PHASE ONE
DraFt EnvironmEntal StatEmEnt Community Forum Area Report 16 | Ladbroke and Southam HS2 London-West Midlands May 2013
ENGINE FOR GROWTH DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT Community Forum Area Report ENGINE FOR GROWTH 16 I Ladbroke and Southam High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, 2nd Floor, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU
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Printed in Great Britain on paper containing at least 75% recycled fibre. CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Contents Contents
Draft Volume 2: Community Forum Area Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 5 Part A: Introduction 6 1 Introduction 7 1.1 Introduction to HS2 7 1.2 Purpose of this report 7 1.3 Structure of this report 9 Part B: Ladbroke and Southam – overview of the area and description of the Proposed Scheme 10 2 Ladbroke and Southam 11 2.1 Overview of the area 11 2.2 Description of the Proposed Scheme 15 2.3 Construction of the Proposed Scheme 18 2.4 Operation of the Proposed Scheme 30 2.5 Community forum engagement 31 2.6 Route section main alternatives 32 2.7 Proposals for further consideration 33 Part C: Environmental topic assessments 35 3 Agriculture, forestry and soils 36 3.1 Introduction 36 3.2 Policy framework 36 3.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 36 3.4 Environmental baseline 36 3.5 Construction 39 3.6 Operation 41
1 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Contents
4 Air quality 43 4.1 Introduction 43 4.2 Policy framework 43 4.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 43 4.4 Environmental baseline 43 4.5 Construction 45 4.6 Operation 46 5 Community 47 5.1 Introduction 47 5.2 Policy framework 47 5.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 47 5.4 Environmental baseline 47 5.5 Construction 49 5.6 Operation 51 6 Cultural heritage 52 6.1 Introduction 52 6.2 Policy framework 52 6.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 52 6.4 Environmental baseline 52 6.5 Construction 55 6.6 Operation 56 7 Ecology 58 7.1 Introduction 58 7.2 Policy framework 58 7.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 58 7.4 Environmental baseline 59 7.5 Construction 61 7.6 Operation 65 8 Land quality 67 8.1 Introduction 67 8.2 Policy framework 67 8.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 67 8.4 Environmental baseline 68 8.5 Construction 70 8.6 Operation 71
2 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Contents
9 Landscape and visual assessment 73 9.1 Introduction 73 9.2 Policy framework 73 9.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 73 9.4 Environmental baseline 74 9.5 Construction 75 9.6 Operation 79 10 Socio-economics 84 10.1 Introduction 84 10.2 Policy framework 84 10.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 84 10.4 Environmental baseline 84 10.5 Construction 85 10.6 Operation 86 11 Sound, noise and vibration 87 11.1 Introduction 87 11.2 Policy framework 87 11.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 87 11.4 Environmental baseline 87 11.5 Construction 88 11.6 Operation 88 12 Traffic and transport 91 12.1 Introduction 91 12.2 Policy framework 91 12.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 91 12.4 Environmental baseline 92 12.5 Construction 94 12.6 Operation 96 13 Water resources and flood risk assessment 98 13.1 Introduction 98 13.2 Policy framework 98 13.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 98 13.4 Environmental baseline 99 13.5 Construction 101 13.6 Operation 102 14 References 104
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List of figures
Figure 1: HS2 Phase One route and community forum areas 8 Figure 2: Area context map 12 Figure 3: Indicative construction programme for the area 30 Figure 4: Business sector composition in Stratford-on-Avon and the West Midlands 85
List of tables
Table 1: Location of construction site compounds 20 Table 2: Location of temporary worker accommodation sites 22 Table 3: Demolition works 23 Table 4: Watercourse diversions 23 Table 5: Highway and road diversions 24 Table 6: Footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions 25 Table 7: Viaducts, underbridges and overbridges 26 Table 8: Holdings affected by the Proposed Scheme 38 Table 9: Preliminary evaluation of likely value of protected and/or notable species occurring within this section of the route 60 Table 10: Significant residual construction effects on ecological receptors within this section of the route 64 Table 11: Significant residual operational effects on ecological receptors within this section of the route 66 Table 12: Significant landscape effects during construction 76 Table 13: Significant visual effects during construction 77 Table 14: Significant landscape effects during operation year 1 (2026) 80 Table 15: Significant visual effects during operation year 1 (2026) 81 Table 16: Construction site compound, workforce numbers, duration of use and daily trips 94
4 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Contents Draft Volume 2: Community Forum Area Report Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 Structure of the HS2 draft Environmental Statement The draft ES documentation for the purpose of this consultation comprises: • A non-technical summary (NTS) – providing a summary of the Proposed Scheme, the likely significant effects of the Proposed Scheme, both beneficial and adverse, and the means to avoid or reduce the adverse effects; • A main report – consisting of two volumes: ȃȃ Volume 1: Introduction to the Environmental Statement and Proposed Scheme which provides an introduction to HS2, an overview of the hybrid bill process and the environmental impact assessment (EIA) methodology, an introduction to consultation and engagement, the main strategic and route-wide alternatives considered; and ȃȃ Volume 2: Includes 26 Community Forum Area (CFA) reports, each with a separate corresponding set of drawings, which together provide the assessment of local environmental effects. An assessment of the effects of the Proposed Scheme on a route-wide basis is presented in Report 27.
HS2 Ltd set up 26 community forums along the line of route of the Proposed Scheme, as a regular way of engaging with local communities1. Volume 2 of this draft ES supports this engagement strategy by providing a draft ES report for each CFA. This is a report for the Ladbroke and Southam area, CFA 16.
The draft ES has been written in a clear and accessible manner; however, on occasion it has been necessary to use technical terms. Given this, a glossary of terms and list of abbreviations for all draft ES documentation is provided.
1 Details of these community forums are provided on the HS2 Ltd website at http://www.hs2.org.uk/have-your-say/forums/community-forums. Accessed 24 April 2013.
5 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Contents Part A: Introduction
6 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Introduction 1 Introduction 1.1 Introduction to HS2 1.1.1 HS2 is planned to be a Y-shaped rail network with stations in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands, linked by high speed trains running at speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour (kph) (225 miles per hour (mph)).
1.1.2 HS2 is proposed to be built in two phases. Phase One (the Proposed Scheme), the subject of this draft ES, would involve the construction of a new railway line of approximately 230km (143 miles) between London and Birmingham that would become operational by 2026; with a connection to the West Coast Main Line (WCML) near Lichfield and to the existing HS1 line in London. The Phase One route and the 26 CFAs are shown in Figure 1.
1.1.3 On opening, Phase One would run up to 14 trains per hour (tph). HS2 trains would be up to 400 metres (m) long with 1,100 seats during peak hours. Beyond the dedicated high speed track, these high speed trains would connect with, and run on, the existing WCML to serve passengers beyond the HS2 network. A connection to HS1 would also allow some services to run to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel.
1.1.4 Phase Two would involve the construction of lines from Birmingham to Leeds and Manchester, with construction commencing around 2027, and planned to be operational by 2033. After Phase Two opens, it is expected that the frequency of train services on this part of the Phase One route could increase up to 18tph.
1.1.5 The Government believes that the HS2 network should link to Heathrow and its preferred option is for this to be built as part of Phase Two. However, the Government has since taken the decision to pause work on the Heathrow link until after 2015 when it expects the Airports Commission to publish its final report on recommended options for maintaining the country’s status as an international aviation hub. 1.2 Purpose of this report 1.2.1 This report presents the likely significant environmental effects as a result of the construction and operation of Phase One of HS2 (the Proposed Scheme) that have been identified to date within the area of Ladbroke and Southam (CFA 16). It provides a summary of the likely environmental issues and proposed mitigation measures that are being addressed during the design development process within the Ladbroke and Southam area.
1.2.2 The final details of the Proposed Scheme and assessment of its environmental impacts and effects will be presented in the formal ES submitted in accordance with the requirements of Parliamentary Standing Order 27A (SO27A)2.
2 Standing Order 27A of the Standing Orders of the House of Commons relating to private business (environmental assessment), House of Commons.
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Figure 1: HS2 Phase One route and community forum areas
8 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Introduction
1.3 Structure of this report 1.3.1 This report is divided into three parts: • Part A – an introduction to HS2 and the purpose of this report; • Part B – overview of the area, description of the Proposed Scheme within Ladbroke and Southam and its construction, community forum engagement and a description of the main local alternatives; and • Part C – environmental topic assessments – overview of the policy framework, the environmental baseline within the area, an assessment of construction and operational effects, the proposed mitigation measures and significant residual effects for the following environmental topics: ȃȃ Agriculture, forestry and soils; ȃȃ Air quality; ȃȃ Community; ȃȃ Cultural heritage; ȃȃ Ecology; ȃȃ Land quality; ȃȃ Landscape and visual assessment; ȃȃ Socio-economics; ȃȃ Sound, noise and vibration; ȃȃ Traffic and transport; and ȃȃ Water resources and flood risk.
1.3.2 The maps relevant to Ladbroke and Southam are provided in a separate corresponding document entitled Volume 2: CFA 16 Ladbroke and Southam Map Book, which should be read in conjunction with this report.
1.3.3 In addition to the environmental topics covered in Part C of this report, Report 27 also addresses climate, electromagnetic interference and waste and material resources on a route‑wide basis.
9 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Introduction Part B: Ladbroke and Southam – overview of the area and description of the Proposed Scheme
10 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Ladbroke and Southam 2 Ladbroke and Southam 2.1 Overview of the area 2.1.1 The Ladbroke and Southam CFA covers a 13.1 km section of the Proposed Scheme in Stratford-on-Avon District, where it passes to the west of Southam. It extends from Wormleighton in the south to the Grand Union Canal at the boundary with Warwick District in the north. The area includes land within the parishes of Stoneton, Wormleighton, Priors Hardwick, Radbourn, Hodnells and Wills Pastures, Ladbroke, Southam, Ufton and Long Itchington.
2.1.2 As shown in Figure 2, Greatworth to Lower Boddington (CFA 15) lies to the south and Offchurch and Cubbington (CFA17) lie to the north. Settlement, land use and topography
2.1.3 The area is predominantly rural in character. Southam is the principal settlement in the middle of the area and lies approximately 800m east of the Proposed Scheme. It provides a range of day-to-day facilities, serving a wide rural catchment that covers much of the area. The Kineton Road Industrial Estate and the Warwick House Industrial Park on the southern edge of the town provide local employment opportunities. Within the area, Southam has been the focus for development. The smaller rural villages show little evidence of significant recent change.
2.1.4 The historic villages of Wormleighton (map CT‑01-40, C1) and Ladbroke are to the south of Southam; Ufton and the small hamlet of Bascote Heath (map CT‑01-43, B6) are to the west and Long Itchington is to the north. The southern part of the area is sparsely populated and tranquil with only a scattering of isolated farmsteads between the villages. Agriculture is the main land use, with rolling pasture land giving way increasingly to more intensive arable farming further north, interspersed with parkland, woodland and some mineral working areas. The farmed landscape retains many historic features, including medieval village sites at and near Wormleighton and traditional ridge and furrow field patterns.
2.1.5 The Oxford Canal weaves through the southern part of the area, following the contours and the east-west route of the Grand Union Canal defines the northern limit of the Proposed Scheme within this area. The River Itchen flows northwards through the area to the west of Southam, and there is an extensive network of small streams and ponds and a number of springs, particularly in the southern part of the area, flowing towards the river.
2.1.6 The area has a gently undulating landscape of low hill tops and clay vales underlain by Jurassic mudstones, with interbedded limestones common in the north-west part of the area. These hills are often characterised by pockets of ancient woodland and/or steep grassy ridges. Tree cover within the area is relatively sparse, with the exception of the ancient woodland at Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI (map CT‑01-44, H4) and a scatter of game coverts in the Ladbroke and Wormleighton area.
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Figure 2: Area context map
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Key transport infrastructure
2.1.7 The main transport routes through the area are the A423, connecting Banbury to the south with Coventry to the north, and the A425, connecting Daventry to the east with Leamington Spa to the west. Both routes intersect at Southam, which is the focus for local transport movements. In the south, narrow winding rural lanes connect farmsteads and villages. A more extensive network of busier rural routes exists to the north, providing connections with villages in the neighbouring Offchurch and Cubbington area.
2.1.8 The Banbury to Leamington Spa Line runs north-south to the west of Wormleighton and Southam although the nearest stations are outside of the study area at Banbury in the south and at Leamington Spa in the north.
2.1.9 There are a number of circular walking routes around the town of Southam, the most notable of which is the Harry Green Way which extends for 34km and connects eight villages around the town, including Ladbroke, Ufton and Bascote Heath. Demographic profile
2.1.10 Demographic data is available only for the Southam demographic character area (DCA). A DCA represents an area of settlement concentration for which demographic data is collected and analysed. However, along with other data for the wider Stratford-on-Avon District, these provide an insight into the demographic profile of the area.
2.1.11 The population for the Southam DCA was approximately 6,600 according to 2011 Census data. The population of Stratford-on-Avon District is forecast to increase by 20% between 2013 and 2035, a rate of growth higher than the regional and national forecasts (18% and 16%, respectively)3. There are low levels of cultural diversity in the population compared with both regional and national averages4. Similarly, Stratford-on-Avon District has low levels of income deprivation5.
2.1.12 The Southam area had approximately 2,780 households in 2011. Approximately 73% of the area’s dwelling stock was owned, 17% was socially rented and 9% was privately rented or rent free. Notable community facilities
2.1.13 Southam is the main centre in the area for day-to-day services and facilities, with three primary schools, a secondary school, two GP surgeries, three dental surgeries, a library and a range of shops, banks and retail and financial services, together with a small number of public houses and restaurants, a leisure centre and a number of community centres/halls. All of the villages have parish churches, with the exception of Bascote and Bascote Heath.
2.1.14 Away from Southam, the villages have limited community facilities. The villages of Wormleighton, Ladbroke and Ufton each have a community hall and a church, whilst the latter two also have a public house. None of these villages has a school or a doctor’s surgery, and many residents are dependent upon travel to Southam and other villages further afield to access these services. Bascote Heath is predominantly residential in character, with its community hall and chapel closing some time ago, although it does still retain a public house.
