG215. In so far as it affects land use and development the quality of land is a material planning consideration in preparing development plans as well as in the determination of planning applications. When considering development on land affected by contamination, the principal planning objective is to ensure that any unacceptable risks to human health, buildings and other property and the natural and historical environment from the contaminated condition of the land are identified so that appropriate action can be considered and then taken to address those risks. Where new development is taking place, it is the developer’s responsibility to carry out the necessary remediation and, in most cases, the enforcement of remediation requirements will be through planning conditions and building control. After development, the land should not be capable of being determined as “contaminated land” under Part 2A of the EPA 1990 and all unacceptable risks must have been addressed.

10.2.2 Legislative Requirements Legislative requirements for assessment and management of contamination of land and water are addressed in the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Water Resources Act 1991, the Groundwater Regulations 1998, the forthcoming Environmental Damage Regulations as well as the Water Framework Directive. Legislative requirements concerning the protection of human health, ecological systems, animals, crops and buildings are covered by the contaminated land regulatory regime: Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990). EPA 1990 introduced the concept of integrated pollution control to prevent pollution from emissions to air, land or water. The regulations also place a ‘duty of care’ on those involved in the management of waste, be it collecting, disposing or treating waste. The potential for new contamination to arise is generally controlled through other environmental protection legislation, including Parts 1 and 2 of the EPA 1990 and the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 (PPC Act). Part 2 of the EPA 1990 covers the handling, transport, storage, recovery and disposal of wastes. The PPC regime

5 Pollution Incident Response Planning: PPG21, Pollution Prevention Guidelines, Environment Agency

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controls emissions to air, water and land and site restoration to the baseline condition on cessation of the authorised activity. Statutory Guidance on application of the legislation within the contaminated land regime is provided in DEFRA Circular 01/20066. The guidance provides definitions, mechanisms for assessing contamination, obtaining remediation and apportioning liability. The Water Resources Act 1991 sets out the legislative regime for groundwater and surface water and establishes the offence to cause or knowingly permit polluting, noxious, poisonous or any solid waste matter to enter controlled waters (surface water or groundwater). The Act was revised by the Water Act 2003 which sets out regulatory controls for the protection of water resources. The Groundwater Regulations 1998 require the prevention of List I substances entering groundwater and the control of List II substances to avoid pollution of groundwater. Within the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), legislation will be enacted which will seek to prevent deterioration in groundwater quality; new regulations will replace the existing Groundwater Regulations to implement this Directive. During 2009, the European Directive on Environmental Liability will be implemented in Wales as a derivative of the Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations (EDR) which came into force in England on 1 March 2009. Statutory Guidance on the implementation of EDR from DEFRA (on behalf of DEFRA and the Welsh Assembly Government) was issued in February 2009 ahead of EDR implementation in England. Environmental damage has specific meaning in the Regulations and covers only the most serious cases. It does not affect existing legislation with provisions for environmental liability. The emphasis of the Regulations is on pollution prevention measures so that imminent threats and damage do not arise. The EDR only apply to damage which occurs after the Regulations come into force and therefore will apply to future damage but not to damage which has already occurred. The Local Authority (Vale of Glamorgan Council) is the regulator for the planning regime, the Contaminated Land Regime and the Environmental Damage Regulations. The Environment Agency Wales (EAW) is the regulator for the water environment and will advise the local authority in instances of potential water contamination where the contaminated land regime is the relevant legislation. EAW is a statutory consultee to the local authority under the planning regime.

10.3 Data Gathering Methodology

10.3.1 Desk Study Several phases of assessment of land quality have been undertaken at the site since 2001. This has comprised stages of desk study, site investigation and remediation. Data gathering for the environmental impact assessment has been focused on obtaining and reviewing key documents relating to the substantial assessment works already undertaken on the site. Information topics and sources are summarised in Table 10.2.

6 DEFRA Circular 01/2006, Environmental Protection Act 1990: Part 2A, Contaminated Land, 2006

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Table 10.2 Sources of Information for Land Quality Desk Studies

Topic Source of Information

Mapping and Topography

Current Mapping Ordnance Survey 1:25 000 Sheet 151 Cardiff and Bridgend

Ordnance Survey 1:50 000 Sheet 170 Vale of Glamorgan

Landmark Information Group Envirocheck Website

Historical OS Landmark Information Group Mapping

Site Plans Site plans from site historical records

Environmental Data

Environmental Envirocheck Report, Landmark Information Group Data

Local Authority Enquiry to Vale of Glamorgan Council regarding contaminated land information Enquiry

Historical and (Undertaken by Enviros using data from sources identified here) Recent Site Use

Interviews Property management staff (as typical for DE Land Quality Assessment)

Site Records Property management plans and other records

Photography Photographs taken during site visits

Historical Aerial Central Register of Air Photography for Wales (Welsh Assembly Government) (selected Photography photographs 1945 – 1994, obtained by Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB), BAE Systems and WYG).

Recent Aerial Google Earth (internet website) (c. 2002 – 2006) Photography Local Live (internet website live.local.com) (c. 2002 – 2006)

Geology

Soils Soil Survey mapping of the Bridgend area, sheet numbers 261 and 262 (1:10 560) Soil Survey Map Sheet 5 Soils of Wales, 1:250 000, Soils Survey of England and Wales (1983)

Drift and Solid British Geological Survey Sheet 261/262 Bridgend, Drift Edition and memoir Geology BGS Geo Index website: www.bgs.ac.uk/geoindex/index.htm

Details of drift Findings from intrusive site investigations by Enviros and Parsons Brinckerhoff and shallow solid geology

Groundwater (All data obtained is presented in full in Chapter 11, Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology) and Surface Water

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Table 10.2 (continued) Sources of Information for Land Quality Desk Studies

Topic Source of Information

Soil and Groundwater Quality

Site Site investigations undertaken by Enviros Aspinwall and Parsons Brinckerhoff Investigation Reports

Soil Remediation Remediation reports prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff for on-site land at Picketston and Sale Field (radioactivity)

Groundwater Remediation trials and progress reports by Parsons Brinckerhoff Remediation Reports

Welsh Assembly Government purchased 293 ha (725 acres) of the airfield from MoD in 2003 by way of a 125 year lease. Land Quality Assessment works (desk studies and site investigations) were undertaken by Enviros Aspinwall under contract to Defence Estates prior to purchase of the land by Welsh Assembly Government. Following the land purchase, Welsh Assembly Government engaged Parsons Brinckerhoff to undertake additional site investigations and risk assessment to determine remediation requirements for the proposed Aerospace Business Park (ABP) which was then to occupy the whole of the purchased site around MoD aircraft maintenance facilities operated by the then Defence Aircraft Repair Agency (DARA) (now Defence Support Group (DSG)). The assessment determined that selected remediation of contaminated shallow groundwater was required and this work has been implemented. Since these investigations, site development proposals have changed in response to the combined proposals for DTC and ABP. The ABP will now be developed alongside the DTC on land which is currently owned by Welsh Assembly Government. Metrix Consortium has engaged Pell Frischmann to review land quality information for the DTC element of the site proposals and manage ground condition assessments and works through the development process. Pell Frischmann (PF) have reviewed data from previous investigations and advised on site investigation works required. PF have not yet undertaken any investigations themselves. Site investigations of land quality have been undertaken by three parties: • Ministry of Defence through various internal parties;

• Enviros Aspinwall for Defence Estates (MoD); and

• Parsons Brinckerhoff for Welsh Assembly Government. Key documents derived from these works are identified in Table 10.3:

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Table 10.3 Key Documents for Assessment of Land Quality

Client Report

Ministry of Improvements to Water Main: Geotechnical Report, Ref G/0910, PSA Specialist Services, September Defence 1992; (MoD) RAF St Athan Land Quality Assessment, Phase 1 Desk Study, Vol 1 of 5, RAF Command Scientific Support Branch : Working Paper 03/01, June 2001;

Project Red Dragon, Vol. 3.7, Geotechnical Investigation Interpretative Report, Stage 1 Tender, Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA), June 2002;

Project Red Dragon, Interpretative Report of Geotechnical Investigation, Ove Arup, June 2002;

Project Red Dragon, Phase II investigation, Soil Mechanics, 2003; and

Explosive Ordnance Risk Assessment of the WDA-owned parts of the site, September 2005.

Enviros RAF St Athan, Land Quality Assessment Report Phase 1, Desk Study, December 2001; Aspinwall for Defence RAF St Athan, Extension Areas (west of Picketston, east of Picketston, east of Golf Course and Estates (MoD) Batslays extension), Land Quality Assessment Phase 1, Desk Study, 2002;

RAF St Athan, East Camp, Land Quality Assessment Phase 2, Intrusive Survey, May 2002;

RAF St Athan, South of the Runway, Land Quality Assessment Phase 2, Intrusive Survey, May 2002; and

RAF St Athan, Picketston, Land Quality Assessment Phase 2, Intrusive Survey, November 2002.

Parsons Explosive Ordnance Clearance and Development Desk Study, February 2008; Brinckerhoff for Defence Estates (MoD)

Parsons Factual Report on Ground Investigations Volume 1, March 2004; Brinckerhoff for Welsh Interpretative Report and Risk Assessment on Ground Investigations, Volume 2, May 2004; Assembly Government Pollution Source Prevention Audit, Volume 3, March 2004; Outline Remediation Strategy, Volume 4, July 2004;

St Athan Asbestos Disposal Options Study, March 2004;

Safety Report and Scheme of Work for the Remediation of land at RAF St Athan (radiological contamination), May 2004;

Remediation of Land at RAF St Athan (removal of shallow radiological contamination at Sale Field), June 2004;

Remediation Pilot Testing (for groundwater contamination), February 2005;

A Statement of Means of Best Practical Support of the Redevelopment of Certain Areas within the present Base at RAF St Athan (residual risk from radiological contamination), May 2005;

Defence Training Review (DTR) Contamination Summary Statement, March 2006;

Potential Environmental Liabilities associated with Transfer of DTR Land – Land Outside of Core Commission Studies, June 2006;

Remediation System Status Former Fuel Installation, Building 85 (Area 1), February 2007;

Remediation System Status, Building 324 (Area 3), February 2007;

Summary Report (Contamination Summary Statement), March 2008; and

Groundwater Remediation Position Statement, March 2009.

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Table 10.3 (continued) Key Documents for Assessment of Land Quality

Client Report

Pell Phase 1 Geotechnical Appraisal, R12005G001/A, November 2007; Frischmann for Metrix Review of Summary Report (of contamination assessments and remediation, Parsons Brinckerhof, May 2008), June 2008; and

Proposed Scope of Work, Stage 1 Geotechnical and Contaminated Land Ground Investigation, June 2008.

No original data has been gathered for this Environmental Statement; it has been based on a review of key baseline reports listed in Table 10.3. Current available data refers primarily to the airfield site. There are other areas of land that form part of the proposed development for which little detailed land quality information has been compiled; these areas include parts of the proposed Castleton field training area and the SFA areas. Data for these areas will be acquired through future site investigations. Not withstanding the additional surveys proposed, this ES contains sufficient information to allow the Local Planning Authority to assess environmental effects of the development in relation to land quality and it is not considered necessary to carry out these works before permission is granted.

10.3.2 Survey Work There has been no additional survey work undertaken by Entec for this ES. Survey work undertaken by others (as described above) has been reviewed by:- • Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) for the ABP and SFA areas;

• Pell Frischmann (PF) for the DTC; and

• WYG (formerly White Young Green) for the SFA areas. PB’s survey and assessment in 2004 - 2005 of all land in Welsh Assembly Government ownership led to the implementation of works to remediate localised contamination in shallow groundwater. Subsequent reviews of available information for the whole site have generated a site investigation strategy targeted at confirming suitability of the site and informing any mitigation requirements. This is being implemented in parallel with preparation of this Environmental Statement. The findings reported here are extracted from reports prepared by others as identified in Section 10.3.1. Site investigation works have focussed on quantifying potential sources of contamination based on historical site use and the findings of preceding investigations. Limited assessment has been carried out for the Service Families Accommodation (SFA) areas. This comprises desk study information, however no intrusive survey works have been undertaken to-date at Tremains Farm, North of West Camp or Picketston Southwest. The Golf Course and Stadium site was investigated by Enviros in 2002. No site investigations of land quality have been undertaken for the route of the rising main from the site northwestwards to Llantwit Major Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTW).

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10.4 Land Quality Baseline Information on the current baseline conditions has been drawn from assessments prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff for Welsh Assembly Government and by Pell Frischmann for Metrix Consortium. The PB assessments were undertaken with reference to future use of the whole site for commercial purposes (Aerospace Business Park). The subsequent PF assessments have considered the existing assessments with reference to the additional proposed development of DTC which contains elements of residential and commercial development. This assessment covers potential effects relating solely to land quality. Related impacts on ecological receptors and controlled waters (surface water and groundwater) are addressed in other chapters. Ecological effects are assessed in Chapter 7, Biodiversity. Effects on controlled waters are assessed in Chapter 11, Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology.

10.4.1 Current Baseline

Topography and Existing Land Use The site slopes gently towards the east, with an elevation varying between 49 m AOD towards the west of the active runway and 37 m AOD to the east of the site. The Picketston site has a maximum elevation of 55 m AOD along its northern boundary. Current land use varies across the site, comprising hardstanding in the MoD/Welsh Assembly Government operational and accommodation/built areas, airfield, agricultural fields, and adjacent housing.

Geology and Soils Information on the geological conditions at the site is drawn from reports by Enviros Aspinwall and Parsons Brinckerhoff which in turn is derived from the geological map for the area (British Geological Survey, Sheet 262, Bridgend) and data from intrusive site investigations. The geology of the site comprises occasional thin superficial deposits and occasional made ground overlying inter-bedded limestones and mudstones of the Porthkerry Formation. Ground investigations to date across the site have found that superficial deposits comprise stiff to very stiff shaly clay and inter-bedded limestone bedrock consistent with the Lower Lias. The Porthkerry Formation extends down to about 85 mbgl and is of Lower Lias (Jurassic) age. Folded Carboniferous Limestone lies at depth beneath the Porthkerry Formation. All bedrock in the vicinity of the site shows negligible dip. The majority of the soils underlying the site are coarse-textured and classified as having a High leaching potential (H3) indicating that they have the ability to transmit non-adsorbed pollutants because of the natural content of clay or organic matter. Soils beneath the southern corner of the site, adjacent to the B4265 at Batslays, and a narrow strip between Picketston and the airfield are classified as being of Intermediate leaching potential (H2). The soils of the site are classified as predominantly Ston Easton (571a) with some Fladbury 1 (813b) soil associations. The Ston Easton soils, which cover the majority of the site are well- drained, fine, silty over clayey soils on limestone, with some shallow calcareous soils. The Fladbury soils occur in a thin strip along the valley of the River Thaw, located to the east of the site. The Fladbury soils are stoneless, clayey soils, in places calcareous, which are variably affected by groundwater.

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The Provisional Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) map7 defines the site as being predominately Grade 2. Grade 2 is defined as “very good quality agricultural land. Land with minor limitations which affect crop yield, cultivations or harvesting. A wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops can usually be grown but on some land in the grade there may be reduced flexibility due to difficulties with the production of the more demanding crops such as winter harvested vegetables and arable root crops. The level of yield is generally high but may be lower or more variable than Grade 1” 8. Non agricultural is defined as: “'Soft' uses where most of the land could be returned relatively easily to agriculture, including: golf courses, private parkland, public open spaces, sports fields, allotments and soft-surfaced areas on airports/airfields. Also active mineral workings and refuse tips where restoration conditions to 'soft' after-uses may apply.8 ” Kernon Countryside Consultants has undertaken a series of ALC surveys9 in accordance with Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food guidelines8. Three areas surveyed are recorded as containing land classified as Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land (i.e. Grade 1, 2 and 3a of the ALC). These areas (Gileston and Castleton Farm areas together with an area to the north west of West Camp along the route of the Northern Access Road) contain 2, 3.9 and 2 hectares of BMV land respectively

Hydrogeology The hydrogeology of the site is presented in detail in Chapter 11, Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology and is summarised here for completeness. The Environment Agency Wales (EAW) classifies the Lower Lias as a Minor Aquifer and the underlying Carboniferous Limestone as a Major Aquifer. Due to the inter-bedded limestones and mudstones, the Lower Lias acts as a multi-layered aquifer with the limestone bands forming discrete individual water-bearing horizons, separated by less permeable layers. Groundwater encountered within the Porthkerry Formation typically varies between 0.3m and 3 metres below ground level (mbgl). Seasonal fluctuations in groundwater show a variability of up to 4m. The direction of groundwater flow at the site is controlled by the site topography and the surrounding surface water drainage. Flow of shallow groundwater across the site is generally towards the nearest surface water drainage. Groundwater movement through the Carboniferous Limestone aquifer is mainly along fractures and fissures which may become enlarged by dissolution. The water-bearing ability of the limestone is determined by the extent of inter-connection in the fracture network. Eight deep boreholes (EWS1, 1A – EWS7) were drilled between 1989 and 1992 across the site as potential emergency water supply boreholes. Of these boreholes, only two (EWS 6 and 7)

7 Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. Agricultural Land Classification Across Wales. Pdf map available at http://www.countryside.wales.gov.uk/fe_maps/maps_printerfriendly.asp?image_id=6

8 Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (1988). Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales - Revised criteria and guidelines for grading the quality of agricultural land. Available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/rds/lgmt/ALC.htm

9 There are a series of reports either put them all in or just ref the latest maps that has been produced Kernon Countryside Consultants (2002). Feasibility Study of Proposals for RAF St Athans – Agricultural circumstance report. Unpublished report.

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potentially reach the major aquifer in the Carboniferous limestone. One of the eight wells was sealed prior to 2005. A further five were sealed in 2005, in accordance with the overall groundwater remediation strategy for the site and Environment Agency protocols. The remaining two wells (EWS4 and EWS6), will be sealed on receipt of close-out agreement from the Environment Agency Wales for the remaining active phases of groundwater remediation currently taking place across the site (decision anticipated by June 2009).

Hydrology The hydrology of the site is presented in detail in Chapter 11, Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology and is summarised here for completeness as it is a receptor for potentially contaminated land. The site is bounded by several surface streams. The westerly-flowing Boverton Brook and easterly-flowing Nant-y-Stepsau border the site to the north, whilst the Rhyl Stream flows in an easterly direction along a small part of the southern site boundary, having originated from springs near West Orchard. These springs flow to the east and the Afon-col-Huw to the southwest, and ultimately discharging into the sea. The Llanmaes Brook flows approximately north to south through the Tremains Farm area of proposed SFA. Llanmaes Brook flows into the Boverton Brook south of the Tremains Farm area. An extensive drainage system serves hardstanding areas of the site in West Camp, East Camp and the airfield. Surface water from these areas is discharged into watercourses or drains which border the site or into soakaways. The existing East Camp drainage catchment discharges to the south into the Rhyl Stream. Other catchments from the runway and areas of the proposed ABP – South (south of the runway) also drain to this discharge pipe. Drainage from the DTC area around the Red Dragon Hangar site is to the north, through two attenuation ponds and a pumping chamber across the Eglwys Brewis Road to the Nant-y- Stepsau. The catchment of the Picketston site is also drained by a piped system, discharging eastwards to a small tributary of the Boverton Brook.

Current and Historic Site Uses Current and historical uses of the component areas of the site are summarised below. Details are presented in Appendix M (in Volume 2 of this ES). The DTC and most of the ABP areas comprise the operational site and contain all of the areas historically used for airfield use, with the minor exception of aircraft parking areas (dispersals) which continued northwards for some distance beyond the current northern site boundary. The site is currently an operational airfield and supports uses by the Army, RAF and commercial operations. The role of the site is to provide engineering facilities required for the major servicing and major maintenance of aircraft. In addition, Welsh Assembly Government ownership of the site has introduced civilian uses for aerospace-related businesses. The proposed four Service Families Accommodation (SFA) areas have only been partially assessed by previous works and a desk study (by WYG) to clarify potential contamination risks with respect to the proposed residential end use. The following former uses have been identified:

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• Tremains Farm: undeveloped agricultural land outside the former airfield perimeter. Includes a possible small quarry; • Northwest of West Camp: undeveloped agricultural land outside the former airfield perimeter; • Picketston South-West: undeveloped agricultural land outside the former airfield perimeter; and

• Golf Course and Stadium: former use for recreation/sport; part formerly a temporary hospital. The route of the planned rising main from the site to Llantwit Major WwTW is through undeveloped agricultural land throughout.

Summary of Site Investigation Findings Intrusive ground investigations to-date have been focused across parts of the ABP and DTC areas; and therefore no intrusive works have yet been undertaken in the SFA areas with reference to the proposed residential use. The principal finding of both the 2002 and 2004 investigations was the presence of localised contamination of shallow groundwater in the minor aquifer at several locations across the site, considered to relate to historical site use. Borehole water sampled from the deeper major aquifer shows no adverse effects effects on groundwater quality in the major aquifer. The analytical data for soils together with observations made of soil and rock cores during the site investigation programme indicate that widespread soil contamination is not a significant issue at the St Athan site and that very little made ground was found across the site. Overall, soil contamination across the site was found to be minimal and not considered to present a significant risk to human health although there is potential for short term exposure to site workers during demolition work or general construction works. Remediation of soil contamination to date has been restricted to removal of shallow radiological contamination from two areas in the northern part of the site: Sale Field and the former research and development workshop area at Picketston. Site investigations undertaken by Enviros Aspinwall in 2002 interpreted data with reference to current airfield use, construction workers and commercial/industrial use and found very limited soil contamination across the investigated areas. The investigation focussed on areas with highest potential for contamination and highest consequential risks. The assessment did not include interpretation for recreational open space or residential use. Site investigations subsequently undertaken by Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) in 2004 collected new data to fill gaps in the Enviros Aspinwall investigation and also followed a risk-based investigation strategy albeit based on the findings of the previous survey. In addition, selected boreholes drilled by Enviros Aspinwall were re-sampled as were nearby streams. The interpretation took account of the earlier data in targeting gaps in data and in delineation of the groundwater plumes, and the risk assessment was based on the newly acquired data. Investigations were undertaken by WS Atkins in 2004 along the runway to assess the potential for structural improvements. Assessment was primarily for geotechnical properties, however the investigation scope included analysis of 11 soil samples for contaminants. Soil samples

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were analysed for pH, sulphates, metals, PAHs, hydrocarbons, phenols, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene. Data was reviewed with reference to CLEA SGVs for commercial/industrial land use and Dutch guidance intervention thresholds. No exceedance of these criteria was found. Risks from potential unexploded ordnance have been assessed by MoD and also by BAE Systems under contract to PB. Risks of finding explosive ordnance are considered by these reports to be generally low to low - moderate. The potential for discovery and detonation of ordnance is low. An illustrative conceptual site model is presented in Figure 10.1 (Volume 3 of this ES) showing some key elements which comprise potential pollutant linkages. The areas of the site which have been subject to land quality assessments are shown on Figure 10.2 (Volume 3). The following summaries of soil and water quality are based on the investigation and data interpretation presented by PB. A summary of site investigations undertaken on the site is presented in Appendix M (in Volume 2 of this ES).

Soil Quality Overview Soil quality for most of the site was investigated by Enviros Aspinwall for Defence Estates in 2002 then Parsons Brinckerhoff for Welsh Assembly Government in 2004. In both investigations, data was interpreted for commercial use and not for more sensitive uses of recreational open space and residential use. Details of data interpretation criteria are presented in Appendix M. Data from site investigations has not yet been reinterpreted for the more sensitive land uses. Elevated concentrations of metals including phytotoxic compounds were identified in site soils across both East and West Camp. Metals were elevated to the north of Bldg 222, around the former NAAFI petrol station, across the current car parking areas on East Camp and to the south of Bldg 377. Petroleum hydrocarbons were identified around the former Bulk Fuel Installation (BFI) waste compound on West Camp and sporadically across East Camp. Sulphates in soil were elevated adjacent to Bldg 195 and site-wide across East Camp at depths below 3m. Across the Picketston area of the site, locally elevated levels of metals, petroleum hydrocarbons and sulphate were identified. The principal finding in this area was radiological contamination in two areas of Sale Field and Picketston from remnants of radium paint used in luminised aircraft panels and instruments which were lost or damaged during aircraft dismantling and maintenance. Surveys of this area have detected and removed shallow contamination in accordance with criteria and objectives agreed with EAW. Potential receptors are primarily site users and also vegetation from the elevated concentrations of phytotoxic metals. To the south of the main runway, the main area of soil contamination identified was at the Beggar’s Pound waste burial area. Here phytotoxic metals were elevated in places as were the range of organic compounds. Sulphate levels were also elevated as across Batslays and the golf course. In addition, asbestos was found across the Beggar’s Pound waste burial area and sporadically across Batslays and the golf course. Site users and sensitive vegetation were identified as the main potential receptors.

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Groundwater Quality Overview Details of groundwater quality are presented in Chapter 11, Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology. A summary is presented here for completeness as groundwater is both:-

• A pathway and a receptor for potential soil contamination on the site; and

• A potential source of contamination to other receptors such as people, controlled waters, and property etc. Investigations in 2002 by Enviros Aspinwall found localised pollution of the minor aquifer (Porthkerry Formation) at several locations, which appeared to relate to historical fuel handling and workshop activities. The supplementary ground investigations by PB in 2004 confirmed and delineated a series of localised groundwater contamination plumes. The contamination identified generally comprised petroleum range hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents within shallow groundwater. The Environment Agency Wales (EAW) as regulator for controlled waters has agreed that the principal environmental receptors to be considered in any risk assessment should be surface watercourses bounding the site and the deep groundwater aquifer. The major aquifer underlying the Porthkerry Formation at depth is in Carboniferous Limestone. In the context of the overall risk assessment, it was agreed that the shallow aquifer (Porthkerry Formation) should be considered the main pathway for contaminant migration and not a receptor in its own right. The potential receptors identified from the groundwater were the watercourses down-gradient of each contaminant source. The main watercourses potentially affected are Boverton Brook, Nant-y-Stepsau and Rhyl Stream. The findings of the risk assessment following the PB site investigation established three groundwater plumes requiring active remediation to reduce risks to controlled water receptors. One further area was identified which was suitable for remediation by Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) methods. Remediation of contaminated shallow groundwater has been in progress since early 2006 and is regarded as complete at the three locations in accordance with target criteria agreed with Environment Agency Wales. Verification data has been submitted to EAW for two areas. The EAW has accepted that remediation is complete in one area. Monitoring of the MNA area has confirmed achievement of target concentrations and EAW have now confirmed their acceptance of completion for this area (PB Strategy Report January 2009 and subsequent correspondence from EAW). Monitoring is progressing for the third (most recently completed) area at Batslays. Currently all but the Batslays location have achieved completion criteria subject to extended monitoring. The remediation plant at Batslays was closed down in February 2009 and will be subject to continued monitoring as discussed above. Details of the criteria used for assessment of groundwater contamination are presented in Appendix M (in Volume 2 of this ES). In addition to the above, in order to protect the deep groundwater in the major aquifer (>80mbgl) agreement was reached with the EAW that the remaining seven large-diameter deep abstraction boreholes across the airfield would be sealed to block a potentially viable pathway for downward migration of contaminated groundwater to the deep aquifer. To date, five have been sealed and the remaining two will be sealed when their use as monitoring boreholes for remediation works at Batslays is complete (c. end of 2009).

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Other Groundwater Contamination Metal contamination of groundwater was noted around the metal plating building (Bldg 83) and around a battery recharging building (Bldg 222) on West Camp. On East Camp, solvents were identified north of Bldg 324. Across the Picketston area, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified in shallow groundwater around a fire training area and elevated metals, associated with areas of made ground were also found. South of the main runway, petroleum hydrocarbons were detected near Buildings 5 and 8 (Batslays) associated with heating oil tanks for aircraft hangars. Petroleum hydrocarbons were also found near Building 382 (West Orchard) and also at the former waste burial area at Beggar’s Pound. Sulphide was elevated in boreholes associated with the waste burial area.

10.4.2 Predicted Future Baseline In the absence of any development the site is likely to remain as at present. The main influences that may lead to changes in the baseline land quality would be related to changes in land use and operations/activities at the site which could disturb/mobilise/spread existing contamination and introduce new sensitive receptors.

10.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Development The full range of receptors that could be affected by contamination needs to be considered. The receptors therefore include people, other living organisms (eco-systems), controlled waters, built structures, and buried services. This Chapter considers people plus physical systems and built structures, as controlled waters receptors are addressed in Chapter 11 (Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology) and ecological receptors are considered in Chapter 6 (Biodiversity). A summary of proposed environmental measures that will be incorporated into the scheme to minimise the potential for adverse effects on specific receptors and ensure compliance with relevant policies and guidance, is presented in Table 10.4.

Table 10.4 Rationale and Benefits from Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Receptor Predicted Changes and Incorporated Mitigation Potential Effects Measures

Construction Phase

Construction Workers Adverse health effects due to Use of Personal Protective exposure to contaminants in soil and Equipment (PPE) and working water practices; identification of areas of contamination; planning for discovery of unexpected contamination; protective measures for correct storage and transport; spill prevention.

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Table 10.4 (continued) Rationale and Benefits from Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Receptor Predicted Changes and Incorporated Mitigation Potential Effects Measures

Site Users Adverse health effects due to Dust and surface runoff control exposure to contaminants in soil measures (particularly dust) (see Chapter 14 Air Quality and Odour). See Draft Construction Environmental Management Plan and Outline Environmental Management Plan.

Adjacent Site Users Adverse health effects due to Dust and surface runoff control exposure to contaminants in soil measures. (particularly dust) (see Chapter 14 Air Quality and Odour). See Draft Construction Environmental Management Plan and Outline Environmental Management Plan.

Best and Most Versatile Land Loss of best and most versatile land The Construction Environmental due to land being permanently taken Management Plan (CEMP) and the out of production. Environmental Management Plan will contain measures relating to the handling storage and aftercare of soils together with appropriate measures to reinstate drainage infrastructure and the use of pre- drainage where required.

Operational/ Occupation Phase

Future Site Maintenance and Adverse health effects due to Additional site investigation to clarify Construction Workers exposure to contaminants in soil and contamination conditions in advance water of construction. Remediation works (as necessary) to encapsulate, remove, treat, or dispose of contaminated soils

Future Site Users (all uses) Adverse health effects due to Additional site investigation to clarify exposure to contaminants in soil and contamination conditions in advance water of construction. Remediation works (as necessary) to encapsulate, remove, treat, or dispose of contaminated soils

Property (fabric of buildings and Chemical attack and degradation Additional site investigation to clarify services) due to exposure to contaminated contamination conditions in advance soils and groundwater (aggressive of construction. The treatment and/or ground conditions) removal and disposal of contaminated soils and groundwater in the areas of buildings. The design and specification of resistant construction materials.

Arrangements for the management and implementation of mitigation measures will be through the Draft Construction Method Statements (CMS) and the Outline Environmental Management Plan which are to be followed through site preparation and development. These will include a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for construction works as part of the suite of documentation presenting the design and programming of the construction process. These plans are designed to ensure that the potential for adverse impacts associated with the construction works are minimised and managed.

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Key aspects of the CEMP relevant to management of land quality are contained in the CMS and the Outline Environmental Management Plan for the DTC and SFA (Appendix D: Environmental Aspects and Impacts Control Register, in Volume 2 of this ES). Environmental management aspects relevant to land quality are identified as: • Handling, treatment and disposal of contaminated land;

• Management of dusts;

• Prevention of discharges of water;

• Prevention of accidental spills; and

• Storage and use of fuels, oils and chemicals.

Measures to Obtain Additional Land Quality Information The assessments to date have produced a substantial body of data, on which this environmental statement has been based and which has been sufficient to undertake the environmental impact assessment. The following identifies work which will be undertaken to clarify the detail of the site assessment and identify any locations which will require the implementation of mitigation during the construction phase. Proposed works are a combination of re-interpretation of previous assessments and further site investigations. The following works are intended to achieve these objectives following on from the earlier assessments (as detailed below): • Defence Estates LQA (by Enviros Aspinwall): this site investigation assessed land quality across the site with emphasis on locations with the highest likelihood of substantial contamination based on an evaluation of historical uses. All data was assessed with reference to commercial/industrial end use. This data is to be reassessed for residential and open space use where these uses are proposed as part of the development plan; • Welsh Assembly Government (Parsons Brinckerhoff): This site investigation augmented the work by Enviros Aspinwall and was for entirely commercial use of the site as the Aerospace Business Park. This data is to be reinterpreted for residential and open space use where these uses are proposed as part of the development. Additionally, the data will be reappraised to assess risks from vapour posed by the change of use;

• Assessments to date were interpreted using the guidance criteria of the time (2002 and 2004) and these criteria have been withdrawn and are currently being revised. The use of previous guidance is currently accepted by the planning authority. The implementation of revised guidance may require reinterpretation of some of the data. From discussions with the planning authority, we understand that it will, for the present time, accept historical guidance while updated guidance is incomplete. Where necessary data will be reinterpreted with reference to updated guidance;

• Desk studies of SFA areas are being undertaken by WYG Environmental for DE. These may be followed by intrusive site investigations to confirm land quality;

• The extent and scope of any further soil and/or groundwater remediation requirements have not yet been defined for any of the development areas with reference to the final

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master plans. Final remediation requirements will be defined following these additional surveys. From existing survey data it is considered that any remediation requirements will be minimal and localised across the development area. The details of further site investigations are summarised below.

Planned Additional Investigations As part of site assessment works, the following investigations are planned to refine the assessment to a level appropriate for the planned development and confirm any areas requiring mitigation works as part of the construction phase. The objectives and outline scope of proposed further surveys are summarised in Table 10.5. All investigations will be undertaken as part of pre-construction works.

Table 10.5 Proposed Site Investigation

Development Area Investigation Objectives and Scope

DTC Area With reference to the development plans for DTC, in June 2008, PF proposed a scope of ground investigation to fill data gaps in geotechnical and contaminated land data including verification of existing data collected by others. The scope was designed:

• To complete the coverage and provide more detail on the geotechnical properties of the site with reference to the areas and character of proposed development; and

• To undertake further assessment of potential soil and groundwater contamination so that all potential contamination risks associated with the site and the proposed development have been assessed.

The proposed additional survey comprises 10 – 20 rotary boreholes, approximately 150 trial pits, an unspecified number of trial trenches and window sample holes.

Specific objectives of the investigations are:

To assess implications of liability transfer and potential Part 2A (of the EPA 1990) determination as more sensitive receptors are introduced to the site (e.g. residential users) than were present in the original commercial end-use. This will include reappraisal of vapour risks in East Camp;

To define the condition of the site at the date of grant of a lease to Metrix Consortium so that there is a baseline against which the condition of the site can be compared when the site is returned to MoD by Metrix consortium at the end of the lease. Aspects not defined by investigations to date are identified as:

• Verification of shallow groundwater quality using existing existing data and monitoring locations where possible;

• Verification of soil quality under building floor slabs, and • Verification sampling of areas not covered by previous intrusive survey (substantial areas across the DTC site).

ABP Area There are no current plans for further investigation in the immediate future. However, there is the intention for verification works (comprising confirmatory sampling in development locations) to be undertaken prior to development of the ABP. This will include geotechnical investigations when development footprints are known.

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Table 10.5 (continued) Proposed Site Investigation

Development Area Investigation Objectives and Scope

SFA Areas (4) The following works are required to clarify the current baseline conditions and to investigate potential sources and pathways of potential contamination in relation to the proposed development of these areas for residential use with gardens:

Provide geotechnical data for the outline design of foundations and pavement/ footpath construction, and assessment of ground aggressiveness on concrete; and

Provide chemical data to enable a more detailed ground and groundwater contamination assessment and land gas assessment.

The additional surveys are proposed to comprise a combination of:-

• Window samples / dynamic probe boreholes; • Rotary boreholes (this technique may be required if shallow bedrock is encountered); • Trial pitting; • Groundwater and land gas monitoring installations; • Chemical laboratory testing to be undertaken by a UKAS/ MCERTS accredited laboratory, including soil, soil derived leachate and groundwater chemical analysis;

• Screening of soil samples for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using a photo ionisation detector (PID); and

• Landfill gas and groundwater monitoring.

St Athan – Llantwit The current evaluation of land quality along the rising main corridor has been based on a Major WwTW rising preliminary desk study of environmental data and historical maps. A geotechnical feasibility main corridor study of the rising main corridor has also been undertaken.

There are currently no proposals for additional investigation of the rising main corridor that we are aware of.

These investigations will allow preparation of a detailed remediation plan.

10.6 Scope of the Assessment The assessment and management of land quality issues is focussed primarily on ensuring conditions which are suitable for the proposed development. However the implications for the site to be determined as contaminated land due to change of use is also to be considered. Following the data gathering and analysis, potential receptors have been identified. These include both on-site and off-site receptors. The approach adopted involves separating those that could be significantly affected from those that will not be affected due to the benefit of environmental measures incorporated into the scheme. Effects have been identified as potentially significant where harm to people or damage to property may occur.

10.6.1 Potential Receptors This Chapter only considers people plus physical systems and built structures. Potential receptors considered to be of sufficient importance that they could be significantly affected by

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the proposed development are shown in Table 10.6. These are consistent with those identified in the Scoping Report for this work.

Table 10.6 Potential Receptors Affected by Land Quality

Construction Phase Operational/Occupation Phase

Construction workers (on-site) Site users (industrial and commercial use)

Site users (commercial/industrial use) Site users (as residents or using open space)

Users of adjacent land (residents) Buildings and Buried Services Note that shallow groundwater in the Porthkerry Formation minor aquifer and deep groundwater in the underlying Carboniferous Limestone major aquifer are assessed as receptors in Chapter 11 (Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology). The EAW has agreed shallow groundwater in the Porthkerry Formation is a pathway and not a receptor, however it is considered in Chapter 11 to reflect the strict regulatory position.

10.6.2 Potentially Significant Effects The potentially significant effects to people and property, associated with land contamination, are as follows:

• Health effects on people who are exposed to contaminated soil or water through dermal contact; ingestion, and inhalation; and through ingestion of vegetables grown in the soil;

• Direct contact of contaminants with the fabric of buildings and services, leading to chemical attack and degradation;

• Migration of ground gases into buildings, representing a risk of asphyxiation to occupants, or a fire/explosion risk if the gases are flammable.

• These effects arise due to the presence of a range of Contaminants of Concern which may be present to varying degrees in different parts of the site. These include:- • Metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, copper, nickel, iron and zinc); • Petroleum Hydrocarbons (e.g. aviation fuel, motor fuel, lubricating oils and heating oil);

• Chlorinated solvents and degradation products;

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs); and

• Radioactivity (Radium 226 and daughter radionuclides). Potential effects on ecological receptors (flora and fauna) have been assessed in Chapter 6, (Biodiversity) and are not considered in this assessment of land quality. Potential impacts on controlled waters (surface water and groundwater) are referenced in this assessment; however assessment of impacts on the water environment is presented in Chapter 11 (Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology). The following effects are not likely to be significant and hence do not require further assessment from an EIA point of view. This is because the potential impact on receptors is not likely to be

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significant. Any issues will be addressed in the Construction Method Statement and the Outline Environmental Management Plan.: • Effects on agricultural land quality: Topsoil may be buried under subsoil or sterilised through development. Inappropriate storage or handling of soils may result in degradation to the soil structure. If good practice construction procedures are followed it is likely that these effects will not be significant and therefore they are scoped out of this assessment;

• Loss of Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (BMV): Loss of BMV agricultural land is estimated to be no more than 8ha including the rising main corridor (the upgrade to the WwTW occurs within the existing site boundary). TAN 6 states that, for any cases involving the loss of 20 ha of BMV agricultural land, the National Assembly for Wales Agriculture Department should be consulted, indicating that such a loss is considered as being of national importance. In this Environmental Statement, the determination of significance has been undertaken using professional judgement. The loss of 20ha or more of BMV land is not necessarily considered to be significant, as this judgement is also influenced by the context of the land that is lost. The loss of BMV agricultural land is not likely to be significant as both the amount of loss is limited (no more than 8 hectares) and its distribution is in the form of small pockets. Land being taken out of agricultural production along the rising main corridor during the construction phase will be reinstated after construction and returned to productive agricultural uses. Good construction practice during the construction phase should ensure that degradation of land does not occur. The Construction Environmental Management Plan and the Outline Environmental Management Plan will contain measures relating to the handling, storage and aftercare of soils together with appropriate measures to reinstate drainage infrastructure and the use of pre-drainage where required.

10.7 Assessment Methodology

10.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects The prediction of effects of the proposed scheme on the receptors identified in Section 10.6.1 above is based on:-

• Existing baseline information on land contamination conditions;

• An understanding of the site preparation, construction and operational activities associated with the scheme (including likely remediation works); and

• The status and sensitivity of the receptors. In addition, the prediction is informed by widely accepted regulations and guidance, and the application of professional experience and judgement in assessing and mitigating contaminated land risks.

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10.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology The potential significance of an effect resulting from the presence or remediation of contamination is determined by the sensitivity (or value) of a given receptor and the magnitude of the likely effect. In respect of human receptors their health is always treated as having a high sensitivity. The magnitude of change for human receptors directly relates to the scale of the likely effects on health. Significant effects to human health potentially range from irreversible damage to slight short-term problems. The assessment of effects is therefore based on how the remediation proposals and the incorporated mitigation would affect the receptors. As indicated above, this would be both during the construction phase, when construction workers, site users and adjacent site users would be the key receptors to be considered; and following completion of the development, when future maintenance/development workers and site users would be the key receptors. The approach to evaluating significance follows the risk based approach to the assessment and management of contaminated land, as discussed below.

Contaminated Land Definition and Significance Evaluation A summary of the approach to assessing and defining contaminated land is presented in Appendix M to this Chapter (in Volume 2 of this ES). The approach is based on assessing the degree of harm which a receptor may experience from being exposed to contamination, and the likelihood of such an exposure occurring. In general terms the potential consequence for a receptor can be rated from severe to minor and a summary of what each level of consequence means in respect of the various receptor types is given in Tables 10.7 to Table 10.10 and is from CIRIA guidance on risk assessment10.

Table 10.7 Classification of Consequence

Classification of Consequence

Severe Short term risk to human health likely to result in “significant harm” as defined by the EPA 1990, Part 2A. Short-term risk of pollution (note WRA contains no scope for considering significance of pollution) of sensitive water resource. Catastrophic damage to buildings or property. A short-term risk to a particular ecosystem, or organism forming part of such ecosystem as defined in Statutory Guidance (DEFRA Circular 01/2006 dated September 2006).

Medium Chronic damage to Human Health (“significant harm” as defined in Statutory Guidance – DEFRA Circular 01/2006). Pollution of sensitive water resources (see WRA note above) of sensitive water resource. A significant change in a particular ecosystem, or organism forming part of such ecosystem.

Mild Pollution of non-sensitive water resources. Significant damage to crops, buildings, structures and services (“significant harm”). Damage to sensitive buildings, structures, services or the environment.

Minor Harm, although not necessarily significant harm, which may result in a financial loss, or expenditure to resolve. Non-permanent health effects to human health (easily prevented by means such as personal protective clothing etc.). Easily repairable effects of damage to buildings, structures and services.

10 Contaminated Land Risk Assessment, A Guide to Good Practice, CIRIA C552, 2001

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It should be noted that these levels of consequence are based on full exposure to contamination, whereas in reality the likelihood of exposure may be somewhat less. It is therefore important to consider the probability of exposure, as indicated in Table 10.8.

Table 10.8 Classification of Probability

Classification of Probability

High Likelihood There is a pollutant linkage and an event that either appears very likely in the short term and almost inevitable over the long term or there is evidence at the receptor of harm or pollution.

Likely There is a pollutant linkage and all the elements are present and in the right place, which means that it is probable that an event will occur. Circumstances are such that an event is not inevitable, but possible in the short term and likely over the longer term.

Low Likelihood There is a pollutant linkage and circumstances are possible under which an event could occur. However it is by no means certain that even over a longer period such event would take place, and is less likely in the shorter term.

Unlikely There is a pollutant linkage but circumstances are such that it is improbable that an event would occur even in the very long term.

The application of probability in respect of the potential consequence provides a Risk Classification as summarised in Table 10.9.

Table 10.9 Risk Classification of Consequence against Probability

Probability Consequence

High Likelihood Likely Low Likelihood Unlikely

Severe Very High Risk High Risk Moderate Risk Moderate/Low Risk

Medium High Risk Moderate Risk Moderate/Low Risk Low Risk

Mild Moderate Risk Moderate/Low Risk Low Risk Very Low Risk

Minor Moderate/Low Risk Low Risk Very Low Risk Very Low Risk

Shading in Table 10.9 indicates risk levels which may be significant and at which further assessment or mitigation measures may be required. Table 10.10 provides an overall definition of each risk classification.

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Table 10.10 Definition of Risk Classifications

Comparison of Consequence against Probability

Very High Risk There is a high probability that severe harm could arise to a designated receptor from an identified hazard, OR, there is evidence that severe harm to a designated receptor is currently happening. The risk if realized is likely to result in significant liability. Urgent investigation and remediation are likely to be required.

High Risk Harm is likely to arise to a designated receptor from an identified hazard. Realisation of the risk is likely to present a substantial liability. Urgent investigation is required and remedial works may be required in the short term and are likely over the longer term.

Moderate Risk It is possible that harm could arise to a designated receptor from an identified hazard. However if it is either relatively unlikely that any such harm would be severe, or if any harm were to occur it is more likely that the harm would be relatively mild. Investigation is normally required to clarify the risk and to determine the potential liability. Some remedial works may be required in the longer term.

Low Risk It is possible that harm could arise to a designated receptor from an identified hazard, but it is likely that this harm, if realised, would normally be mild.

Very Low Risk There is a low possibility that harm could arise to a receptor. In the event of such harm being realized it is not likely to be severe.

In contaminated land assessments, the risk classification is carried out prior to the incorporation of mitigation measures. Where a risk classification of moderate or greater is determined (i.e. shaded in Table 10.9) the risk of a particular contaminant–pathway–receptor pollutant linkage is considered to require some form of risk management or intervention. In the first instance this would normally take the form of either further investigation or more detailed risk assessment. With the additional knowledge gained, the risk classification can then be adjusted and confirmed. If the risk classification remains at moderate or above then remediation, in the form of incorporated mitigation, would be required to reduce or remove the source of contamination or disrupt the pathway to the receptor. Where possible, the preferred strategy for remediation will be by on-site treatment.

Significance Evaluation for EIA In terms of EIA, the determination of significant effects is normally based on the sensitivity of the receptor and the magnitude of change, whilst taking into account the probability of an effect occurring. The contamination risk methodology outlined above is primarily the probability of an effect occurring and the magnitude of the change. The difference in the two methodologies relates to the incorporation of mitigation measures. It is therefore concluded that for EIA purposes significant contamination effects would occur if a risk classification of medium or greater were still predicted following the incorporation of mitigation measures. In terms of human receptors, who will always be considered to be of high sensitivity, significant effects would range from slight short-term health effects that were almost certain to happen and non-permanent effects that could occur at greater than a moderate probability.

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10.8 Assessment of Effects: Land Quality

10.8.1 Predicted Effects and their Significance The potentially significant effects to people and property are considered for different phases of the scheme.

Construction Phase • Construction activity may lead to increased exposure of construction workers to contaminated soil and groundwater as soils are exposed, excavated and moved around the site. Construction workers may also be exposed to newly discovered contamination; • Site users may have increased potential for exposure to dusts from contaminated soils during construction works; • Users of adjacent land may be exposed to increased dust deposition on themselves and their property during construction works;

Operational/Occupation Phase • Harm to commercial/industrial site users could increase if new development is located on contaminated soils or shallow groundwater; • Harm to site residents and users of recreational and open space areas could occur if these areas are located on contaminated soils or shallow groundwater; • Significant degradation of buildings and services may be caused if these are located on contaminated soils or in contact with contaminated shallow groundwater. The assessment of effects is based on how the remediation proposals and the incorporated mitigation would affect the receptors. This would be both during the construction phase (when construction workers, site users and adjacent site users would be the key receptors to be considered); and following completion of the site redevelopment, when site users and future maintenance/construction workers would be the key receptors. The risk magnitude classification applied in this case is summarised in the key to Table 10.11, which ranks the magnitude of effect as: Very High; High; Medium; Low; or Negligible.

Construction Workers As human receptors, the site construction workforce would have a high sensitivity in terms of the risk of health effects. The incorporation of the proposed mitigation measures, as detailed in Section 10.5 would mean that there is a low likelihood that the workforce would be exposed to adverse health effects. In terms of harm that could occur by any exposure, this is likely to be no more than medium, although it could in theory be severe. It is therefore concluded that the risk classification for the construction workers would be ‘low’ or perhaps ‘low to medium’ and that any adverse effects would be not significant.

Site Users Site Users during the construction phase will be users of the existing and newly-built facilities. During construction, access to construction areas will be managed and therefore any significant risks to site users outside the construction areas are most likely to be from dust or surface runoff

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arising from the construction works. The incorporation of mitigation measures, as detailed in Section 10.5, would mean that there is a low likelihood that site users would be exposed to adverse health effects. In terms of harm that could occur by any exposure, this is likely to be mild at worst. It is therefore concluded that the risk classification for the site users during construction would be ‘low’, and that in EIA terms, any adverse effects would be not significant. Following completion of the scheme, these receptors would be potentially exposed to the surface soil materials around the development area. Such exposure could occur by virtue of vapour inhalation (indoor and outdoor), cultivation and use of future gardens; the use of recreational spaces; the maintenance of landscaped areas; and the use of field training areas. The incorporation of mitigation measures (placement of high quality soils as part of the development works) would mean that site users would be unlikely to have adverse health effects. The consequences of contact with high quality soils that would be required in the surface of the development areas is considered to be minor at worst, and this combination would result in a risk classification of ‘low to negligible’. Given the high sensitivity of the receptors, in EIA terms this would equate to adverse effects that would be not significant.

Maintenance/Construction Workers The new development will be subject to ground works maintenance and the potential construction of new facilities. During this operation, ground workers and construction workers may come into contact with residually contaminated materials. The remediation criteria for soils in the shallow subsurface will have to be set and agreed to reflect the likelihood of such human contact. Hence, if such contact should occur, in terms of the risk classification, such contact would potentially have a mild consequence at worst, with the probability being no more than a low likelihood. The effects would be mitigated by the use of appropriate health and safety precautions and this would result in a ‘low’ risk classification, such that adverse effects would be not significant.

Users of Adjacent Land Users of adjacent land are largely residents of surrounding housing. Adjacent site users would potentially be exposed to a contamination risk from emissions to air (i.e. principally dust). The incorporation of mitigation measures would mean that adjacent site users are unlikely to be exposed to adverse health effects. In terms of harm that could occur by any exposure, this is likely to be minor, or mild at worst. It is therefore concluded that the risk classification for the adjacent site users during construction would be ‘negligible’ and that in EIA terms, any adverse effects would be not significant.

Buildings and Services The fabric of buildings and services could potentially be in direct contact with contamination. However the remediation criteria for soils will have to be set and agreed to reflect the likelihood of such contact; in addition the design/specification of building materials will have to take this possibility into account. Hence, if such contact should occur, in terms of the risk classification with mitigation in place, it would be expected to have a minor consequence at worst, with the probability being a low likelihood. In EIA terms this would result in a ‘low to negligible’ classification, such that adverse effects would be not significant.

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10.8.2 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation Table 10.11 summarises the potential adverse effects of the proposed development on specific receptors from the presence of ground contamination and assesses the significance. The methodology accords with the approach described in Section 10.7.

Table 10.11 Summary of Significance of Effects

Receptor Probability Sensitivity Risk Significance (with or Value Class/ mitigation) Magnitude Level Rationale

Site Construction

Construction Low High Low to Not Sig The proposed mitigation would minimise Workers Likelihood Medium or the likelihood of an exposure to adverse Low health effects.

Site Users Low High Low Not Sig Dust reduction measures would reduce Likelihood dust exposure Users of Adjacent Unlikely High Low to Not Sig Dust reduction measures would reduce Land Negligible dust exposure

Operational Site Site Users Unlikely High Low to Not Sig Site users are unlikely to be exposed to (commercial/ Negligible soils which would be of sufficiently poor industrial) quality to present a significant risk. Construction will follow site investigation and removal of contamination exceeding commercial criteria. Site residents and Unlikely High Low to Not Sig The cultivation and use of gardens is users of Negligible likely to expose users to the high quality recreational open soils at the surface, so the consequences space for health would be negligible. Construction will follow site investigation/verification and removal of contamination exceeding residential/open space criteria. Maintenance/ Low High Low Not Sig Site maintenance and construction Construction Likelihood workers are unlikely to be exposed to Workers soils which would be of sufficiently poor quality to present a significant risk. Construction will follow site investigation and removal of contamination exceeding commercial criteria.

Buildings and Low High to Low to Not Sig Construction will follow site investigation Services Likelihood Medium Negligible and removal of contamination exceeding criteria which present a significant risk to buildings and services. Design/specification of building materials will account for ground chemistry.

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Table 10.11 (continued) Summary of Significance of Effects

Key: Probability Sensitivity Magnitude Significance or Value

Classification scheme

High High Very High Significant Likelihood

Likely Medium High Not Significant

Low Low Medium Likelihood

Unlikely Low

Negligible

10.9 Implementation of Environmental Measures Table 10.12 sets out the mitigation measures and proposals for compliance monitoring that have been incorporated into the scheme to mitigate the effects of land quality impacts. It also includes details of who will be responsible for the implementation of the measures, and the suggested mechanisms of compliance to ensure that the proposals will be carried out as envisaged. It is intended that this provides a guide for the planning authority in setting planning conditions.

Table 10.12 Implementation of Environmental Measures

Receptor Environmental Measure Responsibility for Compliance Mechanism Implementation

Construction Phase

Construction Use of Personal Protective Site manager or engineer H,S&E legislation. workers Equipment (PPE), dust responsible for controls, drainage controls, spill implementation of Recommended to be planning control measures, storage environmental control condition enforcing compliance with provisions for oils, fuels and measures CEMP and EMP. chemicals

Site Users Dust control measures and Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning drainage controls responsible for condition enforcing compliance with implementation of CEMP and EMP. environmental control measures

Adjacent site Dust control measures and Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning users drainage controls responsible for condition enforcing compliance with implementation of CEMP and EMP. environmental control measures

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Table 10.12 (continued) Implementation of Environmental Measures

Receptor Environmental Measure Responsibility for Compliance Mechanism Implementation

Operational/ Occupation Phase

Future Site Additional investigations, risk Site manager or engineer Recommended to be planning Maintenance assessments and remediation responsible for condition enforcing compliance with and strategies, and verification implementation of CEMP and EMP and on-going Construction reporting. environmental control consultation with the VoGC. Workers measures

Future Site Additional investigations, risk MoD/Welsh Assembly Planning condition and ongoing Users assessments and remediation Government/Metrix and review of verification data by VoG. (commercial/ strategies, and verification contractor industrial) reporting.

Future Site Additional investigations, risk MoD/Welsh Assembly Planning condition and ongoing Users assessments and remediation Government/Metrix and review of verification data by VoG. (residential strategies, and verification contractor and reporting. recreational open space)

Buildings and Additional investigations, risk MoD/Welsh Assembly Planning condition and ongoing Buried assessments and remediation Government/Metrix and review of verification data by VoG. Services strategies, and verification contractor reporting.

10.10 Residual Effects Following assessment of potential effects of the proposed development on land quality and incorporation of environmental measures in the developments (to mitigate potentially significant effects) it is concluded that residual effects are negligible.

10.11 Relevant Terminology Relevant terminology is summarised below in Table 10.13.

Table 10.13 Summary of Relevant Terminology

Term/abbreviation

Land Quality Assessment Defence Estates term with wider use to identify the process of evaluation through preliminary assessment (Phase 0), desk study (Phase 1), site investigation (Phase 2), remedial options (Phase 3) and remediation (Phase 4).

Phase One Desk Study A Phase One desk study is a desk based review of relevant information including geological and hydrogeological mapping, historical maps, environmental records and other data sources to allow an assessment of risk to human and environmental receptors.

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Table 10.13 (continued) Summary of Relevant Terminology

Term/abbreviation

Site Investigation (SI) Site investigation can comprise intrusive and non intrusive techniques to gain information or Intrusive Survey about a site. Intrusive techniques commonly include trial pitting, window sampling or drilling, which are defined as follows:

Trial Pitting: This involves excavating pits either by hand or using a mechanical excavator, to enable the soil layers up to about 5 m deep to be inspected and sampled;

Window Sampling: There are several types but this commonly involves hammering in a steel tube into the ground, which when extracted contains soil samples which can then be inspected and sampled. The maximum depth is about 10 m;

Drilling: This generally involves a percussive or rotary method of excavating shallow to deep holes from which soil and rock samples can be taken, often allowing a groundwater or gas standpipe to be installed to allow subsequent groundwater or soil gas sampling. Depths in excess of 50 m can be drilled.

Site Investigation (SI) Non-intrusive geophysical techniques can include seismic, gravimetric, electromagnetic, or Intrusive Survey ground-penetrating radar, and resistivity surveys. All give an indication of sub-surface (continued) stratigraphy and the presence of buried structures and voids. They do not permit sampling or chemical analysis.

Determinand A determinand is a substance whose concentration in the soil or water is tested by laboratory analysis. The results, typically expressed as milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) for soils or milligrams per litre (mg/l) for water samples, can be compared with generic or site-specific assessment criteria.

Generic Assessment Generic Assessment Criteria (GAC) are concentrations of various substances in soil or Criteria (GAC) groundwater that are deemed acceptable in a number of generalised circumstances (such as a commercial or industrial setting). They are independent of particular site conditions.

Soil Guideline Values The Soil Guideline Values (SGVs) published by DEFRA are examples of generic (SGV) assessment criteria. GAC are typically used as a starting point in risk assessment.

SGVs were introduced in 2002 and replaced previous guidance. Guidance is periodically updated and older reports may include assessment of determinand concentrations to guidance which is no longer current. Guidance issued in 2002 has now been withdrawn and replacement guidance is gradually being issued during 2009.

Verification Investigation works designed to confirm that remediation requirements have been met and that residual concentrations of contaminants of concern are within predetermined concentrations.

Validation Approval of land condition by the Regulator following review of verification works

10.12 References

10.12.1 Guidance Relevant to Consideration of Land Quality • Manual on the Management of Land Contamination, 2nd Edition, Welsh Development Agency, 2003;

• Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination, Contaminated Land Report 11 (CLR11), Environment Agency, 2004;

• BRE Special Digest 1: 2005, Concrete in Aggressive Ground, Building Research Establishment, 2005;

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• Land Contamination: A Guide for Developers, Welsh Local Government Association, July 2006;

• TAN 15: Development and Flood Risk. Supplement to Planning Policy Wales, 2002;

• Pollution Prevention Guidelines 21 (PPG21) Pollution Prevention Response Planning, Environment Agency Wales, 2004;

• Planning Policy Statement 23: Planning and Pollution Control, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now DCLG), 2004;

• Kernon Countryside Consultants (2002). Feasibility Study of Proposals for RAF St Athans – Agricultural circumstance report. Unpublished report; • Kernon Countryside Consultants (2003). Army Training Facility Investigations Castleton Farm St Athan – Agricultural Issues. Unpublished report; • Kernon Countryside Consultants (2006). RAF St Athan – Agricultural Land Classification Survey Results. Unpublished report; • Letter from Kernon Countryside Consultants (2008) including a map of an ALC survey for the road junction at Wayland Cross; • ALC map of St Athan area April 2008;

• Draft ALC maps of St Athan area April 2009.

10.12.2 Key Documents Relating to Previous Assessment (by Client)

Ministry of Defence (MoD): • Improvements to Water Main: Geotechnical Report, Ref G/0910, PSA Specialist Services, September 1992;

• RAF St Athan Land Quality Assessment, Phase 1 Desk Study, Vol 1 of 5, RAF Command Scientific Support Branch : Working Paper 03/01, June 2001;

• Project Red Dragon, Vol. 3.7, Geotechnical Investigation Interpretative Report, Stage 1 Tender, Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA), June 2002;

• Project Red Dragon, Interpretative Report of Geotechnical Investigation, Ove Arup, June 2002;

• Project Red Dragon, Phase II investigation, Soil Mechanics, 2003;

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• Explosive Ordnance Risk Assessment of the WDA-owned parts of the site, September 2005.

Defence Estates (MoD): Enviros Aspinwall: • RAF St Athan, Land Quality Assessment Report Phase 1, Desk Study, December 2001;

• RAF St Athan, Extension Areas (west of Picketston, east of Picketston, east of Golf Course and Batslays extension), Land Quality Assessment Phase 1, Desk Study, 2002; • RAF St Athan, East Camp, Land Quality Assessment Phase 2, Intrusive Survey, May 2002;

• RAF St Athan, South of the Runway, Land Quality Assessment Phase 2, Intrusive Survey, May 2002;

• RAF St Athan, Picketston, Land Quality Assessment Phase 2, Intrusive Survey, November 2002.

Welsh Assembly Government: Parsons Brinckerhoff assessments: • Factual Report on Ground Investigations Volume 1, March 2004;

• Interpretative Report and Risk Assessment on Ground Investigations, Volume 2, May 2004; • Pollution Source Prevention Audit, Volume 3, March 2004;

• Outline Remediation Strategy, Volume 4, July 2004;

• St Athan Asbestos Disposal Options Study, March 2004;

• Safety Report and Scheme of Work for the Remediation of land at RAF St Athan (radiological contamination), May 2004; • Remediation of Land at RAF St Athan (removal of shallow radiological contamination at Sale Field), June 2004; • Remediation Pilot Testing (for groundwater contamination), February 2005;

• A Statement of Means of Best Practical Support of the Redevelopment of Certain Areas within the present Base at RAF St Athan (residual risk from radiological contamination), May 2005; • Defence Training Review (DTR) Contamination Summary Statement, March 2006;

• Potential Environmental Liabilities associated with Transfer of DTR Land – Land Outside of Core Commission Studies, June 2006;

• Remediation System Status Former Fuel Installation, Building 85 (Area 1), February 2007;

• Remediation System Status, Building 324 (Area 3), February 2007;

• Explosive Ordnance Clearance and Development Desk Study, February 2008;

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• Summary Report (Contamination Summary Statement), March 2008;

• Groundwater Remediation Position Statement, March 2009.

Metrix Consortium (Metrix): Pell Frischman review of Previous Assessments and Proposals for Additional Ground Investigations for the DTC Area. • Phase 1 Geotechnical Appraisal, R12005G001/A, November 2007;

• Review of Summary Report (of contamination assessments and remediation, Parsons Brinckerhof, May 2008), June 2008; • Proposed Scope of Work, Stage 1 Geotechnical and Contaminated Land Ground Investigation, June 2008.

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11. Hydrology, Geology & Hydrogeology

11.1 Introduction

The proposed development has the potential to affect the surface water hydrology and morphology, flood risk and drainage, hydrogeology and water quality within, and in the vicinity of, the development area during site preparation, construction and operation. This chapter sets out the results of the assessment of potential effects on all aspects of the water environment. The chapter should be read in light of the project description in Chapter 3. Following an overview of relevant policy and legislation, the chapter outlines the data gathering methodology that was adopted prior to the assessment of the water environment. Where appropriate, data have been collected within a 5 kilometre (km) radius of the development site boundary. This leads onto a description of the overall baseline conditions, the scope and methodology of the assessment and a description of the environmental measures that have been incorporated into the proposed developments. This is followed by an assessment of the significance of potential effects for each receptor identified during the baseline assessment. The chapter concludes with a description of residual effects and a summary of the responsible parties and compliance mechanisms for the implementation of any required environmental measures.

The aim of this chapter with respect to hydrology and hydrogeology is not only to identify specific effects on water receptors but also to inform other assessments within the Environmental Statement (ES). For example, changes in river flow may have an effect on ecological or community receptors and may therefore be relevant in assessments in other Environmental Statement (ES) chapters (for example, Biodiversity (Chapter 6).

Changes and effects on hydrology, geology, hydrogeology and the availability of water resources are examined at site, catchment and regional level, as appropriate, to provide an overall context of how the development will affect the current hydrological and hydrogeological conditions both in the local and wider area. Water quality is considered at a reach/local level, as potential effects from individual proposed developments are likely to impact water bodies within a specific stretch or area (for example, point discharges from site into soakaway or river).

A detailed Flood Consequence Assessment (FCA), in compliance with Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk (TAN15), has been prepared separately. The findings and recommendations in the FCA have been used to inform the current chapter.

The assessment of hydrological and hydrogeological effects is carried out in this chapter; however, it is recognised that water quality is linked to land quality and, therefore, references are made where appropriate to the Land Quality Assessment (Chapter 10). Potential effects

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associated with any changes in water quality caused by new or existing contaminated land are addressed in this Chapter.

11.2 Policy and Legislative Context

11.2.1 Policy Context This section outlines the relevant legislation and policies relating to the protection of the water environment and to development near (or which is likely to affect) water receptors. When defining the scope of the assessment it is important to consider the policy context and relevant policy issues so that the assessment can be informed and legislative requirements for the proposed development can be addressed.

The following Table 11.1 lists the national and regional planning policies relating to the water environment and relevant to this assessment.

Table 11.1 Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference Policy Content

National planning policies

Planning Policy Wales 2002 National land use planning policies are set out in Planning Policy Wales and are (and Technical Advice Notes supplemented by Technical Advice Notes. Ministerial Interim Planning Policy or TAN) Statements, and Circulars on topics such as Flood Risk, Waste, Minerals and Affordable Housing.

TAN15: Development and Provides technical guidance that supplements the policy set out in Planning Policy Flood Risk Wales 2002, in relation to development within and near flood risk areas.

Local planning policies

Vale of Glamorgan draft The Initial Sustainability Appraisal reviews the Local Development Plan Strategic Local Development Plan Options and issues related to the impacts on environmental quality, opportunities for (LDP) 2011-2026 – Draft enhancing the natural environment and minimising impacts on climate change. Preferred Strategy and Initial Sustainability Appraisal

The Vale of Glamorgan Prepared by the Vale of Glamorgan Partnership, the strategy represents a joint Community Strategy (2003- approach to improving the quality of life in the Vale. A Strategic Priority is improvement 13) of environmental quality through a number of actions, including actions to increase percentage of main rivers and bathing waters rated as good or fair quality.

The Vale of Glamorgan POLICY ENV 7 - Water resources Unitary Development Plan (adopted 2005) Rivers, other inland waters and underground water resources will be safeguarded. Developments which improve the water environment or help to prevent flooding will be favoured. Development will be permitted where it would not:

i) have an unacceptable effect on the quality or quantity of water resources or on fisheries, nature or heritage conservation, recreation or other amenity interests related to such waters; or

ii) be potentially at risk from flooding, or increase the risk of flooding locally or elsewhere to an unacceptable level.

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General guidance relating to protection of the water environment includes the following:

• Environment Agency Wales (EAW) Policy and Practice for the Protection of Groundwater; • Environment Agency Wales leaflet: ‘Silt Pollution and How to Avoid It’;

• Environment Agency Wales Pollution Prevention Guidance Notes (PPG); i) PPG 1 General guide for the prevention of water pollution;

ii) PPG 2 Above ground oil storage tanks;

iii) PPG 3 Use and design of oil separators in surface water drainage systems;

iv) PPG 4 Disposal of sewage where no mains available;

v) PPG 5 Works in, near or liable to affect watercourses;

vi) PPG 6 Working at construction and demolition sites;

vii) PPG 8 Safe storage and disposal of used oils;

viii) PPG 21 Pollution incident response planning;

• Sustainable drainage systems: promoting good practice (CIRIA);

• CIRIA Report C532: Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites;

• CIRIA Report C502: Environmental Good Practice on Site;

• BS6031: 1981 Code of Practice for Earth Works;

• Good Practice Guide for Handling Soils (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 2000); and

• Local and Regional Land Drainage Byelaws. Specific to the St Athan area the EAW have produced the following relevant documents on the local hydrology and hydrogeology:

• Thaw and Cadoxton Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS)1;

1 CAMS are the Environment Agency’s strategies for the management of water resources within defined river catchments. Catchments are divided into Water Resource Management Units for which a resource assessment is undertaken to ascertain whether there is water available for abstraction or whether the unit is already over abstracted, over licensed or has no water available based on ecological flow requirements. This enables appropriate flow conditions to be placed on any new abstraction licences or variations to existing licences and is also the mechanism by which time limited licences are managed.

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• Ogmore and Taff (including Thaw and Cadoxton) Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP)2, not yet published on the EAW website and a publication date has not been set; and

• Ely and Vale of Glamorgan Local Environment Agency Plan (LEAP)3 for background historic information. LEAPs are no longer produced or updated.

11.2.2 Legislative Requirements Legislative requirements concerning the protection of the water environment are addressed in the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Groundwater Regulations 1995 in England and Wales, as well as the Water Framework Directive in European legislation.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is focused on delivering an integrated approach to the protection and sustainable use of the water environment on a river basin scale. The principal objectives within the WFD are: no deterioration in status, and achieve ‘good status’ in terms of both ecology and water quality for surface waters, and in terms of both quantity and quality for groundwater by 2015. As part of the WFD, the Environment Agency is producing River Basin Management Plans (RBMP) to coordinate organisations to work together to improve water quality. There are seven areas that cover England and Wales, and the St Athan site lies in the ‘Western Wales’ RBMP, for which the draft consultation document is now available. The draft RBMPs set out proposals for improving the water environment during the first river basin management cycle to 2015. The final RBMPs are due for publication at the end of 2009.

The Groundwater Regulations 1998 require the prevention of List I substances entering groundwater and the control of List II substances to avoid pollution of groundwater. Within the context of the WFD, the Groundwater Daughter Directive will replace the existing Groundwater Regulations and seek to extend the WFD in the protection of vital groundwater resources.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 introduces the concept of integrated pollution control to prevent pollution from emissions to air, land or water. Regulations also place a 'duty of care' on those involved in the management of waste, be it collecting, disposing or treating Controlled Waste which is subject to licensing.

2 The CFMP programme is a scheme organised by the Environment Agency as a high level, strategic planning tool to manage flood risk over the next 50-100 years. In 2004 the EA launched 76 CFMPs designed to encourage a new way of thinking about flooding and flood risk, and provide an integrated approach to these issues based on a better understanding of all the factors involved.

3 LEAPs provided an overview of the environmental resources in areas of England and Wales, identified activities that affected natural resources and that were subject to regulation, described the status of the Plan area current at the time and set standards and targets. LEAPs are no longer produced/updated.

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The Water Resources Act 1991 states that it is an offence to cause or knowingly permit polluting, noxious, poisonous or any solid waste matter to enter controlled waters. The Act was revised by The Water Act 2003 which sets out regulatory controls for water abstraction, discharge to water bodies, water impoundment and protection of water resources.

The Land Drainage Act 1991 and 1994 places responsibility for maintaining flows in watercourses on landowners. The Act gives the local authorities powers to serve a notice on landowners to ensure works are carried out to maintain flow of watercourses.

The draft Floods and Water Bill is due for consultation in Spring 2009, and will cover all sources of flooding, clarifying responsibility for each flooding source and facilitating appropriate flood risk management. The Bill will also incorporate guidance from the Welsh Assembly Government and DEFRA publications, such as the Welsh Assembly Government’s Environmental Strategy (2006) and the emerging New Approaches (Welsh Assembly Government), which includes recommendation on approaches to flooding taking account of the Making Space for Water (DEFRA 2005) and Pitt Review (2008).

11.3 Data Gathering Methodology

11.3.1 Desk Study A desk-based study has been undertaken to gather information and baseline data relevant to the water environment in the site vicinity, and to identify the key surface and groundwater features that could be affected by the development. Due to the size of the development area, the proposed off-site works and the scope of the assessment, it was necessary to consider a 5km buffer zone around the main development site boundary. This allowed all proposed scheme activities, such as the new pipeline from site to Llantwit Major treatment works, and potential effects (e.g. changes in treated effluent discharges to sea) to be considered. A review of readily available data and information from published material, as detailed in Table 11.2, has been carried out.

A variety of information was also requested from the Environment Agency Wales (EAW) in August 2008, including:

• Groundwater level and quality data;

• Details of licensed surface and groundwater abstractions and discharges;

• Flow, water level and water quality data for rivers within the 5km buffer zone;

• Flood risk information, including modelled flood level data for rivers traversing the site, details of historic flood events in the Boverton Brook and River Thaw catchments;

• Details of any historic pollution events to surface watercourses or groundwater within this 5 km buffer zone; and

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• Any local publications that EAW holds regarding the hydrology of the site or its surroundings or local environmental protection policies or guidelines. Other sources of information that were used in preparing this assessment are shown in Table 11.2.

Table 11.2 Sources of Information for the Water Environment Assessment

Source of Information Data Obtained

Climate

The National River Flow Archive: www.nwl.ac.uk/ih/nrfa Rainfall data

Flood estimation handbook Rainfall

Topography

Ordnance Survey (OS) Landranger 1:50,000 Map Sheet 170 Site location, elevation and topographical relief Vale of Glamorgan

Welsh Assembly Government/Capita Symonds Ordnance Survey (OS) map

WS Atkins (as amended by Scott Brownrigg) Topographical data

Surface Waters

Environment Agency website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk Surface water quality data, CAMS, Source Protection Zone maps, Flood Risk mapping

Welsh Assembly Government Development Advice Maps accompanying TAN 15

The National River Flow Archive: River flow data www.nwl.ac.uk/ih/nrfa/index.htm

Groundwater

Environment Agency Groundwater Vulnerability Sheet 36, Mid Hydrogeology and groundwater vulnerability Glamorgan

Hydrogeological Map of South Wales Hydrogeology

Geology and Soils

British Geological Survey (BGS) Map Sheet 262 Published Geology (drift and solid)

BGS Geo Index website: www.bgs.ac.uk/geoindex/index.htm Solid and Drift Geology Soil Survey Map Sheet 5 Soil types for the site National Soils Resources Institute website: www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes Regional soils

Water Resource Use

Vale of Glamorgan Council, Environmental Health Department Private water supplies

Environment Agency Licensed abstractions (surface and groundwater) and impoundments

Other information

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Table 11.2 (continued) Sources of Information for the Water Environment Assessment

Source of Information Data Obtained

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW)/ / Arup/ Imtech St Athan sewer requisition report and outline design plans (including design of foul pumping station, rising main and upgrades to Llantwit Major wastewater treatment works)

Enviros Historic maps of the area

Welsh Assembly Government/Capita Symonds Northern Access Road Constraints Plan

11.3.2 Site Visit and Survey Work A walkover site visit was undertaken on the 13th October 2008 by three Entec staff, comprising two hydrologists and a water quality specialist. The site visit concentrated on water features and structures within, and in direct vicinity of, the proposed development area, such as streams, bridges, weirs, culverts, soakaways and ponds. The reaches of the three watercourses (Boverton Brook/Llanmaes Brook, Nant-y-Stepsau and Rhyl Stream) closest to the proposed development areas were visited, with the walkover visit extending further downstream on Boverton Brook to inspect the reaches prone to flooding. The proposed Llanmaes Brook bridge crossing (Eglwys Brewis access road) was also inspected. A general view of the main Defence Estates (DE) and the Welsh Assembly Government owned land was obtained. The locations of consented discharges into surface waters were confirmed and the condition of channels and levels of flow were noted.

Photographs from the site visit are presented in Appendix N (in Volume 2 of this ES).

Detailed topographic survey work was carried out in November 2008 to obtain cross sectional information for the reach covering the proposed Llanmaes Brook bridge. The data were used to create a hydraulic model of the brook to study potential effects of the proposed Eglwys Brewis road bridge crossing on river flows and flood risk. Details of the modelling undertaken and discussion of the modelling outcome are included in the FCA report.

Chapter 10, Section 10.3.2 contains a detailed description of site investigations undertaken to date to study land and groundwater quality.

11.4 Hydrology, Geology and Hydrogeology Baseline

11.4.1 Current Baseline The current baseline conditions are described under the individual sub-headings below.

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Topography and Existing Land Use Current land use varies across the site, which comprises hardstanding in the built-up Ministry of Defence (MoD) operational and accommodation areas, airfields, agricultural fields/farmland and adjacent residential dwellings. Elevations across the development area range from approximately 30m to 52m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD), according to the Ordnance Survey (OS) contouring. Contours are widely spaced indicating that the land is relatively flat across the site, with the highest elevations in the west across the existing West Camp; this was confirmed by the site visit. The land falls gently southwards across the site, and elevations in the wider area fall toward the coastline, around 2km south of the site.

Climate Rainfall in the area is relatively high. A river flow gauge on the River Thaw (ref. 58011 at Gigman Bridge) with a co-located raingauge indicates that the average annual rainfall was 1131mm for the period 1961 – 1990. The gauge is located around 1.5km north east of the development site at National Grid Reference (NGR) ST 017 716. The Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH) CD-ROM, which contains a range of hydrological characteristics for most river catchments in England and Wales, indicates that for the catchment to National Grid Reference (NGR) SS 99850 67750, the Standard Average Annual Rainfall value is quoted as being 958mm.

Hydrology The main development area4 lies within three surface water catchments; these are: the Llanmaes Brook/Boverton Brook (also known as Hoddnant Stream in its lower reaches), the Nant-y- Stepsau and the Rhyl Stream. The Nant-y-Stepsau and Rhyl Stream flow towards the River Thaw which flows north to south some 1.5km east of the main site, and borders the eastern boundary of the proposed Castleton Farm field training area. The Boverton Brook flows south west through Boverton, downstream of which it is referred to as the Hoddnant Stream to its discharge point into the Severn Estuary. A map of hydrological features in the wider area is presented in Figure 11.1 within Volume 3 of this ES.

Highway works at Waycock Cross lie within the surface water catchment area of the River Waycock, which flows west to Penmark where it joins the River Kenson, a major tributary of the River Thaw. The River Waycock drains the north and west of Barry and the area north of Cardiff Airport. The River Kenson joins the Thaw near the WwTWs at Aberthaw.

Nant-y-Stepsau The Nant-y-Stepsau rises to the north of the proposed ABP North and Red Dragon Hangar site (NGR ST 003 694), adjacent to the Eglwys Brewis Road. Land adjacent to the road is generally

4 excluding the proposed rising main and Llantwit Major WwTW and off-site highway improvement works.

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flat, and flow is conveyed in a roadside ditch north-eastwards to join the River Thaw 2km to the northeast. The Nant-y-Stepsau is designated as a Main River5.

The Nant-y-Stepsau catchment receives drainage from the north-eastern portion of the existing MoD St Athan site. In its upper reaches alongside the Eglwys Brewis Road, the stream is effectively a straight roadside ditch, with a further small tributary/roadside ditch on the southern side of the road. On the day of the site visit there was no flow observed in the roadside section of the stream, which contained overgrown vegetation and clear standing water. Further downstream, outside the residential part of Eglwys Brewis, the stream channel is largely natural, undulating though agricultural land (see Photo 1); the channel width does not exceed 3m.

The BaseFlow Index (BFI) is an indicator of the proportion of a river’s flow that comes from groundwater; for the Nant-y-Stepsau at NGR ST 011 696 the FEH provides a BFI value of 0.84, indicating that flow is moderately supported by groundwater.

Llanmaes Brook and Boverton Brook The Boverton Brook is designated as a Main River by the EAW6. It also rises to the north of the proposed ABP North and the Red Dragon Hangar site (at NGR SS 995 692) and flows to the west carrying roadside runoff. In its upper reaches the brook flows in a roadside ditch along Eglwys Brewis Road. The Llanmaes Brook is a tributary of the Boverton Brook, which flows in a natural meandering stream channel through fields to the north and joins the Boverton Brook in its upper reaches. A flood detention dam has been built across the Llanmaes Brook upstream of its confluence with the Boverton Brook to provide some flow attenuation. Flooding incidents are relatively common in Boverton, where six properties and an electricity substation have a history of frequent flooding from the brook7.

From the Llanmaes Brook/Boverton Brook confluence the flow is towards the south-west, where the Hoddnant Stream joins the channel and flows through Boverton and Llanwit Major. The Boverton Brook catchment drains the north-western portion of the MoD St Athan site and, in this section, the channel is largely natural with vegetation on the banks, a rocky bed and clear water. Through Boverton the brook channel has been heavily engineered and varies in width from approximately 2m (by the railway bridge directly west of West Camp; see Photo 2) to 4m further downstream (by the electricity substation; see Photo 3).

5 downstream of the Picketston House road bridge. The term Main River signifies that the EAW have a flood defence responsibility along the watercourse (which they do not have for watercourses classified as Ordinary watercourses).

6 The channel south of the Boverton to Eglwys Brewis Road is Main River, with the ditch-course to the north within the Picketston area designated as an Ordinary Watercourse.

7 The exact number of properties potentially at risk of flooding under the 0.1% flood event is not known.

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The Llanmaes Brook and Boverton Brook catchment has a BFI of 0.829 (according to FEH at NGR SS 990 686). This indicates that flow is moderately supported by groundwater.

Rhyl Stream The Rhyl Stream rises on the southern edge of the site (NGR ST 007 681) and flows eastwards, to join the River Thaw 2.5 km to the east. Its catchment drains the southern portion of the MoD St Athan site. The stream passes through part of St Athan village before descending to the River Thaw. The stream channel is less than 2m wide and has been heavily modified in its sections through MoD St Athan (see Photo 4). The stream channel is much wider further upstream by the Cowbridge Road Bridge (see Photo 5).

For the Rhyl Stream catchment (to NGR ST 031680) FEH records a BFI value of 0.841 indicating again that flow is moderately supported by groundwater.

River flow is not gauged on any of the rivers traversing/adjacent to the site; the nearest gauging station is on the River Thaw at Gigman Bridge (NGR: ST 017 716). The gauging station, covering a catchment area of 49km2, is located approximately 0.6km upstream of the Thaw confluence with the Nant-y-Stepsau8 and 2km north (and upstream) of the existing study site.

The River Thaw catchment has a BFI of 0.67; this indicates that flow in the Thaw is only very moderately supported by groundwater. Indeed many of the smaller tributaries of the River Thaw are known to dry up completely during very dry summers9.

The flow regime is influenced by groundwater abstraction/recharge and effluent returns. Flow gauge statistics are presented in Table 11.3.

Table 11.3 Gauged River Flows in the Site Vicinity

Flow gauge/River Average flow Q10 flow (m3/s) Q95 flow (m3/s) Baseflow (BFI) (Dates) (m3/s)

Gigman Bridge/Thaw 1.04 2.343 0.15 0.67 (1976-2001) *

Outflow to 1.981 N/A 0.342 N/A Estuary/Thaw ** [* From: http://www.nwl.ac.uk/ih/nrfa/station_summaries/058/011.html]

[** From: Thaw & Cadoxton CAMS]

8 As taken from the Environment Agency Hi-Flows UK website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk/hiflowsuk)

9 During prolonged dry periods, many of the small springs tend to dry up due to lack of long term storage provided by the limestone aquifer, resulting in low river flows or drying up of rivers.

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The main development site naturally drains to all three sub-catchments (Boverton Brook, Nant- y-Stepsau and Rhyl Stream). The permitted surface runoff rates, as stipulated by and agreed with the EAW, are 7.4 l/s per hectare (ha) for the Nant-y-Stepsau and Rhyl Stream catchments – based on the runoff rates permitted during construction of the Red Dragon Hangar– and 3.9 l/s per hectare (ha) for the Boverton Brook catchment. The portion of the site that drains to Boverton Brook could be reduced in favour of drainage towards the Nant-y-Stepsau, since the northern part of the site is located on the watershed of these two subcatchments.

Artificial Drainage A large proportion of the main development site is covered by hardstanding (buildings, roads and car parks) and also by the existing airfield and associated infrastructure. Surface water from these areas is controlled via drainage systems and is discharged into watercourses or drains (subject to discharge consents; see Table 11.7 and Photo 6) which border the MoD site, or into soakaways (see Photo 7).

The northwest of East Camp and the Red Dragon Hangar discharges to the Nant-y-Stepsau, but the majority of the existing East Camp drainage catchment discharges to the south via a 600mm diameter outfall pipe into the Rhyl Stream. Other catchments from the runway and areas of the proposed ABP South, also feed into this discharge pipe or a smaller discharge to the Rhyl Stream nearby. The part of the West Camp included within the development scheme drains northwards into the Boverton Brook, via three outfall pipes.

Other than the drainage of the Red Dragon Hangar, the drainage systems mentioned above do not allow for attenuation of flows. Drainage from the Red Dragon Hangar and car park area, however, is via two attenuation ponds and pumping chamber to the Nant-y-Stepsau across the Eglwys Brewis Road to the north. There is a history of drainage flooding in this part of the site. On the day of the visit the attenuation ponds were dry (see Photo 8). The attenuation pond to the west which serves the hangar building is also used to contain and suppress foam used for fire fighting, if required. In this event the outlet valve is shut off to prevent discharge to the watercourse. The catchment of the Picketston site is also drained via a piped system, discharging to a small tributary of the Boverton Brook. Inspection of the Picketston pipes indicates they are in poor condition and badly damaged in places10. As discussed above in the hydrology section, there has been a history of flood events in Boverton.

A plan of the existing surface water discharge locations is shown in Figure 11.1. The artificial drainage catchments have been mapped by Pell Frischmann (September 2008) and their map is reproduced in Figure 11.2.

10 As per the Project Brief Report, Infrastructure, Surface Water Drainage produced by Pell Frischmann, September 2008; this is presented in the FCA report.

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Flood Risk The majority of the site lies within a zone of low fluvial flood risk, represented by zone A (little or no risk of fluvial flooding and less than 0.1% annual probability) in the Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk (TAN15) development advice maps.

According to the TAN 15 flood risk maps a narrow zone of C2 (‘at risk of flooding, without significant flood defences’) is present along the Nant-y-Stepsau along the northern boundary of the site. Also present is zone B (‘known to have flooded in the past’). These zones represent a ‘>0.1% annual probability without flood defences’ and ‘0.1% annual probability of flooding with historic evidence of flooding’ respectively and extend to the western edge of Eglwys Brewis. The catchment area of the Nant-y-Stepsau is too small upstream of this point to be included in the flood mapping.

The TAN 15 flood risk maps indicate no flood zones along the Boverton Brook/ Hoddnant Stream; however, the EAW’s online Flood Map indicates narrow coverage of both flood zone 3 and flood zone 2 (1% and 0.1% annual probability of flooding) along the northern boundary of the site. The differences in flood zones are a result of the publication date, with the EAW zones updated on a quarterly basis whereas the TAN15 zones were published in 2004 but have not been updated since.

The TAN 15 flood risk maps show a narrow zone of C2 and B along the Rhyl Stream, which extends as far up the watercourse as St Athan.

A summary of the TAN15 flood zones for each main development area is presented in Table 11.4 below.

Table 11.4 TAN 15 Flood Zone Summary

Development Area Hydrological TAN 15 Flood Zone Catchment

Defence Training College (DTC) – East Camp Boverton Brook Flood Zone A

DTC – Adjacent to DARA building Nant y Stepsau Flood Zone A

DTC – Picketston Boverton Brook and Nant y Flood Zone A and C2 Stepsau

Aerospace Business Park North Nant y Stepsau Flood Zone A

Aerospace Business Park South Rhyl Stream Flood Zone A

Service Families Accommodation (SFA) – Tremains Farm Nant y Stepsau Flood Zone A and C2

SFA – North of West Camp Boverton Brook Flood Zone A and C2

SFA – Picketston House Boverton Brook Flood Zone A and C2

SFA – Castleton (golf course/stadium) River Thaw Flood Zone A

Field Training Area, Castleton River Thaw Flood Zone A

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In terms of historic flooding, various locations beyond the immediate site in the Vale of Glamorgan are known to have flooded previously. These include the villages of Boverton, Llandow, Llanblethian, Dinas Powys, Cadoxton, Barry and Llantwit Major. In January 1995 the River Thaw overtopped its banks and flooded 5 properties at Llanblethian. In October 1998 the rivers Ewenny and Thaw reached their highest levels since records began in 1972 and 1974. Widespread flooding of property occurred at: Llantwit Major (9 properties, 6 mobile homes and a pumping station), Llandow (9 properties), Boverton (11 properties and an electricity substation), Cowbridge (4 properties), Aberthin (4 properties), Llanblethian (17 properties). Four properties in Boverton suffered from flooding in 2001. Subsequently, the EAW has built a flood attenuation bund across the Llanmaes Brook, which runs parallel to the B4265 in a southerly direction.

In the past, the EAW investigated the possibility of flood relief measures through Boverton, but their cost-benefit analysis showed that the benefits of the improvement works were too low to justify the cost and thus works were not implemented.

A Flood Consequence Assessment (FCA) has been prepared for the site in accordance with TAN15, and should be read in parallel with this chapter for completeness. The FCA summarises all sources of flood risk, identifying surface water runoff and fluvial flooding as the main flood risk to the site. Proposals for improving the Nant-y-Stepsau to accept greenfield runoff rates/volumes, as well as the selection and appropriateness of sustainable drainage solutions for the various parts of the proposed development scheme, are also discussed in the FCA.

Geology and Soils Chapter 10, Land Quality provides further details on the geology and soils which are summarised below. The effects on soils are discussed in Chapter 10, Land Quality.

Information on the geological conditions at the development site is drawn from reports by Enviros and Parsons Brinckerhoff which in turn refer to the geological map for the area (British Geological Survey, Sheet 262, Bridgend) and data from intrusive site investigations.