3 ONS, (2010). Population Projections. 4 ONS, (2011). Census, Resident Population by Ethnic Group and Religion. 5 Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), (2010). Indices of Deprivation.
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Recreation, leisure and open space
2.1.15 Southam is the main focus for leisure and recreation facilities in the area. Southam United Football Club (map CT‑03-43, I6), Southam Cricket Club (map CT‑03-43, H7) and Southam Rugby Football Club (map CT‑03-43, H4) are all located on the south side of the town. The facilities at these sites are well used on a regular basis and represent the primary location for playing sports within the area. The Dallas Burston Polo Club (map CT‑03-43, C6) lies almost 2km west of Southam and is set in 242ha of grounds at the Stoneythorpe estate. The club hosts regular tournaments and fixtures, drawing players and supporters from a wide area. Some events may attract up to 3,000 spectators.
2.1.16 There are a number of parks and open spaces within the centre of Southam. Elsewhere in the study area there is relatively little public open space, mostly limited to small amenity green spaces in the villages or church yards.
2.1.17 There is a public footpath that runs along the edge of the Ufton Wood (also forming part of the Harry Green Way) which features in a number of local walking guides for the area. The Ufton Fields Nature Reserve (map CT‑01-44, I1 and J1) lies just south of Ufton village. The reserve, which extends to about 40ha in total, includes a number of waymarked footpaths providing access to varied habitats for observing birds, insects and wild flowers. Planning context and key designations
2.1.18 Volume 1 sets out the national policies under which HS2 has been developed. Given that the Proposed Scheme has been developed on a national basis and to meet a national need it is not included or referred to in many local plans. Nevertheless, in seeking to consider the Proposed Scheme in the local context, relevant local plan documents and policies have been taken into account in relation to environmental topics.
2.1.19 Stratford-on-Avon District Council is the local planning authority for the area. The development plan comprises the saved policies of the Stratford-on-Avon District Local Plan Review (Local Plan)6,7. Emerging planning policy is contained in the Stratford-on-Avon District Local Development Framework Draft Core Strategy (Core Strategy), which was published for consultation in February 20128. The Council is currently preparing the pre-submission version, which would be subject to a final period of consultation before being submitted to the Secretary of State for examination in 2013.
2.1.20 Relevant policies from these documents have been taken into account in relation to the technical assessments reported in Sections 3 to 13.
2.1.21 With regard to planning designations, Wormleighton, Ladbroke and the centre of Southam all have designated conservation areas. There are several parcels of designated ancient woodland, the largest of which, Long Itchington and Ufton Woods, is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its ecological value. Ufton Fields Nature Reserve is both a SSSI and a designated local nature reserve (LNR). There are also several local wildlife sites (LWS).
2.1.22 There are numerous listed buildings within the study area. The remains of the medieval villages of Wormleighton and Hodnell Manor (map CT‑01-41, B1) are designated as scheduled monuments and there are two further scheduled monuments in the area; one on the western outskirts of Southam (Holy Well, also a Grade II listed building) (map CT‑01-43, H9); and the other at Priors Hardwick (medieval settlement).
6 Warwickshire County Council, (2001). Warwickshire Structure Plan 1996-2011. 7 Stratford-on-Avon District Council, (2006). Local Plan Review 1996-2011. 8 Stratford-on-Avon District Council, (2012). Stratford-on-Avon District Local Development Framework Draft Core Strategy 2012.
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2.1.23 The emerging Core Strategy proposes some growth in the area. Whilst the Core Strategy has yet to be adopted, it envisages in the order of 70-260 dwellings would be constructed at Southam in the period to 2018, with locations highlighted as potentially suitable to the west, south and east of the town. The Core Strategy also proposes the reinstatement of special landscape area (SLA) designations, to include land within the northern part of the area, to the west of Long Itchington, approximately 3km east of the Proposed Scheme.
2.1.24 The council envisages further growth being required at Southam and recognises scope for some limited small scale development in the villages across the district, including Wormleighton. 2.2 Description of the Proposed Scheme 2.2.1 The general design of the Proposed Scheme is described in Volume 1. The following section describes the main features of the Proposed Scheme in the Ladbroke and Southam area, including the main environmental mitigation measures. Overview
2.2.2 The Proposed Scheme through the Ladbroke and Southam area would be approximately 13.1km in length, commencing at the junction of a realigned Banbury Road with Leisure Drive, to the east of Wormleighton. The route would then proceed north-westwards, passing under Footpath SM101 and over Footpath SM116a.
2.2.3 The route would cross over the Oxford Canal, the Salt Lane Bridleway (E2424 minor road), a minor watercourse and Bridleway SM96. Crossing another minor watercourse and Footpath SM96a just to the west of Chapel Bank Cottage and Fish Ponds (map CT‑06-82, I5), the route would continue north-westwards to the west of Ladbroke Grove Farm (map CT‑06-83, I7), passing under bridges for Lower Radbourne and Ladbroke Grove Farms and over a culvert for a minor watercourse.
2.2.4 The route would pass to the east of Ladbroke, cutting through Windmill Hill (map CT‑06-83, D5) and under a bridge for the realigned Windmill Lane. Then continuing in a north-west direction, the route would be aligned to the south-west of Southam, crossing under the A423 Banbury Road, over another minor watercourse, then under the B4451 Kineton Road. North of the B4451, the route would cross over the River Itchen.
2.2.5 The route would enter a tunnel adjacent to the Dallas Burston Polo Grounds (map CT‑01-43, C6), under the A425 Leamington Road and Long Itchington and Ufton Woods (map CT‑06-85, B6-B8), before emerging from the tunnel approximately 10m outside of the boundary of Ufton Wood. The Proposed Scheme leaves this area as it crosses a small watercourse to the south of the Grand Union Canal.
2.2.6 Details of noise barriers within the Ladbroke and Southam CFA are described in Chapter 11 of this report and the SV-01 series maps.
2.2.7 Since the January 2012 scheme was announced by the Secretary of State, route development work has continued and the Proposed Scheme now differs in some respects. These changes are discussed in more detail in Section 2.6. The following represent the principal design changes in this area: • Introduction of maintenance loops at Wormleighton and a raise of route over Oxford Canal to achieve required clearance; • Raise of route over minor watercourse south of Windmill Hill; and
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• Relocation of low point within Long Itchington Wood tunnel to north portal and associated raise of route over Grand Union Canal. Proposed Scheme – Section by section
2.2.8 The route would enter the area in the south (map CT‑06-079). Key features of this section would include: • A cutting 1.3km long with a maximum depth of nearly 16m. Slope stabilisation measures may be required on the east side of the cutting. The cutting extends back in to the Greatworth to Lower Boddington CFA and is a total of 2.4km long; • Maintenance loops would allow faulty trains to clear the main tracks if necessary, and enable maintenance trains to be stabled temporarily without returning to the main depot. An additional 2 tracks would be provided, extending for a total of approximately 1.2km back in to the Greatworth to Lower Boddington CFA, and 500m long within Ladbroke and Southam CFA; and • An overbridge for Footpath SM101.
2.2.9 In addition, as shown on map CT‑06-079, a new permanent realignment of Banbury Road would be provided starting to the south of the study area on the east side of the route, crossing the route approximately 300m south of Fox Covert (map CT‑06-079, G5), then reconnecting to the existing Banbury Road on the west side of the route 700m further north. Leisure Drive would be diverted on the east side of the route and connect with Banbury Road near the overbridge. An auto-transformer station would be provided on the west side between the rail line and Banbury Road adjacent to its re-connection with the existing road (map CT‑06-079, C4). Planting would be provided on both sides of the rail line.
2.2.10 The key features of the next section of the route (from map CT‑06-080, F5; to CT‑06-082, H4) would include: • An embankment 3km long, reaching a maximum height of approximately 9m. Landscape earthworks with raised embankments would be provided either side of the route; • Underpasses for footpath SM116a and E2424; • An underbridge for the Oxford Canal; and • Viaducts over two watercourses approximately 90m and 50m long over Lower Radbourne South and Lower Radbourne North, respectively. Viaduct lengths are subject to change following further flood modelling analysis. • In addition, as shown on map CT‑06-081, drainage ponds would be constructed on the west side of the rail line adjacent to the Oxford Canal and adjacent to Lower Radbourne South viaduct, and two on the east side of the route close to Chapel Bank Cottage. Bridleway SM96 would be diverted on both sides of the route, crossing under the Lower Radbourne South viaduct. Bridleway SM96a would be diverted under the Lower Radbourne North viaduct. Planting would be provided on both sides of the rail line.
2.2.11 The next section of the route (from map CT‑06-082, H4; to CT‑06-082, B5) would include the following key features: • A 1.1km long cutting; the maximum depth would be approximately 8.5m. Landscape mitigation earthworks would be provided on both sides of the route; and • Overbridges would be provided for Lower Radbourne Farm (map CT‑06-82, H1) and Ladbroke Grove Farm.
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2.2.12 In addition, as shown on map CT‑06-082, a new access track would be provided for Lower Radbourne Farm, with an overbridge to mitigate severance by the rail line. The E2413 would also be diverted around field boundaries to the west of the route. Ladbroke Grove Farm (map CT‑06-83, I7) would also be provided with a new access track to the east of the new overbridge. Planting would be provided on both sides of the route. An auto-transformer station would be provided on the east side of the rail line (map CT‑06-082-G5).
2.2.13 The key features of the next section of the route (from map CT‑06-082, B5; to CT‑06-083, G5) would include: • A 600m – long embankment with a maximum height of approximately 3.0m. Landscape earthworks with raised embankments on both sides of the route would be provided. Planting would be provided at the north end of this section.
2.2.14 The key features of the next section of the route (from map CT‑06-083, G5; to CT‑06-084, C4) would include: • A 2.3km – long cutting with a maximum depth of approximately 29m as it passes through Windmill Hill. Slope stabilisation measures may be required on the east side of the cutting. North of Windmill Hill, the depth would reduce significantly to between 2.8m and 0.3m. From where the depth of the cutting reduces to approximately 6m on the north side of Windmill Hill, landscaping earthworks with raised embankments and planting would be provided on both sides of the rail line; • A pump station (map CT‑06-084, D4) on the west wide of the route to the north of the A423 Banbury Road; • A combined overbridge for Windmill Lane and Footpath SM90; and • An overbridge for the A423 Banbury Road.
2.2.15 In addition, as shown on maps CT‑06-083 and CT‑06-084, the A423 would be re-aligned up to 100m west of its existing alignment as it crosses over the route. Access would be maintained from the A423 to Starbold Farm (map CT‑06-84, D2) and a proposed balancing pond. Access would also be maintained on the east side of the road to properties and a proposed balancing pond. The existing access track severed by the rail line would be re-provided via the A423 and a new track on the north-east side of the route.
2.2.16 Windmill Lane and Footpath SM90 would be diverted to the east and west of the rail line.
2.2.17 Planting would be provided on both sides of the rail line throughout this section. In addition, an ecological mitigation area would be provided between the rail line and the A423 to the west of the route.
2.2.18 The next section of the route (from map CT‑06-084, C4; to CT‑06-085, H4) would include the following key feature: • An embankment 550m long with a maximum height of approximately 2.5m. Landscape earthworks with raised embankments would be provided either side of the route to reduce visual impact.
2.2.19 The next section of the route (from map CT‑06-085, H4; to CT‑06-085, B5) would include the following key features: • A 1.1km cutting with a maximum depth of approximately 10.5m. Landscape mitigation earthworks with raised embankments and landscape planting would be provided on both sides of the route; and • An overbridge for the B4451.
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2.2.20 In addition, as shown on map CT‑06-085, the B4451 Kineton Road would cross the route approximately 50m south of its existing alignment. The realignment for the B4451 would be provided just to the south of the existing road. Accesses to properties and a proposed balancing pond would be provided on the west side from the B4451. A balancing pond would be provided to the east of the rail line near the River Itchen with access from the A425. Planting would be provided on both sides of the route.
2.2.21 The next section of the route (from map CT‑06-085, B5; to CT‑06-087, B5) would include the following key features: • A 90m long viaduct over the River Itchen, with embankment approaches at either end. Viaduct lengths are subject to change following further flood modelling analysis; • A short cutting approximately 4m deep on the approach to the south portal of the Long Itchington Wood (map CT‑06-86, I5) tunnel; • A drainage pond and auto-transformer station on the east side of the route (map CT‑06-85, C5); • Long Itchington Wood tunnel approximately 1.9km long, taking the route under the Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI – consisting of a green tunnel construction for 400m at the south end, and either bored or mined construction for the remainder of its length; • A 300m long cutting with a maximum depth at the portal of approximately 15m; and • A 500m long embankment with a maximum height of approximately 8.5m.
2.2.22 In addition, as shown on map CT‑06-086, the A425 Leamington Road would be reinstated back on its existing alignment once the construction of the tunnel has been completed. A number of tunnel buildings would be provided at both ends of the tunnel with emergency assembly areas. Accesses would be provided from the local road network.
2.2.23 As shown on map CT‑06-087, a new access track from Welsh Road to the east of the route would be provided to emergency access areas at the north portal to the tunnel. A proposed balancing pond with access from Welsh Road would be provided to the north by the Grand Union Canal.
2.2.24 Planting would be provided on the approaches to and at both portals. An ecological mitigation area would be provided to the south of Long Itchington Wood.
2.2.25 The route would leave the Ladbroke and Southam area to the north on embankment at the minor watercourse to the south of the Grand Union Canal. Land required for the Proposed Scheme
2.2.26 The Proposed Scheme would require land on both a temporary and permanent basis. The land required for construction is shown on the construction maps (series CT05) and will be subject to review as the engineering design and formal ES is prepared. The final permanent and temporary land requirements will be set out in the formal ES. 2.3 Construction of the Proposed Scheme 2.3.1 This section sets out the key construction activities that are envisaged to build the Proposed Scheme in the Ladbroke and Southam area and the control measures that are proposed to manage the works. General descriptions of construction works that are relevant to the whole of the Proposed Scheme are provided in Volume 1.