The geology of the development site, The Llantwit Major WwTW upgrade and the rising main route comprises occasional thin superficial deposits and occasional made ground overlying inter-bedded limestones and mudstones of the Porthkerry Formation. No drift deposits are shown on the geological map in the area. The Porthkerry Formation extends down to about 85m below ground level (bgl) and is of Lower Lias (Jurassic) age. Carboniferous Limestone lies at depth beneath the Lower Lias.

Hydrogeology The EAW Groundwater Vulnerability Map indicates that the development site, Llantwit Major WwTW and rising main are entirely underlain by a Minor Aquifer associated with the Lower Lias Jurassic sedimentary formation. Minor Aquifers are formations with low secondary

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permeability generally along fractures or fissures. Groundwater yield is generally not significant enough for public abstraction, but it is important for local supplies and in supplying base flow to rivers. The Lower Lias is a multi-layered aquifer with inter-bedded limestones and mudstones. The limestone bands form discrete individual water-bearing horizons, separated by less permeable layers.

The Carboniferous Limestone, underlying the Porthkerry Formation, is classified as a Major Aquifer. Groundwater movement through the Carboniferous Limestone aquifer is mainly via fractures/fissures, which may become enlarged by dissolution. The water-bearing ability of the limestone is determined by the interconnectivity of these fracture systems.

Groundwater Vulnerability mapping indicates that in areas of naturally freely draining soils the Minor Aquifer is overlain by soils of a high leaching potential, whereas in those areas of slowly permeable soils the Aquifer is overlain by soils of an intermediate leaching potential.

There are no groundwater Source Protection Zones within a 5km radius of the development site, rising main and Llantwit Major WwTW, reflecting the general low productivity of the Lower Lias Minor Aquifer.

Eight historic emergency supply wells11 were drilled across the development site. Only two of these were drilled to depths likely to be coincident with the Carboniferous Limestone (Major) aquifer (circa 80 – 90 m depth). Geophysical and close circuit television (CCTV) surveys of each well have shown that the wells were constructed as open hole completions (without well screens or linings).

Groundwater levels in the Carboniferous Limestone are monitored at the EAW’s borehole at Llantwit Major, approximately 1.5km west of the development site. The groundwater levels vary between 42 and 28 mbgl (18 to 32m AOD).

Groundwater levels in 40 monitoring wells in the Porthkerry Formation at the development site were recorded on two occasions: 2nd March 2004 and 24th March 2004 (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2004). The water levels varied between 0.83 and 8.63 mbgl. Site investigation data from 1998 (Enviros, 2001) recorded water levels between 2.58 and 34.8 mbgl.

The direction of groundwater flow in the Lower Lias at the development site is expected to be controlled by the site topography and the surrounding surface water hydrology. A number of springs are present within the surrounding area of the site and contribute to stream baseflows. There is likely to be hydraulic continuity between groundwater and the on-site surface waters. The detailed pattern of groundwater flow at the site is not currently known.

11 EWS1A, EWS1A – 7

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Surface Water Quality Historically, the Environment Agency (EA) has undertaken river water quality sampling throughout England and Wales as part of its programme of General Quality Assessment (GQA). The GQA monitoring network was modified and enhanced in 2006 to accommodate the requirements of the Water Framework Directive to monitor a broader range of parameters; results from this programme will be used to classify water bodies according to their ecological and chemical status. Status has recently been reported in the draft River Basin Management Plans (RBMP), which will be finalised following consultation in 2009.

The GQA scheme monitors designated locations for chemical and biological quality as well as nutrient levels (nitrate and phosphate). Chemical and biological quality is classified using Grades A to F, with Grade A being very good and Grade F being poor. Grades 1 to 6 are used instead for nutrients; Grade 1 indicating a very low presence of nutrients and Grade 6 indicating a very high presence of nutrients. River Quality Objectives (RQO) are also used by the EA as a framework for implementing management actions should water quality within a river stretch not meet the specified RQO target.

Data from the GQA scheme (for the years 1995-2006 at various sampling locations within 5km radius of the site) have been retrieved to assess the baseline surface water quality in the wider area. Chemical and biological river water quality in the region has been consistently good / very good, with both chemistry and biology achieving Grade A or B. Levels of nitrate have been fairly low to moderate (Grade 3 to 4) and phosphates levels varied from low (Grade 2 in Hoddnant Brook and some reaches of the River Thaw) to high12 (Grade 5 in certain reaches of the River Thaw, such as the confluence with the Nant-y-Stepsau). Table 11.5 provides the summary GQA grades in 2005 and 2006 for rivers in the wider area of the proposed development.

Table 11.5 GQA Grades in Surface Waters in the Vale of Glamorgan (2005-2006)

River/Reach Chemistry Biology Nitrate Phosphate

2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006

Thaw/ Conf.Castleton Bk.- A B A A 3 4 5 4 Conf.Nant Tre-gof

Thaw/ Conf.Nant Y Stepsau- A A A A 3 4 5 5 Conf.at Llandough

Thaw/ Conf.Aberthin Bk.- B B A B 3 3 2 2 Conf.Newton Bk

12 It should be noted that high levels of nutrients are not necessarily indicative of water quality problems, as these can be naturally occurring; a variety of nutrient-tolerant species are also known to thrive in nutrient enriched waters.

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Table 11.5 (continued) GQA Grades in Surface Waters in the Vale of Glamorgan (2005-2006)

River/Reach Chemistry Biology Nitrate Phosphate

2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006

Kenson/ Conf.R.Thaw - B A A A 3 3 5 5 Conf.Nant Llancarfan

Colhuw/ Tidal Limit - B B B B 4 4 2 2 Conf.R.Hoddnant

Hoddnant/ Conf.R.Colhuw - B B B B 4 4 2 2 Floodgate Farm

The River Thaw and its major tributaries are compliant with RQOs and represent good quality watercourses with brown and sea trout fisheries potential and overall good quality ecosystems.

The Environment Agency website and RBMP also details the classification of water bodies with respect to WFD targets. The risk assessment associated with the water body classification of the River Thaw advises that the river is ‘at risk’ from point source pollution and physical or morphological alteration. The river is considered ‘probably not at risk’ from diffuse pollution or alien species, and ‘not at risk’ from abstraction or flow regulation. The Hoddnant Stream, named the Colhuw on the EA website, is indicated as ‘probably at risk’ from physical or morphological alteration, ‘probably not at risk’ from diffuse source pollution and alien species, and ‘not at risk’ from point source pollution, abstraction or flow regulation.

The objectives in the Western Wales RBMP for the Ogmore and Tawe Catchment, within which lies the St Athan site, are presented in Table 11.6 below.

Table 11.6 RBMP Proposed Status Objectives for Ogmore and Tawe Catchment (Annex B, Western Wales Draft Consultation RBMP)

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Groundwater Quality Two phases of land quality assessments by Parsons Brinckerhoff and Enviros identified that groundwater contamination was present at the development site. Further information on land quality and the investigations and remediation undertaken to date are presented in Land Quality Chapter (Chapter 10).

The principal finding of the 2002 ground investigations was the presence of localised pollution of the minor aquifer at a number of locations beneath the site. The supplementary ground investigations carried out by Parsons Brinckerhoff in 2004 confirmed and successfully delineated a series of localised groundwater contamination plumes. These plumes were found to be relatively small and considered to relate to historic site activities. The contamination identified generally comprised petroleum range hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents within the shallow groundwater across the base.

The findings of an iterative process of risk assessment and investigation showed that there were three distinct groundwater plumes requiring active remediation to mitigate identified risks to controlled waters receptors. In addition, one further area was identified as requiring a passive Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) approach. The four areas are:

1. Former BFI, West Camp (Bldg 181/179), West Camp: petroleum hydrocarbons;

2. Electroplating Workshop (Bldg 83), West Camp: chlorinated solvents;

3. Bldg 324, East Camp: petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents; and

4. Aircraft Hangar and Fuel Storage (Bldg 8), Batslays: petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs.

The receptors identified as potentially at risk from groundwater contamination are the watercourses down gradient of each contaminant source. The main watercourses of concern were:

• Boverton Brook (approximately 600m north-west of Active Remediation Area 1 and 800 m north-west of the passive remediation area); • Nant-y-Stepsau (approximately 700m north of Active Remediation Area 3);

• Rhyl Stream (approximately 700m south of Active Remediation Area 3 and 750m east of the passive remediation area); and

• Coastal waters to the south east of the site (1.4km south of Active Remediation Area 4). The remedial work for all groundwater remediation sites is due to be completed to standards agreed with and signed off by the EAW prior to construction and, therefore, the risk from existing groundwater contamination plumes to water quality or those who come into contact with contaminated material (e.g. construction workers and site users) would be removed. The

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current extent and scope of site investigations has not found any other sources of contamination which represent a significant risk to receptors within a commercial use context. Despite site investigations to validate the quality of shallow groundwater there is always the possibility, however small, that pockets of poor quality groundwater may be found, which had not been identified previously.

The 2002 and 2004 investigations found that borehole water sampled from the Carboniferous Limestone Major Aquifer showed no adverse effects on groundwater quality from existing contamination. Given the stratified nature of the geology and the depth to the Carboniferous Limestone Major Aquifer (approximately 84m), the risk to this aquifer from hydrocarbon contamination (including dense non aqueous liquids) detected at shallow depths in the Porthkerry Lower Lias Formation is considered negligible.

Eight historic emergency supply wells13 were drilled across the site. The wells provided a potential pathway for cross contamination between aquifers and from the surface, however, only two of these were drilled to depths likely to be coincident with the Carboniferous Limestone (major) aquifer (circa 80 – 90m depth). The other six were all terminated in the Lower Lias. The groundwater chemistry of depth discrete samples recovered from all eight wells has shown there has been no significant water quality impact to either the Minor or Major aquifer.

An agreement was reached with the EAW (Parsons Brinckerhoff, March 2008) that as part of the overall remedial strategy, and in order to safeguard the deeper aquifer in the long term, the eight redundant boreholes should be sealed to eliminate a potentially viable pathway for cross contamination between upper and lower aquifer units. Only two of the wells currently remain on site (the six others have been sealed in accordance with EAW guidance). It has been assumed that when redevelopment commences, the remaining wells will have been sealed as per the agreement with the EAW.

Water Supply and Abstractions Potable water supply to the MoD St Athan site is currently supplied by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW), with BREY Services being responsible for the water supply assets within the perimeter of the MoD base (under the Aquatrine project)14. The MoD St Athan site is supplied by water from the Sigingstone service water reservoir, which is owned by DCWW, and is located approximately 5 miles to the north west of St Athan in the Tywi Conjunctive Use water resource zone. The abstraction and supply of water from the reservoir to St Athan has taken

13 EWS1A, EWS1A – 7

14 Responsibility for all water services on the military estate in the UK has been transferred to ‘Service Providers’ under ‘Project Aquatrine’. BREY are the Aquatrine Service Provider for the South West of England and Wales, and therefore St. Athan. BREY are charged by the statutory water undertaker (i.e. DCWW) for the volumes of water supplied to the site.

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place since 1997; previously, the site water supply was provided from borehole sources which are now being made redundant.

The existing water supply and distribution infrastructure across the site is generally in a good state of maintenance. The Red Dragon Hangar is equipped with its own independent potable water supply storage and distribution system which is in good condition. Arrangements across East Camp are more variable, with some infrastructure in fairly poor condition.

According to the Thaw and Cadoxton CAMS, the availability of water resources in the wider area is indicated as ‘Water Available’; however, the long-term strategy is to move to ‘No Water Available’ status to introduce time limits and ‘Hands-Off Flows’ for any new licences15.

DCWW are in the process of reviewing regional water availability through their Water Resources Management Plan. DCWW indicated that they will carry out water supply modelling to account for the demand posed by the proposed developments16.

The EAW has provided data on a total of five abstraction licences within the 5km search radius of the development site. Two licences exist approximately 0.8km south east of the site from the River Kenson, a tributary of the River Thaw hydraulically unconnected to the MoD St Athan site, for evaporative cooling and for transfer between sources, by Blue Circle Ltd. A third abstraction licence exists at Dolgarrog/Aberthaw Power Station, operated by Npower Renewables Ltd, approximately 2.5km south east from the development site. The licence is for abstraction from the tidal River Thaw at this location for dust suppression. The two remaining licences are for general farming and domestic use from two boreholes and are located 2km and 4km east of the site, owned by a private farmer. Both of these boreholes are located to the east of the River Thaw and are not considered to be connected to the groundwater on the site. Details of the abstraction licences are provided in Table 11.7.

15 The current and future target water resource status in the upper and middle Thaw is ‘No Water Available’. The level of interaction between groundwater and surface waters has been taken into account to override the status to ‘No Water Available’ and thus provide protection of the water supplies in the area.

16 Modelling would be based on figures of water supply requirements to be advised from Welsh Assembly Governments designers; this is currently still outstanding.

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Table 11.7 Abstraction Licences Within 5km of the St Athan Site

Licence Licence Use Source Name National Grid Distance from Number Holder Reference site

Blue Circle Evaporative River Kenson & 0.8 km south east 21/58/21/0016 ST03216758 Industries PLC Cooling Quarry

Transfer Between 0.8 km south east Blue Circle River Kenson at 21/58/21/0004 Sources (Pre ST03326774 Industries PLC Aberthaw Water Act 2003)

Borehole at 2 km east General Farming 21/58/21/0019 Thomas & Son Walterston Farm ST06747115 & Domestic (Point B)

Borehole at 4 km east General Farming 21/58/21/0019 Thomas & Son Pancross Farm ST04786976 & Domestic (Point A)

Innogy 2.5 km south east 21/58/21/0005 Dust Suppression R.Thaw ST02946587 plc/Npower

The Vale of Glamorgan Council Council (VoGC) has been contacted to request information on private water supplies. The closest supplies are four boreholes located 3km north and upstream/upgradient of the St Athan site; therefore, these boreholes will not be receptors of any potential effects from site activities.

Foul Drainage and Discharges Foul water generated in the West Camp on the MoD St Athan site and Picketston is routed to Llantwit Major WwTW, while wastewater from East Camp and the Red Dragon Hangar site, in the south-east portion of the site, is routed to Aberthaw WwTW. Llantwit Major WwTW, lies west of St Athan at NGR SS 955 694. Treated effluent discharge is directly into the Tresilian Bay, south of the works, via a long sea outfall. Aberthaw WwTW is located 1.5km south-east of the site at NGR ST 023 667 and treated effluent flows are also discharged via a sea outfall.

Information on existing surface water discharges within the vicinity of the site is presented in Table 11.8 and also in Figure 11.1. Under the Aquatrine project, BREY Services is the sewerage undertaker within the perimeter of the MOD base, as well as the holder of discharge consents.

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Table 11.8 Existing Surface Water Discharge Consents in the Site Vicinity

Watercourse Discharges

Nant-y-Stepsau 2 surface water discharges in the northern edge of the site. Discharge consent numbers: AN 0375901 and AN0375801. One surface water outfall to a land drain, tributary to the Nant y Stepsau, no consent stated.

Rhyl Stream 2 surface water discharges in the south-eastern corner of the site. Discharge consent numbers: AN 0268801 and AN 0264101.

Boverton Brook 4 surface water discharges along the northern/western sides of the site. Discharge consent numbers: AN 0312401, BP0265501, BP 0261901 and BP 0263701.

Soakaways 1 soakaway in the south-eastern corner of the site (Batslays), discharge consent: AN 027700101.

Other soakaways are located in the site area, no discharge consents stated.

11.4.2 Predicted Future Baseline Prior to commencement of redevelopment of the St Athan site, which is expected to begin in 2010, it is anticipated that the baseline conditions will be largely unchanged from present conditions with respect to geology, soils, hydrology, flood risk and hydrogeology. There is only one influence that may lead to changes in the baseline water environment: changes in land use, which can affect permeability and runoff rates. However, assuming that no other development is to occur in the interim in the area, the land use would remain unchanged. The subsequent effects from changes in land use due to the proposed redevelopment, as well as the consequences of climate change throughout the lifetime of the development on flood risk to people and properties, both at the site and in adjacent areas, have been considered in the FCA.

The current remediation work to address groundwater contamination plumes is planned to be fully remediated to standards agreed with the EAW prior to construction. Similarly, any planned or ongoing Asset Management Plans (AMP4) schemes/improvements in the water and wastewater infrastructure should have been completed by DCWW by 201017.

17 This does not include installation of the new rising main, construction of the local foul pumping station and the specific upgrades to Llantwit Major WwTW (as a result of the scheme), as the timescale for these works will exceed the year 2010.

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11.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Development

11.5.1 Flood Risk and Drainage Measures A Flood Consequence Assessment (FCA) has been prepared for the proposed redevelopment, in line with TAN15. At the time of writing (April 2009), the FCA is being finalised and is, therefore, subject to changes in accordance with the ongoing consultation with the EAW. The FCA report should be read in accompaniment to this chapter of the Environmental Statement (ES) for a more detailed description of the flood risks and mitigation measures. The aim of the FCA is to ensure that development occurs in a safe manner, such that new development is not located in flood risk areas, and that flood risk and consequence to surrounding areas is not increased as a result of the development. Hydraulic analysis of the Nant-y-Stepsau has been carried out as part of the FCA. The Llanmaes Brook and Boverton Brook have been modelled in Hec-Ras, a one-dimensional hydraulic modelling software, to confirm the extent of flooding from a 0.1% annual probability flood. The results of the model have been used in the masterplanning of the SFA housing developments proposed in this area, at the Tremains Farm and North of West Camp/Picketston South West SFA housing sites and the design of the Llanmaes Bridge.

At the Tremains Farm site and North of West Camp, the housing units will be located at elevations above the 0.1% annual probability flood zone with a full blockage of key structures for the Boverton Brook/Llanmaes Brook, as mapped in the FCA. By constructing the new housing units to the levels recommended in the FCA, all units will be located within Flood Zone A at low flood risk.

The FCA also summarises the DTC St Athan – Surface Water Drainage Strategy, which is based on gathered data from the proposed drainage strategies, for the DTC, ABP and proposed SFA housing areas, from the various consultants (Pell Frischmann, WYG and Capita Symonds). The draft drainage strategies have been prepared following consultation with the EAW, applying their recommended Greenfield runoff rates for the relevant catchments. The FCA has reviewed the overall drainage strategy to ensure that the proposals as a whole meet the EAW’s requirements for surface water management; the drainage design and planning element is still ongoing. One overarching final drainage strategy has been prepared by Pell Frischmann and is presented in detail in the FCA.

The EAW advised that for drainage discharging to the Boverton Brook, runoff rates should not exceed 3.9 litres/sec/hectare (l/s/ha), and for discharges to the Nant-y-Stepsau and Rhyl Stream greenfield rates of 7.4 l/s/ha should be applied. The overall drainage strategy for the entire site includes various Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) to meet the above requirements, which are described in the following paragraphs.

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For the ABP site the draft drainage strategy, prepared by Capita Symonds and considered in the FCA, it is proposed to include the use of porous car parks constructed on stone tanks, and cellular storage tanks and attenuation ponds to be located upstream of the final discharge point. Drainage from the ABP North site including runoff from the hangar roofs will be directed toward the existing discharge consent N into the Nant-y-Stepsau (see Figure 11.1). Some roof runoff will be set aside for re-use through a greywater/rainwater harvesting system to further reduce drainage and water demand issues. Runoff from the Northern Access Road will be collected by kerb-side drains and swales, with attenuation provided by SUDS features to limit the runoff to Greenfield rates. The ABP South site will be served by piped drainage to a cellular storage tank, designed to discharge at 7.4 l/s/ha to the existing outfall into the Rhyl Stream culvert. Again some of the roof runoff will be set aside for re-use through rainwater harvesting. The Southern Access Road south of the railway will discharge to existing highway drainage outlets, with surface runoff from additional paved areas stored in cellular storage tanks located upstream of the connection to the existing system.

The outline drainage strategy for the East Camp area of the DTC, the Red Dragon Hangar site and Picketston has been prepared by Pell Frischmann. Drainage from the East Camp is proposed to follow the existing drainage routes, using new pipes to replace the existing piped system, directing surface water flow to underground storage on the southern side of East Camp prior to discharging into the Rhyl Stream using the existing outfall. The underground storage is required, in preference to open storage ponds, to minimise likelihood of bird strikes. The piped system serving the existing hangar site will be used as far as possible for the new Red Dragon Hangar drainage, which is limited by a penstock control structure prior to discharging to the Nant-y-Stepsau across Eglwys Brewis Road. The existing attenuation pond to the north of the hangar building will continue to be used to attenuate flows during storm events and control the discharge rate into the Nant-y-Stepsau. If required local attenuation features, or enlarging the existing basin will be implemented depending on the final impermeable areas.

The general strategy for Picketston is to divert the substantial existing areas of hardstanding from Boverton Brook into the Nant-y-Stepsau to reduce flood risk through Boverton. Whilst this may result in extra catchment area drainage into the Nant-y-Stepsau, the flow rate change will be smaller, since the increased catchment area routed to the Nant-y-Stepsau will be at greenfield rates, rather than the present unattenuated rates. Where discharge to the Boverton Brook is unavoidable, for example from some of the playing fields due to topographical constraints, the flow rates will be attenuated to greenfield runoff rates. SUDS options for the Picketston site are still being investigated, but are likely to include a combination of features such as attenuation basins, swales, rainwater harvesting, permeable car parks, soakawys and tank systems.

Surface water runoff from the proposed housing (SFA) serving the new development will also be treated using SUDS. WYG have prepared the outline strategy on behalf of the MoD regarding the housing sites. It is proposed that a ‘hard’ SUDS solution will be implemented, including an aqua-cell geocellular below ground storage and a proprietary Garastor system for

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residential properties. Prior to discharging into receiving watercourses, suitable pollution screening devices will be installed, for example proprietary by-pass interceptors. Softer SUDS solutions will be investigated as part of the detailed drainage strategy for the SFA housing areas, currently being produced. Overall runoff will be attenuated to 3.9 l/s/ha where it flows to the Boverton Brook (Tremains Farm, Picketston South west and North of West Camp) and 7.4 l/s/ha where it flows to the Rhyl Stream and Nant-y-Stepsau (Castleton).

The drainage systems for all parts of the site will be designed according to the EAW requirements, so that piped systems have capacity for up to the 3.33% annual probability flow (1 in 30 years return), and for flows between the 3.33% and 1% annual probability flow (1 in 100 years event) sufficient storage will be provided in the cellular storage and SuDS systems. All systems will be designed with an allowance for climate change of up to 50 years, i.e. a 20% increase in rainfall as recommended by the UK Climate Impacts Programme 2002 (UKCIP 2002).

The proposed SUDS consist of predominantly dry features such as swales and over-wide ditches, or infiltration based SUDS such as source control (e.g. porous paving) and infiltration trenches/blankets and soakaways. Permanently wet features are to be avoided for areas surrounding the runways, due to the risk of bird-strike incidents associated with the aerodrome.

With regard to highway works, the following are proposed:

• St Athan Junction: highway drainage for the junction improvement at St Athan junction will be accommodated in an improvement to the existing highways drainage system on a like for like basis; • Gileston to Old Mill: surface water runoff will be treated using a positive highway drainage system18, before discharging to the River Thaw;

• Waycock Cross: surface water runoff will be treated using a positive highway drainage system, attenuated to the Greenfield runoff conditions stipulated by the EAW, before discharging to the River Waycock19. At the new Waycock roundabout, surface water runoff will be routed to attenuation features in the centre of the roundabout.

18 A system of gullies and filter/carriers will drain this improved section of highway to the River Thaw. There is no requirement to attenuate the flow.

19 The improved junction layout at Waycock Cross is to be drained by linear kerb drains, gullies and carrier pipes. Flow attenuation is to be provided by a cellular tank beneath the centre of the proposed roundabout. The volume of storage required is approximately 1000m3, the tank discharging to an existing highway sewer outfall. The existing highway drainage is to be abandoned or retained as necessary.

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Two watercourse crossings are likely to be required for the proposed Northern Access Road (NAR)20, although the number of crossings have not yet been fully confirmed in the draft FCA. The modelled flood zones in the FCA will be used to inform the design of the crossings over the Llanmaes Brook and existing attenuation feature (50m span high-level bridge) and Boverton Brook (pipe culvert). The proposed crossings have been discussed with the EAW (meeting date 26/02/2009), where it was advised that culverting would be acceptable provided the capacity was designed so that flow from the 1% annual probability flood event, plus climate change, can pass through the structure. The bridge structure will be designed so that it is located outside the 0.1% annual probability flood extent and if not possible compensatory storage will be provided. The design of the new NAR watercourse crossings will be the responsibility of WAG.

For the smaller crossings required on the Nant-y-Stepsau and minor field drains in the Picketston area, crossings will be also designed to the 1% annual probability event plus climate change. It will be the responsibility of Metrix to ensure the crossings are designed to the required parameters.

A watercourse diversion of the Upper Boverton Brook will be required in the Picketston area, and will be designed so that flood risk is not increased; the replacement will be like for like, and appropriate enhancements to the channel will be included to further reduce flood risk, for example by including a storage basin. The EAW have in principle agreed with the proposed diversion (outcome of meeting, date 26/02/2009). For watercourse crossings and diversion, Flood Defence (formerly known as Land Drainage) Consent will be sought from the EAW.

The following easements have been requested along watercourses in the vicinity of the development:

• Main Rivers (EAW) – 7m either side, extending away from banktop;

• Ordinary Watercourses (Vale of Glamorgan) – 4m either side, extending away from banktop. These easement strips will ensure that development does not encroach on the watercourse corridors, preventing maintenance access, and that there is no construction of structures that may obstruct flood flows21.

20 In terms of runoff management for the NAR works, it is proposed that runoff will be collected by kerb-side drains and swales and routed towards the Boverton Brook (through an outlet adjacent to the Carpenters Arms Pub and an outlet adjacent to the B4265 crossing) and the Nant-y-Stepsau (adjacent to Picketston House road bridge). Attenuation features will be designed so that the overall flows are attenuated to the greenfield runoff rate of 3.9 l/s/ha for the Boverton Brook catchment and 7.4 l/s/ha for the Nant-y-Stepsau catchment.

21 The EAW requires that any development proposals within the watercourse corridor (watercourse width plus 7m either side of bank tops) are submitted for Flood Defence Consent. The VoG has similar requirements for Ordinary Watercourses.

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The changes to wastewater treatment infrastructure are described in Section 11.5.4, and will be designed so that there are no changes to flood risk, as the pipeline for the new rising main will not obstruct any watercourse flows or cross-sections, or reduce flood storage capacity within the floodplain, and WwTW discharges will be to coastal waters via a long sea outfall.

11.5.2 Water Quality Measures Standard environmental measures will be implemented during construction (and demolition, where applicable) to ensure adherence to the EA PPG notes, CIRIA guidance and other current best practice, including the EAW guidance note “Silt pollution and how to avoid it”. The main purpose of such measures is to prevent silt and suspended sediment reaching the watercourses and disrupting the aquatic ecology. This is seen as the main risk to surface water quality, although the risk of accidental spillages/discharges of other chemicals and pollutants used in construction is also present. An emergency response protocol will be developed by contractors to ensure that any accidental spillages are intercepted and that there are procedures for site staff to follow. Spill containment equipment (e.g. absorbent material) will be provided on site.

The implementation of advice in PPG notes and additional environmental control of accidental discharges will ensure that there is no significant deterioration in the receiving water quality. During any sub-contractor tendering the expected level of environmental control would be included in the tender documents so that all contractors allow for standard practice measures in their costs and method statements. The EAW Special Requirements for Water Pollution Prevention from Civil Engineering Contracts contain a definitive list of clauses for incorporation into civil engineering contractual documents.

The EAW were concerned with scour issues and downstream effects in the Nant-y-Stepsau; these potential effects are to be mitigated, in agreement with EAW advice, through measures proposed during detailed design of the development scheme. These may include de-silting of the stream, as required, near its source under the Eglwys Brewis Bridge; this will be subject to agreement with the EAW.

Other measures will include storage of all chemicals within areas of hardstanding and bunded so that 110% of the stored capacity is provided and located at least 20m away from any surface watercourses, drains and recharge ponds. Plant and machinery used during the construction will be well maintained to minimise the risks of oil leaks or similar issues. Maintenance and refuelling of machinery will be undertaken off-site or within designated areas of temporary hardstanding. In these designated areas contingency plans will be implemented to ensure that the risks of accidental spillages are minimised. Placing a drip tray beneath plant and machinery during refuelling and maintenance can contain small spillages. It should be noted that the above measures are to also be implemented when storing and using fuel oils and chemicals during site operation, for example when maintaining generators (or other equipment) and refilling oil tanks.

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Refuelling and stockpiles should also be located greater than 10m from any watercourse. Site excavation and fill operations will be planned to ensure a balance of earthwork is achieved with the minimal amount of on site movement of materials as possible, which will further reduce the potential for mobilisation of sediments in site runoff. Surplus excavated material is to be used within landscape bunds. Wheel wash facilities are to be provided for trucks going to and from the construction site at all entry and exit points. Silty water from wheel-washes will require appropriate disposal to prevent unacceptable levels of suspended solids entering the nearby surface water bodies.

As described previously, the new development will be supported by appropriately designed SUDS, likely to be a mixture of source control features (swales, soakaways and filter strips) and attenuation ponds (where appropriate so that there is no risk of bird strikes). The design of SUDS is also expected to provide a degree of runoff treatment, helping to reduce the amount of entrained debris and dissolved pollutants within site runoff. Additional water quality treatment will include the use of oil interceptors to treat runoff from car parks and runways, prior to discharge. The primary aim of these processes is to protect surface water quality, but in delivering water treatment above ground, this also ensures the protection of groundwater quality. If dewatering is required along any part of the construction corridor, then the water would first be passed through an appropriate sediment removal system prior to discharge.

It should be stressed that the quantity and quality of all site discharges will be subject to discharge consents (or revision to existing consents) which will be agreed with the EAW prior to commencement of construction. Furthermore, if there were to be any particular concerns over short term effects on receiving water quality (due to construction activities), a monitoring programme could be set up to sample the quantity (flow/levels) and quality of surface and ground waters.

11.5.3 Water Supply and Re-Use Cundall are responsible for designing the strategy for domestic water distribution, consumption and conservation for the DTC. Three water supplies are being addressed; supply to the Picketston site, the existing Hangar supply, and a new supply for East Camp22.

The proposed water supply infrastructure for East Camp comprises the incoming service from the DCWW main, underground storage tanks, duplicated pumping plant (in the same building) and a ring-main infrastructure around site for distribution to individual buildings. The proposed infrastructure for Picketston comprises the incoming service from the DCWW main, distribution to the new buildings on the site and local storage within the individual buildings. It is proposed

22 The capacity of supply required at individual buildings and for the site as a whole has been estimated to be approximately 1,400 m3/d using recognised typical loadings. This will subsequently be confirmed during full design.

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that the existing Hangar supply arrangement and associated storage within the building will be retained with any necessary modifications to suit the fit-out.

Infrastructure for East Camp will be based on centralised underground stage of potable water in preference to traditional in-building storage. Centralised storage will be at a single location, and the design will be optimised to suit the masterplan. It is currently proposed that a half day’s consumption of water will be stored, and the storage and pumping equipment will be arranged with duplicated elements to enhance the availability of supply, particularly allowing for routine maintenance and local plant failure. Water supply is a critical service, therefore it is proposed that the pumps and associated equipment be backed up by local standby generators.

Measures will also be taken to reduce overall water consumption by incorporating the following facilities:

• Dual flush toilets;

• Low usage shower heads;

• Spray taps;

• Water efficient appliances Additional opportunities for the recycling of water are being considered as part of the ongoing design, in particular rainwater harvesting. This is likely to involve the use of rainwater collected from roofs and its distribution for irrigation. Moreover, the use of rainwater collection is also being considered for boot washing facilities, which due to the nature of the DTC have the potential to consume large quantities of water.

The intention is for all new buildings to achieve BREEAM23 excellence standards with respect to water and energy use. Refurbished buildings will achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standards.

In addition, WYG are expected to be advising DCWW of the water supply requirements for all other development areas24; however, this has not currently been confirmed. This would enable DCWW to undertake water supply modelling to establish if improvements to the water supply network may be required in the site area to meet future demand.

23 The BREEAM assessment process, first created in 1990, looks at a broad range of environmental impacts, such as health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, material and waste, landuse and ecology. Credits are awarded in each of the above areas according to performance. A set of environmental weightings then enables the credits to be added together to produce a single overall score for the building, and a certificate is awarded to the development.

24 While Welsh Assembly Government are advising water supply requirements within the ABP development area

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11.5.4 Foul Drainage and Wastewater Treatment DCWW have produced an outline design for connecting foul water discharges from the proposed development site to the existing DCWW sewerage, treatment and disposal system. The proposed scheme25 comprises a new foul pumping station on-site and a rising main to deliver foul flows to Llantwit Major WwTW, as well as an extension of this WwTW to accommodate the additional flows.

Only foul flows from the development sewerage system will gravitate to the new foul pumping station (maximum output of 75 l/s), located in its own compound (NGR SS 299950 169120). An emergency overflow is to be provided with two potential receiving watercourses: the Boverton Brook and the Nant-y-Stepsau. Final overflow arrangements (and location) would be subject to agreement on water quality and flood risk issues with the EAW, Land Drainage Authority and riparian land owners.

The rising main has been located to avoid major roads and minimise disturbance to land owners and known sites of ecological (and archaeological) significance. No designated or protected sites, public water abstractions or private water supplies exist between the foul pumping station at the site and Llantwit Major WwTW. The rising main26 has been located adjacent to field boundaries and, as much as feasible, utilises existing field access points and gaps in hedgerows. Construction of the rising main will also involve five road crossings, two bridge crossings and one crossing through an underpass below the Cardiff-Bridgend via Barry mainline27. No chemicals, stockpiles or fuel will be stored within 20m of the water crossing. No changes in flood risk will arise, as the rising main will not obstruct any watercourse flows/cross-sections or reduce flood storage capacity within the floodplain28. Minimisation of effects on surface and groundwater during installation of the rising main will be achieved by adhering to best practice guidelines, PPG notes and implementing the measures described in 11.5.2. In the unlikely event

25 The increases in wastewater flows generated by the development would exceed available treatment capacity at the existing Llantwit Major and West Aberthaw WwTWs; therefore the sewerage requisition had to be combined with upgrading of wastewater treatment.

26 The rising main is approximately 5.5km in length, rises from ground level 42.5m AOD at the pumping station to 77m AOD at the WwTW. The pipeline will be 300mm internal diameter, of ductile iron or polyethylene material. All bends will be equipped with concrete thrust blocks to resist pressure forces.

27 Construction of the pipeline would also require a temporary easement of approximately 12m in width, with a 6m wide permanent easement along the length of the pipeline for future maintenance access for DCWW

28 The route of the rising main is almost entirely in Flood Zone A, except for two watercourse crossings: the Boverton Brook adjacent to the St Athan site and the Ogney Brook at Purlon Farm (500m east of the WwTW), representing perpendicular crossings of areas of Flood Zone C2. The FCA has assessed flood risk at these two water crossings and concluded that with appropriate design, in accordance with EAW advice, this will not be increased.

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that groundwater is encountered during construction, this will be collected, treated and disposed of appropriately in agreement with EAW advice.

Upgrade works at Llantwit Major WwTW will see the current ‘flow to full treatment’ increase from 105 l/s to 142 l/s, a new balancing tank29, extension to inlet works (with replacement larger grit removal plant), upgrading of the aeration ditches and associated air blowers, a new final settlement tank (identical with the existing two tanks), replacement of the existing Ultra Violet disinfecting system, new odour control, new sludge treatment facilities and upsizing of the first 235m of outfall pipe from 350mm to 400mm diameter. The WwTW extension can be accommodated within the existing boundary, although some adjacent land would be temporarily needed to house the construction compound.

The above improvements will ensure that the WwTW is capable of treating all incoming flows to the standards agreed with the EAW. Effluent consent standards will be renegotiated with the EAW; it has been indicated that the water quality conditions will remain the same while the flow consent limit is expected to be increased by approximately 35%.

11.5.5 Construction Method Statement and Environmental Management Plan An overarching Construction Method Statement (CMS) will be prepared for the entire development and adhered to throughout the site preparation and construction phase of the proposed developments. An overarching Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP) and the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will also be in place to help control and minimise the potential construction impacts of redevelopment on the environment. Prior to any construction operations commencing, either within the site or off-site, a fully robust CEMP and EMP will be produced to cover all site activities during the various phases of development to ensure that no negative effects on the water environment will be experienced. Emergency procedures and accident response protocols will also be detailed for all construction workers, site staff and users in order to control and mitigate accidental pollution events30.

11.5.6 Rationale for Environmental Measures A summary of the proposed environmental measures in the developments is provided in Table 11.9, which describes the predicted effects on potential receptors and the benefits afforded by incorporating environmental measures.

29 at the discharge end of the rising main to limit inflow to the works to 37 l/s from the maximum pumped flow of 75 l/s.

30 It would also be recommended to provide environmental safety training to all staff prior to commencement of construction.

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Table 11.9 Rationale and Benefits from Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Level of Receptor Potential Effects Effectiveness

Boverton Changes in morphology Restriction of site runoff to greenfield Highly effective Brook/Hoddnant (erosion potential) and rates. SUDS (attenuation and treatment) Stream, Nant-y- hydrology /flood risk due to implemented prior to discharge. No direct Stepsau and Rhyl changes in runoff and sediment uncontrolled/untreated discharges (e.g Stream regime and diversion. from dewatering). Discharges subject to Deterioration in water quality EAW consents. De-silting of Nant-y- due to potential silt entrainment Stepsau, if required, near its source under or accidental spills/leaks from the Eglwys Brewis Bridge (to be agreed site discharges with EAW).

CMS and Emergency/Pollution Control measures (where measures will be outlined in detail). Storage of fuels and chemicals on bunded hard standing, as well as stockpiles, more than 10m distant from watercourses. Watercourse diversion to be like for like and reduce flood risk where possible through storage areas.

River Thaw Changes in morphology No direct uncontrolled/untreated Highly effective (erosion potential) and discharges. Restriction of runoff to hydrology /flood risk; greenfield rates. SUDS (attenuation and deterioration in water quality treatment) implemented prior to due to site (and off-site discharge. Dilution in tributaries due to highways) discharges distance. CMS and Emergency/Pollution Control measures.

Rivers Waycock and Changes in morphology No direct uncontrolled/untreated Highly effective Kenson (erosion potential) and discharges. Restriction of runoff to hydrology /flood risk; greenfield rates. SUDS implemented prior deterioration in water quality to discharge. Dilution in tributaries. CMS due to highways works and Emergency/Pollution Control discharges measures.

Groundwater Deterioration in water quality No uncontrolled discharges from site. Effective from pollution events, previous Contaminated land remediation prior to land uses, construction, piling construction. SUDS (attenuation and and site operation activities. treatment). CMS and Emergency/Pollution Control measures. Standard good practice standards and measures, including oil and chemical storage and control of refuelling activities.

Other local drainage Change in receiving ditch water CMS and Emergency/Pollution Control Highly Effective ditches/minor levels and quality; increased measures. No uncontrolled/untreated watercourses flood risk due to discharges discharges.

Coastal waters Deterioration in water quality No direct (or untreated) discharges Highly effective from indirect discharges (i.e. to proposed. Dilution/degradation between rivers, WwTW effluent) site and coast. Improvements to Llantwit Major WwTW and new sewerage infrastructure (including foul pumping station and rising main). WwTW discharges subject to revision of EAW consents.

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Table 11.9 (continued) Rationale and Benefits from Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Level of Receptor Potential Effects Effectiveness

People and Increased flood risk due to No uncontrolled discharges from site. Highly effective properties on-site, runoff from new development Adherence to prescribed greenfield rates. adjacent and (increase in impermeable SUDS attenuation. New/improved local downstream areas areas) or new drainage system. Siting of buildings away bridge/watercourse crossings. from (or elevated above) flood risk areas. FCA with modelling results, bridge design, water crossings and other recommendations approved by EAW.

11.6 Scope of the Assessment

Following the data gathering and analysis, potential receptors in the water environment have been identified within the 5km radius around the development area. These include all surface and groundwater bodies, as well as people and property downstream/downgradient of the development areas that may be potentially affected by activities during site preparation, construction and operation of the proposed development. The approach adopted for identification of receptors involved separating those that could potentially be significantly affected from those that will not be affected, on account of the benefit of environmental measures incorporated in the proposed developments.

11.6.1 Potential Receptors The baseline section has identified the following potential receptors:

Surface Water Quality and Quantity (including baseflow) in:

• Llanmaes Brook/Boverton Brook/Hoddnant Stream;

• Nant-y-Stepsau;

• Rhyl Stream;

• River Thaw;

• Rivers Waycock and Kenson;

• Local drainage ditch system. Groundwater Quality and Recharge to:

• Lower Lias Formation (Minor Aquifer);

• Carboniferous Limestone (Major Aquifer);

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• Public water supply (including private water abstractions). Flood Risk to:

• People and properties on-site and downstream (flood risk). Water Quality in:

• Coastal waters (including the Tresilian Bay receiving effluent from Llantwit Major WwTW, the Limpert Bay receiving effluent from Aberthaw WwTW, and the adjacent Severn Estuary). With regard to public water supply, no pathways have been identified between the site and sensitive receptors such as private water supplies or potable water abstractions. Moreover, DCWW is expected to confirm that the provision of water for the uses and purposes of the proposed development will not create water supply issues elsewhere in the region, as there are sufficient regional resources to meet the demand31.

Therefore, public water supply and private abstractions will not be considered further in this assessment.

11.6.2 Assessment of Significance of Potential Effects Assessment of each of the following potential effects has led to the conclusion that they are not likely to be significant and hence do not require further assessment.

• Effects during construction on surface water quality in the local watercourses and groundwater quality in the Lower Lias Minor Aquifer from contaminants already present on site: Soil disturbance and removal of hardstanding during construction could mobilise or leach contamination from soils into groundwater or local surface watercourses. Only localised soil contamination was found to be present during site investigation work (see Chapter 10, Land Quality) and this is due to be remediated to standards agreed with and signed off by the EAW, prior to construction. It is considered that this potential effect is not significant and does not require further assessment;

• Effects during construction on surface and groundwater quality from contaminants introduced to the site by the demolition, construction and operation processes32: The construction phase will involve the storage and use of oils and chemicals on site. Spillage or leaks from such sources have the potential to reach local watercourses or infiltrate and degrade the quality of groundwater within the Porthkerry Lower Lias

31 This may be subject to modelling results; an assessment will be carried out by DCWW to determine if any improvements are required in the local and regional water supply infrastructure as a result of the proposed development. A revised Water Resources Management Plan addressing regional water management issues will be issued by DCWW before the end of 2009.

32 (excluding upgrade works relating to installation of rising main and extension to Llantwit Major WwTW)

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Formation. Appropriate Environmental Measures (section 11.5) would be designed to protect surface water and groundwater quality from accidental spillages and will incorporate the guidance of EA PPG notes and CIRIA guidance into the construction method statements and include the bunding of chemical and fuel stores to 110% of capacity, the design of a pollution incidence response plan to deal with any accidental spillages or leaks and the maintenance and re-fuelling of vehicles and equipment on hardstanding. Furthermore the one borehole remaining on the main development site will be back-filled and capped (as agreed with the EAW) so there will be no pathway via the borehole to the deep Carboniferous Limestone. Therefore, it is considered that this potential effect on groundwater and surface water quality is not significant and does not require further assessment;

• Effects during construction on stream baseflow or groundwater from dewatering operations on site: During construction, water may enter deep excavations in the Porthkerry Lower Lias Formation. The Porthkerry Lower Lias Formation is a Minor Aquifer with low secondary permeability generally along fractures or fissures. The Lower Lias is a multi-layered aquifer with inter-bedded limestones and mudstones. The limestone bands form discrete individual water-bearing horizons, separated by less permeable layers. Therefore, extensive dewatering is not expected to be required; however, localised pumping from within excavations may be necessary. Pumping small volumes of water from excavations is not expected to have an impact on baseflow to any surface water bodies. Therefore, it is considered that this potential effect is not significant and does not require further assessment;

• Effects during construction on surface and coastal water quality from the discharge of sediment entrained run-off: Dewatering effluent would have to be treated and disposed of in appropriate manner, and a discharge consent would have to be obtained prior to disposal to a watercourse. The drainage strategies are designed so that there will be no direct discharge of untreated water into the watercourses. Treatment including silt traps, filtration and/or settlement of silt will be required during the construction process to ensure compliance with the discharge consent. Standard environmental measures will be implemented to adhere to the EA PPG notes and current best practice. The potential for indirect effects to coastal waters through site discharges into the Boverton Brook and tributaries of the River Thaw is negligible considering the level of control of site runoff through SUDS and other environmental measures built in the development, the distance to the coast, and the dilution provided by the watercourses and the sea itself. The potential for indirect effects on coastal water quality through increased wastewater from the development area flowing into the WwTWs (and the subsequent effluent discharges) is negligible, considering that improvements will be made to Llantwit Major WwTW33 and that the effluent discharges are subject to EAW flow and quality discharge consents34. Therefore, it is considered that this potential effect on water quality is not significant and does not require further assessment;

33 Including a new settling tank, as well as a local sewage pumping station and rising main from the site (DCWW). These wastewater infrastructure schemes have been allowed to proceed as permitted development.

34 Which are issued and revised, as necessary, taking into consideration the water receptor’s ability to dilute/absorb the polluting load.

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• Effects during construction on flood risk (surface water quantity) of the local watercourses (Nant-y-Stepsau, Llanmaes Brook/Boverton Brook, Rhyl Stream) and people or property downstream: The CMS and CEMP provide drainage strategies for the construction process to manage and treat rainfall runoff. The drainage systems for the construction phase will be designed to meet the required runoff rates from the site so that they are equal to existing greenfield runoff rates through the use of SUDS and attenuation techniques. The layout of the site is designed to avoid the high flood risk areas, so that the construction sites and compounds will also be located outside the high flood risk areas. The bridge design across the Llanmaes Brook will be designed so that the bridge abutments are located with consideration of the 0.1% flood zone, as mapped in the FCA. The FCA is currently being finalised and will make recommendations for compensatory storage such that no flood storage capacity is lost. The works associated with the WwTW extension and rising main will not affect flood risk, as the route of the proposed pipeline minimises water crossings (only one, using existing bridge structure) and does not alter watercourse cross sections or reduce flood storage, and the effluent discharge will be via a long sea outfall. Therefore the potential effect on flood risk during construction is considered not significant;

• Effects during operation on downstream people and property from increases in flood risk (surface water quantity of the local watercourses): Post construction, the runoff rates from the site will be controlled so that they are equal to existing greenfield runoff rates through the use of SUDS and attenuation techniques. Regular maintenance of the local surface water and foul water drainage systems will ensure that any residual risk of or flooding is minimised. Maintenance and routine inspections of SUDS will be provided by their adopter (or a private management company). Runoff from recreational and open areas will also be controlled by SUDS to meet the required runoff rates. An FCA has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of TAN15 (Development and Flood Risk). This concludes35 that the alteration of the existing landscape is unlikely to adversely affect flooding at the site and downstream of the development; therefore, potential effects on people and property considered as not significant;

• Effects on surface water quality from site drainage during operation of the site: During site operation of the St Athan development and off-site areas, there are several activities that have potential for interacting with surface watercourses in the area; these mainly relate to the maintenance of local drainage systems and consented discharges. SUDS designed for the development will address the potential for contamination of hydrocarbons and oils in surface water runoff, which result from vehicles on roads and car parking areas. A degree of treatment (through sediment settlement and reduction in organic load) will be afforded by SUDS. Surface water treatment is likely to include oil interceptors and filtration through vegetation in infiltration ponds. This combination of treatment is considered appropriate for the estimated hydrocarbon loadings from the development. Therefore, any potential effect on water quality in the receiving waters is considered to be not significant;

• Effects during construction and operation from site drainage on groundwater quality in the Limestone Major Aquifer: Given the stratified nature of the geology and the depth to

35 Currently draft conclusions; this will be confirmed in the final FCA.

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the Major Aquifer (approximately 84m), the risk to this resource from hydrocarbon contamination (including dense non aqueous liquids), detected at shallow depths in the Porthkerry Formation, is considered negligible. Two historic emergency supply wells currently remain at the site. These wells are a potential pathway for cross contamination between aquifers and from the surface. However, an agreement was reached with the EAW (Parsons Brinckerhoff, March 2008) that as part of the overall remedial strategy, and in order to safeguard the deeper aquifer in the long term, these wells will be backfilled to standards agreed with the EAW prior to construction. Therefore, it is considered that this potential effect is not significant and does not require further assessment.

• Effects on surface water quality and morphology from drainage and/or other discharges from off-site highways works: During, and following, highways improvements (e.g. Weycock Cross and Gileston to Old Mill junctions), there is potential for changes in the drainage regime, quantity and quality of surface water received by the rivers Weycock, Kenson and Thaw, and hence changes in their erosion potential. There is also a possibility of accidental discharges from highways construction works. A combination of positive highway drainage systems and SUDS will be designed as an improvement to the existing highways drainage system. Greenfield rates will be agreed with the EAW and runoff will be attenuated to these rates. SUDS (to include oil interceptors and filtration, as required) will also provide attenuation (and a degree of treatment) of any accidental contamination (e.g. hydrocarbons and oils) in surface water runoff. The overall CEMP and emergency procedures/accident response protocols will also apply in off-site areas of construction. Therefore, any potential effect on water quality in the receiving waters is considered to be not significant;

• Effects on groundwater quality and surface water quality during construction and operation/maintenance of the rising main, foul pumping station and extension to WwTW: All known environmental and water related constraints (e.g. water abstractions, designated areas) have been considered in locating the proposed pumping station and rising main. The route of the rising main has therefore minimised, as far as feasible, any potential effects of the pipeline (and associated chambers) on water environment features. Established roads, bridges and railway crossings will be used to install the pipeline. Adhering to best practice guidelines and the PPG notes will ensure that any remaining potential effects are mitigated. The extension to the WwTW has been located wholly within the existing works boundary, and its design is intended to minimise environmental impacts. Similarly the new foul pumping station will be appropriately located and designed to minimise effects; emergency overflow discharges will be subject to EAW agreement and conditions (discharge and flood defence/land drainage consents). Therefore, it is considered that these potential effects are not significant and do not require further assessment;

• Effects on coastal water quality from increased WwTW effluent discharges during site operation: The treated effluent discharge from Llantwit Major WwTW will be subject to a revised consent (as renegotiated with the EAW), as an allowance will need to be made for the additional wastewater flow arriving at the works. It is likely that water quality conditions will remain the same while the effluent flow allowance will be increased by approximately a third. The upgraded WwTW will be able to achieve higher levels of

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treatment than current arrangements36; this, coupled with the large dilution afforded by the sea, will ensure that no effects on coastal water quality will arise. Therefore, this potential effect is considered not significant and does not require further assessment.

11.6.3 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation The incorporation into the development of the Environmental Measures detailed in section 11.5, including Table 11.10, and 11.6.2 is considered sufficient to ensure that there will be no overall significant effects to the listed receptors in the water environment from the causes identified in the bullet point list above. Appropriate controls for the enforcement of these Environmental Measures are detailed in Table 11.10, and also in the CMS. The CMS also details the emergency procedures to be employed to protect controlled waters against accidental spillages and releases of chemicals and other pollutants; this will minimise any residual effects and risks.

The detail of all measures to protect the water environment and the CMS will be formally agreed with the EAW before the commencement of construction and will be developed with particular emphasis on the protection of the locally important groundwater resource in the Lower Lias Minor Aquifer.

Therefore, it is concluded that the proposed development would have no significant effects on hydrology, geology and hydrogeology.

11.7 Implementation of Environmental Measures

The redevelopment of the St Athan site has the potential to impact on the water environment during the site preparation, construction and operational phases, if environmental controls and measures are not put in place. This chapter has reviewed the environmental measures incorporated in the development and proposed further controls and procedures to be included in the site design, the CMS and the CEMP. A detailed FCA has been carried out to assess the flood risk and consequences to property and people on-site and in adjacent areas. This assessment of the water environment has concluded that there will be no significant effects on the hydrology, geology and hydrogeology, if the standard and site specific environmental measures incorporated in the design are implemented. The parties responsible for implementing the proposed environmental measures and the compliance mechanisms are summarised in Table 11.10.

36 Due to improved arrangements, closer process control and some process optimisation (RAF St Athan requisition report, DCWW, February 2009).

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Table 11.10 Implementation of Environmental Measures

Environmental Measure Responsibility for Compliance Mechanism Implementation

Implementation of protocols during the construction Site manager or Recommended to be planning phase concerning best practice, pollution prevention engineer responsible condition enforcing compliance with and accident responses for implementation of CEMP and EMP. environmental control measures

Management of surface water run-off and site Site manager or Recommended to be planning drainage to ensure no increase in flow/levels or engineer responsible condition enforcing compliance with change in quality/morphology of receiving waters for implementation of CEMP and EMP. environmental control measures

Discharge consent required for discharges to Site manager or Recommended to be planning surface waters engineer responsible condition enforcing compliance with for implementation of CEMP and EMP. environmental control measures

Flood Defence37 Consent required for watercourse Site manager or Recommended to be planning crossings and diversion engineer responsible condition enforcing compliance with for implementation of CEMP and EMP. environmental control measures

Adherence to new/revised consents for discharges WwTW: DCWW Recommended to be planning from pumping station emergency overflow and condition enforcing compliance with Llantwit Major WwTW Site manager or CEMP and EMP. engineer responsible for implementation of environmental control measures

De-silting of Nant-y-Stepsau near its source under Site manager or Recommended to be planning the Eglwys Brewis Bridge (if required and subject to engineer responsible condition enforcing compliance with agreement with the EAW) for implementation of CEMP and EMP. environmental control measures and EAW

Installation of proposed SUDS Site manager or Recommended to be planning engineer responsible condition enforcing compliance with for implementation of CEMP and EMP. environmental control measures

Maintenance of drainage systems and SUDS Site manager or Recommended to be planning engineer responsible condition enforcing compliance with for implementation of CEMP and EMP. environmental control measures

37 Formerly known as Land Drainage consent; this is required for any works within 7m of the bank tops of any Main Rivers

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12. Community

12.1 Introduction The proposed St Athan development is expected to affect the local community in a variety of ways. This chapter assesses the potential social and economic effects that may arise as a result of the proposed development as described in Chapter 3. Following a summary of relevant policy and legislation, this chapter outlines the data gathering methodology that was adopted as part of the assessment. This leads on to a description of the overall baseline conditions, the environmental measures that have been incorporated into the scheme, the scope of the assessment, the assessment methodology and, for each receptor, an assessment of potential effects. The chapter concludes with a summary of the results of the assessment. This chapter includes an assessment made on the basis of available information and where information is outstanding, no assessment has been made.

12.2 Policy and Legislative Context It is necessary to consider the policy context when defining the scope of the assessment in order to ensure that the Environmental Statement has been prepared in the knowledge of what the relevant policy issues are. Table 12.1 summarises the policies relevant to the local community.

Table 12.1 Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference Policy Issue

National planning policies

Wales Spatial Plan, 2008 The development should take into consideration the priorities for South East Wales as set out in this plan.

TAN 13: Tourism The development should take into consideration any potential effects on local tourism, particularly any negative effects associated with construction.

TAN 16: Sport, Recreation The development should take into consideration the guidelines for recreation provision and Open Space (2009) contained in this policy.

Local planning policies

Vale of Glamorgan Adopted Unitary Development Plan 1996 - 2011

Policy 1: Environment Effect of proposed development on the Vale of Glamorgan’s distinctive rural, urban and coastal character must be taken into account.

Policy 4: Economic The assessment will take into account whether or not the proposed employment uses development and tourism match demand and requirements of local businesses and start-ups.

Policy Env 24: Conservation The assessment will take into account whether the development promotes the and enhancement of open conservation of open spaces which are important for amenity, recreation and/or nature space conservation within the built environment.

Policy Emp 10: RAF St. Further developments at the RAF St. Athan base will be favoured provided there is no Athan unacceptable impact on amenity. This assessment will take this into account.

h:\projects\ea-210\24000-24999\24996 dtr metrix (24996&16057)\st athan-vog\eia and the es\env statement_final\chapter © Entec UK Limited 12 - community\chapter\c149i2_ st athan draft es - draft community chapter 270509.doc

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12.2.1 Legislative Requirements There are no specific legislative requirements that are relevant to this review.

12.3 Data Gathering Methodology

12.3.1 Desk Study A variety of publicly available reports and national statistics were reviewed in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the baseline and sensitivity of the Vale of Glamorgan. These include: • Planning Policy Wales, March 2002 Welsh Assembly Government, plus updates as appropriate;

• Employment Land Study for Vale of Glamorgan Council, Final Report, 2007, BE Group;

• Population and Housing Projections Paper, Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan 2011 – 2026, 2007, The Vale of Glamorgan Council;

• Sustainable Settlements Appraisal, 2007, Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan;

• Single Education Plan for Vale of Glamorgan Council 2006 – 2008;

• The Vale of Glamorgan Adopted Unitary Development Plan 1996 – 2011;

• Nomis Official Labour Market Statistics, Office for National Statistics, www.nomisweb.co.uk; • Statswales, www.statswales.gov.uk; and

• Welsh Assembly Government Joint Housing Land Availability Study – Vale of Glamorgan. Other sources have also been used to provide supplementary evidence to develop and assess the various effects of the development and reference is made to the source within the chapter.

12.3.2 Consultations This section presents the various organisations that have been consulted as part of this assessment on community. These consultees were agreed and deemed sufficient in discussions of the scope of the assessment with Vale of Glamorgan Council, no further organisations were identified.

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Table 12.2 Consultation Log

Organisation Topic

Metrix Email correspondence and telephone discussions have been undertaken to discuss and request information regarding current and future site activities, employment and expenditure as well as wider economic effects.

Laing O’Rourke (Construction delivery Entec have engaged in telephone discussions and email correspondence partner) with Laing O’Rourke to obtain information regarding construction employment.

Welsh Assembly Government Telephone discussions, meeting and email correspondence have been undertaken with Welsh Assembly Government (planning, economic development and regeneration teams) to discuss wide range of effects of the development.

Vale of Glamorgan Council Entec have undertaken a number of telephone discussions and a meeting with the Council (economic development and tourism departments). Discussions have covered the scope of the community chapter as well as examining the range of effects as a result of the development.

Creative Rural Communities Entec met with this organisation to discuss the wider effects of the proposed development on employment, communities, services and regeneration.

Vale of Glamorgan Local Health Board Telephone discussions have been undertaken with the Vale of Glamorgan Local Health Board to request information regarding the effects on local health services.

Capital Wales Discussion about perceptions and opportunities for local businesses from proposed development.

Community Consultations A number of public workshops and consultations have been undertaken as part of the development of the submission with the local community. These are detailed in the table below:

Table 12.3 Public Consultation Undertaken

Event Topic

Public This exhibition was aimed at providing details of the proposed development and answering questions exhibition, that local residents may have. In addition a newsletter was distributed to local residents and a May 2006 community website was created in order to inform residents and answer any questions.

Public The Draft St Athan Development Brief 2006 was submitted for public consultation in accordance with consultation the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s protocol for preparing development briefs. The public consultation on St Athan included public workshops and the results of this process helped shape the plans for the Development Development Brief Brief

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Table 12.3 (continued) Public Consultation Undertaken

Event Topic

Public This public exhibition collected comments and questions relating to the proposed development at St. consultation Athan. The responses from the public covered the following issues: workshops, July 2008 • Transport – concerns were raised relating to increased traffic as a result of the development and issues regarding new junctions proposed, as well as the need for public transport;

• Environment – These concerns related to perceived loss of greenfield sites and impacts on biodiversity as well as pollution (noise, traffic, light);

• Housing – concerns related to use of greenfield land and golf course for new SFA housing and impacts of additional housing on infrastructure such as traffic and community facilities;

• Employment - positive sentiments were expressed regarding job opportunities but suspicions also raised regarding job numbers and benefits.

Community This workshop presented the range of facilities to be provided as part of the new development. The facilities presentation covered the following: sports and leisure facilities, retail, restoration of St. Brise church, workshop, museum, faith centre and crèche. December 2008

12.3.3 Data Gaps There are areas where key information to feed into this assessment is currently outstanding. This includes: • Wider economic effects of the proposal on regeneration in the region from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Regeneration team.

12.4 Overall Community Baseline

12.4.1 Defining the Study Area In the context of this chapter ‘the community’ includes a much wider portion of the population and human activity than those people that live in the area immediately surrounding the site. For St Athan ‘the community’ includes: MOD staff, their families and military trainees, employees, businesses, local residents as well as a portion of the human and business population that may be affected by wider indirect social and economic effects of development at the site. Therefore, the assessment of community effects in this chapter considers the significance of a number of different potential effects of the development proposal, each of which could have a subtly different range of impacts and associated areas. For instance, employment effects correspond to the site’s labour market catchment area (defined as the ‘Travel to Work Area’) whilst effects on businesses and the wider economy can affect those in the local area as well as some that may be beyond the South East region of Wales, Wales, or the UK. The study area needs to be sufficiently large to cover a meaningful area in relation to the full extent of potential effects associated with the proposal, taking into account limitations to the availability of information and those that might be reasonably influenced by it.

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Travel to Work Area (TTWA) For potential effects on the labour market, it is useful to be able to use data for zones that are labour market areas. To meet this need, the zones must be defined so that the bulk of their resident population also work within the same area1. The fundamental criterion is that, of the resident economically active population, at least 75 per cent actually work in the area, and also, that of everyone working in the area, at least 75 per cent actually live in the area. Defining labour market areas requires the analysis of commuting patterns and in this case the specific information, such as a origin and destination transport model, is not available for workers at St Athan and the local area2. However, information is available from the Census (2001) for the Vale of Glamorgan that describes the distances travelled by workers to their workplaces as well as the distance travelled by residents to their workplace. Both these residence and workplace based measures indicate that just over 75 per cent of people in the district travel almost 20km to their workplace. Entec has taken this distance as a proxy for the Travel to Work area and, using a 20km buffer area centred on a central point within the St Athan site, defined a Travel to Work area. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to overlay and compare with a buffer area with Local Authorities Entec have then estimated the proportion of the areas of each local authority included in the buffer to use as a factor / proxy to scale baseline data, see Table 12.4:

Table 12.4 Basic Information from GIS Analysis

Name of Local Area of Local Proportion of Area of Authority included in Total Area of Local Authority in Buffer Local Authority in analysis Authority (Hectares) (Hectares) Buffer (%)

The Vale of Glamorgan 33,976 33,976 100.00%

Cardiff 14,951 10,595 70.87%

Bridgend 25,528 15,104 59.16%

Rhondda, Cynon, Taf 42,417 12,336 29.08%

Caerphilly 27,739 209 0.75%

Neath Port Talbot 45,184 71 0.16% Source: ONS (Census 2001) and Entec UK Note: figures may not sum due to rounding. In addition, note that the local authority boundary for Cardiff described in this table is different to the post code areas described in tables 12.6 and 12.7.

Other Areas Defined in the Baseline The Vale of Glamorgan is the most southerly local authority in Wales. It forms part of the South East Wales City Region and is located between Cardiff to the east and Bridgend to the west. The Vale is largely rural but with a number of small and medium sized towns. Barry is the largest town, followed by; Penarth, Llantwit Major, Dinas Powys, and Cowbridge. A key ‘area of interest’ for the purposes of this baseline will be the local authority area of the Vale of Glamorgan. The strong linkages and interconnectedness of neighbouring areas including

1 http://www.statistics.gov.uk/geography/ttwa.asp

2 Note that some information is available regarding the distribution of the existing workforce and is further discussed in section 12.4.3.

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Cardiff, Bridgend and Llantrisant are also noted and where appropriate the wider region will be considered in the assessment of relevant effects.

12.4.2 Current Baseline Key baseline statistics for the Vale of Glamorgan are summarised below. A more detailed baseline for the Vale of Glamorgan can be found in Appendix O in Volume 2 of this ES.

• The total population of the Vale of Glamorgan in 2007 was approximately 124,000 (mid- year population estimates, ONS). Over half of the population of the Vale are reported to live within the two largest settlements, with 39 per cent in Barry and 18 per cent in Penarth (Employment Land Study, 2007). The TTWA has a population of approximately half a million people; • The population growth rate in the Vale (approximately 0.7 per cent annual change in 2007) is slightly higher than that of both Wales and England and Wales since 2003; • Sub-national population projections for 2003 for Wales forecast South East Wales to have a strong and steady increase in population to 2028 at a growth rate that is in excess of other Welsh regions (about 1 per cent every two years); • Eighty one per cent of the people in the Vale of Glamorgan were recorded as being economically active3 in 2007, above both Wales (75 per cent) and England and Wales Unemployment was measured at 5.6 per cent in 2007, in line with the rate in Wales and slightly higher than the England and Wales rate of 5.4 per cent. Economic activity and unemployment vary within the district with lower rates of economic activity and higher unemployment recorded in the wards surrounding Barry (Census 2001); • Residents in the Vale of the Glamorgan earn, on average, more than residents in Wales. Growth in earnings has also been strong with growth rates averaging 23 per cent between 2002 and 2008, in excess of both Wales and England; • The population in the Vale of Glamorgan is, generally, more qualified than regional and national comparators with proportionately more of the population holding higher qualifications (NVQ4 3 and above);

• Located between Cardiff and Bridgend, the Vale of Glamorgan forms part of a larger travel to work area in the region. The central location in relation to these major employment centres and the range of transport links available contribute to a trend of out-commuting in the district;

• The majority of businesses in the Vale of Glamorgan are located in the towns of Barry and Penarth;

3 Economically active is defined as the proportion of the working age population who are either employed or unemployed.

4 National Vocational Qualification: a measure of the level of educational attainment, in this case attainment of general and vocational A level qualifications, for example; City & Guilds (level 3, part 3 or advanced), 2 or more A levels, GNVQ/ SNVQ.

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• The Vale of Glamorgan Employment Land Study notes that there is limited inward investment in the Vale, attributable to a variety of factors including its peripheral rural location and the focus on larger neighbouring centres, a lack of quality premises and the distance from the motorway network. The Vale’s proximity to Cardiff is described as a factor contributing to why the Vale is a net exporter of employment; • The Single Education Plan 2006 – 2008 reports that there are currently 1,309 surplus places in primary schools across the Vale which represents 11 per cent of total spaces. This surplus capacity is mainly within schools in the Barry and Llantwit Major areas. In secondary schools, there are currently 618 unfilled places, 6 per cent of total places. Further details of surplus places can be referred to in Appendix O in Volume 2; • It is estimated that there are currently 2,261 employees on-site with the Defence Support Group at the Super Hangar and other MoD personnel. It is understood that this will slightly increase as DJTT are moving to site. • There is approximately 739 service families’ accommodation (SFA) dwellings, a proportion of which are currently vacant. It was reported5 that some previous military housing stock outside the wire had been transferred to Annington homes and is in the ownership/leasehold of private individuals. There are currently approximately 70 voids in the Annington stock.

12.4.3 Current Employment at the Site This subsection describes the nature of employment at the site.

Current Direct Employment Data provided by Metrix shows that in total there are currently 2,261 people employed at St Athan at organisations including Defence Support Group at the Super Hangar (other MoD personnel in 2008. Welsh Assembly Government tenants on site consist of 63 personnel.

Table 12.5 Current Employment

Group Service Civilian Total

West Camp 855 135 990

544 (176 East Camp trainees ) 240(3) 748(1)

ABP (Commercial Tenants) 0 63 63

DSG LABU 14(2) 410 424

Total 1,413 848 2,261 Source: Metrix Note: These figures are assumed to be FTEs and take account of full and part time employment.

5 Metrix, 17th April 2009

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Distribution of Current Direct Employment Details of the residential postcodes of DSG (Defence Support Group at the Red Dragon Hangar) employees based on a survey of the site (then known as DARA) in 2001 were available from Capita Symonds6 and are reproduced in the table below:

Table 12.6 Distribution of Employment, DARA Employees, 2001.

Postcode Respondents Respondents as a proportion of total

NP Codes (Newport) [Zone A] 15 1%

LD Codes (Llandrindod) [Zone B] 2 0.1%

SA Codes (Swansea) + CF31 to 36 (Bridgend, Maesteg, Tredegar, 387 23% Porthcawl) [Zone C]

CF37-48 inclusive (Pontypridd, Porth, Tonypandy, Pentre, Treorchy, 275 16% Ferndale, Aberdare, Mountain Ash, Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil), CF72 (Pontyclun), CF81-82 (Bridgend, Maesteg, Tredegar, Porthcawl) [Zone D]

CF1-4 inclusive (Cardiff), CF64 (Dinas Powys, Penarth), CF83 108 6% (Caerphilly) [Zone E]

CF5 (Southwest Cardiff inc. Ely, Caerau, Culverhouse Cross, Canton, 39 2% Fairwater, Danescourt, Llandaff) [Zone F]

CF71 (Cowbridge, Llantwit Major) [Zone G] 26 2%

CF61 (Llantwit Major) [Zone H] 435 26%

CF62 (Barry) [Zone I] 347 21%

CF63 (Barry) [Zone J] 50 3%

Total respondents 1,684 100% Source: Capita Symonds Note: These are described in the source as ‘respondents’ and there is no information to confirm if this includes part-time or full-time employees. Figures may not sum due to rounding. This table (Table 12.6) illustrates the distribution of employees at the time of the survey (note that at this time in 2001 there were approximately 2,000 people employed at St Athan by DSG. [at this time known as DARA]) and can be used to indicate the distribution of residence based employment in relation to the areas of interest in this assessment. Capita Symonds further analysed this data using a gravity model which incorporated information relating to the population in the areas, average house prices and web based / actual surveyed journey times to the site. Gravity models are used to estimate the movement of people between areas and takes into account the population size of different places and their distance apart (in this case web based and actual surveyed distances). It assumes that larger places attract people to a greater degree than smaller places and places closer together have a greater attraction. This highlighted the following alternatives to the surveyed DSG postcode figures in Table 12.7:

6 Capita Symonds, November 2008

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Table 12.7 Distribution of Employment, DARA Employees, 2001

Area Main areas Distribution Capita Symonds Gravity Model Estimates represented using DSG by postcode post codes (per cent) Using travel Difference Using Difference times to the site (per cent) information (per cent) estimated from from an a web-based actual route planner survey of (per cent) travel time (per cent)

Zone A Newport 1% 1.0% 0.0 % 0.1% -0.9 %

Zone C Bridgend, 23% 21.0% -2.0 % 27.7% 4.7 % Ogmore, Blackmill, Porthcawl, Maesteg, Port Talbot

Zone D Llantrisant, 16% 15.4% -0.6 % 5.2% -10.8% Pontypridd, Gilfach Goch, Porth, Treorchy, Abercynon

Zone E Caerphilly, 6% 10.0% 4.0 % 6.2% 0.2 % Penarth, Cardiff Centre, Cardiff Bay, Radyr, Llanishen, St Mellons

Zone F Ely 2% 1.7% -0.3 % 2.8% 0.8 %

Zone G Cowbridge 2% 5.6% 3.6 % 8.0% 6.0 %

Zone H Llantwit Major 26% 18.8% -7.2 % 24.2% -1.8 %

Zone I St Athan, Barry 21% 24.5% 3.5 % 23.0% 2.0 %

Zone J Barry Island 3% 2.1% -0.9 % 2.6% -0.4 %

R squared 88.67% 80.49% Source: Capita Symonds Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding This data has also been used by Capita Symonds as part of the Transport Assessment to predict flows from the current and proposed development. Capita Symonds’ preference is to use the gravity modelled figures based on the actual surveyed journey times. As a place of employment, it indicates St Athan’s functional relationship with its surrounding area, the influence of reasonable road transport communication with south east Wales as well as potential for quality of life benefits from accessible rural and market and coastal towns (for example Barry) for employees. It is not surprising that the majority of employees live within the local towns and villages close to St Athan as well as within travelling distance from the main centres of population. Examining the data provided in the table, almost half of the employees live within St Athan, Llantwit Major and Barry postcode areas.

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This data also confirms that longer distance commuting is practised by a smaller number of employees; these workers may be more willing to travel as they are likely to be on higher salaries in managerial roles. Capita, responsible for transport assessment of proposals, noted that the differences in distribution between DSG and future Aerospace Business Park (ABP) employees at this level were not expected to be significant. On this basis this study will apply the same distribution for the current DSG employment as well as future ABP and DTC developments. Using the postal areas set out in the tables above the direct employment effects are distributed across areas of interest (see Table 12.8)

Table 12.8 Distribution of Direct Employment for Each Area Of Interest

Local Vale Travel to South East Wales UK of Work Area Wales Glamorgan

Proportion of direct employment 50% 75% 85% 100% 100%

Source: Entec UK We estimate, based on Table 12.8 that at least 50% of this employment is distributed in the Vale of Glamorgan (see Zones G to J). The Travel to Work area by definition contains 75% of the employees. We estimate that 85% of direct employment is located within South East Wales (local authorities of Bridgend, The Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Newport and Cardiff) as it is a wider area than the travel to work area but does not include an estimated 15 per cent of the population that live to the west towards Swansea and Neath Port Talbot (see Zone C in Table 12.7) and other wider areas. It should be noted that there is a general trend toward a greater amount and longer distance commuting7 which may have the effect of slightly extending the distribution to wider areas, although it is not anticipated that this will affect the baseline. Note, however, that significant future changes to the population and transport infrastructure within the region may affect this distribution. Estimates of the future distribution of employment will need to consider potential displacement and substitution effects.

12.5 Environmental Measures Relevant environmental measures to be incorporated into the scheme are still under discussion. This section summarises those measures that have already been incorporated into the scheme design to maximise positive effects and/or mitigate the potential for any negative effects on the community.

7 http://www.statistics.gov.uk/geography/ttwa.asp

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Table 12.9 Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Potential Effects

Community Increased demand for community A wide range of community and leisure facilities are and leisure facilities as a result of to be developed which will be made available to the the increased population. public. These include sports and leisure facilities, community centre, restoration of St. Brise church, museum, faith centre.

Community Increased demand for Vale of GP services will be provided for military personnel Glamorgan health services as a and their families. Dental services will also be result of the increased population. provided for military personnel only. This will mitigate the increased demand for these services in the Vale of Glamorgan (however there will still be increased demand on other primary and secondary services).

Local economy Construction period will provide job An on-site job shop and Vale Jobcentre Plus will be opportunities, however there should used to advertise and recruit local construction be mechanisms in place to maximise labour. take-up of jobs by local residents.

12.6 Scope of the Assessment

12.6.1 Potential Receptors The potential receptors that will be considered in this chapter are: • The local economy of the travel to work area as well as the wider South East Wales economy are assessed in this chapter. The local economy includes consideration of businesses that may be affected directly and indirectly: those that are indigenous, inward investors, and those within the wider supply chain; and the labour market (employees);

• Residents (current) of the Vale of Glamorgan which includes the key neighbouring settlements of St. Athan, Llantwit Major, Boverton, Rhoose – addressed broadly as ‘local community’ in the assessment.

12.6.2 Potentially Significant Effects This section describes those effects that may be considered to be potentially significant and therefore require further assessment. It also includes those potential effects which have been scoped out of the chapter and describes the reasons for scoping out. A full explanation of ‘significance’ of effects and the methodology for assessment is outlined in section 12.7.

Effects Scoped into the Assessment Potential effects arising during construction:

• Potential effect on local, regional and national economy from creation of employment opportunities during the construction phase of 2010 – 2014 for DTC and over a longer phased period through to 2028 for ABP;

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• Potential effects on local tourism as a result of potential increased demand for bed spaces from contracted construction employees;

• Potential effect on local health services as a result of increased demand from construction employees. Potential effects arising during the operation of the development: • Potential effect on the local, regional and national economy as a result of new employment opportunities created by the proposed ABP, DTC and other military operations. This will include consideration of both direct and indirect jobs created as well as the distribution of effects (for example, job opportunities being taken up by people in adjacent area of Wales) of existing employment;

• Potential effect of the proposed development on inward investment in the Vale of Glamorgan and wider region;

• Potential effect on the local and wider regional and national economy as a result of increased spending associated with the military personnel population and supply chain expenditure on goods and services; • Potential effect on the local community as a result of changes in the amount or quality of recreation and leisure facilities available; • Potential effect on the local community as a result of increased demand on local services (health and education) from the additional population.

Effects Scoped out of the Assessment Potential effect arising during construction that is scoped out:

• Potential effects on disruption to the local community arising during construction of the development from traffic, noise, dust, landscape effects etc. These are assessed in the relevant chapters of this ES and, to avoid duplication, are not included in the community chapter. Potential effects arising during operation of the development that are scoped out:

• Potential effects on disruption to the local community arising during operation of the development from traffic, noise, dust, landscape effects etc. These are assessed in the relevant chapters of this ES and, to avoid duplication, are not included in the community chapter;

• Potential amenity effects arising from increased usage of the Heritage Coast from increased population. This is assessed in the landscape chapter and not included in the community chapter;

• Potential effect of changes to the amount of open space as a result of the proposed development. The development proposal is located within a rural part of the Vale of Glamorgan that includes a range of open space that is generally accessible to the settlements and communities in proximity to the development. The proposal does not include any proposals that are likely to significantly impact the stock of open space available (apart from the temporary loss of part a golf course) and in addition it includes the development of some quality recreational facilities (including a swimming pool,

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sports centre, sports pitches, and athletics track) that will be available to the local population outside the core training hours;

• Potential effect on local tourism arising from increased demand for bed spaces from visitors to the proposed development. There may be a significant number of visitors to the development, particularly families visiting students at the DTC, attending passing out parades etc. The development plans account for this increased demand and include a 150 bed hotel. This size hotel has been based on appropriate forecast of visitor numbers and is sufficient to account for additional visitors to the development. This increase in bed stock provision represents an increase of approximately 7 per cent of the existing bed space stock (estimated at 2,120 bed spaces in the serviced and self catering markets) in the Vale of Glamorgan (Accommodation Bedstock Report, 2009); • Potential effects on Welsh language as a result of the proposed development. It is recognised that Planning Policy Wales (March 2002, Section 2.10) recommends that local planning authorities give due consideration to communities where the Welsh language is part of the social fabric and to what extent, if any, developments may erode the use of the Welsh language. The proposed development is not considered to have a significant effect on the Welsh language and this effect has been scoped out of the assessment; • Potential effect on the local land and housing market as a result of the proposed development. It is possible that some isolated land owners may be impacted by the development proposal and it is expected, for example; that where land may need to be acquired to develop an access road, that owners will be appropriately compensated. Some properties may experience a greater level of visual intrusion or loss of landscape and these affects are examined in other chapters of the Environmental Statement. However, it is anticipated that the net effects will be mainly restricted to locations immediately adjacent to the site. The development also allows for the provision of up to 483 dwellings in the form of Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA) required in association with the DTC development. These dwellings are provided to accommodate service personnel working or training at DTC, who are entitled to accommodation for themselves and their dependants. This will ensure that there is adequate housing available to the Military population associated with DTC which will locate to the area as required. This will also ensure negative effects on the local housing market are minimal.

12.7 Assessment Methodology

12.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects The methodology to predict community and socio-economic effects draws on available best practice and developing guidance, including:

• The Green Book, Appraisal and Evaluation in Central Government, HM Treasury 2003;

• A Standard Approach to Assessing the Additional Impact of Projects, English Partnerships, Second Addition 2004;

• The Additionality of Project Benefits, Project Advice Note 8/2005, OFFPAT;

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• Impact Assessment Guidelines, European Commission SEC (2005) 791, June 2005;

• Circular 04/06 (ODPM): Planning Inquiries Into Major Infrastructure Projects: Economic Impact Reports, DCLG (then ODPM) 2006;

• Assessing the Impacts of Spatial Interventions: Regeneration, Renewal and Regional Development, DCLG (then ODPM) 2003; and • Introduction to EIA, Spon, 3rd Edition, 2004. Much of the guidance recommends ‘proportionate assessment’ of effects, that is, the level of effort to quantify predicted effects should be commensurate with their potential significance; this regards the use of qualitative evidence in equal standing to quantitative evidence, where appropriate.

12.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology There are no recognised standards for direct employment effects or easily applicable ‘state of local society’ standards against which predicted effects of a development may be assessed. This section therefore describes some of the key factors that are taken into consideration when determining significance. It should be noted that the Economic Impact Assessment aims to establish the potential economic impact of proposals and set them in meaningful context thereby illustrating that the impacts of proposals have been fully assessed and is not necessarily concerned with the assessment of significance of effects identified8. The Economic Impact Assessment is complementary to and informs this Community chapter in the Environmental Statement.

Significance The determination of significance is based on the use of professional judgement, with reference, as appropriate, to the following considerations:

• The extent to which the population will be affected by changes that are expected to result from the proposed development; • The sensitivity of the receptors to the changes that are likely to occur; and

• The likely magnitude, duration and other characteristics of the effects. For socio-economic effects, the significance of an effect may be guided by the policy importance of the effect and judgement will be required to assess how an effect may either contribute or be counter to regional/local policy objectives or regeneration targets. Ultimately, as described earlier, the simple rule that relates to whether or not the effect is likely to represent a ‘material consideration’ (when making a decision about whether or not consent should be granted for the scheme or an element of it) applies to socio-economic effects.

Sensitivity The sensitivity of the receptor varies and takes into account factors such as:

8 The Economic Impact Assessment follows an established set of guidance, namely Circular 04/06 (ODPM): Planning Inquiries Into Major Infrastructure Projects: Economic Impact Reports, DCLG (then ODPM) 2006.

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• The potential for a differential effect on a vulnerable group or community such as ethnic groups, occupational groups, poor, house owners, unemployed, elderly, young, women, etc.;

• Society and its economies are dynamic and can often have a variable capacity to cope or respond to change; • Particular local needs or concerns that are specific to the site/surrounding area.

Characteristics of the Effect The determination of the magnitude and characteristics of an effect essentially relies on professional judgement rather than using any measurable scale of effects. The characteristic of an effect on a given receptor may take into account factors such as:

• The spatial extent and number of people or firms affected (for example, individuals, neighbourhoods, local area, region, UK economy);

• The duration of the effect (for example, temporary or permanent, irreversible or reversible, short-term, medium-term or long-term); and

• Thresholds, where an effect will create an unacceptable step change. A further important consideration, particularly for economic effects such as job creation or investment, relates to the ‘additionality’ of an effect, for example: 100 new jobs may be demanded by a development. However, a proportion of these may be taken by people from outside of the local area (‘leakage’) and a proportion may be taken by people who leave jobs in the local area to take up new jobs (‘displacement’). Therefore, the characteristics of the effect will take into account the net effect of a development: that is, net of leakage, displacement, substitution and deadweight effects. In this chapter and in the context of the development it is important to also examine the impact on areas beyond the local area.

12.8 Assessment of Effects: Local Economy

12.8.1 Potential Employment Effects as a Result of Construction Activities during the Construction Period

Direct Employment Effects A number of direct employment opportunities will typically be generated during the construction period. Construction activities are normally deemed to be temporary however the construction period for the DTC and SFA sites and phase 1 of the ABP site will last for 5 years from 2009 to 2014. Phase 2 and 3 of the ABP site will continue up to 2028 and follow the phased approach which is further outlined in Chapter 3. The direct employment opportunities created during the construction period will cause indirect or multiplier effects as a result of increased spending in the local area and generate further job opportunities. The potential and extent of this is discussed below and is predominantly based on information provided by the Construction Delivery Partner; Laing O’Rourke9.

9 Details of construction workers have been provided by contractor Laing O’ Rourke

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Employment during the construction phase has been divided into two distinct elements. Construction Site Workforce (workforce), which represents the general labour force required to construct the substantial, non specialist elements of the development and Construction Delivery Staff (staff), which represents the principal contractors’ management and administration employees, and specialist sub contractors required to manage the overall construction phase and deliver specific specialist elements of the scheme. The number of Workforce and Staff will vary during the construction periods dependant upon intensity and nature of the construction operations through the construction phase. From 2009 – 2014 there will be the highest levels of employment of Construction Workforce and Staff, as the construction of the DTC, SFA, phase 1 of ABP and much of the supporting infrastructure will be undertaken during this period. Table 12.10 identifies the employment levels through this period with table 12.11 identifying employment beyond this time covering the 2nd and 3rd phases of ABP construction. Note that the levels of workers required for each quarter were originally set out in the source of this information and have been averaged to give estimates for the year for ease of presentation:

Table 12.10 Construction Employment During DTC and ABP Phase 1

Person FTEs Construction Activity 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 years

Workforce

Early Works (4SoTT/Utilities/Demolition) 88 51 0 0 0 0 139 14

Northern Access Rd & Eglwys Brewis Rd 0 23 44 14 7 0 88 9

Gileston Re-alignment 0 20 13 0 0 0 33 3

B4265 St Athan Junction 0 5 5 0 0 0 10 1

DTC Main Works 0 125 475 1050 1100 308 3,058 306

SFA - Picketston & Tremains 0 0 82 221 191 31 525 52

SFA - St Athans Golf Course Site 0 0 35 95 82 14 226 23

Aerospace Business Park (ABP) - Phase 1 0 0 45 98 97 49 289 29

Total 88 224 697 1478 1476 401 4,363 436

Staff (Contractor's + S/C's + Client (DTA))

Early Works (4SoTT/Utilities/Demolition) 19 9 0 0 0 0 28 3

Northern Access Rd & Eglwys Brewis Rd 0 8 15 7 2 0 31 3

Gileston Re-alignment 0 3 2 0 0 0 5 0

B4265 St Athan Junction 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0

DTC Main Works 0 64 220 349 350 119 1,102 110

SFA - Picketston & Tremains 0 0 12 30 24 8 74 7

SFA - St Athan Golf Course Site 0 0 5 13 10 4 32 3

Aerospace Business Park (ABP) - Phase 1 0 0 14 18 18 11 60 6

Total 19 84 268 417 403 142 1,332 133

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Table 12.10 (continued) Construction Employment During DTC and ABP Phase 1

Person FTEs Construction Activity 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 years

Waycock

Site Workforce 9 0 1 0 31 0 41 4

Contactor's Staff 3 0 1 0 6 0 9 1

Sub-Contractors Staff 1 0 1 0 3 0 5 1

Sub-Total Staff 4 0 1 0 9 0 14 1

Total Staff & workforce 13 0 2 0 41 0 56 6

Construction Project Visitors 1 0 0 0 3 0 4 0

Total No's 14 0 3 0 43 0 60 6

Total (workforce + contractors) 120 308 967 1,895 1,920 542 5,751 575 Source: Laing O’Rourke (2009; Spreadsheet ‘Workforce+Staff+Visitors-Overall Summary-23-02-09.xls’) Note: figures may not sum due to rounding The following table (Table 12.11) presents the schedule of employment for ABP phases 2 and 3. This data originally set out the levels of workers required for each half year and these have been averaged to give estimates for the year for ease of presentation:

Table 12.11 Construction Employment During ABP Phases 2 And 3

Person FTEs Employment 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 years

Site Workforce 75 132 239 239 131 119 164 204 273 390 380 242 177 134 2,896 290

Contractor staff 10 15 26 27 18 15 18 18 25 38 36 28 23 18 314 31

Sub contractor staff 5 8 13 13 10 8 9 9 13 19 18 14 11 9 157 16

Total excluding visitors 90 154 277 279 159 142 191 231 311 447 434 284 211 160 3,367 337 Source: Laing O’Rourke (2009; Spreadsheet ‘ABP Phase 2+3 Workforce+Traffic Estimate1-09-02-21.xls’) Note: figures may not sum due to rounding Data from Tables 12.10 and 12.11 has been combined and presented in the following diagram to illustrate how employment will vary over the construction phases:

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Figure 12.1 Illustration of Level of Employment Required 2009 - 2028

2500

Contractors 2000 Workforce

1500

1000

500

0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

Source: Entec UK, modified from data provided by Laing O’Rourke (2009) For the purposes of this assessment, it is necessary to convert the data provided, which states predicted labour demanded by different phases of the development, into full time equivalent (FTE) measures of employment. It is assumed that for the quarterly or half-year periods (as appropriate to the data set provided) that the labour figures represent a period of full time employment. These periods of full-time employment have been added together to produce a level of employment in terms of ‘person-years’. A standard ratio of 10 person-years of employment is equivalent to one FTE is applied here. This converts the estimated stream of temporary and part-time construction workers into equivalent full time jobs which is required in order to estimate wider employment effects in later sections. Employment as FTEs is set out in the tables above. For DTC and ABP Phase 1; the estimated number of jobs is 575 FTEs, and ABP Phase 2 and 3; 335 FTEs. This represents around 910 FTEs of direct construction jobs over the whole construction project.

Distribution of Direct Employment Laing O’Rourke10 states that fifty per cent of the ‘staff’ will be residents of South Wales/M4 corridor area. It is estimated by Laing O’Rourke that the majority of ‘workers’ tend to come from the East (Cardiff, Newport, Bristol – M4/M5 corridors), with 15% from the West (Port Talbot/Swansea/West Wales area) and 10% from the North (Bridgend and the western valleys). It is therefore considered that a majority of the employment opportunities will be taken up by people in a wide area which includes the Vale of Glamorgan and beyond the district boundary reaching across to other districts in South East Wales. On this basis, it is estimated that 75% of construction labour will be based within the travel to work area and have a daily commute to the site.