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Environmental management and Code of Construction Practice
2.3.2 All contractors would be required to comply with the environmental management regime for the Proposed Scheme, which would include: • Code of Construction Practice (CoCP)9; and • Local environmental management plans (LEMPs), which would apply within each CFA.
2.3.3 The CoCP, in conjunction with associated LEMPs, would be the means of controlling the construction works associated with the Proposed Scheme, with the objective of ensuring that the effects of the works upon people and the natural environment are eptk to a practicable minimum. The CoCP will contain generic control measures and standards to be implemented throughout the construction process.
2.3.4 A draft CoCP has been prepared and will be published alongside this document. It will be kept under review as the design of the Proposed Scheme develops and further engagement with stakeholders is undertaken. Construction site operation Working hours
2.3.5 Core working hours would be from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays (excluding bank holidays) and from 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. While there would not normally be any construction activity on Sundays, some activities (e.g. weekend possessions, tunnelling and ventilation and intervention shaft construction) would be undertaken. Site specific variations to core hours and/or additional hours likely to be required would be included within LEMPs following consultation with the relevant LPA. To maximise productivity within the core hours, HS2 Ltd’s contractors would require a period of up to one hour before and up to one hour after the core working hours for start-up and close down of activities. These activities would be subject to controls set out in the CoCP.
2.3.6 Work within existing stations, track laying activities and work requiring possession of major transport infrastructure (e.g. highways) may be undertaken during night time, Saturday afternoon, Sunday and/or bank holidays for reasons of safety or operational necessity and would often involve work on consecutive nights, including over weekend possessions.
2.3.7 Bored tunnelling and directly associated activities (such as removal of excavated material, supply of materials and maintenance of tunnel boring machines (TBM) and other equipment) would be carried out on a 24 hour day, 7 day week basis. Where reasonably practicable, material would be stockpiled within the site boundary for removal during normal working hours. Construction site compounds
2.3.8 Main site compounds would be used for core project management (engineering, planning and construction delivery), commercial and administrative staff. They may also service local construction worksites instead of providing an additional satellite site.
2.3.9 Satellite site compounds would generally be smaller in size, providing office commodationac for limited numbers of staff. The satellite site compound would provide local storage for plant and materials and limited car parking would be provided for staff and site operatives. Limited welfare facilities would be provided at each site.
9 Arup/URS (2013) Phase One: Draft Code of Construction Practice. HS2 Ltd, London.
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2.3.10 The location of all site compounds along with their duration of use and a broad current estimate of the number of workers likely to work at the construction sites is set out in Table 1 and shown in maps CT‑05-079 through to CT‑05-087. Construction site details and arrangements are continuing to be refined and will be confirmed in the formal ES.
Compound Location Typical use Estimated Estimated number of workers type duration of Average work Peak period use10 day11 work day
Main site Lower Radbourne Main area administration and 60 months 105 150 Main Compound, support. map CT‑05-081, F4
Main site Long Itchington Tunnel area administration and 48 months 105 150 Wood Main support Compound, map CT‑05-087, E7
Satellite site Footpath SM101 Construction of PRoW overbridge 4 months 20 25 overbridge, map CT‑05-080, H7
Satellite site Footpath SM116A Construction of PRoW underpass 4 months 20 25 underpass, map CT‑05-080, D6
Satellite site Oxford Canal Construction of canal underbridge 12 months 20 25 underbridge , map CT‑05-081, I5
Satellite site Lower Radbourne Construction of floodplain viaduct 12 months 20 25 south viaduct, map CT‑05-081, D5
Satellite site Lower Radbourne Construction of floodplain viaduct 12 months 20 25 north viaduct, map CT‑05-082, I4
Satellite site Lower Radbourne Farm access realignment and 9 months 40 60 Farm overbridge, construction of overbridge map CT‑05-082, G5
Satellite site Ladbroke Grove Farm access realignment and 9 months 20 25 Farm overbridge, construction of overbridge map CT‑05-082, D4
Satellite site Windmill Lane Farm Farm access realignment and 9 months 40 60 overbridge, map construction of overbridge CT‑05-083, D5
Satellite site A423 Banbury Road Off line road realignment and 12 months 40 60 overbridge, map construct new overbridge CT‑05-084, E4
Satellite site B4451 Kineton Road Off line road realignment and 12 months 40 60 overbridge, map construct new overbridge CT‑05-085, G6
Satellite site River Itchen viaduct, Construction of river viaduct 12 months 40 60 map CT‑05-085, C6
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Compound Location Typical use Estimated Estimated number of workers type duration of Average work Peak period use10 day11 work day
Satellite site Long Itchington Construction of twin green tunnels 38 months 70 100 Wood green tunnel, and ancillary buildings (also used map CT‑05-086, H6 for construction of the temporary diversion to the A425 Leamington Road and the installation of the rail systems including track).
Satellite site Longhole viaduct Construction of canal viaduct. 12 months 40 60 (south), map CT‑05‑087, B4
Table 1: Location of construction site compounds
2.3.11 All main site compounds would contain space for the storage of bulk materials (aggregates, structural steel, steel reinforcement), an area for the fabrication of temporary works equipment and finished goods, fuel storage, plant and equipment storage and necessary operational parking. Buildings would be generally temporary modular units and layout would maximise construction space and limit land required. Hard standing areas would be installed at all site compounds.
2.3.12 The Lower Radbourne and Long Itchington Wood construction site compounds would be accessed directly off the Glebe Farm Access Track (map CT‑01-41, F2) and Welsh Road respectively and would provide the site with office and welfare commodation.ac The compound would provide administration and support facilities for the majority of the Proposed Scheme in the area.
2.3.13 The adjacent areas would be used for the temporary storage of any topsoil stripped as part of the works. A material reprocessing facility would also be located within the site compound for recycling demolition materials and aggregates for re-use (crushing, screening and grading plants). Fencing and lighting
2.3.14 Security fencing would be provided on the perimeter of each site compound. Individual site compounds for offices, welfare and storage would generally be demarcated and secured with fences and gates. Fence type and construction would be appropriate to the level of security required, likelihood of intruders, level of danger and visual impact to the environment.
2.3.15 The design of lighting for site compounds during hours of darkness would seek to reduce light pollution to the surrounding area as far as reasonably practicable, in accordance with the requirements of the CoCP. Temporary worker accommodation sites
2.3.16 Two temporary worker accommodation sites would be located within this section of the Proposed Scheme as detailed in Table 2. Temporary worker accommodation sites will adhere to the requirements of the CoCP.
10 The duration for each site compound is currently based on a draft programme which will be refined for the formal ES. 11 70% of peak values assumed.
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Location Site description Facilities provided Estimated Estimated duration of number of use workers
Map CT‑05-079, H6 Lower Radbourne temporary Living accommodation, welfare 60 months 30 workers accommodation facilities, car parking
Map CT‑05-087, E7 Long Itchington Wood temporary Living accommodation, welfare 48 months 30 workers accommodation facilities, car parking
Table 2: Location of temporary worker accommodation sites Construction traffic and access
2.3.17 The following lorry routes are currently proposed to access each of the site compounds.
2.3.18 The proposed lorry route for Lower Radbourne construction site (shown on map CT‑05-087) is the A423 Banbury Road. The compound would be accessed from the A423 using the Glebe Farm Access Road.
2.3.19 Construction traffic would travel southwards from the A423 Banbury Road/Glebe Farm junction along the A423 passing through the following junctions before joining the M40 at the A422/M40/A361 junction: • A423 (Hardwick Hill/Southam Road)/Dukes Meadow Drive/Noral Way; • A423 (Southam Road)/A422 (Ruscote Avenue/Hennef Way); • A422 (Hennef Way)/A4260 (Concord Avenue); and • A422 (Hennef Way)/Wildmere Road/Ermont Way.
2.3.20 The proposed lorry route for Long Itchington Wood construction site (shown on map CT‑05‑089) is the A425 Ufton Hill junction. The compound would be accessed from Welsh Road.
2.3.21 Construction traffic would travel south-east along the A425 through the A425/B4452 junction and eastwards along the A425 to its junction with the A423 at the south of Southam.
2.3.22 Traffic would then join the route for the Lower Radbourne main construction site at the A423 Banbury Road/Glebe Farm Access junction leading to the M40.
2.3.23 Satellite construction site compounds would generally be more remote and operational for shorter durations, accessible either via internal site access routes or A, B or minor unclassified roads (shown on map CT‑05-080 through to CT‑05-086). The following list of satellite compounds is indicative and will be confirmed in the formal ES: • The proposed lorry route for E2424 overbridge and Lower Radbourne south viaduct construction site is Glebe Farm Access Road, continuing onto A423; • The proposed lorry route for Windmill Lane Farm overbridge construction site is Windmill Lane, continuing onto A423; • The proposed lorry route for A423 Banbury Road overbridge construction site is A423 Banbury Road; • The proposed lorry route for B4451 Kineton Road overbridge construction site is B4451 Kineton Road, continuing onto A425; • The proposed lorry route for River Itchen viaducts, A425 Leamington Road temporary diversion and Long Itchington Wood green tunnel is A425; and
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• The proposed lorry route for Long Itchington Wood tunnel north portal and Longhole viaducts construction site is Welsh Road/Bascote Road, continuing onto A425. Preparatory and enabling works Demolition works
2.3.24 It is anticipated that the Proposed Scheme would require the demolition of 17 buildings, including four sets of farm buildings and properties in the area. These works are outlined in Table 3.
Description of structure Location
Agricultural holdings at Harp Farm, one non-residential building East of Banbury Road (map CT‑05-084, E4 and E5) belonging to Harp Farm (total buildings – five).
Green Leaf Nursery (total buildings, including poly tunnels, East of A423 Banbury Road (map CT‑05-084, E4 and E5) approximately nine).
RVS Car Sales and Café Jam, together with one dwelling (total At A423 Banbury Road Overbridge (map CT‑05-084, D4/5) buildings – three).
Table 3: Demolition works Drainage and culverts
2.3.25 It is anticipated that drainage ponds would be required for both railway track and highway drainage. Indicative locations are shown on maps CT‑05-79 to CT‑05-87. Watercourse diversions
2.3.26 The route of the Proposed Scheme and associated highway works require three diversions of watercourses as detailed in Table 4.
Location Watercourse (status) Reason for diversion Diversion length and map reference
Realigned Leisure Drive Unnamed watercourse (ordinary) To re-align unnamed watercourse along 1,250m east side of route to join canal feeder. Map CT‑05-079
Watercourse Unnamed watercourse (ordinary) To re-align unnamed watercourse to suit 120m crossing under the route. Map CT‑05-083
Longhole Bridge Unnamed watercourse (ordinary) To re-align unnamed watercourse around 170m south abutment of Longhole viaduct. Map CT‑05-087
Table 4: Watercourse diversions Utility diversions
2.3.27 There are a number of major items of utility infrastructure in proximity to the Proposed Scheme, including: high pressure gas mains; large diameter water mains; large diameter sewers; fibre optic/signal cabling; and high and low voltage electricity lines.The proposed utility diversions in the area would include the diversion of major electricity and gas works. This is primarily to address those locations where overhead electricity clearance cannot be amended to accommodate the height of the Proposed Scheme works or where connection to gas infrastructure, for example, could be compromised. The utility construction zones included on maps CT‑05-079 through to CT‑05-087 provide an initial consideration of these diversions. Proposed diversions and an assessment of the effects of the major utility diversions will be provided in the formal ES.
2.3.28 Wherever practicable, temporary connections for construction site compounds would be made to local existing utility services (i.e. electricity, water, data, sewerage and surface water
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drainage) to reduce the need for generators, storage tanks and associated traffic movements for fuel tankers. Highway and road diversions
2.3.29 Proposed highway and road diversions are shown on maps CT‑05-079 through to CT‑05-086 and shown in Table 5. The total duration of works does not necessarily indicate periods of actual closure. The closure of routes would be kept to as short a duration as reasonably practicable. Diversions show indicative alternative routes available to maintain general access which will be subject to change as part of the development of the design and will be detailed in the formal ES.
Name Location Diversion route Approximate Duration length of diversions
Leisure Drive Map CT‑05-079, E5 Divert to Banbury Road overbridge. 680m Permanent Permanent realignment.
Banbury Road Map CT‑05-079, D5 New overbridge. Permanent 1,390m Permanent realignment.
Salt Lane Bridleway Map CT‑05-081, E5 New underpass. Permanent 1,030m Permanent realignment (slight offline).
Lower Radbourne Farm Map CT‑05-082, G4 New overbridge. Permanent 320m Permanent realignment.
E Road E2413 Map CT‑05-082, D5 Closure. Divert to Lower Radbourne 880m Permanent Farm overbridge.
Ladbroke Grove Farm Map CT‑05-082, A4 Divert to new overbridge. 0m Permanent
Windmill Lane Map CT‑05-083, F5 New overbridge. Permanent 580m Permanent realignment.
Accommodation Access Map CT‑05-084, F5 Closure. Divert to A423 Banbury 1,220m Permanent Road overbridge.
A423 Banbury Road Map CT‑05-084, D5 New overbridge. Permanent 770m Permanent realignment.
B4451 Kineton Road Map CT‑05-085, H5 New overbridge. Permanent 780m Permanent realignment.
Access Track Map CT‑05-085, G5 Closure. Divert to B4451 Kineton 1,440m Permanent Road overbridge.
A425 Leamington Road Map CT‑05-086, H5 Temporary diversion. 960m 24 months
A425 Leamington Road Map CT‑05-086, G5 Reinstatement on green tunnel. 350m Permanent
Table 5: Highway and road diversions Footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions
2.3.30 Proposed footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions are shown on maps CT‑05-080 to CT‑05-084 and shown in Table 6. The total duration of works does not necessarily indicate periods of actual closure. The closure of routes would be kept to as short a duration as reasonably practicable. Diversions show indicative alternative routes available to maintain general access which will be subject to change as part of the development of the design and will be detailed in the formal ES.
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Name Location Diversion route Approximate Duration length of diversions
Footpath SM101 Map CT‑05-080, H5 Divert to new overbridge. 140m Permanent
Footpath SM116a Map CT‑05-080, D5 New underpass. 330m Permanent
Footpath SM200 Map CT‑05-080, A5 Maintained during viaduct construction 0m Permanent (may require minor adjustments to route).
Bridleway SM116 Map CT‑05-080, A5 Divert to Oxford Canal underbridge. 280m Permanent
Footpath SM96a Map CT‑05-081, A5 Divert to Lower Radbourne north 190m Permanent viaduct.
Bridleway SM96 Map CT‑05-081, A5 Divert to Lower Radbourne south 910m Permanent viaduct.
Footpath SM90 Map CT‑05-083, C5 Divert to Windmill Lane Farm 1,000m Permanent overbridge.
Footpath SM33 Map CT‑05-084, B5 Divert to A423 Banbury Road 1,370m Permanent overbridge.
Footpath SM24 Map CT‑05-084, B4 Minor diversion to River Itchen 90m Permanent underbridge. Footpath maintained during viaduct construction.
Table 6: Footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions Restricted accesses
2.3.31 There would be no restricted accesses in the local area. Main construction works – Earthworks Earthworks
2.3.32 Major earthworks in the area would include: • Southam cutting; • Oxford Canal embankment; • Ufton Wood (map CT‑01-44, H2) cutting; • Long Itchington Wood tunnel; and • Boddington cutting.
2.3.33 Works would be carried out in a sequence, designed to reduce road and footpath closures, maintain flows within watercourses and reduce vehicle movements by road.
2.3.34 During design development consideration has been given to the movement of materials. Wherever reasonably practicable excavated material would be moved directly from the area of excavation to areas of the works where fill material is required.Some processing and temporary stockpiling of fill material may be necessary if direct placement into the permanent works is not possible. Some material may require crushing and/or screening to render it acceptable for use elsewhere.
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2.3.35 If a shortfall of fill material arises in this section of the ProposedScheme, where reasonably practicable, materials would be imported from surpluses generated on other sections of the Proposed Scheme. Where this is not possible due to the material being unsuitable, or the benefits of importing material are outweighed by the impacts of transportation, local sources of material would be identified. Main construction works – Structures
2.3.36 The construction methodology for all structures is subject to further design and development, and will therefore be finalised nearer to the time that construction would commence. However, based on the current design detail, simplified construction sequences for the various structures in the area are described below. Bridges and viaducts
2.3.37 Viaducts and road bridges under and over the route of the Proposed Scheme would generally be of concrete construction. Structures over the railway would provide a minimum clearance of 7.15m. Structures under the railway would allow for the clearances required by other modes (e.g. typically 5.7m for highways).
2.3.38 A simplified construction sequence for a typical viaduct is provided inVolume 1.
2.3.39 Viaducts, underbridges and overbridges are detailed in Table 7.
Location Element description Length (m)
Banbury Road Overbridge 45m (Map CT‑06-079, G5)
Footpath SM101 Overbridge (Footbridge) 90m (Map CT‑06-080, H5)
Footpath SM116a Underbridge 45m (Map CT‑06-080, D5)
Oxford Canal Underbridge 70m (Map CT‑06-080, A5)
Salt Lane Bridleway Underpass Underbridge 30m (Map CT‑06-081, E5)
Lower Radbourne South Viaduct 90m (Map CT‑06-081, C5)
Lower Radbourne North Viaduct 50m (Map CT‑06-082, I4)
Lower Radbourne Farm Overbridge 25m (Map CT‑06-082, G4)
Ladbroke Grove Farm Overbridge 25m (Map CT‑06-082, C5)
Windmill Lane Overbridge 70m (Map CT‑06-083, E5)
A423 Banbury Road Overbridge 30m (Map CT‑06-084, D5)
B4451 Kineton Road Overbridge 25m (Map CT‑06-085, H5)
River Itchen Viaduct 90m (Map CT‑06-085, B5)
Table 7: Viaducts, underbridges and overbridges
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Green (Cut and Cover) Tunnel Construction
2.3.40 A simplified construction sequence for green tunnels would be as follows: • Phase 1: Enabling works would be carried out in advance of the main construction works. These would include further detailed site investigation works, archaeological investigation, installing monitoring equipment and statutory utility diversions (all as required); • Phase 2: Establishment of a construction site compound and perimeter fencing. Haul roads would be constructed, which would allow plant on site to undertake site clearance activities. Establishment of traffic management and realignment of roads and footpaths, as required; • Phase 3: Excavate to the required depth. Side slopes of the excavation may be strengthened to allow slopes to be cut at steeper gradients, reducing land take and the potential import and export of materials; • Phase 4: Construction of the reinforced concrete tunnel ‘box’ structure. Scaffold, falsework, formwork, steel reinforcement and other materials would be placed using cranes sited at the top of the excavation, and by access through both ends of the excavation. Concrete delivered by mixer truck would be placed either directly within the excavation, or by concrete pumps located at ground level; • Phase 5: Backfill around the sides of the structure. Fill over structure to suit intended land use and complete landscaping as required; • Phase 6: Divert and install utilities; and • Phase 7: Temporary works would be removed, including removal of any road and footpath temporary diversions.
2.3.41 Where limitations on construction space restrict an open excavation with side slopes, ‘top down’ construction methods would be utilised, which would change Phases 3 and 4. Either bored pile or diaphragm walls would be constructed along each side of the excavation. Material would be progressively excavated between the two walls, with temporary or permanent transverse props being provided at different levels as the excavation deepens. Bored Tunnel Construction
2.3.42 A simplified construction sequence for bored tunnels would be as follows: • Phase 1: Enabling works would be carried out in advance of the main construction works. These would include further detailed site investigation works, archaeological investigation, installing monitoring equipment, and statutory utility diversions (all as required); • Phase 2: Establishment of a construction site compound and perimeter fencing. Haul roads would be constructed, which would allow plant on site to undertake site clearance activities. Establishment of traffic management and realignment of roads and footpaths, as required. Establish precast segment yard including batching plant, cement silo, aggregate stock yard, segment stockyard, and excavated material stock yard; • Phase 3: Construct tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch and arrival shafts at tunnel portals. Commence precast segment production; • Phase 4: Assemble TBM on site and commence tunnel drive; • Phase 5: When first tunnel is completed, dismantle TBM from arrival shaft and re-assemble at launch shaft for second tunnel drive; • Phase 6: Commence second tunnel drive; • Phase 7: Dismantle TBM on completion of second drive and remove TBM from site;
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• Phase 8: Construct secondary structures and tunnel fittings such as the track bed, drainage, walkways, rail system equipment, ventilation and other mechanical and electrical equipment and tunnel service buildings; and • Phase 9: Temporary works would be removed, including removal of any road and footpath temporary diversions.
2.3.43 The tunnel may alternatively be mined rather than bored with a TBM. If it was mined, excavation and temporary support measures would be used progressively to advance the tunnel and a sprayed concrete lining would be applied to support the ground. A simplified construction sequence for a mined tunnel would be as follows: • Phase 1: Enabling works would be carried out in advance of the main construction works. These would include site investigation works, archaeological investigation, installing monitoring equipment and statutory utility diversions (all as required); • Phase 2: Establishment of a construction site compound and perimeter fencing. Haul roads would be constructed, which would allow plant on-site to undertake site clearance activities. At worksites in both portal areas, establishment of traffic management and realignment of roads and footpaths, as required. A batching plant, cement silo, aggregate stock yard and excavated material stock yard would be established at one or both portal sites; • Phase 3: construct launch and arrival facilities at both tunnel portals as required; • Phase 4: Advance mining of the tunnel. Construction of both bores may occur concurrently starting from one end, or both bores may be advanced concurrently from both ends; • Phase 5: Construct secondary structures and tunnel fittings such as the track bed, drainage, walkways, rail system equipment, ventilation and other mechanical and electrical equipment and tunnel service buildings; and • Phase 6: Temporary works would be removed including removal of any road and footpath temporary diversions. Retaining wall construction
2.3.44 A simplified construction sequence for retaining walls would be as follows: • Phase 1: Enabling works would be carried out in advance of the main construction works. These would include further detailed site investigation works, archaeological investigation, installing monitoring equipment and statutory utility diversions (all as required); • Phase 2: Establishment of a satellite construction site compound and perimeter fencing. Haul roads would be constructed, which would allow plant on site to undertake site clearance activities. Establishment of traffic management and realignment of roads and footpaths, as required; • Phase 3: For pile wall construction, a piling rig would install a line of either bored or driven piles. A capping beam would be constructed connecting the tops of the piles. For diaphragm walls (constructed as discrete panels rather than piles), a trench would be excavated to the required depth. It may be necessary to stabilise the trench by filling the trench with supporting fluid prior to the placement of steel reinforcement and concrete; • Phase 4: Once the secant or diaphragm wall reaches the required strength, the material in front of the wall would be excavated; and • Phase 5: Temporary works would then be removed, including removal of any road and footpath temporary diversions.
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Rail infrastructure fit out
2.3.45 The principal elements of rail infrastructure to be constructed are track, overhead line equipment, communications equipment and power supply. The installation of track in open areas would be of standard ballasted track configuration, comprising principally of ballast, rail and sleepers. Further details are set out in Volume 1. Power supply
2.3.46 HS2 trains would draw power from overhead line equipment, requiring feeder stations with connections to the 275kv National Grid network. There are no feeder stations within the local area. In addition to feeder stations, smaller auto-transformer stations would be required at more frequent intervals. The anticipated locations of proposed auto-transformer stations are: • West of the rail line approximately 1km east of Wormleighton (map CT‑05-079, C4); • East side of rail line approximately 500m east of Lower Radbourne farm (map CT‑05-082, G5); and • East side of the rail line approximately 100m north of the River Itchen (map CT‑05-085, A5). Landscaping and permanent fencing
2.3.47 Landscaping (i.e. earthworks and seeding and planting) would be provided to address visual and noise impacts, as well as to provide screening for intrinsically important ecological habitats and heritage features. Where appropriate, the engineering embankments and/or cuttings would be reshaped to integrate the alignment sympathetically into the character of the surrounding landscape. The planting would reflect tree and shrub species native to the rural landscape. Opportunities for ecological habitat creation would be considered.
2.3.48 Permanent fencing would be erected and will be shown on plans to accompany the formal ES. Construction programme
2.3.49 A construction programme that illustrates indicative periods for each core construction activity in this area is provided in Figure 3.
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Figure 3: Indicative construction programme for the area Commissioning
2.3.50 Commissioning is the process of testing the infrastructure to ensure that it operates as expected. This would take place in the year prior to opening. Further details are provided in Volume 1. 2.4 Operation of the Proposed Scheme 2.4.1 The operation of the Proposed Scheme is described in Volume 1. Over this section of the route the train speeds and frequency assumed for the assessment are described below.
2.4.2 Up to 14tph would travel in each direction in this area during the operation of the Proposed Scheme. This would increase to a potential maximum of 18tph in each direction should Phase Two also become fully operational. The trains would run at speeds up to 360kph.
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2.4.3 The trains would be either 200m (one unit train) or 400m (two unit trains) long. They would run between the hours of 05:00 and 24:00 (Monday to Saturday) and between 08:00 and 24:00 (Sunday). When required, maintenance would be undertaken outside those operating hours. 2.5 Community forum engagement 2.5.1 HS2 Ltd’s approach to engagement on the Proposed Scheme is set out in Volume 1.
2.5.2 A series of community forum meetings and discussions with individual landowners, organisations and action groups were undertaken. Community forum meetings were held on: • 26 March 2012 at Ladbroke Village Hall; • 20 June 2012 at the Graham Adams Centre; • 12 September 2012 at Ladbroke Village Hall; • 7 November 2012 at Ladbroke Village Hall; and • 20 February 2013 at Ladbroke Village Hall.
2.5.3 In addition to HS2 Ltd representatives, attendees at these community forum meetings typically included local residents (and residents groups), public representatives, representatives of local authorities and parish and district councils, action groups, affected landowners and other interested stakeholders.
2.5.4 The main themes to emerge from these meetings were: • Concern regarding cumulative impacts of proposed nearby wind farm and HS2; • Impacts associated with the movement of excavated material; • Impacts of tunnelling, especially with respect to Long Itchington and Ufton Woods, and consideration of a cut and cover tunnel outside Southam near the industrial estate; • Sufficiency of existing power supply; • Impacts of mitigation measures on the environment as well as the development of future mitigation measures based on new technology; • Construction impacts including dirty roads, location and long-term restoration of workers’ accommodation, financial impacts on crops, availability of the draft CoCP; • Landscaping for visual screening; • Availability of the amount of land take required for the Proposed Scheme, construction compounds and maintenance loops; environmental impacts of land take; • Reuse of Ladbroke local public house; • Maintenance loop design; • Wildlife sites; • Water extraction rights; • Sound and vibration effects; • Effects of lighting; • Use of local roadways during construction, request for additional cycle/footpath, short and long-term impacts due to road adjustments; • Listed buildings; • Protection of the church within Ladbroke that has been standing for more than 1,000 years; and
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• Design and mitigation options submitted by Community Forum members of Priors Hardwick and Wormleighton, Ladbroke, Southam, and Bascote Heath and Long Itchington. 2.6 Route section main alternatives 2.6.1 The main strategic alternatives to the Proposed Scheme are presented in Volume 1. The main local alternatives considered for the Proposed Scheme within the local area are set out within this section.
2.6.2 Since April 2012, as part of the design development process, a series of local alternatives have been reviewed within workshops attended by engineering, planning and environmental specialists. During these workshops, the likely significant environmental effects of each design option have been reviewed. The purpose of these reviews has been to ensure that the Proposed Scheme draws the right balance between engineering requirements, cost and potential environmental impacts. Wormleighton maintenance loops
2.6.3 A maintenance loop is required near the Warwickshire/Northamptonshire boundary to meet the requirements of the Maintenance Strategy. Ancillary rail infrastructure such as maintenance loops were not included in the January 2012 announced route. The January 2012 announced route is noted as Option A and the baseline for assessing the options against. The following further two options were considered for Wormleighton maintenance loops: • Option B: Changing the vertical alignment to achieve a gradient of 0.2% between just north of Lower Radbourne Farm and the Oxford Canal; and • Option C: A vertical alignment between approximately Old House Farm and the Oxford Canal.