10 Details of construction workers have been provided by contractor Laing O’ Rourke

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A report on construction workforce mobility in Wales11 noted that Wales had a ‘self-contained’ workforce with relatively low levels of in and outflow with other areas. It noted that in comparison with other regions of the UK that relatively few workers (10%) are drawn in from outside the region with 90% having their permanent residence in Wales; a high proportion of the workforce were originally from Wales (81% which was far higher than other regions); almost half had spent all (48%) of their construction career on sites in Wales (this a higher than that found across the UK as a whole); and relatively few (18%) who live in Wales were currently working outside the region, slightly less than the national average (21%). The report also noted that the average (mean) distance travelled by Welsh Construction workers was 31 miles each way, significantly higher than the UK average (23 miles); and almost half (47%) travel less than fifteen miles each way, while 15% travel more than 50 miles each way to their current site. Considering Laing O’Rouke’s view on the distribution of employment and the above studies, the distribution of direct construction employment used in this Community chapter is:

Table 12.12 Distribution of Direct Construction Employment for Each Area of Interest

Local Vale of Travel to South East Area of interest Glamorgan Work Area Wales Wales UK

Proportion of direct employment 50% 75% 80% 90% 100%

Source: Entec UK It should be noted that this is similar to the profile for current and future operational employment (see Table 12.18) with the exception that some 10% of employment is likely to be outside of Wales, representing, for example use of construction specialists. This is in line with the IFF Research construction mobility study12 described earlier in this chapter. It is considered, for the development proposal, that the displacement of employment from other projects will be low at this time (we suggest less than 10%) given the relative drop in demand for construction employees across the UK during the current financial crisis and may have the additional effect that it will provide important work opportunities and support to some businesses. However, the implication and potential cumulative effects of such a project would likely result in greater demand for construction workers in South Wales and potentially a need to import labour from outside of Wales.

Indirect and Induced Employment Effects The Economic Impact Assessment considers the indirect employment generated by organisations and companies off-site supplying goods and services to the site. These jobs may be locally based or more remote from the site and critically depend on the nature of goods and services provided and the character of procurement used.

11 IFF Research Ltd (March 2005); Workforce mobility and skills in the UK construction sector (Wales report) for ConstructionSkills, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and ECITB. 12 IFF Research Ltd (March 2005); Workforce mobility and skills in the UK construction sector (Wales report) for ConstructionSkills, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and ECITB

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The induced employment generated by the spending of wages and salaries earned by employees in the direct and indirect activities is also considered. These indirect and induced effects can be estimated using multipliers from studies of similar developments as well as values provided in guidance13. Critically, multipliers relate to the nature of the economic area that they are applied and are also specific to a particular sector. Welsh national multipliers for the construction industry are reported14 to provide a supply chain impact in Wales that is equal to 48 per cent of the direct effect and wider (induced) expenditure of a further 31 per cent of the direct effect (a total combined multiplier of 1.79). DTZ in their study of the ‘regional’15 economic impacts of the construction of a tidal power scheme in South Wales note the preceding multiplier but opt for a slightly lower combined multiplier of 1.54 in order to provide a more conservative estimate. Construction Skills Wales16 notes that for every 100 jobs directly created in construction another 58 FTEs are created in Wales through knock- on effects. Indirect effects: supply chain expenditure can introduce significant opportunities for local businesses to supply goods and services to the development for example; quantity surveyors, suppliers and other local trades. These supply chain opportunities will be let on a competitive basis (dependent on, for example, price and product) and some businesses will be ideally placed in terms of their location to offer best value to the main contractor. However, where elements need to be prefabricated off-site this might be undertaken outside of Wales, although there are obvious benefits to keeping within reasonable locality of the site. Induced effects: In terms of induced employment, we anticipate that workers will bring about additional local expenditure which will benefit, for example, local businesses, banks, chemists, grocery and other food outlets. This spend is anticipated to be mainly in surrounding towns and villages around the proposed development, including St. Athan, Llantwit Major, Boverton and Rhoose. Local spending will be greater by those construction staff and workers who come from outside the local area and will be staying compared to those that already live within the TTWA and commute daily. Local job creation is, therefore, expected to generate wider effects and benefit local businesses through increased demand which may translate into additional induced job opportunities. Multiplier: It is considered the use of the combined 1.79 multiplier for expenditure within Wales described above is appropriate as it is recognised that whilst some elements will be made off- site, the potential construction proposed at St Athan would be considerably different to those activities for the construction of a barrage of the Severn (which includes the development of many unique components and specialist skills such as marine engineering). This study applies the 1.54 multiplier to South East Wales area, recognising the considerable level of indirect

13 This approach is accepted practice, see for example: A Standard Approach to Assessing the Additional Impact of Projects, English Partnerships (2004).

14 DTZ (January 2009) Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study, Assessment of the Regional Economic Impacts of Tidal Power Generation in the Severn Estuary. Final Report. Welsh Assembly Government and SWRDA.

15 Note in this case, DTZ consider Wales and the South West of England as regions.

16 Construction Skills Wales (2007); Wales Construction Update, a presentation to the Newport Construction Employers Forum in January 2007. The source also notes that for every £1m of new work another £970k output is generated and every £1m of construction sales generates 28.42 FTE jobs in Wales.

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construction expenditure that will be captured from construction workers living in this area and combined multipliers of 1.3 for the travel to work area. See Table 12.13:

Table 12.13 Multipliers Applied to Estimate Construction Employment for Each area of Interest

Travel to Work Area of interest Area South East Wales Wales

Combined multiplier for induced and 1.3 1.54 1.79 indirect employment effects Source: Entec UK

Gross Employment Effects Taking the information and estimates set out above, the following table sets out the employment effects for each area of interest:

Table 12.14 Estimate of Construction Employment for Each Area of Interest (FTEs)

Travel to Work Area South East Wales Wales

Gross direct employment (912FTEs), distributed by values in table 12.12 684 730 821

Induced and indirect employment effect using combined multiplier set out in table 12.13 205 394 648

Total direct, indirect and indirect employment effects 889 1,124 1,469 Source: Entec UK Note: figures may not sum due to rounding In this case it is assumed that all the construction employment is additional as construction does not take place in the proposed counterfactual situation (a continuation of current activities on site).

Assessment of the Significance of the Effect The Construction Skills Network Wales (the Sector Skills Council for construction) forecast17 over the period from 2009 to 2013 that total demand for construction employment of 113,510 in 2007 for Wales was forecast to fall to 107,920 by 2009, and then rise by 4.6% to 112,860 in 2013. In order to meet this potential demand, and after taking into account those entering the industry other than from training and those leaving, 2,330 new workers will be required to join the industry each year (the comparable estimate for Greater London is around 6,000 workers).

17 Construction Skills Network (2008) Labour Market Intelligence 2009-2013 - Wales. The Construction Skills Network is responsible for ensuring that the industry has enough qualified new entrants and that the existing workforce is fully skilled and qualified, as well as for improving the performance.

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The total direct employment of the development proposal within Wales is 820 FTEs over the almost 20 year construction time period with the majority of this employment required between 2011 and 2014 (see figure 12.1) It is likely that this labour demand can be met by supply from within Wales. The creation of these job opportunities does not imply that the local population necessarily will take advantage of them as contracts tendered for the work will be competitive and there is a possibility that some non-local contractors could be more competitive. The Welsh Assembly Government18 encourages the maximisation of local take-up of jobs with local recruitment where possible. Metrix have indicated that an appropriate level of commitment will be made in this respect through establishment of an on-site jobshop as well as use of local Vale jobcentre plus to advertise and recruit construction workers including mobile facilities to tour the local communities to ensure that potential employees are aware of the forthcoming opportunities. It is anticipated that initiatives will be further developed through the introduction of a labour recruitment strategy19. However, regardless of such initiatives, based on the information provided by Laing O’Rouke, the construction activities are assessed to have a positive and significant effect on the local and regional economy. Initiatives will help increase the probability that local benefits may be secured.

8.1.1 Potential Effect of Construction Activities on Tourist Accommodation This sub-section assesses the potential for construction workers moving temporarily to the area to work at St Athan and affecting the level of accommodation available for tourists. Tourism plays an important role in the Vale with the industry accounting for approximately 3,700 (ONS Annual Business Inquiry Employee Analysis, 2007). Tourism can be particularly important for smaller towns where income and employment from tourism can be an important contributor to localised economies. There has been a decreasing trend in the provision of bed spaces in the Vale of Glamorgan based on evidence from the 2007 and 2009 bed space accommodation surveys undertaken by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. This decrease has been notable in the larger towns, for example in Barry where serviced accommodation has been converted to residential units. There are currently 2,120 bed spaces provided in the serviced and self catering markets in the Vale of Glamorgan, as recorded in the 2009 bed space accommodation survey (refer to Appendix O in Volume 2 of this ES for further details from this report). It is noted in the Bedstock Survey Report (2009) that during periods of high demand (e.g. during peak tourist season or when there are large sporting events held in Cardiff) that demand for bed spaces exceeds the existing supply. Additional construction workers moving temporarily to the local area to work at the St. Athan site may increase demand for bed spaces in the local area. Limited excess capacity to support this influx of workers may ultimately result in reduced bed spaces for tourists and potentially have a negative effect on tourism, It is estimated that the majority (75 per cent) of construction workers and contracting staff will reside within a travel to work area implying no additional demand on the local accommodation

18 Welsh Assembly Government (March 2009.

19 Consultation with Metrix 08/04/09.

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providers. There will however be an increase in demand for accommodation from construction workers and contracting staff that will come from the wider SE Wales region and the rest of the UK to work at the site. The estimated demand from these workers has been informed by Laing O’Rourke construction employee estimates on the proportion of employees who will be coming from outside the local travel to work area. The annual average number of additional employees requiring bedspaces has been estimated and is shown in the table below. The demand from these employees will vary throughout the 20 year construction period but will be most pronounced during the first phase of construction which lasts from 2009 to 2014. The estimates indicate that there could be an estimated 500 employees requiring bedspaces during the peak period of 2012 and 2013. The estimated number of annual demand for bedspaces from employees is outlined in table 12.15 below:

Table 12.15 Average Annual Demand for Bedspaces from Construction Employees

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Potential demand from 31 87 274 504 508 151 23 38 67 construction employees

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Potential demand from 68 40 35 46 54 73 106 103 69 construction employees

2027 2028

Potential demand from 52 40 construction employees

Source: Entec UK Note: These estimates have been rounded up The existing capacity of the local market for visitor accommodation is assessed to be low considering recent decreases in the stock and the situation of excess demand for bed spaces in the Vale of Glamorgan during peak tourist periods. It is recognised that employees may choose to reside in the wider TTWA. If it is assumed that all businesses that could have extended their premises have done so, and that local businesses would be unwilling to further invest in expanding their facilities in the current financial climate, the demand arising from the construction employees is assessed to considerably exceed existing available capacity and this effect is therefore assessed to be negative and significant.

12.8.2 Potential Employment Effects as a Result of Operational Activities during the Operational Period This section assesses the employment effects associated with operation of the development. The assessment takes into consideration direct employment effects, indirect employment (that which is created by businesses which supply products, materials or services to the development) and induced employment (employment supported by additional spending arising from increased incomes). In contrast to the employment effects of the construction activities the assessment of

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the operational effects of the proposed development will be undertaken in relation to a reference case or the business-as-usual scenario. The reference case is defined for the purposes of this assessment as a benchmark against which the impacts of the proposed development will be measured20. This is the assumed scenario in the absence of planning permission being granted for the DTC and ABP proposals under consideration. It is recognised that there are alternative options for development of the ABP at the site should the current proposals which include the expansion of the DTC not occur. To effectively demonstrate the economic impact of the expansion of DTC activities and the ABP, this assessment assumes that under the reference case no planning permission would be granted for either of the options (the current option or an alternative option of developing the ABP in the absence of the DTC). This approach is consistent with that taken for the noise assessment. This assumes that DTC would not be constructed and Welsh Assembly Government would let those DTC buildings currently on the site of the proposed DTC to commercial tenants. This would imply a loss of DTC related employment but employment growth associated the commercial tenants. This employment growth will be considered to be ‘low growth’ based on the understanding that DTC activities are a key marketing tool for the site and that in the absence of the DTC, it may be more difficult to attract tenants. The current employment at the site is described in section 12.4.3. The distribution and knock-on impacts of the operational employment will also have to be considered in light of the nature of the specific business and labour market sectors they may affect (which may be different to the construction sector described in the earlier section).

Direct Employment Effects Estimates of the projected total on-site employment at the DTC site have been provided by Metrix. The following table (Table 12.16) presents the anticipated schedule of on-site employment for the DTC site:

Table 12.16 Direct Employment at the DTC site, Future Operational Activities

Activity Jobs (FTEs)

Facilities and estates management (from 2014) 910

Catering services 240

Cleaning & waste disposal 210

Facilities administration & support 105

Maintenance 105

Management 50

Welfare & support 105

Recreation & leisure 25

Transport 50

20 This follows the recommended approach in the Treasury Green Book

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Table 12.16 (continued) Direct Employment at the DTC site, Future Operational Activities

Activity Jobs (FTEs)

Additional roles 20

Training service roles (from 2014) 900

Training management 150

Training design & development 250

Training delivery 375

Training asset maintenance 25

Training information technology 25

Training administration & support 75

Military staff 700

Civil servants 30

Trainees 2,700

Non – Project units trainees 50

Non – Project units military staff 310

Non – Project units civilian staff 130

Total trainees including non-projects trainees 2,750

Total (minus all trainees) 2,980

Total (including all trainees) 5,730 Source: Metrix, 2009 Note: * = Students are understood to reside on site for the duration of their course and relocate when their training is complete. Based on the detailed information provided above, the DTC site is expected to provide 2,980 direct on-site jobs when DTC becomes operational in 2014. It is understood that at this time 2,750 trainees will also occupy the site. Note that students may be considered as full-time employees as they receive a wage whilst they train and relocate when their training is complete. Estimates for the ABP have been provided by (WYG). The anticipated direct employment arising from the proposals was estimated in accordance with the phases of the development and are provided again below in table 12.17:

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Table 12.17 Estimated Employment at the ABP Site

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3

Floorspace 81,174m² 98,587 m² 117,164m²

Total employment 798 1,526 2,303

Direct employment 760 1453 2,193

Ancillary employment 38 73 110 Source: Summary of development (draft), 27 March 2009, WYG For the community chapter ancillary on-site activities (such as canteen, cleaning, security activities which are estimated to be 5 per cent of the direct employment) are considered likely to be contracted and are included as part of the direct employment. Other off-site employment is indirect employment and is unlikely to be directly contracted as part of the operations.

Distribution of Direct Employment Section 12.4.3 set out information about the distribution of current direct employment by DSG and notes that the same distribution of future ABP and DTC developments will apply in the Community chapter, namely:

Table 12.18 Distribution of Direct Employment for Each Area of Interest

Local Vale of Travel to South East Glamorgan Work Area Wales Wales UK

Proportion of direct employment 50% 75% 85% 100% 100%* Source: Entec UK Note: *UK value does not reflect existing jobs that transfer to St Athan. The distribution of direct employment for DTC, however, at the UK level would need to be adjusted for the redistribution and transfer of employment (and expenditure) from other training locations to Wales21 (therefore there may be no effect at a UK level). Conversely, given the market demand and relatively unique MRO facilities set out in proposals for ABP and strengths of the location for such uses illustrated in the Mott MacDonald report it is considered unlikely to displace employment from other projects across the areas of interest (less than 5 per cent).

21 http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/TrainingandExercises/DTR/: ‘Package 1 plans to rationalise the estate to a new St Athan site in 2014/2015. Overall this will have a varying impact across 9 sites: Arborfield, Bordon, Blandford, HMS Collingwood, Cosford, RAF Cranwell, RAF Digby, HMS Sultan and St Athan. This will affect approximately 2,400 military staff, 1,600 MOD civilian staff, a standing population of 6,000 defence trainees, and a large number of Defence contractor personnel.’

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Indirect and Induced Employment Effects Cardiff Airport is located less than 5kms east of the site and, whilst it is primarily a civilian passenger airport, also has a significant maintenance operation. Cardiff International Airport produced a master plan in 2006 that considered the implication of expected future passenger growth and included an assessment of its economic impacts. The masterplan noted that on-site employment at the airport had been stable over the last six years (1996-2002) with 1,704FTE employees (1,866 full time and part time employees). It included an estimate of indirect (829FTEs) and induced (315FTEs) employment in the South Wales region at that time (2007). The multipliers corresponding to Cardiff International Airport’s employment estimates are an indirect multiplier of 1.48 and an induced multiplier of 1.18. The choice of these multipliers is not substantiated in the masterplan yet appears to suggest that a moderately significant portion of the supply chain effects will be experienced within South Wales. The induced multiplier effects appear low in the context of comparable multipliers identified elsewhere in the Community chapter. It is considered that as fuel and a number of other engineered components used at ABP may be supplied from outside of Wales that a lower composite multiplier of 1.7 for Wales and 1.5 for South East Wales is applied. At this time, there is only limited information available regarding the nature of expenditure at the DTC site. This would be helpful to better understand the potential supply chain effects. Therefore, multipliers for these activities will be estimated using available guidance . The extent of the multiplier will depend on Metrix procurement policies and the extent that it sources goods and services from local areas. It is expected that, given the scale of goods and services purchased that the MoD on an annual basis that it will use centralised purchasing to obtain a range of supplies and actively seek efficiency (for the public purse) through negotiating volume discounts with its suppliers. The English Partnership’s Additionality Guide provides estimates of typical composite income and supply linkage multiplier for different development types based on a variety of previously described studies and for the DTC a composite multiplier of 1.3 is anticipated for the travel to work area (as some indirect expenditure will be lost through centralised purchasing yet induced expenditure is likely to be high given the proportion of workers living close to the site). For the DTC it is considered the use of the combined 1.79 multiplier for expenditure within Wales and a 1.54 multiplier to South East Wales area is used and is consistent with the approach for construction employment. See , which also sets out multipliers for ABP:

Table 12.19 Multipliers Applied to Estimate Operational Employment for Each Area of Interest

Travel to Work Area of Interest Area South East Wales Wales

DTC - Combined multiplier for induced 1.3 1.54 1.79 and indirect employment effects

ABP - Combined multiplier for induced 1.3 1.5 1.7 and indirect employment effects

Source: Entec UK

Gross Employment Effects Taking the information and estimates set out above, the following table sets out the employment effects for each area of interest:

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Table 12.20 Estimate of Operational Employment for Each Area of Interest (FTEs)

Travel to Work Area South East Wales Wales

Gross direct employment (8,033FTEs)*, distributed by values in table 12.18 2,642 3,962 4,491

Gross direct employment plus trainees distributed by values in table 12.18 6,025 6,828 8,033

Induced and indirect employment effect using combined multiplier set out in table 12.19 1,807 3,609 6,139

Total direct, indirect and induced employment effects 7,832 10,437 14,172 Source: Entec UK Ltd Note: Induced and indirect employment estimates take into account trainees and their associated impacts on the supply chain and expenditure

Adjustment Considering the Reference Case The employment set out above is adjusted to take account of the reference case described in section 12.4.3. Table 12.21 provides a summary of the estimate of operational employment. This estimate of employment is based on the latest information available at the time of writing.

Table 12.21 Adjustment of Estimate of Operational Employment Considering the Reference case for Each Area of Interest (FTEs)

Travel to Work Area South East Wales Wales

Gross future operational employment (direct, indirect and induced 7,832 10,437 14,172 employment effects set out in table 12.19)*

Reference case - direct, indirect and induced employment effects, as 2,204 2,960 4,047 described in section 12.4.3.

Net additional future direct, indirect and 5,628 7,477 10,125 induced operational employment effects.

Assessment of the Significance of the Effect The net operational employment within the travel to work area represents approximately 5 per cent of the economically active population in the Vale of Glamorgan (61,300 in 200822). Considering the strong population growth projections to 2028 (when the on-site employment is expected to peak) these opportunities for Vale residents are expected to be very important for new residents.

22 https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/2038432119/report.aspx?town=vale%20of%20glamorgan

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The jobs set out in table 12.21 above that may be created by the development do not imply that the population and businesses within the areas of interest will necessarily take advantage of these opportunities as: i) many jobs at DTC may be taken by people transferring from other locations, and ii) contracts tendered for supply opportunities will be competitive and there is a possibility that some non-local contractors could be more competitive. The Welsh Assembly Government23 encourages the maximisation of local take-up of jobs with local recruitment where possible. Metrix intend to increase activity in the business community over the coming months to ensure that opportunities for local businesses and supply chains are maximised. It is anticipated that an appropriate level of commitment will be made in this respect, although details of any proposals are not available at this time. Regardless of such initiatives, based on the analysis above, the operational activities are assessed to have a positive and significant effect on the local and regional economy. Local recruitment initiatives will serve to further ensure that benefits are secured locally and to the benefit of areas and people in need.

12.8.3 Potential Expenditure Effect as a Result of Operational Activities during the Operational Period Increased expenditure in the local economy can lead to benefits for the local economy in terms of increased income and employment (discussed above) and economic growth. Increased expenditure is envisaged to come from additional military expenditure from employees as well as the supply chain:

Military Personnel Expenditure from Salaries and Wages This section estimates the expenditure flows associated with the military personnel. This spending will represent a significant increase in spending power, a proportion of which will be spent on final goods and services in the local and regional economy and can initiate further rounds of spending and employment (known as induced effects). Estimating detailed expenditure breakdowns and the geographical distribution of where that expenditure is expected to occur normally requires the use of surveys on spending patterns and behaviour. Since it was not possible to undertake surveys for representative samples of construction, military and other employees associated with the proposed development, spending behaviour has been estimated based on that recorded in the 2007 Expenditure and Food Survey (ONS). This breaks average weekly spending down according to a basket of goods and illustrates the proportion of total income spent on each category of goods. This is summarised in table 12.22 below.

23 Welsh Assembly Government (March 2009).

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Table 12.22 Breakdown of Household Expenditure by Category of Spending

Categories of Expenditure % of total Spending

Transport 13.4%

Recreation and culture 12.5%

Housing, fuel and power 11.3%

Food and non-alcoholic drinks 10.5%

Restaurants and hotels 8.1%

Miscellaneous goods and services 7.7%

Household goods and services 6.7%

Clothing and footwear 4.8%

Communication 2.6%

Alcoholic drinks, tobacco and narcotics 2.4%

Education 1.5%

Health 1.2%

Other expenditure items* 17.3%

Total expenditure 100% Source: Family Spending: A report on the 2007 Expenditure and Food Survey, ONS

*Other expenditure items include mortgage interest payments, council tax, domestic rates, holiday spending, cash gifts and charitable donations. This category is not included in the expenditure calculations. The total expenditure was geographically distributed by estimating the breakdown of spending (by category) between that expenditure occurring on-site, within the travel-to-work-area, South East Wales and within the UK and wider area. There will be a wide range of on-site facilities to cater for the requirements of military personnel including food, recreation and leisure and other miscellaneous service facilities which will affect the distribution of expenditure patterns. The geographical distribution of spending is estimated in table 12.23 below.

Table 12.23 Distribution of Expenditure by Area

Expenditure category On-site (%) TTWA (%) SE Wales UK and Total (%) (%) wider (%)

Transport 0 80% 20% 0 100%

Recreation and culture 5% 50% 20% 25% 100%

Housing, fuel and power 0 80% 20% 0 100%

Food and non-alcoholic drinks 80% 15% 5% 0 100%

Restaurants and hotels 0 20% 20% 60% 100%

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Table 12.23 (continued) Distribution of Expenditure by Area

Expenditure category On-site (%) TTWA (%) SE Wales UK and Total (%) (%) wider (%)

Miscellaneous goods and services 20% 60% 10% 10% 100%

Household goods and services 15% 85% 0 0 100%

Clothing and footwear 0 80% 20% 0 100%

Communication 0 90% 10% 0 100%

Alcoholic drinks, tobacco and narcotics 40% 50% 5% 5% 100%

Education 0 50% 10% 40% 100%

Health 0 90% 5% 5% 100% Source: Entec UK It is understood that there will be approximately 2,750 students and 700 military staff (Metrix estimates) at the new DTC development. Wages for expenditure estimates were obtained from the 2008 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ONS). These expenditure estimates presented here are based on current prices to avoid introducing additional uncertainty regarding future salary and inflation trends. An average wage of £25,779 was used24. The total additional expenditure was estimated to be £74 million. Of this approximately £54 million was expected to fall within the TTWA (which includes approximately £11million of on- site expenditure. This effect is assessed to be positive and significant for the local area and the SE Wales region.

Table 12.24 Total Estimated Annual Expenditure By Area

On-site (%) TTWA (%) SE Wales (%) UK and wider (%)

Total estimated expenditure £11m £54m £65m £74m Source: Entec UK Ltd

Note these are cumulative totals.

These estimates are not net of current expenditure by military personnel on-site.

Operational Supply Chain Expenditure by MoD and Metrix There is significant interest among local businesses in South East Wales regarding the business opportunities from the proposed development. The Welsh Assembly Government has undertaken awareness raising initiatives among both the public and private sectors. This has included local service providers, manufacturers and professional bodies. However it is

24 Annual survey of hours and earnings, ONS - Sic code 8422: Defence activities

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recognised that contracts tendered for supply opportunities will be competitive and there is a possibility that some non-local contractors could be more competitive. It is estimated that DTC operations would require an annual operating expenditure of £60million for all assets and consumables25. Further details of the breakdown of this expenditure and specific details on work packages and how these may be managed and procured are not known and so it is difficult to estimate the full extent to which the local and regional supply chain can meet these opportunities created. Considering the scale of the direct expenditure and the range of potential opportunities this effect is assessed to be positive and significant.

12.8.4 Potential Effect of Construction and Operational Activities on Inward Investment Inward investment is particularly important in enhancing the competitive stance of a region. It enhances the profile of the region and indicates that it is an internationally attractive destination to do business. This image could be influenced by skills, labour productivity, labour costs, workspace, or an established cluster. The proximity of similar business activities can be very important to the perceptions of a region as a place to do business for particular sectors and its ability to attract inward investment. Clusters are formed because of close interactions between businesses and other institutions. These agglomeration effects refer to the benefits that firms and workers gain from being located close together. In this instance the benefits of shared infrastructure will be an important attractor to businesses in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) sector. The proposed re development will provide access to ‘on-wing’ MRO operations requiring access to runway and hangar facilities capable of accommodating large narrow-body aircraft. South Wales has a well established aerospace sector26, particularly for MRO activities related to large civil aircraft and components including airframes, engines, avionics and flight control surfaces. The cluster is centred around five major multinational operations: British Airways (3 sites at Cardiff Airport, Llantrisant and Blackwood), GE Aircraft Engine Services at Nantgarw and Nordam also at Blackwood with a combined workforce of around 4,000 direct employees. The supply chain associated with these operations is estimated27 to employ approximately several hundred employees. Until recently, St Athan has been a site for military MRO activities, employing several thousand people in the maintenance of military fast jets. The scale of this activity has declined in recent years but the redevelopment of the Defence Technical College and the ABP has the potential to build upon the reputation of the sector in this region by drawing on these skills, existing training infrastructure and ongoing government support. The ABP is being actively marketed on a global basis (e.g. at international airshows). Over the past 3 years there have been over 35 investment enquiries from companies interested in the ABP site, about a third of which have originated from companies outside of the UK28. Further

25 Metrix 16/04/2009

26 Mott MacDonald (2009) Updated demand studies for the development of the Aerospace Business Park at St Athan

27 Welsh Assembly Government (March 2009)

28 Welsh Assembly Government (March 2009)

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investment is likely to be driven by the existing skills, businesses and training infrastructure in the region. A demand assessment is currently being undertaken on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government which indicates that, despite the current economic downturn, long term demand for aerospace facilities is likely to remain strong29. The local and regional economy is recognised to have an established profile in the aerospace industry, and well placed to attract further significant investment. This can be particularly important for the Vale of Glamorgan district which has historically experienced low levels of inward investment30. This effect is assessed to be positive and significant.

12.9 Assessment of Effects: Local Community

12.9.1 Potential Effect on Local Health Services Arising During Construction Period Construction workers will not be provided with any health care from the MoD health care centre at St Athan (with the exception of first aid response). This is set against a context of limited additional capacity in primary care provision in the St. Athan area. In terms of secondary care provision the main requirement from the construction population is likely to be for accident and emergency provision. This increased demand is estimated in the Health Needs Assessment to be approximately between 9 to 15 injuries/1,000 workers per year. The St Athan DTC Health Needs Assessment assesses the impacts on its services under various scenarios regarding residency of construction employees. The most likely scenario is considered to be that 80% of the workforce will be ‘local’ and reside within the TTWA. Under this scenario it is reported that there will be limited additional capacity for the additional 20% specialist contractors and the Health Needs Assessment recommends that the situation regarding provision for these workers, whose residence and length of stay is not yet confirmed, is closely monitored in future multisectoral planning meetings. This assessment indicates that an expansion of primary services may be required dependent on residency and duration of stay of workers from outside the TTWA area. This effect is conditionally assessed to be negative but not significant based on the assumption that negotiations regarding impacts on local health services will continue with the objective of mitigating significant impacts to local health services.

12.9.2 Potential Effects on Social and Community Infrastructure and Their Significance Arising from the Operation of the Development

Local Services Education There will be 483 additional SFA houses built in support of the Defence Technical College to cater for military personnel and their dependents. This section estimates the likely number of children (so called ‘child yield’) and demand for school places in the Vale of Glamorgan arising

29 Welsh Assembly Government (March 2009)

30 BE Group (2007) Employment Land Study for Vale of Glamorgan Council, Final Report, 2007,

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from children associated with the SFA. The methodology here considers the potential number of people in each household and estimates the proportion that is of school age. The average household size in the Vale of Glamorgan is estimated to be 2.61 persons (WYG). The composition of households in Wales in 2001 indicates that 23% of household occupants were of school age (under 17)31. The total number of school age children associated with SFA housing was therefore estimated to be 290 as shown in table 12.25.

Table 12.25 Estimated SFA Child Yield

Variable Estimate

New houses 483

Average household size in VoG1 2.61

% of household occupants of school age in Wales in 20012 23%

Total estimated school age children from SFA housing 290 1 This estimate has been provided by WYG.

2 This has been estimated using Mid-2001 Estimates of Household Population; ONS In order to compare with school provision it is necessary to identify the proportion of children demanding places at each type of education facility. Mid-2001 populations estimates (ONS) for the Vale of Glamorgan provide a proportionate breakdown of all children under the age of 16 shown (shown in column C) to estimate the total demand for each education facility type. It is noted that the estimated demand figures represent the maximum potential demand. Some families may choose to place their children in private schools, thereby reducing the demand on Vale of Glamorgan schools. The estimated demand is summarised in table 12.26 below and compared against the forecast supply in school places as estimated in the Single Education Plan 2006 – 2008 for the Vale of Glamorgan which forecasts 229 surplus places in primary schools and 181 surplus places in secondary schools in the Vale of Glamorgan in 201132. The Plan states that these estimated surplus places do not take into account future St Athan military requirements. There is also a programme being undertaken of significant investment in 3 comprehensive schools in Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and Penarth. The number of surplus spaces is likely to increase between 2011 and 2014. Supply from the development will include a crèche “of an appropriate size to accommodate the military population needs”33. Metrix have indicated that should there be surplus places to military requirements, these will be opened to the wider community.

31 Mid-2001 Estimates of Household Population; ONS

32 Further details from this report can be found in Appendix O

33 Metrix (2008) Community Facilities Workshop, Internal Q&A, November 2008

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Table 12.26 Potential Impact on Education Services in the Vale of Glamorgan

A. Education B. Age C. Breakdown D. Estimated E. Forecast F. Impact on Facility Type of children 16 number of supply by supply yrs and under children from VoG (in 2011)1 in the Vale of SFA housing Glamorgan

None. This will be catered for by Creche 0-4 26% - the proposed 75 development.

Primary 4-11 45% 130 229 99

Secondary 11-16 29% 84 181 97

100% 290 1 Single Education Plan for the Vale of Glamorgan 2006 - 2008 The proposed development will become operational in 2014 however forecast supply projections in the Single Education Plan are to 2011 only. These have been used in the absence of further forward looking supply projections but it is understood that surplus places in the Vale of Glamorgan are likely to increase between 2011 and 2014. It is therefore unlikely that the assessment here would be affected by the use of these 2011 figures. The demand assessment conducted above indicates that there is sufficient capacity in primary and secondary schools to cater for the additional children from SFA housing. This effect is assessed to be neutral and not significant.

Health The St. Athan Health Needs Assessment has estimated the potential impact on its services based on an assessment of the total number of people associated with the development who will be dependent on NHS health facilities. This is summarised below:

Table 12.27 Estimated NHS Provision Required by the Development Population (Based on All New to the Area)

Primary Care Dental Care Secondary Care including A&E and other specialist services

Military Personnel 0 0 3,758

Civilian 4,413 5,140 5,140

Total 4,413 5,140 8,898 Source: St Athan DTC Health Needs Assessment, 2009 The Health Needs Assessment (HNA) reports that St Athan currently has two branch surgeries (which do not provide services every working day) that serve the population. The additional demand on health services shown in the table above is based on the assumption that all new employees at the site will be new to the local area and will reside in St Athan. The area of residence of the incoming civilian employee population is in reality difficult to establish. Many

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of the roles at the site will be taken by residents of St Athan, the wider Vale of Glamorgan and travel-to-work-area. These individuals already receive primary care within the existing NHS provision. A number of civilian employees will locate to the area to fill employment roles at the site but will locate not only at St. Athan but within the wider travel-to-work-area as well. The DTC and ABP developments are not proposing to construct additional housing to support this potential workforce. The proposed DTC will provide general practitioner and dentist services to cater for the military personnel. The provision of GP services will also cater for service families (although this extension of provision to service families does not include dental)34. The new population associated with the proposed development are likely to generate additional demand on a range of health services and it is estimated in the HNA that the equivalent of a fully functional GP practice would be required. This conclusion is however based on the assumption made that all employees associated with the development are new to the area and will live at St Athan. As discussed above it is expected that many will already be resident in the area or may reside in the wider travel-to-work-area implying a more dispersed demand for services. This effect on local health services is conditionally assessed to be negative but not significant.

Sport and Recreation Facilities A primary land use aim of local policy in the UDP is the protection and improvement of existing recreational provision and providing new facilities in areas of identified deficiency. Technical Advice Note 16 – Sport, Recreation and Open Space introduces benchmark standards for provision. The SFA housing will, in part, be provided on the former Stadium/Golf Course site. . The course will be redesigned and extended onto adjoining land in the ownership of the Welsh Assembly Government. There will be no disruption to users of the golf course as a commitment have been made to replace holes before the SFA construction takes place35. SFA developments will also include appropriate provision for children’s play areas. A variety of other sport and leisure facilities are to be created as part of the proposed Defence Technical College development described below. Certain of these facilities will be made available to the public outside the core hours of 08:00 to 18:00 at a suitable charge. In addition a Museum of military history is to be constructed and will also be available to the public as well as a community centre, faith centre and Ghurkha temple and St. Brise church building which will be open for viewing by the public. The inclusion of these services will greatly extend the provision of leisure facilities in the Vale as many of these services are not currently available. These additional facilities are anticipated to provide a positive and significant effect for the local community.

34 Metrix, (08/04/09).

35 Metrix (17/04/09)

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12.10 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation This section summarises the findings of the assessment undertaken above. Table 12.28 shows each potential effect, the receptor affected the significance and brief explanation for the significance evaluation.

Table 12.28 Summary of Significance of Effects

Receptor and Effects Positive or Significance2 Negative1

Level Summary Rationale

Construction

Local economy - employment and + ve S The proposed development will create a expenditure) significant number of additional job opportunities which could be taken up by local residents of the Vale. These jobs will be sustained for a number of years during the construction period.

Tourism - ve S It is considered that the extent of additional demand from construction workers may use available tourist bed-spaces in and around St. Athan particularly during the first construction phase as there is limited bedspace capacity in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Health - ve NS The increased demand from construction workers temporarily residing in the local area is conditionally assessed to have a negative but not significant effect on the provision of primary and secondary health care services. This assessment is based on the assumption that negotiations regarding impacts on local health services are currently underway that will aim at mitigating any significant impacts.

Operation

Local economy - Employment +ve S The proposed development is expected to create approximately 5,628 new job opportunities (direct, induced and indirect) in the travel to work area. This estimate includes trainees. These are considered to be important for the Vale when viewed in light of the strong projections for population growth in South East Wales to 2028 which is expected to grow significantly faster than other regions in Wales.

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Table 12.28 (continued) Summary of Significance of Effects

Receptor and effects Positive or Significance2 negative1

Level Summary Rationale

Local economy – Expenditure + ve S Increased expenditure from military personnel and their families as well as operational expenditure for the DTC site will provide a significant increase in spending in the local area.

Local economy – Inward + ve S The proposed development is anticipated to investment attract a significant amount of inward investment into the local area and wider region. This will greatly enhance the aerospace profile of the region and this effect is considered to be positive and significant.

Local community – Health - ve NS GPs will be provided to cater for the requirements of military personnel and their families and dental facilities for military personnel only. There will be an increased demand for primary and secondary care provision from any employees relocating to St Athan to work at the development. Many of the employees are likely to already be local residents within the travel-to-work-area and therefore not require additional health services.

Local community – Education N NS There is forecast to be sufficient supply in Vale of Glamorgan primary and secondary schools to meet the demand from SFA children. This effect is assessed to be neutral and not significant.

Local community -, sports and + ve S There will be some temporary disruption to the recreation golf course whilst new holes are constructed. However a wide variety of new sport and recreation facilities will be provided which will benefit the local community and this effect is therefore assessed to be positive overall.

Key/footnotes:

1. +ve Positive 2. S = Significant - ve Negative NS = Not-significant N Neutral

12.11 Optional Environmental Measures There are potential measures that could be proposed which are likely to be subject of negotiations regarding planning obligations, this includes a number of effects identified in the assessment:

• Secondary school provision;

• Construction worker accommodation; and

• Maximising local employment and supply chain opportunities.

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12.12 Relevant Terminology

Term/abbreviation Description

Direct Employment Employment that occurs as a direct result of the development

Displacement The degree to which the effects of a development are offset by reductions in effects elsewhere. Within the additionality framework it is the proportion of the effects of the development that account for reduced effects elsewhere in the area of interest. It may occur in both the product and the factor markets.

Leakage The proportion of outputs/outcomes which benefit those outside the area of interest or groups.

Indirect multiplier or supply Effect of demand for labour / purchasing / expenditure through the supply chain linkages

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13. Traffic and Transport

13.1 Introduction This Chapter sets out the results of an assessment of the traffic and transport related environmental effects associated with the construction and operation of the proposed development at St Athan. The approach to the assessment has been based on the 1993 Institute of Environmental Assessment1 (IEA) publication Guidance Notes No. 1: Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic. Data used in the assessment has been provided by Capita Symonds, the Consultancy which has prepared the Transport Assessment (TA) for the development proposal. The TA sets out transport issues relating to the development proposals and identifies measures to deal with the anticipated transport effects and to improve accessibility and safety for all modes of travel. Following a summary of relevant policy and legislation, this Chapter outlines the data gathering methodology that has been adopted for this assessment, describes the overall baseline conditions, the environmental measures that have been incorporated into the scheme, the scope of the assessment, the assessment methodology and the assessment of potentially significant traffic related environmental effects. The Chapter concludes with a summary of the significance of effects and identifies appropriate environmental mitigation measures. The location of the site and a full description of the development proposals are given in Chapter 3 of this Environmental Statement.

13.2 Policy and Legislative Context Chapter 5 presents an overview of relevant planning policy and legislation. This section outlines the policies and legislation relevant to traffic and transport.

13.2.1 Policy Context Table 13.1 summarises those policies relevant to traffic and transport that have been considered as part of this assessment.

1 Now the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

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Table 13.1 Traffic and Transport Policy

Policy Reference Policy Issue

Planning Policy Wales

Technical Advice Note 18: Transport (TAN 18) Provides advice on the integration between land use planning and transport, the location and design of development, parking, walking and cycling, public transport, planning for transport infrastructure, assessing impacts and managing implementation

South East Wales Transport Alliance

South East Wales Regional Transport Plan To improve regional transport in South East Wales and help deliver the social, economic and environmental objectives of the Wales Spatial Plan and the Wales Transport Strategy

The Vale of Glamorgan Council Adopted Unitary Development Plan 1996 - 2011

Policy 7 Improvements to the transportation network will consist of local schemes necessary for environmental and safety reasons and schemes to encourage travel by cyclists and pedestrians

Policy 8 Developments will be favoured in locations which are highly accessible by means of travel other than the private car and which minimise traffic levels and associated unacceptable environmental effects

Policy TRAN 2 – Local Highways Land will be protected, and provision made, for the construction of local highway schemes including Llysworney Bypass, Gileston Old Mill and Boverton Relief Road

Policy TRAN 7 – Strategic Public Transport Land will be protected, and provision made, for the development of facilities for bus operations, including operations between the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend.

Policy TRAN 9 – Cycling Development Land will be protected, and provision made, for cycle routes

Policy TRAN 10 – Parking The provision of parking facilities will be in accordance with the approved parking guidelines and will relate to the type of land use, its density and location, its accessibility to existing and potential public transport facilities and the capacity of the highway network

Policy TRAN 11 – Road Freight In order to reduce the unacceptable environmental effects of heavy good vehicles (HGVs), developments which generate HGV movements which would unacceptably affect the amenity and character of the existing or neighbouring environments by virtue of traffic congestion or parking problems will not be permitted. Additionally, traffic management measures will be used where appropriate

Policy ENV 28 – Access for disabled people All new development (and where predictable, the change of use or alterations to buildings) open to the public, and buildings used for employment and education purposes, will be required to provide suitable access for customers, visitors or employees with mobility difficulties

Policy REC 12 – Public Rights of Way and During the plan period, the Council will maintain and improve the recreational routes existing pattern of Public Rights of Way (including bridleways). Land will be protected and provision made for the establishment of 10 routes as a framework for a network of linkages for the enjoyment of the countryside. Where appropriate the council will favour the incorporation into these routes of bridleways, cycleways and facilities for users

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13.2.2 Legislative Requirements The legislative requirements relevant to traffic and transport are summarised in Table 13.2

Table 13.2 Legislative Requirements

Act Interest Feature/Activity

Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Footpath diversion

New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 Equipment in roads

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 Prohibition of driving along the lane adjacent to Rose Cottage

13.3 Data Gathering Methodology

13.3.1 Desk Study Capita Symonds has supplied Entec with data that has been collated as part of the preparation of their TA. Table 13.3 summarises the data which has been used to undertake this assessment.

Table 13.3 Data Supplied

Organisation Data Supplied

Capita Symonds • 2013 baseline traffic flows derived from SATURN model (AM and PM peak hours) • 2028 baseline traffic flows derived from SATURN model (AM and PM peak hours) • Development traffic distribution and assignment derived from SATURN model (AM and PM peak hours) • 2013 base + development traffic flows derived from SATURN model (AM and PM peak hours) • 2028 base + development traffic flows derived from SATURN model (AM and PM peak hours) • Personal Injury Accident (PIA) assessment and locations • Traffic count location plans • Existing peak hour traffic flows (AM and PM peak hours) • Draft Construction Travel Plan, March 2009 • Committed developments included in SATURN (AM and PM peak hours) • Description of the site accessibility by non car modes • Transport Assessment (TA), May 2009 • Draft Commuter Travel Plan, April 2009: Aerospace Business Park • Draft Commuter Travel Plan, April 2009: Defence Technical College

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13.3.2 Survey Work A visit to the site and surrounding area was undertaken by Entec in March 2009 to identify the receptors that are likely to be affected by a change in traffic characteristics as a result of the construction and operation of the development. Observations were made of potentially sensitive areas on the local road network, such as road links and junctions that may have capacity and/or road safety issues and areas with high pedestrian activity.

13.4 Traffic and Transport Baseline

13.4.1 Current Baseline

Local Road Network A plan of the local road network is illustrated in Figure 13.1 in Volume 3 of this ES. The main access to MOD St Athan is the West Gate which is directly accessed off the B4265, southwest of the development, and which provides routes northwest to/from Bridgend and east to the north of Cardiff Airport where it becomes the A4226 to/from Cardiff. The B4265 is a single two lane carriageway road with verges on either side of the route and has no bus stop, pedestrian or cycle facilities. A coast road, the B4265 links a number of towns and villages, including Llantwit Major, Boverton, Llanmaes, St Athan and Gileston in the vicinity of the site. Site access at the East Gate is via Cowbridge Road through St Athan village from the B4265. Cowbridge Road is a single, generally two lane carriageway with footways and parking on one or both sides of the road through the village envelope, serving various land uses which front the carriageway. A number of buses route through and stop within the village. Around the north of the site runs Eglwys Brewis Road, which intersects with Cowbridge Road to the east of Eglwys-Brewis and intersects with the B4265 to the southwest, en route to Boverton. The road is a single, generally two lane carriageway, and is part of a route for a number of bus services with bus stops at three locations. The strategic road network to the site includes the A48, some 6 km to the north of the site. Running east-west, the A48 is a wide single/dual carriageway connecting to Cardiff in the east and Bridgend in the west, with connections through to the M4 which runs parallel to the north. The main routes to the A48 are: • The B4270 Llantwit Major Road, some 3.5km to the west of the West Gate off the B4265. This is generally a single two lane carriageway, rural in character with verges and hedgerows on either side; and

• The A4226 Waycock Road (also known as Five Mile Lane), which is located some 12.5km to the east of West Gate off the B4265, and is a single two lane carriageway with verges and hedgerows on either side.

Baseline Traffic Flows Classified junction counts were undertaken in 2007/2008 at eighteen junctions to assess the existing traffic flow patterns on the local road network. The locations of these counts are

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illustrated on Figure 13.2 (in Volume 3 of this ES) and the flows recorded are illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 of the TA.

Highway Capacity The capacity of the highways within the assessment area to cope with the effects of the proposed development is described in Chapters 11 and 12 of the TA.

Accessibility by Bus The site is currently served by four bus routes, which provide links to Barry, Bridgend, Cardiff, Llantwit Major and rail station and Rhoose. Services are infrequent with two hourly or hourly services. Accessibility of the site by bus is described in detail in Chapter 17 of the TA.

Accessibility by Rail Llantwit Major Railway Station, some 3km from the West Gate entrance, provides modern interchange and park-and-ride facilities. The station is situated on the Vale of Glamorgan Line which links Cardiff and Bridgend and calls at Grangetown, Cogan, Eastbrook, Dinas Powys, Cadoxton, Barry Docks, Barry, Rhoose and Llantwit Major. A free shuttle bus (Service 905) connects Rhoose Railway Station to Cardiff Airport. Services at the station connect to Cardiff and Bridgend and, therefore, interchange with the national rail network. Services operate on an hourly frequency, Monday to Saturday, reducing to two hourly on Sundays. Accessibility of the site by rail is described in detail in Chapter 16 of the TA.

Accessibility by Bicycle At present the only cycle link in the immediate vicinity is from Llantwit Major to West Gate via Boverton Road. Accessibility of the site for pedestrians and cyclists is described in detail in Chapter 18 of the TA.

Personal Injury Accidents (PIAs) An assessment of Personal Injury Accidents (PIAs) is included in Chapter 14 of the TA and summarised below. The assessment of PIAs covered a wide area between Pentre Meyrick and Llantwit Major, to the west of St Athan, and Barry and St Nicholas, to the east of St Athan. PIAs that have been recorded in the study area were obtained from the VoGC for the five year period from July 2003 to May 2008. Capita Symonds examined the recorded PIAs to identify any patterns or factors that could have an impact on, or as a result of, development generated traffic. The location of each recorded PIA is illustrated in Figure 13.3 (Volume 3) and a summary of each recorded PIA, their severity and the number of casualties involved is given in Table 13.4.

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Table 13.4 Recorded PIAs

Severity Date Total Total no. of casualties July- 2004 2005 2006 2007 January- Dec. May 2003 2008

Fatal 3 1 1 3 1 0 9 9

Serious 5 5 3 5 5 4 27 28

Slight 20 44 47 31 21 16 179 287

TOTAL 28 50 51 39 27 20 215 324 Source: Capita Symonds Table 13.4 shows that, in total, 215 PIAs have been reported in the study area between July 2003 and May 2008. Nine PIAs were recorded as fatal and a further 27 recorded as serious. The TA provides a full analysis of accident data. In summary, the following have been identified as accident cluster sites within the TA, most of which were due to driver error unless otherwise stated below: • Waycock Cross Roundabout (9 accidents);

• A4226 outside Cwm Ciddy Tavern (Motel) and Ty-newydd Farm (7 accidents);

• A4226 Port Road adjacent to lay-by (5 accidents – 2 serious);

• A4226 outside the farm entrance (5 accidents);

• A4226/B4265 roundabout (4 accidents);

• B4265/Fonmon Road junction (4 accidents – 1 fatal). The fatal collision was due to the driver failing to judge the speed of a motorbike; • B4265 T-junction off to East Aberthaw (8 accidents);

• T-junction off the B4265 to Llancadle (5 accidents – 1 fatal) – the fatal injury was caused by a pedestrian running across the road; • B4265/Gileston Road cross-roads (7 accidents);

• Signalised cross-roads at Boverton (8 accidents – 1 fatal) – the fatal was a pedestrian struck by a car;

• B4265/Llanmaes Road signalised cross-roads (5 accidents);

• B4270/minor road T-junction (4 accidents);

• B4270/minor road T-junction leading to business park road (4 accidents);

• B4270/minor road T-junction leading to business park (3 accidents);

• A48/B4268 staggered T-junctions (4 accidents);

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• A48/A4226 staggered T-junctions (11 accidents);

• St. Athan Road (3 accidents);

• A4222 (10 accidents) – 7 accidents involved pedestrians, 1 accident was a cyclist error and another was caused by a driver having a blackout/falling asleep;

• B4270/Church Road cross-roads (3 accidents) – all accidents were partly due to poor visibility at the junction; and • Cowbridge Road (4 accidents).

13.4.2 Predicted Future Baseline

Background Traffic Flows Background traffic flows are predicted to increase on the local road network, even if the proposed development does not go ahead. This assumption is based on the forecasts of growth in the volume of motor traffic on roads in Great Britain until the year 2031, as described in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) publication National Road Traffic Forecasts (Great Britain) 1997 (NRTF). Baseline traffic flows in future assessment years have been derived from the Welsh Assembly Government’s SATURN model.

Committed Development Traffic The SATURN model that Capita Symonds has used to determine the distribution of traffic on the local road network is based on central traffic growth forecasts and includes the predicted traffic generation as a result of the growth of Cardiff Airport. Based on the Welsh Assembly Governments’ advice, and comparison with observed data, forecast figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) 2003 White Paper The Future of Air Transport have been utilised by the SATURN model to predict the growth of Cardiff Airport. This equates to increases from 2.582 million passengers in 2008, rising to 3.46 million passengers in 2014 and 4.440 million passengers in 2024. The SATURN model also includes committed developments for 2013 and 2028 in addition to the following schemes: • M4 widening, Junctions 29-32: Widening of the M4 motorway north of Cardiff between Castleton and Coryton, from 2-lane to 3-lane. Currently under construction, completion scheduled for December 2009.

• Coity Bypass, Bridgend: Associated with the Parc Derwen housing development in north-east Bridgend, connecting the A4061, Litchard to Heol Simonston, Brackla. Currently under construction, completion scheduled for 2009.

• A4232/Leckwith Interchange, Cardiff: Signalised roundabout improvement associated with the Cardiff City Football Stadium development. Completed in 2008, after the surveys for the CIA model were undertaken.

• M4 Junction 34A: New motorway junction associated with the proposed Llanilid Film Studio development. Timing uncertain, but is assumed to be between 2013 and 2028.

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• A4119.Mwyndy Interchange: Grade separated junction on the A4119 at Mwyndy, between Miskin and Talbot Green, associated with the proposed mixed use development at Mwyndy. The scheme includes a dedicated left-turn lane from M4 (west) to A4119 at Junction 34. Timing uncertain, but is assumed to be between 2013 and 2028.

Potential Future Transport Schemes A separate study is being carried out by the Welsh Assembly Government to investigate alternatives for improving public access to Cardiff Airport. Public consultation was held on three potential routes in autumn 2007 and an announcement regarding a preferred route is expected shortly. Additionally, in March 2007 the Welsh Assembly Government provided the Vale of Glamorgan Council (VoG) with Principal Road Grant Funding for preparation/design costs to undertake improvements to the A4226 Five Mile Lane as part of the Transport Settlement Grant for 2007/2008. The traffic counts in respect of the St Athan proposals and the Cardiff Airport Study have been carried out simultaneously to ensure consistency of approach and, as indicated above, baseline traffic flows in future assessment years have been derived in both cases from the SATURN model created on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government for the wider Cardiff Airport study. However, any changes in traffic flow due to alternative route proposals have yet to be quantified as they are still in development.

13.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme

13.5.1 Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) The Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) is described in detail in Section 3.3.3 of this Environmental Statement.

13.5.2 Construction Travel Plan (CTP) A Construction Travel Plan (CTP) has been prepared by Capita Symonds to cover the period of the construction of the DTC development at St Athan and Phase 1 of the ABP. At this stage it is expected that the early works associated with the School of Technical Training will begin in Quarter 2 of 2009 with a target completion date of 2014. Phase 1 of the ABP development is expected to commence in 2011. Phases 2 and 3 of the ABP construction programme will commence after 2014 and continue until 2028. The trip generation from the combined workforce and deliveries is expected to peak in the first quarter of 2013. The CTP has been developed in conjunction with the TA and recommends measures to counteract dependence on single occupant car use.

13.5.3 Highway Works The following highway works, the designs of which are described within the TA, are proposed to serve both the DTC and ABP developments:

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• Construction of the Northern Access Road (NAR) to DTC/ABP. The NAR will link with the B4265 east of the B4265/Picketston Lane junction and will allow for pedestrian crossing;

• Improvements at A4226 Waycock Cross roundabout;

• Realignment of the highway and associated improvements on the B4265 at Gileston to Old Mill; • Proposed signalisation of the existing B4265/Gileston Road cross-roads junction (within the existing highway boundary). The aim of which is to improve safety of the right-turn manoeuvre. The signalisation will include provision for pedestrians to cross the B4265; • Highway works, and associated landscaping at the A4266/B4266 Waycock Cross road junction. At the time of writing, the extent of improvements is still being debated; • Upgrade the crossing provision at the B4265/Llanmaes Road signalised junction to allow cyclists to cross; • Access junctions designed to ensure that traffic through/from St Athan will not enter the DTC & ABP off Eglwys Brewis Road westbound, or leave right-out eastbound, thereby minimising the effects of development traffic within St Athan; • To reduce rat running on Eglwys Brewis Road, traffic to DTC and ABP North will be signposted to the NAR junction. A review of bus-friendly traffic calming is also being undertaken; • An extinguishment of driving is proposed for the railway bridge adjacent to Batslays, following the construction of a wider replacement bridge to access ABP South; • Part of the existing Eglwys Brewis Road will be improved by replacement with the NAR. The unaltered sections of Eglwys Brewis Road will connect into the NAR; • A lay-by, adjacent to Gate 2/3 is proposed, to provide a waiting area for abnormal loads prior to gaining access within the security perimeter. This will ensure delays to public vehicles are minimised; and

• A Southern Access Road (SAR) will be constructed to serve ABP South in Phase 2 of development, i.e. by 2020.

13.5.4 Travel Plans Travel Plans have been developed for the DTC and the ABP which incorporate a combination of measures, such as the provision of buses from the railway station and a car share matching service, designed to encourage car free access.

13.5.5 Traffic Management Plan A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be prepared and agreed with VoG highways prior to construction and will include the following:

• Construction traffic will be restricted to using appropriate routes and particular times of the day (e.g. to avoid times of peak traffic flows);

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• Plant deliveries that require exceptionally large vehicles/abnormal loads will take place following consultation with the police and will avoid times of peak traffic flows on the local road network;

• Provision of wheel and vehicle body washing facilities in order that local roads are kept free from vehicle deposits and debris; • Restriction on the size of vehicles used, if appropriate;

• Ensure vehicles are securely sheeted and restrained, if appropriate;

• Measures to prevent traffic routing through St Athan;

• Display local transport information on site notice boards;

• The publication of transport briefings and detailed logistic plans to all service and material suppliers; and • Recruitment of staff though local job centre and through use of Job Centre Plus as the preferred supplier of staff; Table 13.5 summarises the rationale for incorporation of environmental measures.

Table 13.5 Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Potential Effects

The users of local roads and the Increases in traffic flows as a result of CEMP to minimise adverse occupiers and users of land uses that the construction and operation of the environmental effects as a result of front them. development proposals. the construction processes.

Construction Travel Plan to encourage accessibility of the site by alternative modes of travel to the car.

Highway works to improve road safety, access to the site and capacity at critical junctions.

Access junction design to ensure that traffic through/from St Athan will not enter DTC and ABP off Eglwys Brewis Road.

Signposting and bus friendly traffic calming on Eglwys Brewis Road to reduce rat-running.

Extinguishment of driving proposed for the railway bridge adjacent to Batslays.

Replace part of the existing Eglwys Brewis Road with the NAR. The unaltered sections of Eglwys Brewis Road will connect into the NAR.

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Table 13.5 (continued) Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes and Incorporated Measure Potential Effects

Lay-by for abnormal loads adjacent to Gate 2/3.

Southern Access Road (SAR) to serve ABP South.

DTC and ABP travel plans to encourage trips to/from the proposed development by modes of travel other than single–occupancy car use.

Traffic Management Plan (TMP) to be agreed with the VoG Council.

13.6 Scope of the Assessment The 2007 Department for Communities and Local Government and Department for Transport publication Guidance on Transport Assessment refers to Circular 02/99: Environmental Impact Assessment, published by the former Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions for details on environmental assessment. However, Circular 02/99 does not provide specific guidance on the approach to traffic and transport related assessment. The only document available which sets out a methodology for assessing potentially significant environmental effects is the 1993 Institute of Environmental Assessment 2 (IEA) publication Guidance Notes No. 1: Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic (hereafter referred to as the IEMA guidelines).

13.6.1 Potential Receptors The methodology used in the EIA (adopting that advocated by the IEMA guidelines) includes evaluating: • Potential effects on local roads and the users of those roads, including public transport users, pedestrians and cyclists; and • Potential effects on land uses fronting local roads, including the effects on the relevant occupiers and users of those land uses. It should be noted that certain receptors such as school children, the elderly and other vulnerable road user groups are generally deemed to be more sensitive to environmental effects.

2 Now the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA)

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13.6.2 Potentially Significant Traffic Related Environmental Effects The IEMA guidelines recommend that the following environmental effects (shown in Box 13.1) may be considered to be potentially important when considering traffic from an individual development.

Box 13.1 Potential Traffic Related Environmental Effects

Noise Fear and Intimidation

Vibration Accidents and Safety

Visual Effects Hazardous Loads

Severance Air Pollution

Driver Delay Dust and Dirt

Pedestrian Delay Ecological Effects

Pedestrian Amenity Heritage and Conservation

Of these effects, many are dealt with in other Chapters of the ES (where relevant) for example Noise (Chapter 16), Visual assessment (Chapter 8), Biodiversity (Chapter 6), Community (Chapter 12) and Historic Environment (Chapter 9), with the remaining effects being covered by this Chapter. The potential effect of hazardous loads has been ‘scoped-out’ of this assessment, given that the transportation of such loads is considered to occur regularly on the road network and that all associated activities are subject to strict Health and Safety controls and specific handling procedures. The potential effects that have been considered by this assessment are defined below.

Severance Severance is the perceived division that can occur within a community when it becomes separated by a major traffic artery. It may result from the difficulty of crossing a heavily trafficked existing road for example, or as a result of a physical barrier created by the road itself.

Driver Delay Delays to non-development traffic can occur on the network due to the additional traffic generated by the development.

Pedestrian Delay Changes in the volume, composition or speed of traffic may affect the ability of people to cross roads. In general terms, increases in traffic levels are likely to lead to greater increases in delay.

Pedestrian Amenity Pedestrian amenity is broadly defined as the relative pleasantness of a journey, and is considered to be affected by traffic flow, traffic composition and pavement width/separation from traffic.

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Fear and Intimidation The scale of fear and intimidation experienced by pedestrians is dependant on the volume of traffic, its HGV composition, its proximity to people or the lack of protection caused by such factors as narrow pavement widths.

Accidents and Safety Increases in levels of road traffic can lead to an increase in the rate of recorded PIAs.

13.7 Assessment Methodology

13.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects The estimated traffic generation of the construction and operation of the proposed development has been compared with baseline traffic flows in order to determine the percentage increase in traffic on each road that has been taken forward for assessment. In order to define the scale and extent of this assessment, the IEMA guidelines identify the following rules by which to undertake an assessment of potentially significant traffic-related environmental effects: • Rule 1 Include roads where traffic flows are predicted to increase by more than 30% (or where the number of HGVs are predicted to increase by more than 30%); and • Rule 2 Include any specifically sensitive areas where traffic flows are predicted to increase by 10% or more. For the purposes of this assessment the majority of the routes used to access the site are not considered to be specifically sensitive, therefore only requiring an assessment of effects where traffic flows are predicted to increase by more that 30%. However, the following minor roads are considered to be sensitive: • A4222, Cowbridge;

• Cowbridge Road, St Athan; and

• Gileston Road, St Athan. In accordance with the IEMA guidelines, these roads are considered sensitive because land uses (e.g. residential dwellings and shops) front them and pedestrian activity along them is likely to be affected by an increase in traffic and HGVs.

13.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology The significance of each effect will be considered against the criteria within the IEMA guidelines, where possible. However, the IEMA guidelines state that: ‘…for many effects there are no simple rules or formulae which define the thresholds of significance and there is, therefore, a need for interpretation and judgement on the part of the assessor, backed-up by data or quantified information wherever possible. Such judgements will include the assessment of

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the numbers of people experiencing a change in environmental impact as well as the assessment of the damage to various natural resources.’3 The IEMA guidelines also state that: ‘…the detailed assessment of impacts is…likely to concentrate on the period during which the absolute level of an impact is at its peak, as well as the hour at which the greatest level of change is likely to occur.’4 For each of the potential effects described in Section 13.6.2, the relevant significance criterion is detailed below, based on the advice given in the IEMA guidelines.

Severance There are no predictive formulae which give simple relationships between traffic factors and levels of severance. Nevertheless, the IEMA guidelines suggest that only changes in traffic flow of 30% or more are likely to produce changes in severance.

Driver Delay The IEMA guidelines note that these additional delays to background traffic are only likely to be significant when the traffic on the network in the study area is already at, or close to, the capacity of the system.

Pedestrian Delay Given the range of local factors and conditions which can influence pedestrian delay, IEMA does not recommend that thresholds be used as a means to establish the significance of pedestrian delay. Professional judgement is therefore required in order to determine the significance of this effect.

Pedestrian Amenity The IEMA guidelines note that changes in pedestrian amenity may be considered to be significant where the traffic is halved or doubled.

Fear and Intimidation There are no commonly agreed thresholds by which to determine the significance of the effect. Therefore, professional judgement is also required in this respect.

Accidents and Safety Due to numerous local causation factors involved in personal injury accidents, the IEMA guidelines do not recommend the use of thresholds to determine significance. Again, professional judgement is required to assess the existing levels of recorded accidents and the possible effects of development related traffic.

3 IEA, 1993, para.4.5.

4 IEA, 1993, para.3.10.

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13.8 Assessment of Effects: Traffic and Transport

13.8.1 Predicted Effects and their Significance

Construction i) 12 hour Construction Traffic Quarter 4 2012 Traffic generation and distribution have been calculated by Laing O’ Rourke. Based on their calculations, the traffic generated by the workforce, staff, visitors and LGV and HGV deliveries is expected to peak in the fourth quarter of 2012. The period has therefore been assessed as the worst case scenario. The hours of work during the construction and demolition phase will be 0700 – 1900 hours Monday to Saturday. The baseline data has been calculated using the 2013 AM and PM peak hour baseline traffic flows, which have been growthed to 12 hour flows using a factor derived from an Automatic Traffic Count (ATC) on the B4265. The figures used in the EIA are summarised in Table 13.6.

Table 13.6 Construction Traffic Generation and Distribution (12 hour period in Quarter 4 2012)

Route Vehicle Numbers

Staff, workforce, HGV Total visitors and LGV Deliveries deliveries

East (B4265, A405/A4266, A4232 to/from Junction 33 of M4) 939 178 1,117

North (B4265 and A4270 to/from A48) 208 12 220

West (B4265 to/from Bridgend) 281 34 315

Total 1,428 224 1,652

The predicted percentage changes in traffic flows during the peak construction period are summarised in Table 13.7.

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Table 13.7 % change in Traffic Flows: Construction

Road 2013 12H Base Traffic 2013 12H Base + % Change Construction Traffic

Total HGV Total HGV Total HGV

B4268 (N of 4,874 222 5,094 234 4.5% 5.4% B4270)

B4265 (West of 7,274 291 7,809 337 7.4% 15.8% proposed NAR)

B4265 (East of 7,264 360 8,381 538 15.4% 49.5% proposed NAR)

B4265 (East of 10,024 448 11,141 626 11.1% 39.7% St Athan/Gileston)

B4265 (West of 7,308 286 8,425 464 15.3% 62.3% St Athan/Gileston)

B4265 (West of 17,918 710 19,035 888 6.2% 25.1% Waycock Cross)

The results shown in Table 13.7 indicate that the HGV percentage increase threshold is exceeded, thereby triggering an assessment of environmental effects. It is noted, however, that the total vehicle increase is less than 16%. ii) Assessment This assessment of potential effects and their significance is defined below and assumes that a number of the incorporated environmental measures will be effective by Quarter 4 of 2012.

Severance Pedestrian crossing provision will be provided as part of the proposed signalisation of the existing B4265/Gileston Road cross-roads junction. This will alleviate any issues with severance across this busy route. As a consequence, it is considered that severance effects on the B4265 associated with construction traffic will not be significant.

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Although it is inevitable that some delay will still occur, this will be limited and any delays to drivers are therefore considered not to be significant.

Pedestrian Delay In accordance with the IEMA guidelines, pedestrian delay is likely to occur when traffic affects the ability of people to cross roads. There is limited pedestrian activity along the B4265 as there are no footways or desire lines. As previously identified, the provision of pedestrian crossing facilities as part of the proposed signalisation of the existing B4265/Gileston Road cross-roads junction will alleviate issues with pedestrian delay across this busy route. Any delay to pedestrians is therefore considered not to be significant.

Pedestrian Amenity As already identified, there is limited pedestrian activity along the B4265 as there are no footways or desire lines. The provision of pedestrian crossing facilities as part of the proposed signalisation of the existing B4265/Gileston Road cross-roads junction will alleviate issues with pedestrian amenity across this busy route. This effect is therefore considered not to be significant.

Fear and Intimidation Again, the provision of pedestrian crossing facilities as part of the proposed signalisation of the existing B4265/Gileston Road cross-roads junction will alleviate any issues with fear and intimidation as a result of additional HGV traffic. This effect is therefore considered not to be significant.

Accidents and Safety The provision of pedestrian crossing facilities as part of the proposed signalisation of the existing B4265/Gileston Road cross-roads junction, a location where one pedestrian fatality has occurred, will improve road safety for the pedestrians in the area, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. As a consequence, this effect is considered not to be significant.

Operation i) Development traffic – 2014 The predicted percentage change in traffic flows during the AM and PM peak hours of the opening year (2014) are summarised in Tables 13.8 and 13.9, respectively. It should be noted that the baseline traffic data available from the SATURN model is for 2013.

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Table 13.8 % change in Traffic Flows: 2014 AM Peak Hour

Road 2014 AM Base Traffic 2014 AM Base + % Change Development Traffic

Total HGV Total HGV Total HGV

A4222 (E of 714 29 784 31 9.8% 6.9% B4270)

A4222 (W of St 829 66 885 71 6.8% 7.6% Athan Road)

Cowbridge 186 13 416 29 123.7% 123.1% Road

Gileston Road 285 17 507 30 77.9% 76.5%

B4268 (N of 411 33 655 52 59.4% 57.6% B4270)

B4265 (east of 726 44 761 46 4.8% 4.5% NAR)

B4265 (west of 725 58 1,390 111 91.7% 91.4% NAR)

B4265 (east of 1,011 71 1,325 93 31.1% 31.0% St Athan/Gileston)

B4265 (west of 706 42 1,069 64 51.4% 52.4% St Athan/Gileston)

B4265 (west of 1,790 107 1,983 119 10.8% 11.2% Waycock Cross)

A4226 (S of 844 25 871 26 3.2% 4.0% A48)

A4226 (N of 768 31 780 31 1.6% 0.0% Waycock Cross)

A48 (E of 1,284 51 1,529 61 19.1% 19.6% B4268)

A48 (W of 1,857 74 1,912 76 3.0% 2.7% A4226)

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Table 13.9 % change in Traffic Flows: 2014 PM Peak Hour

Road 2014 PM Base 2014 PM Base % Change 2014 PM Base % Change Traffic + (Monday- + (Friday) Development Thursday Development Traffic Traffic (Monday- (Friday) Thursday)

Total HGV Total HGV Total HGV Total HGV Total HGV

A4222 (E of 785 16 825 17 5.1% 6.3% 825 17 5.1% 6.3% B4270)

A4222 (W of St 1,049 21 1,079 22 2.9% 4.8% 1,079 22 2.9% 4.8% Athan Road)

Cowbridge 187 4 328 7 75.4% 75.0% 328 7 75.4% 75.0% Road

Gileston Road 267 5 502 10 88.0% 100.0% 502 10 88.0% 100.0%

B4268 (N of 578 12 760 15 31.5% 25.0% 760 15 31.5% 25.0% B4270)

B4265 (east of 750 15 717 14 -4.4% -6.7% 1,134 23 51.2% 53.3% NAR)

B4265 (west of 749 15 1,353 27 80.6% 80.0% 1,353 27 80.6% 80.0% NAR)

B4265 (east of 1,023 20 1,276 26 24.7% 30.0% 1,693 34 65.5% 70.0% St Athan/Gileston)

B4265 (west of 777 16 1,075 22 38.4% 37.5% 1,482 30 90.7% 87.5% St Athan/Gileston)

B4265 (west of 1,846 37 1,988 40 7.7% 8.1% 2,405 48 30.3% 29.7% Waycock Cross)

A4226 (S of 761 8 789 8 3.7% 0.0% 1,206 12 58.5% 50.0% A48)

A4226 (N of 648 13 685 14 5.7% 7.7% 1,102 22 70.1% 69.2% Waycock Cross)

A48 (E of 1,280 26 1,256 25 -1.9% -3.8% 1,256 25 -1.9% -3.8% B4268)

A48 (W of 1,669 17 1,733 17 3.8% 0.0% 1,733 17 3.8% 0.0% A4226)

ii) Development traffic – 2028 The predicted percentage change in traffic flows during the AM and PM peak hours of the completion year (2028) are summarised in Tables 13.10 and 13.11, respectively.

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Table 13.10 % change in Traffic Flows: 2028 AM Peak Hour

Road 2028 AM Base Traffic 2028 AM Base + % Change Development Traffic

Total HGV Total HGV Total HGV

A4222 (E of 908 36 988 40 8.8% 11.1% B4270)

A4222 (W of St 1,028 82 1,059 85 3.0% 3.7% Athan Road)

Cowbridge 308 22 570 40 85.1% 81.8% Road

Gileston Road 437 26 541 32 23.8% 23.1%

B4268 (N of 421 34 519 42 23.3% 23.5% B4270)

B4265 (east of 782 47 923 55 18.0% 17.0% NAR)

B4265 (west of 782 63 1,574 126 101.3% 100.0% NAR)

B4265 (east of 1,224 86 1,541 108 25.9% 25.6% St Athan/Gileston)

B4265 (west of 870 52 1,256 75 44.4% 44.2% St Athan/Gileston)

B4265 (west of 2,105 126 2,301 138 9.3% 9.5% Waycock Cross)

A4226 (S of 964 29 1,010 30 4.8% 3.4% A48)

A4226 (N of 918 37 989 40 7.7% 8.1% Waycock Cross)

A48 (E of 2,033 81 2,076 83 2.1% 2.5% B4268)

A48 (W of 2,279 91 2,346 94 2.9% 3.3% A4226)

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Table 13.11 % change in Traffic Flows: 2028 PM Peak Hour

Road 2028 PM Base 2028 PM Base % Change 2028 PM Base % Change Traffic + (Monday- + (Friday) Development Thursday Development Traffic Traffic (Monday- (Friday) Thursday)

Total HGV Total HGV Total HGV Total HGV Total HGV

A4222 (E of 903 18 1,097 22 21.5% 22.2% 1,097 22 21.5% 22.2% B4270)

A4222 (W of St 1,187 24 1,026 21 -13.6% -12.5% 1,026 21 -13.6% -12.5% Athan Road)

Cowbridge 261 5 434 9 66.3% 80.0% 434 9 66.3% 80.0% Road

Gileston Road 286 6 573 11 100.3% 83.3% 573 11 100.3% 83.3%

B4268 (N of 576 12 650 13 12.8% 8.3% 650 13 12.8% 8.3% B4270)

B4265 (east of 881 18 879 18 -0.2% 0.0% 1,296 26 47.1% 44.4% NAR)

B4265 (west of 881 18 1,464 29 66.2% 61.1% 1,464 29 66.2% 61.1% NAR)

B4265 (east of 1,249 25 1,488 30 19.1% 20.0% 1,905 38 52.5% 52.0% St Athan/Gileston)

B4265 (west of 971 19 1,281 26 31.9% 36.8% 1,698 34 74.9% 78.9% St Athan/Gileston)

B4265 (west of 2,125 43 2,271 45 6.9% 4.7% 2,688 54 26.5% 25.6% Waycock Cross)

A4226 (S of 896 9 897 9 0.1% 0.0% 1,314 13 46.7% 44.4% A48)

A4226 (N of 762 15 792 16 3.9% 6.7% 1,209 24 58.7% 60.0% Waycock Cross)

A48 (E of 1,791 36 1,887 38 5.4% 5.6% 1,887 38 5.4% 5.6% B4268)

A48 (W of 2,197 22 2,386 24 8.6% 9.1% 2,386 24 8.6% 9.1% A4226)

iii) Assessment This assessment of potential effects and their significance is defined below and assumes that the incorporated environmental measures will be effective during operation.

Severance In accordance with Rule 2 of the IEMA guidelines, severance of sensitive receptors is likely to occur on roads that are predicted to experience an increase in traffic flows of 10% or more.

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Residential dwellings, shops/services frontages and turning points/access roads are located along Cowbridge Road and Gileston Road in St Athan and along the A4222 through Cowbridge. Traffic flows through St Athan and Cowbridge would still be low as a result of development. During the 2014 AM and PM peak hours, St Athan would see an average increase of 4 two-way vehicles per minute. Cowbridge would see an average increase of 2 two-way vehicles per minute during the 2014 AM peak hour and no change during the PM peak hour. In 2028, St Athan would see an average increase of 4 two-way vehicles per minute during the AM peak hour and 5 two-way vehicles per minute during the PM peak hour. Cowbridge would see an average increase of 1 two-way vehicle per minute during the AM peak hour and 3 two- way vehicles per minute during the PM peak hour. Therefore, it is considered unlikely that such increases in traffic would result in difficulties for people to cross Cowbridge Road, Gileston Road and the A4222 through Cowbridge. Furthermore, the increase in traffic will not separate people from other people and places as a number of pedestrian and cycle links are proposed. These include the provision of a footpath/cycleway along the entire length of the NAR, which will be lit, and that will provide connectivity between the application site and Boverton/Llantwit Major via existing footways. An alternative route to the existing cut slope steps on the B4265 is also proposed on the northern verge of the B4265, between the B4265 NAR junction to Llanmaes signals, where pedestrians and cyclists will be able to cross at-grade. It is proposed that the existing crossing facilities at Llanmaes signals will also be improved to allow for cyclists to cross. Additionally, the existing Safe Routes to School scheme at Boverton will be connected to the proposed bus stop footpath along Eglwys Brewis Road, from the North of West Camp SFA site. Pedestrians from the SFA sites will be able to access this route by following the footpath through Eagle Way and crossing the B4265 at Boverton signals, which has an existing at-grade pedestrian crossing. Taking these factors into consideration, the effect of severance is considered to be not significant.

Driver Delay Delays to non-development traffic can occur on the network due to the additional traffic generated by development. The IEMA guidelines note that these additional delays are only likely to be significant when the traffic on the network surrounding the development is already at, or close to, the capacity of the system. It is noted that the B4265 is predicted to see an increase in total traffic flows and HGV traffic above the 30% threshold of assessment. This is to be expected, given that development- generated traffic will access the site via this road. The B4268, during 2014, and the A4226, during the PM peak hours of 2014 and 2028, are also predicted see an increase in total traffic flows and HGV traffic above the 30% threshold of assessment. In each case, it should be noted that the high percentage increase in HGV traffic can be attributable to low HGV traffic flows during the baseline years.

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The highway improvement proposals, as described in this Chapter, Section 3.2 and the TA, have been included in the scheme in order to improve capacity and reduce queuing. Therefore, the effect on driver delay as a result of an increase in traffic generated by the development proposals is considered to be not significant.

Pedestrian Delay In accordance with the IEMA guidelines, pedestrian delay is likely to occur when traffic affects the ability of people to cross roads. On-site observations indicated that there is considerable pedestrian activity in the vicinity of shops, services and public transport facilities along the A4222 through Cowbridge. However, access across the A4222 through Cowbridge is achievable via a zebra crossing and a signalised pedestrian crossing and, as already identified, the average two-way traffic flows per minute will only increase by an average of 2 two-way vehicles per minute during the 2014 AM peak hour, 1 two-way vehicle per minute during the 2028 AM peak hour and 3 two-way vehicles per minute during the 2028 PM peak hour. Pedestrian activity is also associated with residential dwellings and shops/services frontages along Cowbridge Road and Gileston Road. However, traffic flows through St Athan as a result of development would increase by an average of 4 two-way vehicles per minute during the 2014 AM and PM peak hours, 4 two-way vehicles per minute during the 2028 AM peak hour and 5 two-way vehicles per minute during the PM peak hour. It is considered that these increases are unlikely to affect the ability of people to cross Cowbridge Road and Gileston Road. The NAR will also comprise at-grade and grade-separated crossing points to enable pedestrians to cross the NAR. Furthermore, an alternative route to the existing cut slope steps on the B4265 is proposed on the northern verge of the B4265, between the B4265 NAR junction to Llanmaes signals, where pedestrians and cyclists will be able to cross at-grade. It is proposed that the existing crossing facilities at Llanmaes signals will also be improved to allow for cyclists to cross. Additionally, the existing Safe Routes to School scheme at Boverton will be connected to the proposed bus stop footpath along Eglwys Brewis Road, from the North of West Camp SFA site. Pedestrians from the SFA sites will be able to access this route by following the footpath through Eagle Way and crossing the B4265 at Boverton signals, which has an existing at-grade pedestrian crossing. Taking these factors into consideration, the effect of development generated traffic on pedestrian delay is considered to be not significant.

Pedestrian Amenity In accordance with the IEMA guidelines, traffic is only likely to double along Cowbridge Road as a result of traffic generated during the 2014 AM peak hour. However, as has been identified, this would only result in an average increase of 4 two-way vehicles per minute. It is considered that such an increase is unlikely to affect the pleasantness of pedestrian journeys along Cowbridge Road. Taking these factors into consideration, the effect of development generated traffic on pedestrian amenity is considered to be not significant.

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Fear and Intimidation The composition of traffic includes, in some cases, a high percentage change in overall traffic volumes and HGVs. Although the latter is primarily due to the relatively low volumes of HGVs within the overall baseline traffic flows. There is considerable pedestrian activity along the A4222 Cowbridge Road. However, the nature of the road means there are no high speed sections and footways along the carriageway provide suitable protection from vehicles. The provision of a lit footpath/cycleway along the entire length of the NAR will reduce the scale of fear an intimidation experienced by pedestrians and cyclists using this road. Additionally, the connection of the existing Safe Routes to School scheme at Boverton to the proposed bus stop footpath along Eglwys Brewis Road, from the North of West Camp SFA site will also reduce the scale of fear and intimidation experienced by pedestrians,. Taking these factors into consideration, the effect of development generated traffic on the scale of fear and intimidation experienced by pedestrians is considered to be not significant.

Accidents and Safety The TA noted that there are 20 accident cluster sites on the local road network surrounding the site. Sections 14.10-14.12 of the TA describe the proposals for improving road safety, which include: • Improvements at the A4226 Waycock Cross Roundabout (9 accidents); and

• Signalisation of the B4265/Gileston Road crossroads (7 accidents) to improve the safety of the right turn manoeuvre. Additionally, by incorporating the transport improvements discussed in Section 13.5 it is considered that the effect of development generated traffic on accidents and safety will be not significant.

13.9 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation

Table 13.12 Summary of Significance of Effects - Construction

Receptor and Effects Magnitude of Sensitivity or Significance3 Summary Rationale Effect1 Value2

The users of local roads and the occupiers and users of land uses that front them.

Effect: Severance Minor Local Not Significant Limited levels of existing pedestrian activity along B4265.

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Table 13.12 (continued) Summary of Significance of Effects - Construction

Receptor and Effects Magnitude of Sensitivity or Significance3 Summary Rationale Effect1 Value2

Pedestrian crossing provision at proposed B4265/Gileston Road signals will alleviate any issues with severance on the B4265.

Effect: Driver delay Minor Local Not Significant A Traffic Management Plan will be designed to ensure minimum disruption on the local road network.

Effect: Pedestrian delay Minor Local Not Significant Limited levels of existing pedestrian activity along B4265.

Pedestrian crossing provision at proposed B4265/Gileston Road signals will alleviate any issues with pedestrian delay on the B4265.

Effect: Pedestrian amenity Minor Local Not Significant Limited levels of existing pedestrian activity along B4265.

Pedestrian crossing provision at proposed B4265/Gileston Road signals will enhance pedestrian amenity on the B4265.

Effect: Fear and intimidation Minor Local Not Significant Limited levels of existing pedestrian activity along B4265.

Pedestrian crossing provision at proposed B4265/Gileston Road signals will reduce pedestrian fear and intimidation on the B4265.

Effect: Accidents and safety Minor Local Not Significant Pedestrian crossing provision at proposed B4265/Gileston Road signals will improve safety for pedestrians and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Key/Footnotes:

1. 2. 3.

Major International Significant

Moderate National Not-significant

Minor Regional

Negligible Local

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Table 13.13 Summary of Significance of Effects - Operation

Receptor and Effects Magnitude of Sensitivity or Significance3 Summary rationale Effect1 Value2

The users of local roads and the occupiers and users of land uses that front them.

Effect: Severance Minor Local Not Significant The maximum predicted traffic increase is an average of 5 two-way vehicles per minute. The travel plans for the site are likely to reduce the traffic volumes from the site.

Effect: Driver delay Minor Local Not Significant Highway improvements should increase capacity on the surrounding highway network

Effect: Pedestrian delay Minor Local Not Significant Existing signalised and zebra crossing facilities on roads where pedestrian activity is expected to occur.

Effect: Pedestrian amenity Minor Local Not Significant Traffic flows predicted to double in 2014 AM peak hour. However, the increase is predicted to be an average of only 4 vehicles per minute.

Effect: Fear and intimidation Minor Local Not Significant Existing footways provide suitable protection from vehicles along the A4222 Cowbridge Road. Low vehicle speeds are also observed, given the proximity of local shops and services and pedestrian activity along Cowbridge Road.

Effect: Accidents and safety Minor Local Not Significant Improvements to be made to several accident cluster sites on the surrounding highway network.

Key/Footnotes:

1. 2. 3.

Major International Significant

Moderate National Not-significant

Minor Regional

Negligible Local

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13.10 Implementation of Environmental Measures Table 13.14 summarises the means by which the environmental measures that form, and could form, part of the scheme could be secured and implemented.

Table 13.14 Implementation of Environmental Measures

Environmental Measure Responsibility for Compliance Implementation Mechanism

Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) Site management/Client Planning condition

Traffic Management Plan (TMP) Site management/Client Planning condition

Highway works Client Planning condition and S278 Agreements

Construction Travel Plan Site management/Client Planning condition

Implementation of the monitoring strategy

Defence Technical College Travel Plan Client Planning condition

Partnership arrangement with ABP occupants, the Council and public transport providers

Aerospace Business Park Travel Plan Occupants Planning condition

Partnership arrangement with DTC, the Council and public transport providers

13.11 Relevant Terminology Table 13.15 summarises the relevant terminology/abbreviations that have been used in this Chapter.

Table 13.15 Descriptions of Traffic Related Terminology/Abbreviations

Terminology/Abbreviation Description

Automatic Traffic Count (ATC) ATCs involve the installation of pneumatic tube based counters across a road. The ATCs can record volumes of traffic by vehicle direction and classify vehicles and vehicle speeds.

Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Goods vehicles exceeding a gross vehicle weight of 7.5t

National Road Traffic Forecasts (NRTF) Sets out forecasts of the growth in the volume of motor traffic (excluding motorcycles) on roads in Great Britain until the year 2031. The document considers the effects of congestion and nominal capacity constraints to forecast low, central and high estimates of traffic growth in future years. The central estimate is considered to be the most likely outcome

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Table 13.15 (continued) Descriptions of Traffic Related Terminology/Abbreviations

Terminology/Abbreviation Description

Personal Injury Accident (PIA) Road traffic accidents where either slight, serious or fatal injuries to people have been recorded. The data would generally include such information as the location of the accident, number of casualties, the modes of travel involved, age and gender of those involved and the contributing factors to the accident

Simulation and Assignment of Traffic to Urban Road A traffic simulation and assignment model for the analysis Networks (SATURN) of road networks

13.12 References The following is the list of documents that have been referred to in this Chapter:

• Capita Symonds (2009). Defence Technical College and Aerospace Business Park – St Athan Draft Transport Assessment, April 2009; • Capita Symonds (2009). Defence Technical College and Aerospace Business Park Draft Construction Travel Plan, March 2009; • Department for Communities and Local Government and Department for Transport (2007). Guidance on Transport Assessment. London: TSO;

• Department for Communities and Local Government (1999). Circular 02/99: Environmental impact assessment;

• Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions (1997). National Road Traffic Forecasts (Great Britain). London: DETR; and

• Institute of Environmental Assessment (1993). Guidance Notes No. 1: Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic. Horncastle: IEA.

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14. Air Quality

14.1 Introduction The proposed development could affect air quality around the site of the proposed development or in its vicinity, through the increase in traffic on the local roads in the area, which could lead to an increase in pollutant concentrations associated with vehicle exhaust emissions. Also, emissions of pollutants from the aircraft activity at the site, including runway activity and engine running activity associated with the proposed development, dust associated with the demolition and construction activities for the proposed development and the pollutants associated with the biomass combined heat and power (CHP) facility as part of the proposed development, could also affect air quality in the local area. This chapter assesses the magnitude and significance of these potential effects. The chapter should be read in the light of the project description in Chapter 3. Following a summary of relevant policy and legislation, the chapter outlines the data gathering methodology that was adopted as part of the assessment on air quality. This leads on to a description of the overall baseline conditions, the environmental measures that have been incorporated into the scheme, the scope of the assessment, the assessment methodology and, for each source of emissions, an assessment of potential effects. The chapter concludes with a summary of the results of the assessment.

14.2 Policy and Legislative Context

14.2.1 Policy Context

Table 14.1 Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference Policy Issue

National Planning Policies

Planning Policy Wales 2002. Chapter 13: Minimising and Local authorities in their UDP should ensure that a Managing Environmental Risk and Pollution polluting development is located where it would not cause adverse effects for other developments nearby. The appropriate permitting authority should also be consulted to ensure that any polluting effects are minimised.

Planning Policy Wales, Technical Guidance Note (TAN) Air Quality objectives and existing air quality in an area 18: Transport should be taken into account when considering development plans and planning applications.

Local Planning Policies

The Vale of Glamorgan Adopted Unitary Development A development will not be permitted where it is liable to Plan 1996 – 2011. Policy Env 29: Protection of have an unacceptable effect on the environment by Environmental Quality releasing pollutants into the air, either on or offsite.

h:\projects\ea-210\24000-24999\24996 dtr metrix (24996&16057)\st athan-vog\eia and the es\env © Entec UK Limited statement_final\chapters 14 - air quality\chapter\st athan es chapter 14 air quality.doc

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Table 14.1 (continued) Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES

Policy Reference Policy Issue

Other policies

NSCA (Now Environmental Protection UK) Guidance Guidance document for assessing air quality effects 2006 associated with new developments and gives significance criteria to categorise these effects.