2.6.4 Option B would be located mainly on embankment and viaduct with heights increased by up to 14m compared to the January 2012 announced route, and width increased by circa 15m. Loops are partly located on viaduct, requiring a much wider viaduct with significant visual impact. A long access road would be required to connect to the highway network.
2.6.5 Option C has most of the loops located in cutting; highways are in close proximity for access although, the increased width of cutting would adversely affect FoxCovert woodland.
2.6.6 Therefore Option C, due to compliance with operational requirements and its lesser environmental impact, was taken forward for further development within the Proposed Scheme for the Wormleighton maintenance loops. Windmill Hill cutting
2.6.7 The January 2012 announced route included a crossing of a minor watercourse just south of Windmill Hill, known locally as the Lod, which does not meet the flood risk requirements at this location. The route was developed to mitigate this flood risk with the following solution being incorporated into the Proposed Scheme: • A 2.3m raised alignment to clear the watercourse just north of Ladbroke Fox Covert (map CT‑01-42, H4), with minor amendments to the local farm access bridges. Line raise at Wormleighton maintenance loops
2.6.8 The January 2012 announced route incorporating the adopted route changes as identified above in the areas of Wormleighton and Windmill Hill, is noted as Option A and the baseline
32 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Ladbroke and Southam
for assessing the options against. The following further option was considered for Wormleighton maintenance loops: • Option B: The track design requirement for maximum grade at sidings has been relaxed from 0.20% to 0.25%. The introduction of a vertical curve within the length of the loops has allowed the route to be raised by approximately 6m within the Boddington cutting where the loops are located.
2.6.9 Under option B, the Boddington cutting would become a less significant engineering exercise with a reduced environmental impact. There would be an increase in the environmental impact on the embankment sections to either side of the Boddington cutting but this would be largely mitigated by the inclusion of false cuttings.
2.6.10 Therefore, Option B was taken forward for further development within the Proposed Scheme for the Wormleighton maintenance loops. Line raise Long Itchington Wood
2.6.11 A route alignment change has been adopted into the Proposed Scheme which has resulted in a raise in alignment in this CFA area between the River Avon crossing and the northern boundary of the CFA at the Grand Union Canal. Details relating to this change can be found within Part B, Section 2.6 of the Offchurch and Cubbington (CFA 17) report. 2.7 Proposals for further consideration 2.7.1 The following proposals are to be considered for inclusion within the Proposed Scheme pending further assessment prior to release of the formal ES.
2.7.2 A number of further engineering developments to the Proposed Scheme are being investigated including: • Further consideration of the following road crossings: Banbury Road, B423 Banbury Road, A425 Leamington Road; • Review of arrangements at Windmill Hill cutting; • Optimise level through Lower Boddington Cutting; • Long Itchington Wood tunnel, possible conversion of Long Itchington Wood tunnel into bored tunnel with shorter green tunnel; • Proposal to pass under Oxford Canal, further refinement required; • Extent of ecological mitigation at Dallas Burston Polo Club, possible conflict with planned development; • Location of A425 Leamington Road temporary diversion over green tunnel construction; and • Impact of Wormleighton Wind Farm proposal.
2.7.3 Three proposals resulting from stakeholder engagement are to be considered within the Priors Hardwick, Ladbroke and Southam section of the route: • A 1.1km long cut and cover tunnel beneath the Upper and Lower Radbourne watercourses together with open cutting 10.15m deep with the Oxford Canal on an aqueduct above. This vertical profile necessitates a southern shift of the Wormleighton maintenance loops out of Boddington cutting across the Community Forum boundary.
33 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Ladbroke and Southam
• A variation of the above proposal with the alignment passing below the Oxford Canal then rising out of the cutting to pass on low viaducts over the two Radbourne watercourses. This alignment also shifts the Wormleighton maintenance loops southwards out of Boddington cutting.
• Lower alignment by up to 10m between Ladbroke and Southam such that the A423 Banbury Road diversion can be lowered. This requires a cutting depth in excess of 30m at Windmill Hill probably requiring a 600m cut and cover tunnel through the hill.
34 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Ladbroke and Southam Part C: Environmental topic assessments
35 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Agriculture, forestry and soils 3 Agriculture, forestry and soils 3.1 Introduction 3.1.1 This section of the report provides a summary of the impacts and the likely significant effects to agriculture, soils and forestry arising from the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme. The section covers soils, agricultural land quality, farm enterprises, forestry and agri- environment schemes. 3.2 Policy framework 3.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to agriculture, forestry and soil are set out below.
3.2.2 The Stratford-on-Avon District Local Plan does not contain any policies of relevance to agriculture, forestry and soils. The emerging Stratford-on-Avon District Core Strategy draft Policy CS25 – Countryside and Villages states in clause (i) that the use of high quality agricultural land for development should be avoided. The protection of woodland is mentioned in the context of policies relating to leisure and tourism. 3.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 3.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the farm impacts and agricultural land quality assessments are set out in Volume 1.
3.3.2 There are no additional topic specific assumptions or limitations in this area. 3.4 Environmental baseline 3.4.1 The area has a gently undulating landscape of low hill tops and clay vales. The route passes over the Warwickshire/Northamptonshire boundary, near Wormleighton, cutting through a ridge where the landscape along the line of the route is at its greatest elevation of 140m above Ordnance Datum (AOD). The land then falls between there and a pair of tributary valleys of the River Itchen in Radbourn parish at 100m AOD, then rises to Windmill Hill in Ladbroke at 120m AOD. To the south of Southam, the land gently undulates between 75m and 100m AOD and then ascends to 110m AOD on the escarpment that passes from Ufton Wood through Long Itchington Wood to Bascote. North-west of the escarpment slope the land descends gradually to the Grand Union Canal at 65m AOD.
3.4.2 Draining the broad clay vale between Wormleighton and Windmill Hill, a small tributary stream flows to the River Itchen which takes a northerly route to join the River Leam at Marton. The Oxford Canal follows the contours at about 115m AOD through Wormleighton and Stoneton parishes and joins the Grand Union Canal at Napton.
3.4.3 The Proposed Scheme passes mainly across Jurassic mudstones, weathering to clay soil parent materials, with interbedded limestones common in the northwest part of the area. West of the Long Itchington and Ufton Woods escarpment, Rhaetic and Triassic Mercian Mudstones produce mainly reddish, clayey soil parent materials. There are small occurrences of clayey glacial deposits and stony, coarse-textured glacial outwash deposits capping small outliers. A narrow strip of alluvium occupies the floodplain along the course of the Grand Union Canal and gives rise to clayey parent materials.
36 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Agriculture, forestry and soils
3.4.4 The National Soil Map shows four principal groups, or associations of soil types within the study area, and more detailed published information is also available for the north-western part of the area12,13: • In the south-east and centre, between the Warwickshire/Northamptonshire boundary and Southam, and to the north-west of Southam, in and around Long Itchington and Ufton Woods, the soils are of the Denchworth association on largely drift-free Jurassic clays. They are mainly stoneless clay soils with slowly permeable subsoils and are waterlogged for long periods in winter; • West of Southam, calcareous clays of the Evesham associations occur along with some similar non-calcareous soils and some soils with limestone in the subsoils. They experience seasonal waterlogging; • West of the Long Itchington and Ufton Woods escarpment the soils developed in reddish Mercian Mudstone are of the Worcester association; typically reddish clay or heavy clay loams passing to slowly permeable clay or soft mudstone. They experience seasonal waterlogging; and • On the floodplain of the valley occupied by the Grand Union Canal there are clayey alluvial soils of the Fladbury association that are wet for long periods.
3.4.5 Soil underpins ecosystems which are central to social, economic and environmental sustainability. Other soil interactions relevant to the study area concern the role of woodland and permanent grassland as carbon sinks; the biodiversity interest in natural and semi-natural woodland and grassland; historic and cultural resources retained in or supported by soils; and the role of soils in the flood regime of land adjacent to watercourses, such as tributaries leading to the River Itchen and River Leam.
3.4.6 The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has produced predictive assessments of the occurrence of best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land (Grades 1-3a). These show that there is a less than 20% likelihood of there being BMV land in the study area. The area where BMV land is assessed as most likely to be found is in the vicinity of Southam.
3.4.7 The assessment of agricultural land quality in the study area indicates that the majority is low quality, Subgrade 3b (87% of agricultural land). It is found on the heavier land (especially Denchworth association) between the Warwickshire/Northamptonshire boundary and the vicinity of Southam. There is no land classified as Grades 1 or 2 in the study area, so that BMV land is limited to Subgrade 3a (13% of agricultural land). This is found mainly west of Southam where the presence of limestone makes the clay soils better structured and more permeable. This is consistent with the predictive mapping prepared by Defra, which shows most of the land for this local area as lower quality. Given that there is a low (less than 20%) likelihood of BMV land for this local area, the loss of such land would be of high sensitivity.
3.4.8 Local agricultural land use is dominated by arable crops based on wheat, barley and oilseed rape in rotation. This is a typical use of heavy land of good to moderate quality in the Midlands. Grassland for stock rearing (principally sheep and cattle) is also widespread. Woodland in the south of the area is limited to sparse, small stands. In the north, woodland is a much more obvious feature of the landscape, and includes the Long Itchington and Ufton Woods.
12 Cranfield University, (2001). The National Soil Map of England and Wales 1:250,000 scale. Cranfield University: National Soil Resources Institute. 13 Whitfield, William, (1974).Soils in Warwickshire I; SP36 (Leamington Spa). Rothamsted Experimental Station.
37 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Agriculture, forestry and soils
3.4.9 The agricultural surveys to date have identified 22 holdings that could be affected in the study area, as set out in Table 8. Nine are mainly arable farms, five are mixed arable and livestock, five are mainly livestock (sheep and cattle), one is a horticultural nursery (Green Leaf Nursery), one is a horse stables/livery and one is a large parcel of woodland (Long Itchington and Ufton Woods). Most farms lie within the size range of 20ha-150ha. The largest is approximately 200ha and the smallest around 6ha. There are two agricultural land holdings which are known (by interview) to comprise diversified enterprises; these are equestrian services and a polo ground.
Holding Primary farming activities
Hall Farm Mainly arable
Lower New House Farm Mainly arable
Stoneton Manor Farm Mixed arable and livestock
Radbourne Grounds Farm Mainly arable
Paxhall Farm Mixed arable and livestock
Hodnell Manor Mainly arable
Ladbroke Grove Farm Mixed arable and livestock
Land north-east of Radbourne Lane Mainly livestock (cattle or sheep)
Ladbroke Hill Farm Mainly arable
Grounds Farm, Wolston Mainly livestock (cattle or sheep)
Starbold Farm Mixed arable and livestock
Greenleaf Nursery/Harp Farm Horticulture – nursery
Brookend Buffalos Mainly livestock (cattle or sheep)
Wood Farm Mainly arable
Folly Fields Farm Mixed arable and livestock
Lower Farm Mainly livestock (cattle or sheep)
Home Farm, Stoneythorpe Mainly arable (and polo ground)
Long Itchington Wood Woodland
Land adjoining Woodmeadow Farm Mainly arable
Wood Farm Equestrian – stables/livery (commercial)
Heath Farm Mainly arable
Stoneythorpe Estate Mainly livestock (cattle or sheep)
Table 8: Holdings affected by the Proposed Scheme
3.4.10 Most of the farm holdings in the study area have voluntarily entered land into Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) schemes. Four holdings are also participating in Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) schemes and two are in Organic Entry Level Schemes (OELS). The ELS scheme is principally concerned with field corner and hedgerow management and the creation of buffer strips and uncultivated field margins. HLS aims to provide more intensive environmental management, such as hedgerow planting and the creation of floristically-rich field margins.
3.4.11 The whole area is a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone where nitrate pollution is a potential problem and measures have been introduced to reduce nitrogen losses from agricultural sources to water.
3.4.12 In assessing the impact of the Proposed Scheme on farms it is important to recognise that the ability of the farms to adapt to change depends, in part, upon the size of the holding, its
38 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Agriculture, forestry and soils
layout and fragmentation (both before and after the Proposed Scheme) and the enterprises operated. Intensive smaller farms such as dairy farms and enterprises using irrigation, which are dependent upon the spatial relationship between land and key infrastructure (e.g. buildings and water supplies), generally have less ability to change. In the study area, a horticultural nursery (Green Leaf Nursery) is assessed as being the most sensitive to change. 3.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
3.5.1 HS2 Ltd would require all of its contractors to comply with the CoCP, which would include the following measures: • Measures to maintain farm access and avoid traffic over land which is used temporarily during construction; • Ensuring that each affected farm holding would receive specific and relevant liaison regarding the construction activities that would affect the holding; • Ensuring that agricultural land and corresponding soil quality can be reinstated post construction where this is the agreed end use; • Ensuring that the impacts on infrastructure and livestock for individual farm holdings would be reduced; • Ensuring that there is appropriate access provided to areas of severed land during and post-construction; and • Ensuring the appropriate handling and conservation of soil stockpiles to allow them to be re-used without any substantive reduction in long-term productive capability.
3.5.2 Soil resources would be stripped at the outset of the construction phase and stored. Where land is required temporarily for construction of the Proposed Scheme, stored soils would be used to reinstate those sites to a pre-construction agricultural condition. Soils removed from the area of permanent works would be utilised, where reasonably practicable, in the construction of the Proposed Scheme. In this area, all of the soils affected (Denchworth, Evesham, Worcester and Faldbury associations) are heavy clay soils that need to be handled carefully and in the right conditions during restoration to ensure their structure is not compromised.