14.2.2 Legislative Requirements

Air Quality The 2007 Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland1, provides a framework for improving air quality at a national and local level. Central to the Air Quality Strategy are health-based standards for key air pollutants; these standards are based on medical and scientific reports on how and at what concentration each pollutant affects human health. The Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) based on these standards were made statutory through the Air Quality Regulations 2000, as amended in 20022 and the Air Quality Standards Regulations 20073. The Air Quality Standards Regulations 2007 seek to simplify air quality regulation and provide a new transposition of the Air Quality Framework Directive4, First, Second and Third Daughter Directives and also transpose the Fourth Daughter Directive, relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air. The Air Quality Limit Values are transposed into the updated Regulations as ‘Air Quality Standards’ (AQS) with attainment dates in line with the European Directives. A new Directive, Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe5, announced in 2008, seeks to consolidate the existing European air quality legislation (1st, 2nd and 3rd Daughter Directives) and also provide a regulatory framework for Particulate Matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5). This Directive is to be transposed into the legislation of individual Member States by June 2010. The AQOs are based on the Air Quality Limit Values, with interim target dates to help the UK move toward the achievement of the Air Quality Limit Values. The air quality objectives in the Air Quality Strategy are a statement of policy intentions or policy targets. As such, there is no legal requirement to meet these objectives except as far as these mirror any equivalent legally binding limit values in EU legislation.

1 The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in Partnership with the Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly Government and Department of the Environment Northern Ireland. Stationary Office, July 2007

2 The Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000, Statutory Instrument 2000 No. 1940 (W.138), The Air Quality (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2002.

3 The Air Quality Standards Regulations 2007, Statutory Instrument 2007 No. 64

4 Council Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management (OJ No L 296, 21.11.96, p.55)

5 Council Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for europe.

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Table 14.2 sets out the Air Quality Objectives that are relevant to this assessment, and the dates by which they are to be achieved.

Table 14.2 National Air Quality Objectives and European Directive limit and Target Values for the Protection of Human Health

Pollutant Objective Value Concentration Date to be maintained Measured as and achieved thereafter

-3 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 40 g m Annual Mean 31 Dec 2005

200 g m-3 Hourly Average (with 18 31 Dec 2005 permitted exceedences per year)

Particulate matter with an 40 g m-3 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2004 aerodynamic diameter less than 10 microns (PM10)

50 g m-3 24 hour average (with 35 31 Dec 2004 permitted exceedences per year)

Particulate matter with an 25 g m-3 Annual Mean 2020 (2010 EU obligations) aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5 - Exposure Reduction)

Part IV of the Environment Act 19956 requires local authorities to periodically review concentrations of the UK Air Quality Strategy pollutants (NO2, PM10, Benzene, 1,3-Butadiene, Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) within their areas and to identify areas where the AQOs may not be achieved by their relevant target dates. This process of Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) is an integral part of delivering the Government’s AQOs detailed in the Regulations. When areas are identified where some or all of the objectives might potentially be exceeded and where there is relevant public exposure, i.e. where members of the public would regularly be exposed over the appropriate averaging period, the local authority has a duty to declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and to implement an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) to reduce air pollution levels so that the required AQOs are met. Furthermore, a key principle of LAQM is to fully integrate air quality into local planning processes. Although AQOs for the other pollutants are set in legislation this assessment has focused on NO2 and PM10 when assessing the effect of road traffic, as these are the two pollutants most associated with road traffic. Emission of other exhaust gases, essentially CO, small quantities of SO2 and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) including 1,3-butadiene and benzene, will also occur from vehicles. National level measurement and modelling assessments carried out by Defra7 have shown that policy measures already in place should reduce levels of

6 Environment Act 1995

7 Defra 2006, Trends in Primary Nitrogen Dioxide in The UK, Draft report for comment, prepared by Air Quality Expert Group, August 2006.

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CO, 1,3-butadiene and benzene to ensure compliance with the respective standards and objectives, even at busy roadside locations. The small incremental change due to emission of these pollutants from the proposed development would not change this situation and, therefore, the assessment of road traffic will focus only on Nitrogen oxides (NOX) and PM10. The NOX emitted from combustion sources undergoes photochemical oxidation in the atmosphere to form secondary NO2, which is the pollutant of concern for local air quality. Primary NO2 is also emitted from road traffic sources. The concentration of PM2.5 from road traffic is likely to be the majority of the PM10 concentration. For this assessment it is assumed that 100% of the PM10 concentration is made up of PM2.5 as a worst case. Only those properties and designated ecological receptors8 within 200m of roads affected by the project need to be considered as at distances beyond 200m from roads it has been found that pollutant concentrations return to background levels9. The Clean Air Act 1993 gave powers to local authorities to control smoke emissions, heights of chimneys, and the content and composition of motor fuels. It should be considered when a development includes the provision of a chimney or stack. This would include a stack which accompanied a Biomass CHP plant. The Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 provided a regulatory regime for the control of pollution from industrial sources. From April 2008 the regime was incorporated into the framework of the EPR (Environmental Permitting Regulations). The PPC part of the regulations covers the pollution associated with industrial process. Industrial processes are categorised as either Part A or Part B processes. Part A processes, in terms of combustion activities, are those which have more than 50 MW net rated thermal inputs, such as major power stations, and these processes are under the control of the Environment Agency. Part B processes, in terms of combustion activities, are those which have between 50 and 20 MW net rated thermal inputs and these processes are under the control of the Local Authority as they are considered to be less polluting. There is currently a large amount of guidance emerging in relation to emissions from Biomass installations due to the increased use of such plants in new developments. This is presented in more detail in Section 14.7. The main type of emissions associated with Biomass plants are particles (PM10 and PM2.5), as well as an overall increase in NOX emissions over and above fossil-fuelled combustion plants. There are currently no regulations governing the subject of dust from demolition and construction activity. Guidance documents are available and these have been used in the methodology for the assessment of effects of dust (Section 14.7). For aircraft the main emissions are likely to be from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuel. The emissions associated with aircraft are therefore similar to those associated with road traffic. Emissions of VOCs associated with aircraft are not considered to be significant in terms of air quality and are commonly associated with odour (see Odour Assessment, Chapter 15).

8 Designated refers to those sites designated as European Sites, SSSI’s, SAC’s, SPA’s and Ramsars. See the ecology chapter for further details of these sites.

9 Defra 2009. Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance. LAQM TG (09). February 2009.

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14.3 Data Gathering Methodology

14.3.1 Desk Study Data for the ES process has mainly been gathered through a desk top study. This has involved collating data regarding air quality in the Vale of Glamorgan from the various sources listed below:

• The Welsh Air Quality Forum;

• Estimated background pollution concentration maps (compiled by Netcen (National Environmental Technology Centre) for Defra); • Passive monitoring data;

• The Vale of Glamorgan Air Quality Review and Assessment Reports;

• Ordnance survey maps and aerial photographs of the area to identify land use and potential sources of pollutants; and • Consultation with the Environmental Health Officer at the Vale of Glamorgan responsible for air quality.

14.3.2 Survey Work A survey was undertaken from August 2007 to August 2008 to establish the baseline concentrations of NO2 in the area at present. The monitoring report for this survey can be found in Appendix P in Volume 2 of this ES. The monitoring locations in the survey are shown in Figure 14.1 (Volume 3 of this ES). Further details of the results of the monitoring survey are given in section 14.4.1 (Volume 3).

14.4 Overall Air Quality Baseline

14.4.1 Current Baseline The site is located in the Vale of Glamorgan. The local authority has not declared any AQMAs in their area as part of the local air quality management Review and Assessment process. There is currently no continuous monitoring in the area around St Athan with the closest monitoring site located in Rhoose, Barry. This measures concentrations of several of the air quality pollutants, including NO2 and PM10, none of which have shown exceedences of the AQOs in recent years.

Monitoring is currently undertaken in St Athan by the use of NO2 diffusion tubes. Entec’s baseline study of NO2 concentrations in the area also included placing a tube at the same location as the tube for the Vale of Glamorgan Council (site 7). The results of the monitoring showed a good agreement between Entec’s tubes and the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s tubes. A summary of the results of the monitoring survey undertaken by Entec is shown in Table 14.3, with the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s tube, collocated with Entec tube 7 for the same period.

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Table 14.3 Summary of Annual mean NO2 Monitoring results for St Athan

Location Period (12 month) Data Capture (12 Average (12 month) average % of AQO (40 month period) Period – g m-3 g m-3)

1 92% 14 34%

2 100% 8 20%

3 100% 13 33%

4 100% 10 26%

5 92% 13 32%

6 83% 12 31%

7 75% 11 26%

8 92% 11 27%

9 100% 11 27%

Vale of Glamorgan Council’s tube 75% 10 24%

The results of the monitoring survey undertaken by Entec show that at the monitoring locations the concentrations of NO2 are considerably below the objective (NO2 annual mean objective 40 g m-3). This indicates that the air quality in the area surrounding the site is good.

There is currently no PM10 or PM2.5 monitoring undertaken in St Athan. The closest monitoring of PM10 is undertaken in Rhoose, Barry by the use of a continuous monitor. This monitor is located close to Cardiff Airport. This monitor has not shown any of the exceedences of the -3 AQOs for PM10 for 2008 with an annual average concentration of 20 g m .

There is currently no monitoring of PM2.5 concentrations in South Wales and therefore a baseline concentration for this pollutant is not given here.

14.4.2 Future Baseline There are no plans for other development in the area which could significantly alter the air quality in the area. Improvements in vehicle engine technology are expected to result in lower emissions of pollutants from vehicles in the future. This should help to improve air quality, as emissions from road vehicles have been found to be one of the main sources of air pollutants in the UK.

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14.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme

Table 14.4 Rationale for Incorporation of Environmental Measures

Potential Receptor Predicted Changes And Potential Incorporated Measure Effects

Local Residents and sensitive Dust associated with the demolition and Outlined in the Draft Construction and Businesses (Table 14.4.8) construction of the development could Phasing Plan are several best practice create a dust nuisance. measures to minimise the creation of dust onsite and measures for ensuring that whatever dust is created does not migrate offsite. Best practice measures would include screening around construction areas, storing of construction materials undercover, the use of water bowsers on construction areas and roads used by construction vehicles, and wheel washing of vehicles entering and leaving the site.

Local Residents and designated Pollutants associated with the emissions The plant is designed so as to be able to ecological sites from the stack of the biomass plant, use abatement technology to reduce affecting the local air quality. emissions to air. In addition to utilising clean fuel which is locally sourced. This is likely to be wood pellets from forests within South Wales.

14.6 Scope of the Assessment This section details the approach to identifying receptors that could be significantly affected and the final list of receptors that is taken forward for further consideration in section 14.8.

14.6.1 Potential Receptors

Road Traffic Receptors which could be affected by the increase in traffic, resulting in an increase in the concentrations of NO2 and PM10 associated with the development, are likely to be those residential receptors and designated ecological sites which are located close to a road which would be used to access the development. In future years, should the development gain planning permission, the new residents located within the development will also become receptors as they would be situated close to the roads surrounding and serving the new development. The potential receptors which have been identified, which require further assessment are as follows:

• Existing residents and designated ecological sites in the local area within 200m of the roads which provide access to the site;

• Future residents and businesses of the proposed development.

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As no designated ecological receptors have been identified which are within 200m of any of the roads which provide access to the site, no designated ecological receptors are assessed further for assessment in this chapter. Human receptors taken forward for assessment are those which are considered to be most representative of the locations which are likely to experience the greatest change in pollutant concentrations as a result of the development, in relation to road traffic. These receptors are shown in Figure 14.2.

Biomass CHP Plant Receptors which could be affected by the pollutants from the stack of the biomass CHP plant are likely to be those residential receptors and designated ecological receptors in the local area surrounding the site. This would include the new residential accommodation on and offsite. The local area is considered to be within 10 km of the stack, as this is the area which is considered as most likely to be affected by emissions from the stack10.

Aircraft (Movements and Engine Running Facility) Emissions of pollutants associated with the aircraft at the site are likely to affect those residential and ecological receptors close to the runway and take-off and landing cycles. This is likely to be those receptors within 1000 metres of the airport boundary11. Emissions associated with the engine running facility onsite are likely to affect those receptors located close to where the engine running facility is located, which could include residential accommodation both on and off-site.

Construction Dust Dust associated with the demolition and construction activities on-site could affect those human receptors located on the edge of the site boundary close to the construction and demolition activities.

14.6.2 Likely Significant Effects The likely significant effects of the development, which are subject to further assessment in this chapter, are: • Road Traffic: As there are planned new roads and junction improvements associated with the development and the development is likely to lead to an increase in road traffic on the existing roads in the local area, emissions from road traffic in the area could also increase. This could have an adverse effect on the air quality at the identified receptors; • Biomass CHP plant: There could be potential effects from the biomass CHP plant which is to be installed on the site as a result of the pollutants from the stack of the plant;

• Aircraft (Engine Running Facility): Effects of emissions from the engine running facility at those receptors located close to the engine running facility;

• Construction Dust: Dust associated with the demolition and construction activities onsite could affect those receptors located on the edge of the site boundary close to the construction and demolition activities.

10 Environment Agency 2009. EPR H1. Environmental Risk Assessment. http://www.environment- agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Business/h1_part_2.pdf (April 2009).

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The following effects are not likely to be significant and hence do not require further assessment: • Construction Traffic: The effects of construction traffic have not been taken forward as the levels of construction traffic are unlikely to have a significant effect on air quality over the duration of the construction period. Construction traffic levels are expected to peak in the 3rd quarter of 2012 with an additional 1270 vehicles per day visiting the site, on average. This includes the workforce, visitors to the site and the vehicles which would bring supplies and take away waste from the site;

• Aircraft (Movements): The effects of the additional aircraft using the runway is not considered to be significant as the number of aircraft taking off and landing will still be very small in comparison with other airports in the UK. LAQM TG (09)11 states that further assessment should be undertaken where there is more than 10 mppa (million passengers per anum) and where the existing background concentrations of NOX are more than 25 gm-3. St Athan is likely to experience on average no more than 17,500 aircraft movements per year with the site fully operational (take off and landing movements), this compares to 116,000 aircraft movements at Birmingham Airport, a medium sized regional airport and 477,000 aircraft movements at Heathrow a major international airport12. The amount of aircraft activity at St Athan, with the development, is therefore unlikely to result in any elevated concentrations of pollutants associated with aircraft. In addition the background concentration of NOX is below 25 g m-3 (9.72 g m-3 based on Netcen estimates for Vale of Glamorgan, grid square 295500; 172500, year 2008).

14.7 Assessment Methodology

14.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Effects

Road Traffic Assessing the potential effects a development may have on local ambient air quality (baseline) is normally carried out by calculating the additional contribution to air pollution that would arise as a result of the proposals. This is combined with background (i.e. existing) air pollutant concentrations and compared with relevant air quality criteria. The prediction method can be evaluated by comparison with measured pollutant concentrations; this process is known as verification. The assessment then predicts pollutant concentrations that would arise in the future with and without the development in order to determine the magnitude and significance of the changes to air quality with the proposed development. The assessment of effects from road traffic associated with the development has utilised the DMRB methodology13.

11 Defra 2009. Local Air Quality Management. Technical Guidance. LAQM TG (09). February 2009.

12 These figures are based on data from 2006.

13 Highways Agency 2007. Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Section 3. May 2007.

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The road traffic and baseline air quality assessment has predicted concentrations for existing and future scenarios, taking into account changes required by progressive emissions regulations as well as changes in the volume and speed of traffic. The traffic data used in the assessment has been supplied by Capita Symonds, and is extracted from the Transport Assessment. This shows the traffic data for the larger road network including various junction improvements. The DMRB methodology was used to assess the potential effects of the changes in traffic associated with the development on the specific receptors identified in Section 14.6.1. The model inputs for this assessment are shown in Appendix Q (in Volume 2 of this ES). The scenarios modelled using the DMRB methodology for specific receptors on the road network around the site are as follows: • Baseline year (2008) – This allows comparison with existing monitoring data in the area;

• Operational Year without development, including other committed developments in the area (2014 – DTC and Phase 1 of ABP); • Operational Year with development, including other committed developments in the local area (2014 - DTC and Phase 1 of ABP). • Operational Year without the development, including other committed developments in the area (2028 – DTC and phase 2 and 3 of ABP14) • Operational Year with development, including other committed developments in the local area (2028 – DTC and phase 2 and 3 of ABP14).

The DMRB methodology requires background concentrations of NOX, NO2 and PM10. These have been taken from the estimates supplied by Netcen for the local area for the years of the assessment.

Recent studies, undertaken by Defra, of the relationship between NOX and NO2 have found that previous assumptions are not correct. The existing DMRB model, compiled by The Highways Agency, uses these previous assumptions and a new version of the DMRB model, which takes into account the new understanding of the NOX to NO2 relationship, is due to be issued at the end of 2009. Defra has therefore developed a tool for converting the concentrations of NOX as predicted by the DMRB model to NO2 concentrations. This tool has been used for all of the model scenarios. The years chosen are considered to be worst case as these are the years when the majority of the development will be complete, as will the improvements to the junctions on the existing road network. Future years are likely to have lower pollutant concentrations due to advances in engine technology which should reduce emissions from vehicles. This assessment therefore provides a worst case scenario for the effects on local air quality of the development.

14 The year 2020 has been used in the DMRB modelling as this is the limit year of the model. The traffic data and background data used is for 2028 which is the due date of the final phase of the ABP. This assessment therefore provides a worst case assessment of the effects of the pollutants associated with traffic as a result of the development.

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Aircraft (Engine Running Facility) Aircraft emissions associated with the engine running facility have been assessed qualitatively, using information on the number of engine runs per year, the background air quality and how close receptors are to the engine running facility.

Biomass CHP Plant The emissions from the biomass CHP plant have been assessed using the guidance in LAQM TG (09)15. This has utilised the information provided by E.oN regarding the plant emissions and operating specifications. The methodology in LAQM TG (09) has been developed following extensive modelling using a Detailed Dispersion Model (ADMS) of the emissions from several different sized biomass facilities with different stack diameters and using meteorological data from Birmingham. Extensive sensitivity tests were undertaken by Defra to determine the effect of different meteorological data on the results of the modelling, which found that there was no variation in the results. Defra has used the results of the modelling to produce nomograms which allow the effects of the emissions from a biomass facility to be screened to determine whether further more detailed modelling is required. The methodology utilises the flow rate, emission rates, stack height, stack diameter and the “background adjusted” emission rates to calculate the likely emissions from the stack. These are compared, using the nomograms, against threshold levels. If the emissions from the biomass facility are considered to exceed these threshold levels a detailed assessment of the biomass facility is required. The calculations for this assessment are shown in Appendix R in Volume 2 of this ES.

Construction Dust The significance of any potential air quality effects is determined by a number of factors, including the sensitivity of the receptor (e.g. residential receptors would typically be considered of greater sensitivity than a commercial receptor), and the magnitude of the change in dust that occurs. Although there are a number of ways in which dust can be quantified, it is difficult to relate the amount of potential dust deposition to significant effects. Instead it is considered more valid to assess dust receptors on the basis of their relative risk of exposure. This means taking into account a number of pertinent factors, including the proximity of a receptor to a potential dust generating activity and its relative position in terms of prevailing wind direction. The nature and duration of an activity, together with other climatic factors such as site rainfall levels are also important criteria in determining the risk, prior to the incorporation of mitigation measures, which include the methods of construction and the efficiency and effectiveness of site management, which ensures that dust mitigation measures are implemented where appropriate. Significant adverse effects are more likely to occur where a high or medium sensitivity receptor is located close to (and downwind) from a dust generating activity for prolonged periods of time and where effective mitigation measures cannot be implemented. As a general rule, impacts from nuisance dust would not be expected at a distance of 100 m beyond a work activity area (assuming no mitigation measures) and then only when sensitive receptors are downwind of the dust source16.

15 Defra 2007. Local Air Quality Management, Technical Guidance LAQM TG (09). February 2009.

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These criteria have been used to evaluate the possible likelihood of nuisance dust and whether it would be significant. To assess the potential dust nuisance generated from the development, an evaluation of the annual variation in wind direction and the proximity of the closest sensitive receptors to the proposed development site have been undertaken. Mitigation measures incorporated into the construction and demolition methodology have also been considered. The wind direction data were taken from meteorological measurements made at the closest meteorological station (St Athan) and the proximity of the closest sensitive receptors (residential dwellings, schools and hospitals) was determined by reviewing maps of the study area.

14.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology

Road Traffic Although no formal guidance exists for classifying the magnitude and significance of air quality effects, several documents, including technical guidance issued by the National Society for Clean Air (NSCA -now known as Air Quality Protection UK)17, suggest ways to address this issue. The magnitude of change is a term used to describe the change in pollutant concentration likely to arise with the proposed development, i.e. the difference between pollutant concentrations predicted with and without the proposed development. The magnitude of change is often expressed as a percentage and does not take into account any change in the numbers of people exposed or any change in the achievement of the AQS. The NSCA guidance provides examples of terms that can be used to describe the magnitude of change based on the percentage change; these descriptors, presented in Table 14.5, have been used in this assessment.

Table 14.5 Magnitude of Change

-3 Magnitude of Change Annual Mean NO2 / PM10 Days PM10 > 50 g m

Very Large Increase / Decrease > 25% Increase / Decrease > 25 days

Large Increase / Decrease 15-25% Increase / Decrease 15-25 days

Medium Increase / Decrease 10-15% Increase / Decrease 10-15 days

Small Increase / Decrease 5-10% Increase / Decrease 5-10 days

Very Small Increase / Decrease 1-5% Increase / Decrease 1-5 days

Extremely Small Increase / Decrease <1% Increase / Decrease <1 days

16 ODPM 2005. Minerals Policy Statement 2: Controlling and Mitigating the Environmental Effects of Minerals Extraction in England. Annex 1: Dust.

17 NSCA 2006. Development Control: Planning for Air Quality. 2006 Update. September 2006.

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The significance of a change in pollutant concentration is based not only on the magnitude of the change but also in relation to the attributed sensitivity and the number of people exposed to the changes. The sensitivity of a receptor is based on how close pollutant concentrations are to the relevant AQS, with the highest sensitivity being attributed to those receptors with existing air quality problems, i.e. where baseline concentrations are above the target levels. Smaller magnitudes of change could, therefore, potentially cause significant effects, either beneficial or adverse, where the sensitivity is deemed to be higher. The AQS are developed based upon the exposure of sensitive individuals, e.g. in hospitals, schools, to pollutant concentrations. Consequently, there is no added value in categorising the type of receptor considered. The NSCA significance descriptors take account of the magnitude of the change and sensitivity, but make no allowance for the number of people exposed to the change. This assessment has determined the significance of any change in concentrations of NOX and PM10 based on Table 14.6. In terms of determining likely significance, effects which are ‘substantial’ or ‘very substantial’ are considered as likely to be significant, whereas effects that are ‘slight’ or ‘moderate’ are considered as likely to be not significant.

Table 14.6 Significance of Impacts

Absolute Extremely Very Small Small Medium Large Very Large Concentration Small in relation to the AQS

Decrease with Scheme

Above Standard Slight Slight Substantial Substantial Very Very with scheme Beneficial Beneficial Beneficial Beneficial Substantial Substantial Beneficial Beneficial

Above Standard Slight Moderate Substantial Substantial Very Very without scheme, Beneficial Beneficial Beneficial Beneficial Substantial Substantial below with Beneficial Beneficial scheme

Below Standard Negligible Slight Slight Moderate Moderate Substantial without scheme Beneficial Beneficial Beneficial Beneficial Beneficial but not well below*

Well below Negligible Negligible Slight Slight Slight Moderate Standard* Beneficial Beneficial Beneficial Beneficial without scheme

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Table 14.6 (continued) Significance of Impacts

Absolute Extremely Very Small Small Medium Large Very Large Concentration Small in relation to the AQS

Increase with Scheme

Above Standard Slight Slight Substantial Substantial Very Very without scheme Adverse Adverse Adverse Adverse Substantial Substantial Adverse Adverse

Below Standard Slight Moderate Substantial Substantial Very Very without scheme, Adverse Adverse Adverse Adverse Substantial Substantial above with Adverse Adverse scheme

Below Standard Negligible Slight Slight Moderate Moderate Substantial with scheme but Adverse Adverse Adverse Adverse Adverse not well below*

Well below Negligible Negligible Slight Slight Slight Moderate Standard with Adverse Adverse Adverse Adverse scheme* Notes: *Well below the standard ≤ 75% of the standard level.

Standard in the context of this table relates to the specific AQS in question.

Shaded cells represent likely Significant Effects

Biomass CHP Plant The methodology in LAQM TG 09 has been followed to identify whether the emissions from the biomass CHP plant are likely to be significant. The methodology requires the calculation of the emissions from the biomass CHP plant which will exceed a threshold value which has been calculated using the Detailed Dispersion Model, ADMS, by Defra.

Aircraft (Engine Running Facility) The emissions from the aircraft running facility would be considered significant where they were predicted to affect the local authorities ability to meet the air quality objectives.

Construction Dust Guidance in respect of the sensitivity of potential dust sensitive receptors is taken from “The Environmental Effects of Surface Mineral Workings” prepared by Ove Arup, also included in Minerals Policy Statement 216 and is summarised in Table 14.7.

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Table 14.7 Examples of Sensitive Dust Receptors

High Medium Low

Hospitals and clinics Schools Farms

Hi tech industries Residential areas Light and heavy industry

Painting and furnishing Food retailers Outdoor storage

Food processing Greenhouses and nurseries

Horticultural land

Offices

The methodology adopted for the assessment of the magnitude of change due to potential dust emissions adopted a risk-based approach. The approach therefore involves consideration of the existing baseline conditions, the site activities which could lead to dust emissions, assessing potential effects and finally identifying effective dust mitigation measures. It does not involve dust modelling, since the available models have not been validated for the UK and were specifically developed for opencast coal sites located in the United States. The potential for dust emission and dispersal is predominantly influenced by prevailing meteorological conditions. There are various meteorological parameters which must be considered in order to assess the extent of dust generation and dispersal at a particular site and what, if any effects these will have on any sensitive receptor. These include: • Wind speed and direction;

• Rainfall;

• Ground moisture conditions;

• Distance from dust source;

• Sheltering features, including topography, purpose-made screening and tree cover. As well as meteorological conditions, the risk of dust affecting a sensitive receptor depends on a number of factors and whether these occur at the same time. The potential for dust also increases on days of little or no rainfall (<0.2 mm), especially during periods when the potential evaporation exceeds rainfall and drying conditions prevail. The risk is greatest when such conditions coincide with site activity during dry days. Construction works which take place over the winter, are likely to have fewer dry days, as in the UK the weather is generally wetter. This analysis is presented in Section 14.8 and is based upon long term (5 year) meteorological data. However, it is worth noting that it is not a prediction of what will actually occur on a given day in the year, but the likelihood of occurrence.

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The effective application of mitigation will reduce the magnitude of change and consideration will be given to this during the assessment of effects for each representative dust receptor in Section 14.6. As stated previously, significance is related to sensitivity and magnitude. Table 14.8 presents a matrix, which shows the interaction between sensitivity and magnitude, and how this has been used to determine the significance of any dust effects.

Table 14.8 Significance Matrix

Magnitude Sensitivity

High Medium Low

High Significant Significant Not Significant

Medium Significant Not Significant Not Significant

Low Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant

Negligible Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant

14.8 Assessment of Effects

14.8.1 Baseline Conditions

Current Baseline Conditions The DMRB modelling has predicted that there are unlikely to be any exceedences of the AQOs for both NO2 and PM10 for the baseline year 2008 at the selected receptors. This is consistent with the monitoring data in the area, where most of the receptor points are at the same place as the monitoring locations and show the same results. This suggests that the modelling is performing well. The results of the modelling are presented in Appendix S (in Volume 2 of this ES) with the receptor locations shown in Figure 14.2. The existing air quality baseline (section 14.4) is considered sufficient for the baseline in relation to the Biomass CHP Plant, aircraft engine running facility and construction dust as there are no CHP’s, or dust generating activities in the area and the existing engine running facility emissions would be included in the monitoring currently undertaken in St Athan and monitoring survey undertaken by Entec (Section 14.4).

Predicted Future Baseline The DMRB modelling has predicted that there are unlikely to be any exceedences of the AQOs for both NO2 and PM10 for the future baseline year 2014 and the future baseline for the opening year 202814 at the selected receptors. The results of the modelling are presented in Appendix S. The existing air quality baseline (section 1.4) is considered sufficient for the baseline in relation to the Biomass CHP Plant, aircraft engine running facility and construction dust as there are no Biomass Plants, or dust generating activities proposed for the area in the future and there are no

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proposals to alter the existing arrangements for the engine running facility and this would still therefore be included in future baseline concentrations.

14.8.2 Predicted Effects and their Significance

Road Traffic

The DMRB has predicted NO2 and PM10 concentrations for 2014 and 2028 with the St Athan development at the operational stage. These predicted concentrations are below the relevant AQOs at chosen receptor locations. These receptor locations are considered to be worst case. The results of the assessment are presented in Appendix S in Volume 2 of this ES.

2014 Results

The receptor location with the highest predicted concentration of NO2 was Gileston Road (13.5 g m-3), shown as modelled receptor 8 in Figure 14.2. This property is located at the crossroads of the entrance to St Athan and the B4265. The greatest change in NO2 concentrations was predicted at the receptor Rose Cottage with a change (increase) of 39% (4.9 g m-3) between the “with” and “without” development scenarios. This receptor is currently located between Picketston Road and Llanmaes. In the future there will be a new access road to the St Athan site which will pass directly by this property, hence the large predicted change in concentrations, although the predicted concentrations in 2014 are still likely to be well below -3 the objective concentration for annual mean NO2 (40 g m ).

The receptor which experiences the highest predicted PM10 annual average concentration (15.9 g m-3) was Springfield, although this was less than if the junction improvements near this property did not take place as part of the development (decrease in concentrations of 0.8 g m-3 or 4.8%). This was also the receptor which experienced the greatest predicted number of days where the 24 hour mean PM10 objective was exceeded (0.28 days). However, the greatest predicted change in PM10 concentrations was experienced at Rose Cottage with a predicted -3 change (increase) in annual mean concentrations of PM10 of 8% (1.2 g m ) and a predicted change in the number of days which exceed the 24 hour mean objective of 0.25 days, although still below the objective concentrations for PM10.

2028 Results

The receptor location with the highest predicted concentration of NO2 was Gileston Road (12.8 g m-3). This property is located at the crossroads of the entrance to St Athan and the B4265. The greatest change in NO2 concentrations was experienced at Mallory Close with a predicted change (increase) of 46% (3.2 g m-3) between the “with” and “without” development scenarios for 2020. This receptor is located on the eastern side of the development, opposite the existing eastern site entrance. Although the predicted concentrations in 2028 are still likely to -3 be well below the objective concentration for annual mean NO2 (40 g m ).

The receptor which experiences the highest predicted PM10 annual average concentration (15.9 g m-3) was Springfield, although this was less than if the junction improvements near this property did not take place as part of the development (decrease in concentrations of 1.2 g m-3 or 16.8%). This was also the receptor which experienced the greatest predicted number of days where the 24 hour mean PM10 objective was exceeded (0.27 days). However the greatest predicted change in PM10 concentrations was at 175 Pontypridd Road with a predicted change in -3 annual mean concentrations of PM10 of 6.9% (1.2 g m ) and a predicted change in the number

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of days which exceeded the 24 hour mean objective of 0.4 days. It should be remembered that the predicted future baseline concentrations of NO2 and PM10 at this receptor are more than the with development scenario where the junction improvements take place. Based on the DMRB assessment the scheme is likely to result in moderately adverse effects on air quality in 2014 and 2028 at some of the receptors, mostly those which are located close to where the new access road is to be built. Although it should be remembered that the air quality objectives are unlikely to be exceeded, as the predicted concentrations at these receptors are still predicted to be considerably below the objective value, at less than 75%. These effects are therefore not considered to be significant. In addition the junction improvements at the Waycock Cross junction result in moderately beneficial effects at the modelled receptors located close to the junction. The air quality objectives at this junction are also predicted as unlikely to be exceeded.

Biomass CHP Plant The assessment of the emissions from the biomass CHP plant found that these were below the threshold level for PM10, PM2.5 and NOX. This suggests that there are unlikely to be significant air quality effects associated with the biomass CHP plant at human or designated ecological receptors within the local area. The assessment is shown in Appendix R in Volume 2.

Aircraft (Engine Running Facility) Based on the number of engine tests and their duration, the engine running facility is predicted to be operating for only 6% of the operational hours of the site (7am to 11pm Mon to Sat) during a year. This equates to 309 hours (13 days) out of the 4992 working hours available in a year at the site. This level of activity is unlikely to result in significant increases in pollutant concentrations which would affect the local authority’s ability to meet the air quality objectives, as the existing baseline air quality concentrations are well below the objectives. In addition the proposed engine running facility is located to the south of the main runway forming part of the ABP. This location places the facility over 0.5 km from the closest residential accommodation. In addition the prevailing wind at the site is from the west, residential receptors to the east of the engine running facility are located further than 1km from the facility. It is unlikely given the location of the facility and the prevailing wind direction that there would be significant air quality effects at receptor locations as a result of the engine running facility.

Dust The prevailing wind direction based on the data from St Athan meteorological station is predominantly westerly with some easterly components, based on 5 years of meteorological data (2004 – 2008). The receptors most likely to be affected are therefore mainly located to the east of the site. In addition some of the locations are also within 200m of the site boundary. The following residential roads have been identified as most likely to experience effects associated with the construction work onsite, as they are to the east of the site and within 200m of the site boundary:

• Cowbridge Road;

• Mallory Close;

• Clive Road;

• Flemingston Close;

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• Aled Way; and

• Clwyd Way.

Residential properties in Eglwyis Brewis may also be affected by dust from the construction activities onsite, as they are also within 200m of the site boundary, although most properties are not to the east of the main construction area. In addition properties close to the location of the new road (Rose Cottage and Froglands Farm) could be affected by dust associated with the construction of the new road. This is likely to be associated with the earthworks which would need to take place at this location.

The above receptors would be considered as having medium sensitivity and as there will be appropriate mitigation measures employed as part of the construction management plan (Table 14.4.4) the magnitude of the effect is unlikely to be more than low. The effect of dust from construction is therefore not considered to be significant. The assessment of significance is based on the criteria in Tables 14.8 and 14.9.

14.9 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation

Table 14.9 Significance Evaluation

Receptor and Magnitude of Value Significance3 effects effect

Level Summary rationale

Existing and Future Very Large- Very Below Standard NS Predicted Residents: Increase Small concentrations of in concentrations of NO2 and PM10 with NO2 and PM10 as a the development results of changes in scenarios are not road traffic likely to increase significantly to levels which could affect the ability of the local authority to meet the relevant AQOs.

Existing and Future Negligible Below Standard NS Predicted Residents: Increase concentrations of in pollutant NO2 not likely to be concentrations as a high and are unlikely result of the aircraft to result in any engine running. exceedences of the relevant AQOs.

Existing and Future Negligible Below Standard NS Predicted Residents: Increase Concentrations of in pollutant PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations as a unlikely to lead to an result of the Biomass exceedence of the CHP plant. AQOs.

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Table 14.9 (continued) Significance Evaluation

Receptor and Magnitude of Value Significance3 effects effect

Level Summary rationale

Existing Residents: Low Medium NS Mitigation measures Increase in dust employed onsite will associated with the ensure dust effects construction and are minimised (Table demolition phase. 14.4.4).

14.10 Implementation of Environmental Measures Table 14.10 outlines how any required Environmental measures would be implemented.

Table 14.10 Implementation of Environmental Measures

Environmental measure Responsibility for Compliance mechanism implementation

Dust Mitigation and Control Measures Main site contractor Planning condition or obligation

Biomass CHP Abatement Measures Biomass CHP Contractor Planning condition or obligation.

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15. Odour

15.1 Introduction

15.1.1 Odour The development of Former RAF St Athan has the potential to increase odour concentrations at receptor locations. This chapter assesses the potential effects upon odour of increased aircraft movements and the required development of the Llantwit Major WwTW. The chapter should be read in the light of the project description in Chapter 3. Following a summary of relevant policy and legislation, the chapter outlines the data gathering methodology that was adopted as part of the odour assessment. This leads on to a description of the overall baseline conditions, the environmental measures that have been incorporated into the scheme, the scope of the assessment, the assessment methodology and, for each receptor, an assessment of potential effects. The chapter concludes with a summary of the results of the assessment.

15.2 Policy and Legislative Context

15.2.1 Policy Context

Table 15.1 Policy Issues to be Considered in Preparing the ES –Odour

Policy Reference Policy Issue

National Planning Policies

Planning Policy Wales: Development Planning Policy Wales establishes that odour is capable of being a material control and improving the quality of planning consideration in land-use and development planning. water and air

Regional Planning Policies

Welsh Assembly Government policy The planning policy states that when determining planning applications for industrial and commercial uses, local planning authorities should have regard Planning Policy Wales, 2002 to the impact of the development on the environment and local amenity in Welsh Office Circular 22/87 terms of odour and emissions to air and waste is recovered and disposed of without causing nuisance through odour.

Local Planning Policies

The Vale of Glamorgan Unitary A development will not be permitted where it is liable to have an unacceptable Development Plan 1996 – 2011. effect on the environment by releasing pollutants into the air, either on or Policy Env 29: Protection of offsite. Environmental Quality

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15.2.2 Legislative Requirements

Odour The issue of malodours has gained increased public recognition over the last 20 years, along with growing expectations of quality of life and a reduced tolerance towards adverse environmental effects of business, industry and utilities upon public amenity. Odour emissions from all sources are covered by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in relation to statutory nuisance. This document states that in defence of statutory nuisance, an operator must demonstrate that an odour emitting source must conform with best practicable means (BPM) for prevention of odour emission. Best practicable means will be assessed upon the current state of technical knowledge and financial implications of potential mitigation methods. Odours are not generally additive in the same way as other nuisance parameters such as decibels for noise. This reflects the way in which the brain responds to odour. The human brain has a tendency to screen out those odours which are always present or those that are in context to their surroundings. For example, an individual is more likely to be tolerant of an odour from a factory in an industrial area than in the countryside. The human brain will also develop a form of acceptance to a constant background of local odours. Limited research is available into what constitutes an appropriate and workable odour standard for odour sources. The Concise Guide1 considers that odours at 5 times their detection -3 threshold (effectively 5 ouE m ) can be considered as having the potential to cause annoyance. 3 The European odour unit (ouE) is the amount of odorant that when evaporated into 1m at standard conditions, elicits a physiological response from a panel (detection threshold) equivalent to that elicited by one European Reference Odour Mass (EROM) evaporated in 1 m3 of neutral gas at standard conditions. This is the basis upon which odour is measured within UKAS accredited Odour Detection Laboratories in accordance with BSEN 13725 for dynamic olfactometry.

Although this is not directly aimed at the water sector or aviation industry, it provides for a common guideline as to the historical approaches that have been adopted. The main criterion adopted in the UK and Ireland to avoid odour annoyance from wastewater treatment plants has been derived from the Newbiggin-by-the-Sea public inquiry2 3. The -3 th absence of complaints at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea appears to give weight to the 5 ouE m 98 percentile compliance as an annual hourly average at the receptor being a level of odour that can be tolerated by the population.

1 F.H.H. Valentin and A.A. North. Odour Control-a concise guide (1980) Department of the Environment

2 McGovern, JE, Clarkson, CR (1994). The Development of Northumbrian Waters Approach to Odour Abatement for Wastewater Facilities.

3 Department of the Environment (1993). Report by the Inspector on a Public Enquiry into the Appeal by Northumbrian Water Limited for Additional Sewage treatment Facilities on Land Adjacent to Spital Burn, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. DoE APP/F2930/A/92/206240

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Planning Policy Wales indicates that odour is a material consideration in the granting of planning permission. The Local Planning Agency must be satisfied that any remaining pollution concerns are capable of being dealt with.

Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works Although not a legislative requirement, it is considered best practice for a WwTW to comply with the Defra Code of Practice on Odour Nuisance from Sewage Treatment Works4. This includes demonstrable practices such as good housekeeping, location of non fixed odour sources away from receptors, removal of potentially odorous scum/foam from tanks, keeping the age of stored sludge to a minimum and quick response to spillages. The code of practice also requires the site operator to take all steps to avoid anaerobic and septic conditions where practical, ensure that all process sources are properly functioning and maintained and the provision of an odour management plan.

15.3 Data Gathering Methodology Data for the ES process has been gathered through survey work conducted at Former RAF St Athan and a desktop assessment of Llantwit Major WwTW.

15.3.1 Survey Work

Aircraft Data for the baseline scenario was gathered during an odour survey conducted at Former RAF St Athan on 17th September 2008. The aim of the odour sampling was to quantify specific odour emissions from the VC10 engines during phases representing aircraft use. It was agreed with DSG that the most representative sampling method of worst case emissions would be from the aircraft during ground runs replicating its take off and idling phases. During the ground runs, the aircraft engines are run at up to 80% thrust with the exhaust gas being directed into a de-tuner unit. An appropriate sampling port on the underside of the VC10 de- tuner was identified and used for access to the engine exhaust. The rigid lung method was used to collect odour samples through a specifically constructed sampling probe. The sampling probe was constructed using stainless steel so as to withstand the high temperatures expected within the de-tuner. The probe was attached to a sample bag within a rigid air tight container. Air within the barrel was removed using a battery powered pump, which creates a vacuum, thus filling the sample bag with exhaust gas from the aircraft. Odour samples were taken in duplicate to increase confidence in the results. Odour samples were collected in duplicate to increase confidence in the results. Samples were collected and analysed in accordance with the protocols laid down in BS EN 13725:2003 for Olfactometry. This enabled the calculation of odour emission rates from the VC10 engines. Odour concentrations at receptor locations were subsequently predicted using atmospheric dispersion modelling.

4 DEFRA – Code of Practice on Odoue Nuisance from Sewage Treatment Works- For Welshe Assembly Government and Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. 2006.

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Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works None of the data used in this assessment has resulted from survey work undertaken at the Llantwit Major WwTW.

15.3.2 Desk Study

Aircraft The AERMOD (version 07026) dispersion modelling package has been used to assess current odours and the change in odours as a result of the baseline, future baseline and development scenarios for Former RAF St Athan. The odour emission rates for the existing site and future scenarios were based upon the aircraft engine exhaust odour monitoring conducted on the 17th September 2008. Current Baseline and Proposed aircraft activity data was supplied by Walker Beak Mason between 6th and 9th April 2009 (WBM1-10 spreadsheets). Entec obtained five years of representative meteorological data from the St Athan Airport meteorological station between 2004 and 2008 from ADM Ltd. Where cloud data was missing from the St Athan dataset, this was replaced with data from the Cardiff (Rhoose) meteorological station.

Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works The AERMOD (version 07026) dispersion modelling package has been used to assess current odours and the change in odours as a result of the current and future operational site. The odour emission rates for the existing site and future emissions were obtained from the Entec database of wastewater treatment plant odour emission rates, compiled from numerous process measurements over the last 10 years. As for aircraft Entec obtained five years of representative meteorological data from the St Athan Airport Metrological Station between 2004 and 2008 from ADM Ltd. Where cloud data was missing from the St Athan dataset, this was replaced with data from the Cardiff (Rhoose) meteorological station.

15.4 Overall Odour Baseline

15.4.1 Current Baseline

Aircraft There have been no relevant odour studies conducted at Former RAF St Athan. As odours are not additive it has been assessed that the odour baseline is based solely upon current aircraft activity of aircraft at Former RAF St Athan and, separately, current emissions from the Llantwit Major WwTW. Odour at Former RAF St Athan is produced by the combustion of aviation fuel by aircraft. Entec has not been made aware of any complaints with respect to odour which has allowed the conclusion that there is no odour annoyance caused by the current operation of the site.

Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works The current odour baseline from the existing WwTW is caused by odour from process sources at the Llantwit Major site. Odour sources include the inlet works, sludge treatment facilities, the aeration system and final settlement tanks. Entec has not been made aware of any odour complaint data for the Llantwit Major WwTW.

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15.4.2 Future Baseline There are no plans for other development in the area which could significantly alter the odour effect upon local receptors. The future baseline without development scenarios would be altered by the changing use of the St Athan development site. Even without the ABP and DTC developments it is proposed that the number of aircraft movements will increase at the former RAF St Athan. However, it is also proposed that the use of the VC10 aircraft will be phased out by 2014 which would improve the future baseline odour effect of the site compared to the current baseline albeit even now, as noted above, no complaints have been received.

15.5 Environmental Measures Incorporated into the Scheme

Table 15.2 Rationale for incorporation of Environmental Measures - Odour

Odour Source Environmental Measures

WwTW The Llantwit Major WwTW is proposed to have its current Odour Control Unit (OCU) refurbished with the media being replaced. This will improve the odour removal efficiencies from the existing OCU. The fans will also be refurbished to ensure adequate air extraction rates.

An additional biofilter OCU will be constructed to treat extracted air from the proposed balancing tank and sludge tank as part of the development of the Llantwit Major development.

A site specific odour management plan will be constructed which will include regular checking of the media. This procedure will allow early recognition of when the media within the OCUs needs to be replaced.

15.6 Scope of the Assessment This section details the approach to identifying receptors that could be significantly affected and the final list of receptors that is taken forward for further consideration in the assessment.

15.6.1 Potential Receptors

Aircraft Emissions of odour associated with the aircraft at the site are likely to affect those residential receptors close to the runway, take-off and landing cycles. Emissions associated with the engine running facility are likely to affect those receptors located close to the site boundary where the engine facility is located. Entec has selected 27 specific locations surrounding the airport which represent the worst case receptor locations for odour dispersion. A location map and grid references of the selected receptor locations which are located in St Athan and Eglwys are provided in Figure A1 (Volume 3 of the ES) and Appendix T (Volume 2) respectively.

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In addition to the selected receptor locations a polar grid with a radius of 2,500 m (50 m between receptor points) was set up in order to assess the odour concentrations at all receptor locations.

Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works Emissions of odour associated with the proposed development of the Llantwit Major WwTW are likely to affect receptors close to the site boundary. A location map and grid references of the selected receptors are provided in Figure A2 (Volume 3 of the ES) and Appendix T (Volume 2) respectively. In addition to the selected receptor locations a polar grid with a radius of 500 m (20 m between receptor points) was set up in order to assess the odour concentrations at all receptor locations.

15.6.2 Likely Significant Effects The likely significant effects of the development, which are subject to further assessment in this chapter, are: • Aircraft Emissions whilst using the Engine Running Facility: The effect of odour emissions from the engine running facility is dependent on the number, duration and type of runs conducted at former RAF St Athan. The significance of engine testing conducted during each phase of the development will be assessed using data provided by Walker Beak Mason; • Odour Emissions from the proposed Llantwit Major WwTW: The effect of an increasing odour impact at receptors close to the Llantwit major site is dependent on the scale and type of the development proposed at the WwTW. The following effects are not likely to be significant and hence do not require further assessment: • Aircraft Emissions during Taxi, Take off and Landing Cycle: The effect of additional aircraft using the runway at former RAF St Athan is not considered to be significant. The number of aircraft taking off and landing will still be very small in comparison with other airports in the UK. St Athan is likely to experience no more than 17,500 flight movements per year with the site fully operational. This compares to 116,000 movements at Birmingham International, a medium sized regional airport, and 477,000 movements at Heathrow, a major international airport (2006 data). Between 2000 and 2006 the maximum number of odour complaints received in a year were 5 for Birmingham International Airport and 20 for Heathrow Airport. It is considered that taxiing, take off and landing cycles of VC10s, Jaguars, fast jets and all aircraft currently operating or proposed to be used at the former RAF St Athan site are unlikely to cause an odour annoyance at receptor locations;

• Aircraft: Upon discussions with DARA it was highlighted that the VC10 aircraft have specific odour problems during the take off and landing phases. These odorous aircraft will be phased out and replaced by more modern and efficient aircraft. As the replacement of the VC10s will be completed by 2014, the effect of odour at receptor locations is expected to reduce from this point. It is expected that the removal of VC10s from operations will improve the odour effect at Former RAF St Athan compared to the existing baseline situation;

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• Tank Running: The effect of tank running at former RAF St Athan is not considered to be significant. As Tanks are powered by diesel fuel rather than aviation fuel, it is not expected that an odour problem will be caused by their use. As the number of movements is likely to be small it is considered very unlikely that an odour annoyance will be caused by Tanks at receptor locations.

15.7 Assessment Methodology

15.7.1 Methodology for Prediction of Baseline and Future Effects

Aircraft – Engine Running Facility The assessment of the odour effect upon local receptors was undertaken using the USEPA AERMOD (version 07026) dispersion model. This dispersion model has been extensively used to predict odour impacts from Industry, Food and Utilities sectors, both in the UK and Ireland and, as such, was considered appropriate for the odour assessment. The dispersion model was run using five years of meteorological data (2004-2008) from the St Athan Meteorological Station (missing cloud data from Cardiff (Rhoose) meteorological station). Met data was pre- processed using the AERMET, version 06341, meteorological processor. The concentrations of odour at critical receptors within the vicinity of the site have been calculated, using the sampled emission data for odour. The following scenarios have been modelled for the odour assessment of aircraft odour emissions from the engine running facility: • Baseline year (2008) – This allows comparison with existing monitoring data in the area;

• Development Phase 1 (2014 - including ABP and DTC development);

• Development Phase 2 (2020 - including ABP and DTC development);

• Development Phase 3 (2028 - including ABP and DTC development);

• Future Baseline Phase 1 (2014 – assuming no ABP nor DTC development);

• Future Baseline Phase 2 (2020 – assuming no ABP nor DTC development);

• Future Baseline Phase 3 (2028 – assuming no ABP nor DTC development).

Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works The assessment of the odour effect upon local receptors was also undertaken using the USEPA AERMOD (version 07026) dispersion model. The dispersion model was run using five years of meteorological data (2004-2008) from the St Athan Meteorological Station (missing cloud data from Cardiff (Rhoose) meteorological station). Metrological data was pre-processed using the AERMET, version 06341, meteorological processor. The concentrations of odour at critical receptors within the vicinity of the site have been calculated, using the sampled emission data for odour. The following scenarios have been modelled for the odour assessment of odour emissions from the Llantwit Major WwTW:

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• Baseline Scenario – Prediction of current odour concentrations at receptor locations at the existing site; and • Proposed Scenario – Prediction of future odour concentrations at receptor locations for the proposed site after development.

15.7.2 Significance Evaluation Methodology

Selection of Odour Criteria Limited research is available into what constitutes an appropriate and workable odour standard. 5 The Concise Guide considers that odours at 5 times their detection threshold (effectively 5 ouE m-3) can be considered as having the potential to cause annoyance. Although this is not directly aimed at the aviation industry, it provides for a common guideline as to the historical approaches that have been adopted. As the concept of nuisance considers the strength of an odour, the duration of exposure and exposure frequency it is considered reasonable that a nuisance can only be experienced at location where a human receptor is present for a prolonged period of time. As such, all consideration of odour criteria has been based on residential receptor locations. Entec’s extensive experience of applying and designing to this criterion over the last 10 years indicates that, where compliance occurs, complaints with respect to odour are unlikely. Therefore, this is the recommended significance criterion.

-3 th For this assessment the adopted odour annoyance criterion of 5 ouEm as the 98 percentile of hourly averages at the receptors has been assessed against the model outputs for each scenario. The impact thresholds of the assessment are defined in terms of their significance in Table 15.3.

Table 15.3 Odour Assessment Significance Criteria

-3 th Odour Level (ouE m ) as the 98 percentile Likely Level of Impact of hourly averages

Recommended criteria at receptors

<5 Not Significant

>5 at receptors Significant

5 Valentin, F.H.H and North, A.A. (1980). Odour Control – a concise guide. Department of the Environment.

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15.8 Assessment of Effects

15.8.1 Quantification of Emission

Aircraft In order to gain data to represent different phases of the aircrafts operation; the samples were taken in stages depending on the type of ground run being conducted. The three phases of operation tested were as follows;

• High Power (representing take off);

• Low Power (representing the engines idling). The results of the odour sampling are shown in table 15.4

Table 15.4 Odour Concentrations Collected from the VC10 detuner (17th September 2008)

-3 -3 Phase of Operation Sample 1 (ouE m ) Sample 2 (ouE m ) Geometric mean (ouE m-3)

High Power 9,555 5,139 7,007

Idling 12,041 13,240 12,626

Table 15.5 details the input parameters and calculated odour emission rates which were used for the assessment. The emission properties are for four VC10 engines.

Table 15.5 Odour Emission Rates from ST Athan De-tuner (for four engines)

Parameter High Power Idling (sufficient to Taxi)

Fuel Used (kg s-1) 8.3 0.18

Temperature at Measuring Point (oC) 150 150

Waste Gas Flow at actual conditions (m3 s-1) 822.9 2.2

-1 Odour Emission Rate (ouE s ) 5,766,723 226,427

Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works Table 15.6 summarises the calculated odour emission rates from processes at Llantwit Major WwTW. The site operates a calcified seaweed biofilter odour control unit which, upon inspection, was found to require refurbishment as the biological media had perished. The emission factor has been based upon monitored emission rates of odour control units in comparable systems in operation at other WwTW.

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Table 15.6 Existing Odour Concentrations

Process Source Odour Concentration Odour Emission Rate

-3 -2 -1 -1 ouE m ouE m s ouE s

Odour Control Unit 15,000 n/a 27,000

Final Settlement Tank (FST) n/a 1.08 434

Aeration Lanes n/a 1.84 1,619

Anoxic Tank n/a 2.43 40

Total 29,094

15.8.2 Baseline Conditions

Aircraft Current Baseline Conditions DSG currently conducts 3 major and 7 minor engine tests per annum. These are all conducted on VC10 aircraft when attached to the specific VC10 de-tuners. A major test takes 25 hours with 5 hours at the high power setting. Each minor test takes 15 hours of which 2.5 hours will be at the high power engine setting. Only one engine per de-tuner will be used at any time. The de-tuner was modelled as a stack which measures 10 m in height and 2.5 m in diameter. An average efflux velocity of 48 ms-1 was calculated with a total volumetric flow of 10 m3 s-1. The -1 average odour emission rate was calculated to be 356,706 ouE s per detuner. It was predicted that 180 hours of engine testing is conducted per annum for the baseline assessment. As it is unknown when the tests occur a worst case dispersion model has been used which assumes that engine testing occurs Monday-Saturday between 7am and 11pm. The odour dispersion results in the baseline assessment are considered to represent the worst case situation with the engine running facility being in operation for 4,992 hours per year (16 hours a day, 6 days a week). Operating hours were based on the requirements of the TAN 11 Noise guidance for military aerodromes. Odour concentrations at receptor locations for the five years of meteorological data are presented in Appendix U (in Volume 2 of the ES) with the odour contour for the worst case year presented as Figure B1 (Volume 3 of the ES). Predicted odour concentrations are shown in Figure B1 for the worst case year, 2006. The dispersion modelling for the existing baseline scenario predicted that there are no exceedences -3 th of the adopted odour criterion of 5 ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages. The -3 th maximum odour concentration was predicted to be 0.5 ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages at receptor 13 (due East of Former RAF St Athan) for the 2006 meteorological data set. It is considered unlikely that an odour annoyance is caused at local receptor locations outside the boundary of Former RAF St Athan. This is consistent with the absence of odour complaints.

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Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works The existing WwTW is a conventional treatment plant comprising of an inlet works, sludge treatment facilities, an aeration system, final settlement tanks and UV treatment facilities. The site also operates a calcified seaweed biofilter odour control unit which, upon inspection, was found to require refurbishment as the biological media had perished. The odour results of the baseline WwTW assessment are presented in Appendix V (Volume 2) with the odour contour for the worst case year presented as Figure C1 (volume 3 of the ES). Predicted odour concentrations are shown in Figure C1 for the worst case year, 2004. Odour dispersion modelling predicted that the odour criterion was exceeded for the baseline scenario at -3 th receptor 2. The maximum odour concentration was predicted to be 5.7 ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages from the worst case 2004 meteorological dataset. Odour concentrations at all other receptor locations were predicted to be below the adopted odour annoyance criterion.

15.8.3 Future Baseline Scenarios The future baseline scenarios are based upon the assumption that neither the proposed ABP nor DTC developments are implemented. While the VC10s are still proposed to be phased out, ABP engine running is assumed to continue to take place in the same location with no additional attenuation. In order for all aircraft to be able to conduct ground runs, the existing de-tuner structure will be replaced with a new engine running facility. The facility will consist of an open topped, 10 m high, three sided enclosure. Aircraft will be positioned so that exhaust gas from the engines is emitted into the enclosure. The engine test data provided by Walker Beak Mason was split was split into 6 phases. These phases were as follows; 1. Full engine check following engine change; 2. Full engine check following major engine rectification; 3. Disturbed system check following work on any engine or associated system; 4. Fault Finding Checks; 5. Pressurisation Checks; 6. Engine running for propeller checks. The high power emission rate was applied to phases 1-3 whilst the idling emission rate was applied to phases 4-6. In order to obtain a worst case scenario all aircraft were considered to emit the same as the VC10 aircraft. Details of the proposed engine testing for the three proposed development scenarios are presented in table 15.7.

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Table 15.7 Future Baseline Scenarios – Duration of Operation of the Engine Running Facility (per annum)

Phase Hours at High Power Hours at Low Power Total Hours

Future Baseline Phase 1 44.5 26.4 70.9 (2014)

Future Baseline t Phase 2 137.5 87.7 252.2 (2020)

Future Baseline Phase 3 173.9 109.3 283.2 (2028)

Future Baseline Phase 2 (2020) An average efflux velocity of 0.40 ms-1 was calculated with a total volumetric flow of 127 m3 s-1 -1 per engine. The average odour emission rate was calculated to be 902,264 ouE s . It has been assumed that no more than two engines will be running at the same time. This assumption is based upon the current engine maintenance regime at Former RAF St Athan for VC10 aircraft. It was predicted that aircraft will use the engine running facility for 252.2 hours per annum for the Future Baseline Phase 2 assessment. As it is unknown when the runs occur a worst case dispersion model has been used which assumes that operation occurs Monday to Saturday between 7am and 11pm. The odour dispersion results for the Future Baseline Phase 2 assessment are considered to overestimate the odour effect as the engine running facility has been assumed to be in operation for 4992 hours per year (16 hours a day, 6 days a week). Odour concentrations at receptor locations for the five years of meteorological are presented in Appendix U (in Volume 2) with the contour for the worst case year presented as Figure B2 (volume 3 of the ES). Predicted odour concentrations are shown in Figure B2 for the worst case year, 2006. The dispersion modelling for the Future Baseline Phase 2 scenario predicted that odour -3 concentrations at receptors 8, 9 and 10 would be above the odour criterion of 5 ouE m as the 98th percentile of hourly averages. The maximum odour concentration was predicted to be 7.8 -3 th ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages located at receptor 9 (Northeast of Former RAF St Athan) for the 2008 meteorological data set. The assessment considerers that an odour annoyance is likely to be caused by the Future Baseline Phase 2 Scenario. As the dispersion modelling inputs are particularly conservative it is suggested that in reality odour concentrations

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-3 th will be below the adopted odour criterion of 5 ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages. This is in addition to the modelling assumption that all aircraft using the engine running facility produce the same amount of odour as the VC10 aircraft. This is unlikely to be the case with both smaller and more efficient aircraft.

Future Baseline Phase 3 (2028) An average efflux velocity of 0.41 ms-1 was calculated with a total volumetric flow of 128 m3 s-1 -1 per engine. The average odour emission rate was calculated to be 907,058 ouE s . It has been assumed that no more than two engines will be running at the same time. It was predicted that aircraft will use the engine running facility for 283.2 hours per annum for the Future Baseline Phase 3 assessment. As it is unknown when the runs occur, a worst case dispersion model has been used which assumes that operation occurs Monday to Saturday between 7am and 11pm. The odour dispersion results for the Future Baseline Phase 3 assessment are considered to overestimate the odour effect as the engine running facility has been assumed to be in operation for 4992 hours per year (16 hours a day, 6 days a week). Odour concentrations at receptor locations for the five years of meteorological data are presented in Appendix U (in Volume 2 of the ES) with the contour for the worst case year presented as Figure B3 (volume 3 of the ES). Predicted odour concentrations are shown in Figure B3 for the worst case year, 2006. The dispersion modelling for the Future Baseline Phase 3 scenario predicted that odour -3 concentrations at receptors 8, 9 and 10 would be above the odour criterion of 5 ouE m as the 98th percentile of hourly averages. The maximum odour concentration was predicted to be 7.6 -3 th ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages located at receptor 9 (Northeast of Former RAF St Athan) for the 2008 meteorological data set. The assessment considerers that it is likely that an odour annoyance will be caused by the Future Baseline Phase 3 Scenario. As the dispersion modelling inputs are particularly conservative it is suggested that in reality odour concentrations -3 th will be below the adopted odour criterion of 5 ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages. This is in addition to the modelling assumption that all aircraft using the engine running facility produce the same amount of odour as the VC10 aircraft. This is unlikely to be the case with both smaller and more efficient aircraft.

Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works There is no future baseline scenario for the Llantwit Major WwTW. If the development of Former RAF St Athan does not go ahead there will be no requirement for the proposed development of Llantwit Major WwTW. The odour impact of the WwTW in a no development scenario would be the same as assessed in the existing baseline assessment.

15.8.4 Proposed Development Scenarios

Aircraft The predicted future development scenarios are based upon the planned development of the ABP and DTC proposals being implemented. It is proposed that a new engine running facility will be constructed south of the runway which will consist of an open topped, 10 m high, three sided enclosure. Aircraft will be positioned so that exhaust gas from the engines is emitted into the enclosure.

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The engine test data provided by Walker Beak Mason was split was split up into 6 phases as was done in the future baseline scenario. The high power emission rate was applied to phases 1- 3 whilst the idling emission rate was applied to phases 4-6. In order to obtain a worst case scenario all aircraft were considered to emit the same as the most odorous VC10 aircraft. This assessment has used the worst case data set which includes proposed wide bodied aircraft as described in the WBM 7 spreadsheet provided by Walker Beak Mason. Details of the proposed engine testing for the three proposed development scenarios are presented in table 15.8.

Table 15.8 Proposed Development Scenarios – Duration of Operation of the Engine Running Facility

Phase Hours at High Power Hours at Low Power Total Hours

Development Phase 1 (2014) 36.4 38.9 75.3

Development Phase 2 (2020) 84.9 85.1 170.0

Development Phase 3 (2028) 157.7 151.7 309.5

-3 th The adopted odour criterion for this assessment is 5 ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly -3 averages. The criterion allows an odour concentration above 5 ouE m for 175.2 hours of the year (2% of 8760 hours in the year). As the development phases 1 and 2 have been calculated as operating for less than 175.2 hours, it is considered that the emission source is too infrequent to cause an odour annoyance. For this reason only Development Phase 3 has been assessed using the AERMOD dispersion model. The engine running facility was modelled as a stack which measures 4 m in height and 20 m in diameter. An average efflux velocity of 0.34 ms-1 was calculated with a total volumetric flow of 3 -1 -1 107 m s . The average odour emission rate was calculated to be 762,599 ouE s . It was predicted that the engine running facility will be used for 309.5 hours per annum for the future Development Phase 3 assessment. As it is unknown when the runs occur, a worst case dispersion model has been used which assumes that operation occurs Monday - Saturday between 7am and 11pm. The odour dispersion results for the Development Phase 3 assessment are considered to overestimate the odour effect as the engine running facility has been assumed to in operation for 4992 hours per year (16 hours a day, 6 days a week). Odour concentrations at receptor locations for the five years of meteorological are presented in Appendix U (in Volume 2) with the contour for the worst case year presented as Figure B4 (volume 3 of the ES). Predicted odour concentrations are shown in Figure B4 for the worst case year, 2008. The dispersion modelling for the Development Phase 3 scenario predicted that there are no -3 th exceedences of the adopted odour criterion of 5 ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages. -3 th The maximum odour concentration was predicted to be 2.8 ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages located at receptor 27 (due Southeast of Former RAF St Athan) for the 2008 meteorological data set.

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As the dispersion modelling inputs are particularly conservative it is suggested that in reality odour concentrations will be less than predicted in this assessment. This is in addition to the modelling assumption that all aircraft using the engine running facility produce the same amount of odour as the VC10 aircraft. This is unlikely to be the case with both smaller and more efficient aircraft. It is considered unlikely that an odour annoyance would occur at local receptor locations outside the boundary of Former RAF St Athan.

Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works The proposed Llantwit Major WwTW development has been conducted to increase the capacity due to the additional flows caused by the development of Former RAF St Athan. It has been proposed that a new balancing tank, sludge tank and final tank will be required. A new calcified seaweed biofilter will be constructed to treat extracted air from the new sludge tank and balancing tank enclosure. The existing odour control unit will be refurbished which will include replacing the biological media within the OCU. Table 15.9 summarises the odour emission rates used to predict the odour impact of the development of Llantwit Major WwTW. The total odour emission rate for the development was -1 calculated to be 5394 ouE s .

Table 15.9 Modelled Odour Emission Rates

Process Source Odour Concentration Odour Emission Rate

-3 -2 -1 -1 ouE m ouE m s ouE s

Odour Control Unit 1 (existing) 1,500 n/a 2,700

Odour Control Unit 2 (proposed) 1,500 n/a 599

FST n/a 1.08 652

Aeration Lanes n/a 1.84 1,619

Anoxic Tank n/a 2.43 40

Screen Skips n/a 10.5 84

Total 5,394

Dispersion modelling has been conducted using the odour emission rates presented in Table 15.9 and five years of hourly sequential meteorological data from St Athan (2004-2008) to predict the resulting odour exposure for the proposed scenario. It was predicted that 2003 represented the worst case meteorological conditions for odour dispersion at the Llantwit Major WwTW. Predicted odour concentrations at receptor locations are presented in Appendix V (in Volume 2 of the ES) with the contour for the worst case year presented as Figure C2 (volume 3 of the ES).

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Predicted odour concentrations are shown in Figure C2 for the worst case year, 2007. The dispersion modelling results of the proposed development predicted that the odour criterion is not exceeded at any receptor location. Therefore, the effect of odour upon receptors has been assessed as being not significant using the selected significance criterion. -3 th A maximum odour concentration of 2.5 ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages was predicted using 2007 meteorological data at receptor 2, the closest receptor to the site boundary. Odour concentrations are less than those predicted in the baseline scenario at all receptor locations.

15.8.5 Predicted Effects and their significance Aircraft Emissions – Engine Running Facility

Phase 1 - 2014 The odour assessment has predicted that the odour impact of the proposed Phase 1 development upon local receptor is not significant. Based on the number of engine tests and their duration, the engine running facility was calculated to be operating for 75.3 hours per annum which equates to 0.86 % of the year (8760 hours in a year). The adopted odour criterion requires that an odour source be in operation for more than 2 % of the year. It is predicted that the impact of the Phase 1 development is less than the existing baseline using 2008 engine testing data. It is the conclusion of this assessment that an odour annoyance is unlikely to occur for this scenario.

Phase 2 - 2020 The odour assessment has predicted that the odour impact of the proposed Phase 2 development upon local receptor is not significant. Based on the number of engine tests and their duration, the engine running facility was calculated to be operating for only 170.0 hours per annum which equates to 1.96 % of the year. The adopted odour criterion requires that an odour source be in operation for more than 2 % of the year. It is predicted that the impact of the Phase 2 development is significantly less than the future baseline scenario 2 (2020). This Scenario predicted that an odour annoyance would be likely at receptors 8, 9 and 10 located north east of Former RAF St Athan. It is the conclusion of this assessment that an odour annoyance is unlikely to occur for the development Phase 2 scenario.

Phase 3- 2028 Based on the number of engine tests and their duration, the engine running facility was calculated to be operating for 309.5 hours per annum which equates to 3.53 % of the year. An odour assessment has been conducted as the engine running facility will operate for longer than the 2 % of the year requirement set by the selected odour criterion.

-3 th The odour assessment predicted that the 5 ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages odour criterion is not exceeded at any receptor location for the Phase 3 development scenario. -3 The maximum odour concentration at a receptor location was predicted to be 2.8 ouE m as the 98th percentile of hourly averages at receptor 27, located on Llantwit Road. The odour impact of the Phase 3 development has been categorised as not significant.

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It is predicted that the impact of the Phase 3 development is significantly less than the Future Baseline Scenario 3 (2028). This Scenario predicted that an odour annoyance would be likely at receptors 8, 9 and 10 located to the north east of Former RAF St Athan. The maximum odour -3 th concentration was predicted to be 7.6 ouE m as the 98 percentile of hourly averages at receptor 9, located on Lime grove. It is predicted that although the odour emitted during the Development Phase 3 and Future -1 Baseline Phase 3 scenarios are comparable (Future Baseline Phase 3: 762,599 ouE s for 309.5 -1 hours, Proposed development phase 3: 907,058 ouE s for 283.2 hours) the location of the engine running facility is critical to the predicted odour impact. It is the conclusion of this assessment that an odour annoyance is unlikely to occur for the development scenario.

Llantwit Major Wastewater Treatment Works The proposed development at Llantwit Major is predicted to have a beneficial effect on odour concentrations within the vicinity of the site. It is predicted that none of the sensitive receptors considered in this assessment will experience significant odour effects according to the significance criterion adopted in this assessment as a cause of the Llantwit Major WwTW. It is the conclusion of this assessment that an odour annoyance is unlikely to occur for this scenario.

15.9 Conclusions of Significance Evaluation

Table 15.10 Significance Evaluation

Receptor and Magnitude of Value Significance effects effect

Level Summary rationale

All local receptors: Negligible Below Criterion Not Significant Predicted odour Increase in the concentrations at receptor duration of engine locations are below the testing due to adopted odour criterion of 5 -3 proposed ouE m as the 98th development percentile of hourly averages for the Development Phase Scenarios (1, 2 and 3).

The development is likely to improve odour concentrations at receptor locations when compared to the equivalent Future Baseline scenario.

Odour concentrations at receptor locations are increased compared to the current 2008 baseline.

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Table 15.10 (continued) Significance Evaluation

Receptor and Magnitude of Value Significance effects effect

Level Summary rationale

Proposed WwTW Negligible Below Criterion Not Significant Predicted odour Development: concentrations at receptor Odour Concentration locations are below the at all receptor adopted odour criterion of 5 -3 locations. Beneficial ouE m as the 98th effect. percentile of hourly averages. An odour annoyance is unlikely to occur. Odour concentrations at receptors are lower than emission from the existing works.

15.10 Implementation of Environmental Measures Table 15.11 outlines how any required Environmental measures would be implemented.

Table 15.11 Implementation of Environmental Measures

Environmental measure Responsibility for Compliance mechanism implementation

All considered receptors near to Llantwit Major Dŵr Cymru Welsh Refurbishment of existing odour WwTW. Water (DCWW) control unit and installation of an additional odour control unit to treat emissions from the proposed sludge tank and balance tank.

All considered receptors near to Llantwit Major Dŵr Cymru Welsh Installation of new roller-shutter WwTW. Water (DCWW) doors ensure less odorous compounds escaping from inlet works building when it is necessary to open doors.

All considered receptors near to Llantwit Major Dŵr Cymru Welsh Regular checking of the biofilter WwTW. Water (DCWW) media will ensure that the OCU is functioning correctly. This will enable early detection of media degradation.

All considered receptors near to Llantwit Major Dŵr Cymru Welsh A detailed Odour Management Plan WwTW. Water (DCWW) will be conducted for the site. This will make operators aware of potential actions which will reduce odour emitted from the WwTW. This will include details of good practices for operation of process sources and quick responses to spillages.

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17. Summary of Significant Effects

Table 17.1 below summarises the positive and negative significant environmental effects which have been assessed in this ES. The effects are associated with the DTC, ABP, SFA, the highway works and the associated upgrade and extension to Llantwit Major WwTWs and construction of a new rising main.

Table 17.1 Summary of Significant Effects

Chapter Receptor & Effects Summary of Predicted Effect Positive (+) or Negative (-) effect

Biodiversity Great crested newts Site wide great crested newt strategy will result in +ve (Chapter 6) 31 new or restored waterbodies and connected Fragmentation of site terrestrial habitat. Suitably designed under and populations by new overpasses will enable movement across infrastructure potential barriers.

Enhancement measures A total of 31 new waterbodies will be created or +ve restored (in addition to the four retained). Green Increased area of valued corridors within and around the site will be habitat enhanced with supplementary planting and habitat piles. Further otter holts and bat roosts will be constructed resulting in more and better quality habitats than are currently present.

Enhancement measures A detailed habitat management plan will be +ve created (based on the oHMP) to ensure the Management of habitats habitat features created are maintained and enhanced.

Landscape Conservation areas The combination of residential development -ve assessment viewed at closer proximity and additional large (Chapter 7) Llanmaes scale features within the ABP and DTC scheme becoming skyline features of views from the southern approach to the village would give a low (adverse) magnitude of change. Combined with the high sensitivity of the Conservation Area this would result in a moderate/substantial overall effect which would be significant.

Landscape pattern & scale The magnitude of change to both the landscape -ve pattern and also the scale of the features within West of Picketston where the the landscape would be high and due to the fields are arable, medium sized erosion of the localised rural character of this area and bound by hedgerow. of the site that would result, the change would be adverse.

When combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to the landscape pattern and scale of this area, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

h:\projects\ea-210\24000-24999\24996 dtr metrix (24996&16057)\st athan-vog\eia and the es\env statement_final\chapter © Entec UK Limited 17 - summary of significant effects\st athan es summary of significant effects_chapter 17.doc

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Table 17.1 (continued) Summary of Significant Effects

Chapter Receptor & Effects Summary of Predicted Effect Positive (+) or Negative (-) effect

Landscape Landscape pattern & scale The existing hedgerow lined arable fields which -ve assessment create a localised area of rural character which (Chapter 7) Arable fields in the southern responds to the rural land use to the south, would continued. section of the existing MoD be replaced by a new large scale structure, which St.Athan Site, to the south of in terms of height and block size are the runway. uncharacteristic. The magnitude of change would be high (adverse).

When combined with the medium sensitivity attributed to the landscape pattern and scale of this area, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Landscape pattern & scale The magnitude of change to this area of -ve landscape pattern and scale would be medium The small scale pastoral fields (adverse) representing the addition of new overlaying the undulating residential units within the small scale pastoral landscape south of Llanmaes landscape, which will erode the existing landscape pattern and as a result the localised pastoral character, but will not result in a wholesale change to character as the pastoral fields and vegetation along Llanmmaes Brook to the south of Llanmaes are being retained.

When combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this area, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial change which would be significant.

Visual Public right of way There would be a high (adverse) magnitude of -ve assessment change and this combined with the medium (Chapter 8) Public right of way west of St sensitivity of recreational receptors using the Athan village (footpath S2/5/1) footpaths, would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Public right of way The magnitude of change to the view experienced -ve by receptors would be high (adverse) for the more Public Rights of Way south of northerly sections of the right of way. Combined the B4265 and west of Gileston with the medium sensitivity of receptors using the (northern section) footpaths, the overall effect will be moderate/substantial adverse along the northern sections of the footpaths (which would be significant).

Public right of way The magnitude of change would be high -ve (adverse). Combined with the medium sensitivity Public Rights of Way east and of recreational receptors using the footpaths, this south of Llanmaes L12/17/1 would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) and I12/16/1 effect which would be significant.

Settlements The resultant magnitude of change would be -ve medium (adverse). Combined with the high levels Llanmaes of sensitivity attributed to settlements, the effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

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Table 17.1 (continued) Summary of Significant Effects

Chapter Receptor & Effects Summary of Predicted Effect Positive (+) or Negative (-) effect

Visual Settlements The proposed construction of the ABP site will -ve assessment result in a medium adverse magnitude of change. (Chapter 8) St Athan Village Combined with the high level of sensitivity continued attributed to settlements, the effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Settlements The resultant magnitude of change would be -ve medium (adverse). Combined with the high level East Vale of sensitivity attributed to settlements, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Settlements This will result in a medium (adverse) magnitude -ve of change. Combined with the high level of Eglwys Brewis sensitivity attributed to settlements, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties It is anticipated that the magnitude of change -ve would be medium (adverse). Combined with the Picketston House and 1 & 2 high levels of sensitivity attributed to residential Picketston receptors, the effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties Construction and operational activity has the -ve potential to result in a medium (adverse) New Barn Properties including magnitude of change. Combined with the high New Barn Farm level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties Construction and operational activity has the -ve potential to result in a medium (adverse) New Barn North magnitude of change. Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties Construction and operational activity will result in -ve a high adverse magnitude of change. Combined Millands Farm with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties Applying assumptions, there will be a high -ve (adverse) magnitude of change to the view. Froglands Farm Combined with the high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

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Table 17.1 (continued) Summary of Significant Effects

Chapter Receptor & Effects Summary of Predicted Effect Positive (+) or Negative (-) effect

Visual Individual properties The magnitude of change experienced would be -ve assessment high (adverse). Combined with the high level of (Chapter 8) Rose Cottage sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the continued overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties Construction and operational activity will result in -ve a high magnitude of change. Combined with the Millands Caravan Park high level of sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties The magnitude of change would be medium -ve (adverse). Combined with the high level of Old Froglands sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties The magnitude of operational change would be -ve medium (adverse). Combined with the high level North of St Athan Golf Club of sensitivity attributed to receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties The magnitude of construction change would -ve result in a high (adverse) magnitude of change. 1-6 Bingle Lane, Davlyn, 1 & 2 Combined with the high levels of sensitivity Beggars Pound attributed to residential receptors, the overall effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties There would be a resultant medium (adverse) -ve magnitude of change. Combined with the high All Properties on the Southern level of sensitivity attributed to residential Side and Western Edge of receptors, the effect would be Higher End moderate/substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties The magnitude of change to views would be high -ve (adverse) and combined with the high level of Briarbank sensitivity attributed to residential receptors, the effect would be substantial (adverse) and would be significant.

Individual properties There would be a resultant medium (adverse) -ve magnitude of change. Combined with the high Bridge House Farm, Thursday level of sensitivity attributed to receptors, the House, Tremains Farm & effect would be moderate/substantial (adverse) Frolics Farm and would be significant.

Individual properties The magnitude of change would be medium -ve (adverse) and when combined with the high Properties between Llanmaes sensitivity of these individual receptors would and Croes Heol result in a slight (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

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Table 17.1 (continued) Summary of Significant Effects

Chapter Receptor & Effects Summary of Predicted Effect Positive (+) or Negative (-) effect

Visual Individual properties The magnitude of construction change to the view -ve assessment would be medium (adverse). Combined with the (Chapter 8) Lougher Moor and Floodgate high sensitivity of these individual receptors would continued result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

Individual properties The magnitude of construction change to the view -ve would be medium (adverse). Combined with the Morfa Cottage high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

Individual properties There would be a medium (adverse) magnitude of -ve change which would be temporary. Combined Moorland Farm with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

Individual properties The magnitude of change would be medium -ve (adverse). Combined with the high sensitivity of Boverton Mill Farm these individual receptors would result in a moderate (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

Individual properties The magnitude of change would be high -ve (adverse). Combined with the high sensitivity of Sea View these individual receptors would result in a substantial (adverse) overall effect which would be significant.

Individual properties There would be a medium (adverse) magnitude of -ve change which when combined with the high Baronswell sensitivity attributed to this residential receptor, would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Individual properties A number of features and the increased level of -ve movement and activity would result in a high Eight properties on the northern construction (adverse) magnitude and medium side of Port Road West operational (adverse) magnitude. Combined with the high sensitivity of these individual receptors this would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Night time views There would be high (adverse) operational -ve magnitude of change which when combined with Residents on the eastern edge the high sensitivity attributed to this residential of East Vale including the two receptor, would result in a moderate/substantial properties listed in table G6 of (adverse) effect which would be significant. Appendix G

Individual residential There would be medium (adverse) operational -ve receptors magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this receptor, Bridge House Farm, Thursday would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) House, Tremains Farm and effect which would be significant. Frolics Farm to the west of the Tremains Farm SFA

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Table 17.1 (continued) Summary of Significant Effects

Chapter Receptor & Effects Summary of Predicted Effect Positive (+) or Negative (-) effect

Visual Individual residential There would be medium (adverse) operational -ve assessment receptors magnitude of change which when combined with (Chapter 8) the high sensitivity attributed to this receptor, continued Old Barn, Picketston House would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) and 1 & 2 Picketston, effect which would be significant. Picketston Cottage, including New Barn Farm at Picketston

Individual residential There would be medium (adverse) operational -ve receptors magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this receptor, New Barn North would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Individual residential There would be high (adverse) operational -ve receptors magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this receptor, Millands Farm, Froglands would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) Farm, Rose Cottage, Millands effect which would be significant. Caravan Park, Old Froglands, at Millands

Individual residential There would be medium (adverse) operational -ve receptors magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this receptor, Between Llanmaes and Croes would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) Heol effect which would be significant.

Individual residential There would be medium (adverse) operational -ve receptors magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this receptor, All Properties on the southern would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) side of Higher End effect which would be significant.

Individual residential There would be high (adverse) operational -ve receptors magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this receptor, Briarbank would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Individual residential There would be high (adverse) operational receptors magnitude of change which when combined with the high sensitivity attributed to this receptor, Seaview would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Night time viewpoint There would be medium (adverse) operational -ve magnitude of change which when combined with Viewpoint 1: From lane through the high sensitivity attributed to this receptor, Picketston would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

Night time viewpoint There would be high (adverse) operational -ve magnitude of change which when combined with Viewpoint 4: From north of the high sensitivity attributed to this receptor, Seaview would result in a moderate/substantial (adverse) effect which would be significant.

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Table 17.1 (continued) Summary of Significant Effects

Chapter Receptor & Effects Summary of Predicted Effect Positive (+) or Negative (-) effect

Community Construction The proposed development will create a +ve (Chapter 12) significant number of additional job opportunities Local economy - employment which could be taken up by local residents of the and expenditure) Vale. These jobs will be sustained for a number of years during the construction period.

Construction It is considered that the extent of additional -ve demand from construction workers may use Tourism available tourist bed-spaces in and around St. Athan particularly during the first construction phase as there is limited bedspace capacity in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Operation The proposed development is expected to create +ve approximately 5,628 new job opportunities (direct, Local economy - Employment induced and indirect) in the travel to work area, this estimate includes trainees. These are considered to be important for the Vale when viewed in light of the strong projections for population growth in South East Wales to 2028 which is expected to grow significantly faster than other regions in Wales.

Operation Increased expenditure from military personnel and +ve their families as well as operational expenditure Local economy – Expenditure for the DTC site will provide a significant increase in spending in the local area.

Operation The proposed development is anticipated to +ve attract a significant amount of inward investment Local economy – Inward into the local area and wider region. This will investment greatly enhance the aerospace profile of the region and this effect is considered to be positive and significant.

Operation There will be some temporary disruption to the +ve golf course whilst new holes are constructed. Local community - sports and However a wide variety of new sport and recreation recreation facilities will be provided which will benefit the local community and this effect is therefore assessed to be positive overall.

Noise and TO COME TO COME Vibration (Chapter 16)

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St Athan ES - List of Abbreviations/ Acronyms

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Term/Abbreviation Description

4SofTT No. 4 School of Technical Training

ABP Aerospace Business Park

ADMS Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling System

AMP4 Asset Management Plan

ANIS Aircraft Noise Index Study

AOD Above Ordnance Datum

AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

AQAP Air Quality Action Plan

AQMA Air Quality Management Area

AQOs Air Quality Objectives

AQS Air Quality Standards

ASA Amateur Swimming Association

ATC Air Traffic Control

ATC Automatic Traffic Count

BAP Biodiversity Action Plan

BFI Base Flow Index

BGS British Geological Society

BoCC Birds of Conservation Concern

BPM Best Practicable Means

BRE Buildings Research Establishment

BS British Standard

BSBI Botanical Society of the British Isles

CAA Civil Aviation Authority

CAMS Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy

CAP Civil Aviation Policy

CCW Countryside Council for Wales

CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan

CFMP Catchment Flood Management Plan

CHP Combined Heat and Power Plant

CIRIA Construction Industry Research and Information Association

CMS Construction Method Statement

CO Carbon Monoxide

CRoW Act Countryside and Rights of Way Act

CRTN Calculation of Road Traffic Noise cSINCs candidate Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation

Term/Abbreviation Description

CTP Construction Travel Plan

DARA Defence Aviation Repair Agency

DCWW Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

DEFRA Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

DETR Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

DfT Department for Transport

DMRB Design Manual for Roads and Bridges

DSG Defence Support Group

DTC Defence Technical College

DTR Defence Training Review

EAIR Environment Aspect and Impact Register

EAW Environment Agency for Wales

EDR Environmental Damage Regulations

EHO Environmental Health Officer

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EIR Economic Impact Report

EM Electromagnetic

Enviros Enviros Consulting (formerly Enviros Aspinwall) consultant to DE

EPA 1990 Environment Protection Act 1990

EPR Environmental Permitting Regulations

EQS Environmental Quality Standard (for water)

ERCD Environmental Research and Consultancy Department

EROM European Reference Odour Mass

ES Environmental Statement

EU European Union

EU-ETS EU Emission Trading Scheme

EWS Emergency Water Supply

FCA Flood Consequence Assessment

FEH Flood Estimation Handbook

FM Facilities Management

FST Final Settlement Tank

FTA Field Training Area

FTE Full time equivalent

GCN Great Crested Newt

GIS Geographical Information Systems

Term/Abbreviation Description

GLVIA Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

GNC Great crested newt

GPS Geographical Positioning System

GPU Ground Power Unit

GQA General Quality Assessment, for measuring water quality in river by EAW

HAP Habitat Action Plan

HEC-RAS A one dimensional hydraulic modelling software (River Analysis System) developed by the Hydrologic Engineering Centre

HER Historic Environment Record

HGVs Heavy Goods Vehicles

HNA Health Needs Assessment

HVCZ Highway Verge Conservation Zones

HVE High Vacuum Extraction

IEEM Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

ILE Institute of Lighting Engineers

INM Integrated Noise Model

ISO International Standard Organisation km kilometres

LA50 and LA10 noise level exceeded for 50% and 10% of the measurement period respectively

LA90 index represents the noise level exceeded for 90 percent of the measurement period

LAE is a measure of sound energy

LAeq the equivalent continuous sound level

LAmax maximum recorded noise level during the measurement period

LAQM Local Air Quality Management

LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Lden the ‘day evening night’ noise level that is the standard European index for environmental noise

LEAP Local Environment Action Plan

LNAPL Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid

LNR Local Nature Reserve

LQA Land Quality Assessment

LRC Learning Resource Centre

LTO Landing and Take-off cycle m metres m2 square metre

Med and Dent Medical and Dental

Term/Abbreviation Description

MNA Monitoring Natural Attenuation

MNA Monitored Natural Attenuation

MoD Ministry of Defence

Mppa Million passengers per anum

MRO Maintenance Repair and Overhaul

MT Mechanical Training

NAAFI Navy, Army and Air Force Institute

NAR Northern Access Road

NERC Natural Environment and Rural Communities

Netcen National Environmental Technology Centre

NGR National Grid Reference

NLUD National Landuse Database

NMVOC Non methane Volatile organic Compounds

NNR National Nature Reserve

NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide

NOX Nitrogen Oxides

NRTF National Road Traffic Forecast

NSCA National Society for Clean Air (now know as Environmental Protection UK)

NTS Non-technical summary

NVQ National Vocational Qualification

OHMP Outline Habitat Management Plan

ONS Office of National Statistics

OS Ordnance Survey ouE European odour unit

PAAB Potential Artificer Assessment Board

PAH Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon

Part 2A Part 2A of the EPA 1990 (the contaminated land regime)

PB Parsons Brinckerhoff

PIA Personal Injury Accident

PM10 Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 microns

PM2.5 Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microns

POL Petrol, oil and lubrication

PPG Pollution Prevention Guidance

PPW Planning Policy Wales

PRoW Public Rights of Way

Term/Abbreviation Description

RAF Royal Air Force

RAF CSSB RAF Command Support & Scientific Branch

RBMP River Basin Management Plan

RDB Red Data Book

RID Receipt of Deliveries

RQO River Quality Objectives, targets set for river quality by EAW

SACs Special Areas of Conservation

SAP Species Action Plan

SAR Southern Access Road

SATURN Simulation and Assignment of Traffic to Urban Road Networks

SEL the Sound Exposure Level

SEWBReC South and East Wales Biological Records Centre

Sewta South East Wales Transport Alliance

SFA Services Family Acommodation

SFG Special Forces Group

SGV Soil Guideline Value

SINCs Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation

SLA Single Living Accommodation

SMs Scheduled Monument

SO2 Sulphur dioxide

SOAs Strategic Opportunities Areas

SPA Special Protection Areas

SPZ Source Protection Zone

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest

SUDS Sustainable Drainage Systems

SVE Soil Vapour Extraction

SWMP Site Waste Management Plan

TA Traffic Assessment

TAN Technical Advice Note

TANs Technical Advice Notes

TANs Technical Advise Notes

TEF Toxic Equivalence Factor

TMP Traffic Management Plan

TPH Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons

TPO Tree Preservation Order

Term/Abbreviation Description

TTWA Travel to Work Area

UDP Unitary Development Plan

UKBAP United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan

UKCIP United Kingdom Climate Change Impact Programme

UWAS University of Wales Air Squadron

VGS Volunteer Gliding Squadron

VMH Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail

VOC Volatile Organic Compounds

VoGC Vale of Glamorgan Council

WDA Welsh Development Agency

WFD Water Framework Directive

WHO World Health Organisation

WLGA Welsh Local Government Association

WO Welsh Office

WRA 1991 Water Resources Act, 1991

WSP Wales Spatial Plan

WWTW Waste Water Treatment Works

WYG WYG (formerly White Young Green Ltd)

ZTV Zones of Theoretical Visibility

g m-3 microgrames per cubic metre