3.5.3 Aspects of the Proposed Scheme that would assist to reduce effects on agricultural resources include: • Overbridges at E Road E2424, Lower Radbourne Farm, Windmill Lane, A423 Banbury Road and B4451 Kineton Road; • Agricultural access being maintained alongside the Oxford Canal by a combined bridge over the Oxford Canal; • Agricultural access under viaducts at Lower Radbourne South, Lower Radbourne North, River Itchen and Longhole (across the Grand Union Canal); and • A tunnel under Long Itchington and Ufton Woods.
3.5.4 Agricultural land would be acquired temporarily during the construction phase including land for access and working areas; this is in addition to the land which is required permanently as part of the Proposed Scheme. Any loss of this BMV land during construction is considered to be significant but temporary in nature, until such time that the soil and land returned to the land owner has been restored fully to its former quality.
39 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Agriculture, forestry and soils
3.5.5 The Proposed Scheme would result in the permanent loss of some agricultural and wooded land from the affected holdings. The great majority (87%) of the agricultural land permanently lost would be of moderate quality, Subgrade 3b; the remainder is Subgrade 3a. As the sensitivity of BMV land in this local area is high, the permanent loss of BMV land along the Proposed Scheme in the study area is considered to be significant.
3.5.6 The amount of agricultural land required for the Proposed Scheme is not only an effect on the land resource, but also on the farming interests utilising that resource. Of the 22 holdings that could be affected in the study area, 13 would be affected significantly on a temporary basis during the construction phase. Seven would experience a significant loss of land combined with the effects of severance, as follows: • Hall Farm; • Stoneton Manor Farm; • Ladbroke Hill Farm; • Grounds Farm; • Wood Farm (arable); • Lower Farm; and • Wood Farm (stables/livery).
3.5.7 The five holdings below would mainly experience a significant temporary loss of land: • Radbourne Grounds; • Ladbroke Grove Farm; • Brookend Buffalos; • Folly Fields Farm; and • Land adjoining Woodmeadow Farm.
3.5.8 Green Leaf Nursery would lose all of its land and a number of buildings and poly tunnels during the construction phase.
3.5.9 The remaining nine holdings would not be significantly affected because the scale of temporary land take and/or severance is low.
3.5.10 Long Itchington and Ufton Woods would be avoided by construction of a tunnel under them. Any loss of forestry land in the south of the study area, including Windmill Hill Spinney, would be mitigated by replanting in nearby locations. Such locations would include areas of agricultural land that are no longer agriculturally viable as a result of severance caused by the Proposed Scheme. The loss of forestry land would remain a significant effect during the construction phase, but would not be significant once planting matures.
3.5.11 Forestry soils and resources that could be affected in the south of the study area would be required by both the temporary and permanent works necessary to implement the Proposed Scheme. The loss and disruption of these forestry soils is considered to be a significant effect.
3.5.12 No farm or diversified enterprises, such as housed livestock units, farm shops or visitor accommodation, which would be particularly sensitive to dust, noise or vibration during construction, have been identified. In any event, the emission of dust, noise and vibration during the construction phase would be controlled by implementing best practice as set out in the CoCP.
40 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Agriculture, forestry and soils
3.5.13 Many fields along the route contain drains. Drainage systems affected during construction would be restored where practicable. The horticultural nursery is irrigated but this business would lose all of its land to the Proposed Scheme. No other agricultural holding is known to be irrigated in the study area.
3.5.14 The construction process could lead to transportation of weed seeds and plants along the route. Since the land affected is largely in agricultural use there is the potential for the spread of existing weeds; particularly invasive and damaging weeds as listed in the Weeds Act 195914. Defra has powers to require occupiers of land on which weeds are growing to take action to prevent their spreading. Application of control measures within the CoCP would regulate this potential effect. Likely residual significant effects
3.5.15 Thirteen percent of the agricultural land is of BMV quality (Subgrade 3a), and the remainder is in Subgrade 3b. The loss of Subgrade 3a land is considered to be a permanent effect.
3.5.16 Although the mitigation outlined above would reduce the effects of severance, and land not required for the permanent alignment would be restored back to agriculture following construction, at present there would be residual impacts for the seven holdings below. This is due to the area of permanent land take and/or some residual severance effects: • Hall Farm; • Stoneton Manor Farm; • Radbourne Grounds Farm; • Ladbroke Grove Farm; • Ladbroke Hill Farm; • Folly Fields Farm; and • Wood Farm (stables/livery). 3.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
3.6.1 All run-off from the operational area would be captured in designated drainage arrangements capable of control prior to discharge to watercourses.
3.6.2 There are no particularly sensitive holdings that would be likely to be affected by operational noise and vibration.
3.6.3 Dust generation is unlikely to be of a sufficient intensity as to lead to significant levels of deposition on neighbouring farmland, including the irrigated land. No particularly sensitive crops on farmland adjacent to the Proposed Scheme have been identified. Comparison with other railway and highway land indicates that all corridors of transport infrastructure have the potential to support weed growth which may prejudice agricultural interests where weeds can spread to adjoining land.
3.6.4 The potential for the establishment and spread of weeds from the operational area is capable of being effectively addressed through the adoption of an appropriate land management regime by the network operator which identifies and remedies areas of weed growth which might threaten adjoining agricultural interests.
14 Weeds Act 1959, (7 & 8 Eliz II c. 54). London: HMSO.
41 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Agriculture, forestry and soils
Likely residual significant effects
3.6.5 There are not considered to be any significant residual effects associated with the operation of the Proposed Scheme.
42 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Air quality 4 Air quality 4.1 Introduction 4.1.1 This section of the report provides an assessment of the impacts and likely significant effects on air quality arising from the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme, covering nitrogen dioxide (NO2) , fine particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and dust15,16. Emissions of these pollutants are typically associated with construction activities and equipment and road traffic. 4.2 Policy framework 4.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to air quality are set out below.
4.2.2 The saved policies of the Stratford-on-Avon District Local Plan Review provide the policies that are applicable in the borough. The principal Local Plan policy of relevance to air quality is Policy PR.8: Pollution. This policy does not permit development that would give rise to air, noise, light or water pollution, or soil contamination where the levels of discharges or emissions are sufficiently significant to cause harm to other land uses, health or the natural environment. General policies relating to nature conservation also refer to the need to avoid development that could harm their quality.
4.2.3 The emerging Core Strategy generally reflects the Local Plan policies as they relate to air quality and environmental protection. 4.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 4.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the air quality assessment are set out in Volume 1.
4.3.2 No local assumptions have been made for the air quality assessment in this area. 4.4 Environmental baseline 4.4.1 The environmental baseline reported in this section represents the environmental conditions identified within the study area. The main source of existing air pollutants in the Ladbroke and Southam area is road traffic emissions from A roads including the A425, A423 and A426. This area is predominantly rural with the main settlements being Bascote Heath, Ladbroke, Southam, Wormleighton and Ufton.
4.4.2 Estimates of background air quality have been obtained from Defra for 2011 and future years (2017 and 2026). These data are estimated for 1km grid squares for nitrogen oxides (NOx), NO2, PM10 and PM2.5. All average pollutant concentrations are less than the relevant national air quality objectives.
4.4.3 Stratford-on-Avon District Council does not carry out any automatic continuous air quality monitoring. The closest site which is part of the Automatic Urban and Rural Network is in Leamington Spa, approximately 6.5km north-west from the proposed route within the Ladbroke and Southam area, within Warwick District Council’s administrative area. This site is not considered to be representative of air quality conditions in the area immediately surrounding the Proposed Scheme because it is not located in a rural area.
15 PM10 is any particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 10µm. Particulate matter of this size is respirable. 16 PM2.5 is any particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 2.5µm. This size fraction of particulate matter is respirable and has been linked to adverse effects on human health.
43 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Air quality
4.4.4 Stratford-on-Avon District Council measures annual mean NO2 concentrations using passive diffusion tubes at 23 locations across its administrative area. The diffusion tubes are primarily located within the town centre of Stratford-upon-Avon, with the majority being located at roadside locations and therefore they are not representative of the route. None of the monitoring sites are located within the Ladbroke and Southam area.
4.4.5 The diffusion tube and continuous monitoring sites described are not considered to be sufficient to indicate the baseline air quality of the predominantly rural area through which the Proposed Scheme would pass. The background air quality maps produced by Defra are considered to be an appropriate source of baseline air quality conditions for the Proposed Scheme in the area.
4.4.6 Stratford-on-Avon District Council has declared two air quality management areas (AQMAs). One is at Studley which encompasses part of Alcester Road, whilst the other comprises the whole town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The Studley and the Stratford-upon-Avon AQMAs are approximately 30km and 20km west of the Proposed Scheme respectively. A draft air quality action plan (AQAP) has been developed by Stratford-on-Avon District Council with the aim to improve local air quality in the Studley AQMA17. The draft AQAP contains transport-related actions to reduce vehicle-derived emissions, and includes the promotion of proposals to remove heavy duty vehicles, re align the highway and reduce congestion to reduce emissions and improve local air quality conditions.
4.4.7 Several locations have been identified in the study area, which are considered to be susceptible to changes in air quality and are in close proximity to roads that would be subject to realignments or used by construction traffic. These are: • Chapel Bank Cottages, Lower Radbourne, owing to proximity to dust generating earthworks and construction associated with the Proposed Scheme; • Properties at Ladbroke Grove Farm, Windmill Lane, owing to proximity to dust generating earthworks and construction associated with the Proposed Scheme; • Starbold Farm, A423 Banbury Road, Southam (map CT‑01-43, J4), owing to proximity to dust generating construction activities, construction traffic usingA423 Banbury Road and permanent realignment of A423 Banbury Road owing to the Proposed Scheme; • Field Cottage and Southam Rugby Football Club on B4451 Kineton Road, Southam (map CT‑01-43, G4 and H4), to the south-west of the route owing to proximity to dust generating earthworks and construction and permanent realignment of B4451 Kineton Road owing to the Proposed Scheme; • Properties along Warwick Road off A425 Leamington Road, Southam, owing to proximity to dust generation from dust and mud from vehicles on public highways from vehicles departing from construction areas; • Properties along A425 Leamington Road, Stoneythorpe, owing to proximity to dust generating earthworks and construction associated with the Proposed Scheme; and • Wood Farm, near Ufton (map CT‑01-44, G4), west of the route owing to proximity to dust generating earthworks and construction associated with the Proposed Scheme.
4.4.8 One statutory designated ecological receptor has been identified within the Ladbroke and Southam area. This is Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI (map CT‑01-44), located at Bascote Heath. This site has been identified based on its sensitivity to dust deposition.
17 Stratford-on-Avon District Council, (2008). Action Plan: Air Quality Action Plan for Alcester Road, Studley, Draft Report. Air Quality Consultants.
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4.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
4.5.1 Impacts from the construction of the Proposed Scheme could arise from dust generating activities and emissions from construction traffic. As such, the assessment of construction impacts has been undertaken for human receptors sensitive to dust and exposure to NO2 and PM10, as well as ecological receptors sensitive to dust and nitrogen deposition.
4.5.2 Air quality would be controlled and managed during construction through the route-wide implementation of the CoCP, where appropriate. Specific measures would include: • Contractors being required to control dust, air pollution, odour and exhaust emissions during construction works; • Inspection and monitoring would be undertaken after consultation with Stratford-on-Avon District Council to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken to prevent dust and air pollutant emissions; • Cleaning (including watering) of haul routes and designated vehicle waiting areas to suppress dust; • Keeping soil stockpiles away from sensitive receptors (including historical features), watercourses and surface drains where reasonably practicable, also taking into account the prevailing wind direction relative to sensitive receptors; • Using enclosures to contain dust emitted from construction activities; and • Undertaking soil spreading, seeding and planting of completed earthworks.
4.5.3 In the Ladbroke and Southam area, dust generating activities would comprise the demolition of buildings along Banbury Road, Southam and the construction of new structures and earthworks, as well as dust and mud from vehicles on public highways from trucks departing from construction areas.
4.5.4 Traffic data for the Ladbroke and Southam area have been screened to identify roads that required further assessment and to confirm the likely effect of the change in emissions from vehicles using those roads during the construction phase. In addition, the locations of temporary road realignments for the Ladbroke and Southam area have been screened to identify roads that required further assessment owing to alignment changes.
4.5.5 A construction dust assessment was undertaken for the eight locations identified in the study area, which are considered to be susceptible to changes due to their proximity to the dust generating activities. These included residential properties at Chapel Bank Cottages, Lower Radbourne; Ladbroke Grove Farm, Windmill Lane; on A423 Banbury Road, Southam; on Kineton Road, Southam; on Warwick Road off A425 Leamington Road, Southam; on A425 Leamington Road, Stoneythorpe; and at Wood Farm, near Ufton; and ecological receptors within Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI.
4.5.6 The construction dust assessment determined that of the seven locations identified in the study area, which are considered to be susceptible to changes and where residential properties are present, the impact at A423 Banbury Road, Southam; Kineton Road, Southam; Warwick Road off the A425 Leamington Road, Southam; and A425 Leamington Road, Stoneythorpe would be slight adverse due to the presence of residential properties within 20 metres of the dust generating construction activities. The impact would be negligible at the other identified residential locations. At ecological receptors within Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI the impact would be slight adverse as this site is of national importance and construction activities are taking place at the northern boundary of the site. Overall, the
45 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Air quality
construction dust assessment determined that the air quality effects at the eight sensitive locations identified would not be significant.
4.5.7 One location was identified as requiring further assessment of construction traffic emissions; the A423 Banbury Road, Southam, owing to traffic increases during the construction phase. Changes in concentrations were determined at human receptors at this location. No locations for the Ladbroke and Southam area required further assessment due to temporary road realignments during the construction phase.
4.5.8 The assessment of construction traffic changes determined that annual mean concentrations
of both NO2 and PM10 would be below the relevant national air quality objectives for identified human receptors at A423 Banbury Road, Southam. There would be a negligible change in concentrations of NO2 and PM10 at all the identified human receptors at this location, and therefore the air quality effects at the receptors would not be significant.
4.5.9 Construction of the Proposed Scheme is not expected to have an effect on the AQMAs or the implementation of the actions listed in the AQAP. Likely residual significant effects
4.5.10 The methods outlined within the draft CoCP to control and manage potential air quality effects are considered effective in this location. Hence, no residual effects are considered likely. 4.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
4.6.1 Impacts from the operation of the Proposed Scheme relate mainly to changes in the nature of traffic. There are no direct atmospheric emissions from the operation of trains that would cause an impact on air quality; these have therefore not been assessed.
4.6.2 Traffic data in the Ladbroke and Southam area have been screened to identify roads that required further assessment and to confirm the likely effect of the change in emissions from vehicles using those roads in 2026. In the Ladbroke and Southam area, two roads were identified as requiring further assessment, these were: A423 Banbury Road, Southam, owing to realignment of A423 Banbury Road; and B4451 Kineton Road, Southam, owing to realignment of B4451 Kineton Road. Changes in concentrations were determined at human receptors at these locations.
4.6.3 The results of the assessment show that annual mean concentrations of both NO2 and PM10 would be below the relevant national air quality objectives for identified human receptors in these locations. There would be a negligible change in concentrations of NO2 and PM10 at all the identified human receptors and the air quality effects would not be significant.
4.6.4 Operation of the Proposed Scheme is not expected to have an effect on the AQMAs or the implementation of the actions listed in the AQAP. Likely residual significant effects
4.6.5 No residual effects would be anticipated for air quality in this area during operation of the Proposed Scheme.
46 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Community 5 Community 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 This section of the report provides a summary of impacts and likely significant effects on local communities resulting from the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme. 5.2 Policy framework 5.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to community are set out below.
5.2.2 Adopted Local Plan policies generally seek to resist the loss of existing community facilities, open space and formal sports and recreation provision except where they are shown to be surplus to requirements and/or would be re-provided to at least equivalent quality and quantity as part of development proposals.
5.2.3 Other key policy themes in the Local Plan relate to: • The protection of an area of countryside on the western side of Southam along the River Stowe for its open space value (Policy SOU.A); and • Support for the provision of safe and well-connected walking and cycling routes (Policy COM.9).
5.2.4 Many of the policy themes of the adopted Local Plan carry through into the emerging Stratford-on-Avon District Core Strategy. There are also new policy themes proposed that include: the identification of Southam for growth (Policy CS16 and Southam Area Profile); and green infrastructure principles that seek the protection, enhancement, restoration and creation of a district-wide accessible green network which, amongst other things, would reinforce the distinctive landscape and character of the area (Policy CS13).
5.2.5 There are no site specific housing or other development allocations contained in local planning policy along the route in this area. 5.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 5.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the community assessment are set out in Volume 1. 5.4 Environmental baseline 5.4.1 The study area includes the area of land within the construction boundary (comprising the temporary and permanent land take), as well as a suitable additional area as relevant to inform the respective environmental topics upon which the assessment is based.
5.4.2 The baseline study area and baseline data will be further refined in light of ongoing assessment work as part of the formal ES process. Southam
5.4.3 Southam is the main centre in the study area for day-to-day services and facilities, with three primary schools, a secondary school, two GP surgeries, three dental surgeries, a library and a range of shops, banks and retail and financial services. The town also has a small number of public houses and restaurants, a leisure centre and a number of community centres/halls.
5.4.4 Southam is also the main focus for public open space, leisure and recreation facilities in the study area. Southam United Football and Bowls Club (map CT‑03-43, I6), Southam Cricket Club
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(map CT‑03-43, H7) and Southam Rugby Football Club (map CT‑03-43, H4) are all located on the south side of the town. The facilities at these sites are well used on a regular basis and represent the primary location for playing these sports in the area. Both the Southam United Football Club and the Southam Rugby Football Club sites fall partly within the area of permanent and temporary land take for the Proposed Scheme.
5.4.5 The Dallas Burston Polo Club, which lies partly within the area of temporary land take, is located almost 2km west of Southam and is set in 242ha of grounds at the Stoneythorpe estate. The club hosts regular tournaments and fixtures, drawing players and supporters from a wide area. Some events are understood to attract up to 3,000 spectators. Other villages
5.4.6 Away from Southam, other villages in the study area have limited community facilities. The villages of Wormleighton, Ladbroke and Ufton each have a community hall and a church, whilst the latter two also have a public house. None of these villages has a school or a doctor’s surgery, and many residents are dependent upon travel to Southam and other villages further afield to access these services. Bascote Heath is predominantly residential in character, with its community hall and chapel having closed some time ago, although it does still retain a public house. Public rights of way
5.4.7 There is an extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways in the study area. Most notable for the community assessment are the towpaths associated with the Oxford Canal, which flows through the study area to the north of Wormleighton, and the Grand Union Canal, which runs along the northern boundary of the study area, passing to the north of Bascote and Ufton. The Proposed Scheme crosses both of these canals. The Centenary Way long distance path, which runs from Shipston-on-Stour to Kingsbury, also crosses through the area to the west of Ufton, to join with the Grand Union Canal Walk towards Leamington Spa in the neighbouring Offchurch and Cubbington CFA. Within the area, the Centenary Way runs alongside the boundary of the permanent and temporary land take for the Proposed Scheme just south of the Grand Union Canal at Longhole Bridge.
5.4.8 There are a number of circular walking routes around the town of Southam, the most notable of which is the Harry Green Way, which extends for 34km and connects eight villages around the town, including Ladbroke, Ufton and the Bascote Heath. The Proposed Scheme crosses the route of the Harry Green Way at Windmill Hill, Ladbroke and the footpath also passes through an area which is proposed for ecological mitigation at Bascote.
5.4.9 The Ufton Fields Nature Reserve (map CT‑03-44, I1 and J1) lies just south of Ufton village. The reserve, which extends to about 40ha in total, includes a number of waymarked footpaths, providing access to varied habitats for observing birds, insects and wild flowers.
5.4.10 In the study area, the Proposed Scheme crosses a number of public footpaths and bridleways, including the towpath for the Oxford Canal and the Harry Green Way public footpath, both of which are key promoted recreational routes in the area.
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5.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation Residential property
5.5.1 One residential property would need to be demolished in the area to facilitate construction of the Proposed Scheme, namely The Bungalow at Banbury Road, Southam (map CT‑03-42, 35). The loss of a single dwelling would not have a significant effect on the overall community.
5.5.2 A further six residential properties at Southam are likely to be either entirely or largely surrounded by construction activities or are sited immediately adjacent to substantial engineering works for the Proposed Scheme. The properties affected are Archers Rest, The Oaks and the dwelling at Harp Farm, at Banbury Road (map CT‑03-42, C5), Field Cottage and the Old Coach House, at Kineton Road (map CT‑03-43, G4), and Stoney Thorpe Lodge, at Leamington Road, (map CT‑03-43, ES). Given the small number of properties affected, the adverse effect on the community of Southam is assessed as not significant. It is assumed that the occupiers of these properties would need to be rehoused temporarily for the duration of construction activities likely to cause noise and disturbance, but could then return to their homes upon completion of the works.
5.5.3 A total of five residential properties in the area would be affected permanently by land take for the Proposed Scheme, losing some garden land from their respective plots. The properties that would be affected are: • Chapel Bank Cottage, which is situated between Wormleighton and Ladbroke (map CT‑03‑41, E5); • Archers Rest, The Oaks and the dwelling at Harp Farm, all at Banbury Road, Southam; and • The Old Coach House, off Kineton Road, Southam.
5.5.4 A further dwelling, namely Welsh Road Lock Cottage (map CT‑03-44, B4), could also be affected temporarily by land take for the Proposed Scheme, due to the diversion of some utilities in the area.
5.5.5 Given the small number of properties that are likely to be affected by landtake, these adverse effects are assessed as not significant for the community as a whole.
5.5.6 Works to modify existing highways in the area to bridge over the Proposed Scheme would disrupt journeys for local residents dependent upon access to Southam for day-to-day services such as schools. As no road closures are anticipated during the construction works, the effects on local communities are likely to be minor and not significant. A full assessment of such effects will be reported in the formal ES. Community infrastructure
5.5.7 The Proposed Scheme would not directly impact on any community infrastructure or facilities within this area. Public rights of way and open space
5.5.8 Three areas of public open space within the study area would be affected directly by land take required for the Proposed Scheme.
5.5.9 At the Dallas Burston Polo Club, which is located to the west of Southam (map CT‑03-43, D5), two polo pitches together with a practice area would fall within the area of temporary land take for the Proposed Scheme. The land would be required for a period of approximately two
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years to facilitate construction of the Long Itchington Wood tunnel, giving rise to a significant adverse effect.
5.5.10 On the south side of Southam, both Southam United Football and Bowls Club and the Southam Rugby Football Club fall partly within the land take for the Proposed Scheme.
5.5.11 At the Southam United Football and Bowls Club site, the Proposed Scheme would require the permanent loss of a small strip of land along part of the club’s boundary with the A423 Banbury Road, to facilitate the realignment of the road to bridge over the Proposed Scheme and reinstate hedgerow planting. A slightly wider strip of land could be required temporarily along the boundary to provide sufficient working space during construction.Whilst neither the bowling green area nor the football pitches would be affected, the temporary land take could encroach into an area available for parking, which would cause some inconvenience to the club and its members and visitors, but is assessed as not being a significant effect.
5.5.12 The assessment in the formal ES will also take full account of any additional works that may be required to divert or modify existing utilities. The need for electricity diversions at the football and bowls club site is being considered further as part of this process. Should any works be required which affect the playing pitches, this would be likely to result in a significant adverse effect on the club.
5.5.13 The Proposed Scheme would also result in the temporary loss of land from part of the Southam Rugby Football Club site at Kineton Road during works to realign the B4451 over the Proposed Scheme and to tie-in the newly aligned road with the existing carriageway. The land take would not affect any playing pitches but would result in the temporary loss of part of the parking area for the club. Whilst this loss would compromise the functioning of the rugby club temporarily, this effect is assessed as not significant.
5.5.14 The Proposed Scheme crosses the towpath for the Oxford Canal (map CT‑03-41, I4) and the route of the Harry Green Way public footpath at Windmill Hill, Ladbroke (map CT‑03-43, E4). Whilst users of the Oxford Canal tow path would experience some disruption during construction, the route would be maintained and no temporary closures are anticipated.
5.5.15 In the case of the Harry Green Way public footpath at Windmill Hill near Ladbroke, this footpath would be diverted permanently along a section of Windmill Lane to cross over the Proposed Scheme. It is anticipated that the works can be phased to limit disruption, so that there would be no temporary loss of the route during the construction period. The Greenway also passes through an area of land to the north of the Dallas Burston Polo Club at Southam (map CT‑03-43, D5), which is identified as a possible ecological mitigation area for the Proposed Scheme; again no temporary closure or loss of use of the footpath is anticipated during the construction period. Amenity
5.5.16 The incidence of significant effects including in-combination effects on community amenity will be assessed in the formal ES. Likely residual significant effects
5.5.17 Residual effects would be as described in the assessment section above.
5.5.18 Multiple (in combination) community effects will be considered and where significant reported in the formal ES.
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5.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
5.6.1 Within this study area, effects on the community resulting from the operation of the Proposed Scheme could potentially arise from significant changes to amenity.
5.6.2 The assessment of effects on amenity will draw upon the findings of other technical disciplines (e.g. air quality, sound, noise and vibration, visual, transport and traffic). The presence of in‑combination impacts from these other disciplines could result in significant amenity effects on a number of community facilities and resources in the area. This will be reported in the formal ES. Likely residual significant effects
5.6.3 Multiple (in combination) community effects will be identified and where significant reported in the formal ES.
51 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Cultural heritage 6 Cultural heritage 6.1 Introduction 6.1.1 This section of the report presents a summary of the impacts and likely significant effects on heritage assets and the historic environment as a result of the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme. Heritage assets comprise: • Archaeological and palaeoenvironmental remains; • Historic landscapes; and • Historic buildings and the built environment. 6.2 Policy framework 6.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to cultural heritage are set out below.
6.2.2 The Local Plan contains polices seeking the protection, enhancement and management of the historic landscape (Policy EF.4); parks and gardens of historic interest (Policy EF.5); trees, woodland and hedgerows (Policies EF.9 and EF.10); archaeological sites, including scheduled monuments (Policy EF.11); conservation areas (Policy EF.13); and listed buildings (Policy EF.14). For archaeology, Policy EF.11 states that the case for in situ preservation of remains of regional or local importance would be assessed against other factors, including the need for the proposed development. That policy also requires appropriate provision for an agreed programme of archaeological works before planning permission is granted.
6.2.3 Many of the policy themes of the Local Plan carry through into the emerging policies of the Core Strategy, expressed in Policy CS 12: Heritage Assets. Specific reference is made in the draft policy to prioritising the preservation and enhancement of sites associated with William Shakespeare, the distinctive character of market towns and villages and features associated with canals and navigation. 6.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 6.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the cultural heritage assessment are set out in Volume 1. 6.4 Environmental baseline 6.4.1 The Proposed Scheme would pass through a predominantly rural area, avoiding the main areas of modern and historic settlement at Ladbroke and Southam. The route crosses the low rolling clay hills of the South Northamptonshire uplands, the Warwickshire Feldon, and the valley of the River Itchen18.
6.4.2 The South Northamptonshire uplands are underlain by the Lias formation which gives rise to a landscape of low clay hills. Today this is characterised by small villages, such as Wormleighton, Priors Hardwick and Ladbroke, and dispersed single farms, set within mainly arable farmland, with occasional pasture and small areas of enclosed woodland. North of Ladbroke, the Uplands give way to the Warwickshire Feldon, crossed by the narrow valley of the River Itchen to the west of Southam. This low-lying area is underlain by lower Jurassic limestone, which has been extensively quarried, bounding Mercian Mudstones in the north-west. The landscape is characterised by dispersed farmsteads, small villages such as Ufton and Long Itchington, and the small market town of Southam. Although the soils are marginally lighter and more fertile
18 Warwickshire Feldon is the traditional name given to the large flat plain inthe south of the county.
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than those in the south, with arable cultivation still dominant, pasture and woodland are more represented.
6.4.3 Known heritage assets are largely characterised by remains of medieval and post-medieval date. There are very few known remains of prehistoric, Roman or early medieval date, although a small number of undated cropmark sites probably date to these periods and there is potential for unknown buried assets to survive. Notable known assets include the buried and earthwork remains of deserted medieval settlements together with some extensive but isolated survival of associated field systems. In the modern villages, important groups of religious and secular historic buildings survive, some with medieval origins but most dating from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries. The study area also contains important historic roads and canals.
6.4.4 Within the area of study the following designated and non-designated assets are recorded. Designated assets
6.4.5 There are no scheduled monuments within the area of permanent and temporary land take. The following scheduled monuments are located within the zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV) (see section 9 of this document): • Wormleighton deserted medieval settlement (map CT‑01-42, C1); • Hodnell Manor deserted medieval settlement (map CT‑01-41, B1); • Priors Hardwick medieval settlement (approximately 2km north-east of the Proposed Scheme, to the east of Priors Hardwick); and • Holy Well, Southam (also a Grade II listed building) (map CT‑01-43, H9).
6.4.6 One listed building is located within the area of permanent and temporary land take: • Stoney Thorpe Hall, Lodge Gates (map CT‑01-43, E5).
6.4.7 Of the listed buildings within the ZTV, five are located within 500m of the area of permanent and temporary land take: • High House, Ladbroke; • Ladbroke House; • The Fields House, Southam (map CT‑01-43, G4); • Stoney Thorpe Hall; and • Stoney Thorpe Hall Stable Block.
6.4.8 Four conservation areas have been identified: • Ladbroke conservation area lies 450m away from the area of permanent and temporary land take; • Wormleighton conservation area lies approximately 600m away from the area of permanent and temporary land take; • Priors Hardwick conservation area lies 1.8km from the area of permanent and temporary land take; and • Southam conservation area is 800m from the area of permanent and temporary land take.
6.4.9 Four areas of ancient woodland are located within 500m of the area of permanent and temporary land take: • Thorpe Rough, Long Itchington (map CT‑01-43, C6);
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• Long Itchington and Ufton Woods (map CT‑01-44); • Nuns Bushes, Ladbroke (map CT‑01-44, J8); and • Print Wood, Long Itchington (map CT‑01-44, C8).
6.4.10 Seven lengths of important hedgerow (as defined by criteria 1-5 of Schedule One, Part II of the 1997 Hedgerow Regulations) that relate to parish boundaries lie within the area of permanent and temporary landtake. Non‐designated assets
6.4.11 Archaeological assets within the area of permanent and temporary land take comprise nineteen of low archaeological value and one of moderate archaeological value: the Radbourne deserted medieval settlement. There is also the potential for unknown buried archaeological remains within the area of permanent and temporary landscape.
6.4.12 Six groups of farm buildings of low heritage value are located within the area of permanent and temporary land take: • Two field barns off Leisure Drive, Stoneton; • A field barn 500m north-east of Wormleighton; • A field barn 300m east of Windmill Spinny, Wormleighton; • Two field barns, at Church Farm, Wormleighton (map CT‑01-41, H5); • Three farm buildings on the Southam Rd, Ladbroke; and • A farmhouse at Harp Farm (map CT‑01-42, C5), Southam Rd, Southam.
6.4.13 Forty-four buildings of local heritage interest lie within 500m of the area of permanent and temporary land take.
6.4.14 Three areas of ridge and furrow earthworks are located within the area of permanent and temporary land take. They include: • An area to the west of Ladbroke Grove Farm (map CT‑01-42); • An area to the south of Thorpe Bridge (map CT‑01-43, E5); and • An area to the south and west of Lower Farm (map CT‑01-43, D4).
6.4.15 One non-designated historic settlement – Bascote Heath – is located within 500m of the permanent and temporary land take.
6.4.16 Three non-designated parks or gardens are located within 500m of the area of permanent and temporary land take: • Stoneton Manor (map CT‑01-40, E8); • Ladbroke Hall, Ladbroke House; and • Stoney Thorpe Hall.
6.4.17 The non-designated Oxford Canal is located within the area of permanent and temporary land take.
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6.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
6.5.1 The construction works have the potential to affect heritage assets. Impacts would occur to assets within the construction boundary, as well as the setting of heritage assets within the ZTV.
6.5.2 The draft CoCP sets out the provisions that would be adopted to control effects on cultural heritage assets. The provisions include: • Management measures to control damage to assets that are to be retained within the area of temporary land take and the preparation of project wide principles, standards and techniques for works affecting heritage assets; • A programme of archaeological investigation and recording to be undertaken prior to construction affecting assets; and • A programme of historic building investigation and recording to be undertaken prior to modification or demolition of the assets.
6.5.3 In addition the following measure has been included as part of the design of the Proposed Scheme and to avoid or reduce impacts on heritage assets: • Landscape design integrated into the scheme, including provision of earthworks and planting.
6.5.4 Assets that would experience a significant physical effect in this area are: • Important hedgerows along historic parish boundaries, assets of moderate value, would be recorded and removed, or partially removed; • Archaeological deposits associated with undated crop mark sites and other sites including two cropmark sites at Stoneton, Harp Farm brickworks, Wood Farm crop mark site, all assets of low heritage value, would be recorded and removed or partially removed; • Archaeological deposits associated with Radbourne deserted medieval village, an asset of moderate heritage value, would be recorded and removed or partially removed; • Areas of surviving medieval ridge and furrow and field boundaries, assets of low heritage value would be recorded and removed or partially removed; • While there is potential for unknown buried archaeological remains to exist elsewhere in the area of land take, it is unlikely that such assets are of high value. If such remains exist, they would also be recorded and removed or partially removed; 6.5.5 The settings of the following specific heritage asset would experience significant effects: • The setting of the non-designated Oxford Canal, an asset of moderate heritage value, would be changed.
6.5.6 Proposed mitigation in respect of the specific assets affected consist of: • Archaeological remains associated with the sited of Radbourne deserted medieval village; cropmarks at two sites in Stoneton and one at Wood Farm, Harp Farm brickworks; Medieval ridge and furrow and field boundaries and unknown buried archaeological remains – a programme of archaeological investigation and recording would be undertaken.
6.5.7 The construction of the Proposed Scheme would not have an impact on any other identified heritage asset within the permanent and temporary land take and would not have an impact on the setting of any other designated asset identified within theZTV.
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Likely residual significant effects
6.5.8 Although a programme of archaeological and historic building investigation and recording contributes to knowledge gain, such works would not fully mitigate the effect or reduce the impact on heritage assets. Therefore the following specific heritage assets would be likely to experience residual significant effects: • Important hedgerows along historic parish boundaries: a medium impact rating on assets of moderate heritage value gives rise to a moderate to major effect; • Archaeological deposits associated with cropmarks at two sites in Stoneton and one at Wood Farm; and Harp Farm brickworks: a high impact rating on assets of low heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect; • Archaeological deposits associated with Radbourne deserted medieval village: a high impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a major effect; • Areas of surviving medieval ridge and furrow and field boundaries: a high impact rating on assets of low heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect; and • Unknown archaeological buried archaeological remains: a high impact rating on assets of low to medium value gives rise to a moderate to major effect.
6.5.9 Some construction phase impacts on heritage assets through changes to settings are temporary, and would not result in residual significant effects. However, the following specific heritage asset would be likely to experience residual significant effects through changes to its setting: • The Oxford Canal; a medium impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect. Further mitigation
6.5.10 No further mitigation measures have been identified at this time. 6.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
6.6.1 There would be no significant effects on buried archaeological remains arising from operation.
6.6.2 The introduction of the Proposed Scheme has the potential to introduce significant impacts on the setting of heritage assets. The specific asset that would be significantly affected is: • The Oxford Canal, an asset of moderate value. The Proposed Scheme would have a notable impact on its predominately rural setting, particularly where it runs adjacent to the canal.
6.6.3 Landscape design integrated into the scheme, including provision of earthworks and planting, provides an effective means of mitigation to reduce the effects of the ProposedScheme on identified heritage assets; however, mitigation would not be fully effective until planting has matured. Likely residual significant effects
6.6.4 Despite the implementation of the mitigation measures, the following specific heritage asset would experience significant effects through changes to its setting: • The Oxford Canal; a medium impact on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect.
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Further mitigation
6.6.5 No further mitigation measures have been identified at this time.
57 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Ecology 7 Ecology 7.1 Introduction 7.1.1 This section of the report provides a summary of the predicted impacts and significant effects upon species and habitats as a consequence of the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme. This includes effects upon sites recognised or designated on the basis of their importance for nature conservation. 7.2 Policy framework 7.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to ecology are set out below.
7.2.2 The SoADC Local Plan 2006 includes the following policies of relevance to ecology: • Policy EF.6 aims to protect natural ecological and geological features (including SSSIs) from damaging development; • Policy EF.7 seeks to improve, enhance and manage ecological and geological features for the long term; • Policy EF.9 resists loss of trees and improves management of ancient woodland; and • Policy EF. 10 seeks to preserve and enhance the nature conservation value of trees, woodlands and hedgerows.
7.2.3 The SoADC Core Strategy 2012 includes a number of relevant policies relating to safeguarding against loss of trees, woodland and open space and protecting the integrity and management of ancient woodland and SSSIs (Policies CS10 and CS11). There are also relevant provisions in Policy CS1 which seek to protect and enhance biodiversity and ecological connectivity throughout the district.
7.2.4 In addition, the following local and regional guidance is relevant to the assessment: • Warwickshire County Council Biodiversity Strategy19; and • Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), which is currently under review20. 7.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 7.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the ecological assessment are set out in Volume 1.
7.3.2 The current assessment draws on existing information gathered from national organisations and from regional and local sources including: Warwickshire County Council (WCC); Warwickshire Wildlife Trust; Environment Agency (EA) (Central Area Office); Warwickshire branch of Butterfly Conservation; and local wildlife recorders.
7.3.3 Field surveys undertaken to date have been limited to locations where landowner permission has been obtained or areas accessible to the public. They include (but are not limited to): botanical survey at Windmill Hill Spinney and Thorpe Rough; bat roost and activity surveys; and an otter survey of the Oxford Canal and a tributary of the River Itchen. In addition, a small
19 Warwickshire County Council, (No date) Biodiversity Strategy ‘Working for Warwickshire’s Wildlife’; http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/Web/ corporate/wccweb.nsf/Links/154325E68157188D8025785100693463/$file/WCC+Biodiversity+Strategy.pdf. Accessed: 31 October 2012. 20 Warwickshire County Council, (No date) Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull Local Biodiversity Action Plan. http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ biodiversity; Accessed: 31 October 2012.
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number of sites were subject to hazel dormouse, water vole, amphibian, reptile, and terrestrial invertebrate survey.
7.3.4 There have been no deviations from the standard ecological survey methodologies in surveys conducted to date. However, radio-tracking surveys of barbastelle proposed during 2013 (see below) will represent an extension to the scope of bat surveys required under the standard methods.
7.3.5 Surveys will continue during 2013 and will include (but are not limited to) the following subject to access: • Botanical surveys at Berryhill Plantation, Chapel Bank Cottage (the area around the fish ponds near Chapel Bank Cottage, Radbourne), Ladbroke Fox Covert, habitats along the River Itchen and Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI; • Radio-tracking surveys of barbastelle bats in the vicinity of Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI (access permitting) along with bat surveys to identify roosts, foraging and commuting routes; • Amphibian surveys of approximately 95 water bodies; and • Surveys along the Oxford Canal and River Itchen for otter, water vole and crayfish. 7.4 Environmental baseline 7.4.1 This section presents the environmental baseline that is relevant to the consideration of impacts and effects reported in Sections 7.5 and 7.6.
7.4.2 Land within or adjacent to the Proposed Scheme in this area consists mainly of arable land bounded by open hedgerows and tree lines. There are sizeable areas of improved and amenity grassland and smaller areas of broad-leaved woodland. The Oxford Canal and River Itchen and two tributaries are crossed by the route and a further tributary of the River Itchen is within the extent of the Proposed Scheme.
7.4.3 Statutory and non-statutory designated sites are shown on maps CT‑01-40 to CT‑01-44 and CT‑02-15.
7.4.4 One SSSI is present within 500m of the Proposed Scheme which is of national value: • Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI is designated on the basis of being one of the better oak-hazel coppice woodlands in the Midlands that are still managed along traditional lines. The wood is predominantly English oak high forest over a species rich shrub layer. It is situated on poorly drained clay soils overlying a white lias limestone ridge in central Warwickshire. The rich ground and shrub flora exhibits a range in species composition related to these soils. The woodland is important for many breeding birds such as warblers, stock dove, nuthatch and woodpeckers. Tawny owl and woodcock are also known to breed in the wood.
7.4.5 No Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) are located within the extent of, or adjacent to, the Proposed Scheme or are considered potentially subject to significant effects that are relevant to the assessment.
7.4.6 In addition to the area of ancient woodland within Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI, Thorpe Rough is an area of ancient semi-natural broad-leaved woodland located adjacent to the Proposed Scheme, south-east of the SSSI and north of Stoney Thorpe Hall. This represents an irreplaceable resource, is part of a network of woodland habitat close to Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI and is considered to be of county/metropolitan value.
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7.4.7 Other habitats located outside of the designated sites identified above and which are relevant to the assessment include the following: • Woodland – in addition to the areas of ancient woodland, secondary woodland (i.e. long established but not ancient woodland) communities are present such as Windmill Hill Spinney, Ladbroke Fox Covert and woodland around the Radbourne fish ponds near Chapel Bank Cottage. All are considered to be of district/borough value, due to the scarcity of woodland habitat within the district; • Hedgerows – five species-rich hedgerows have been noted within the study area which meet wildlife and landscape criteria specified in the Hedgerows egulationsR (1997)21. The majority of the remaining hedgerows surveyed to date appear to be species poor, but at this stage, due to the green corridors that they create, the hedgerow network is considered to be of up to district/borough value; • Watercourses – the Oxford Canal, River Itchen and two of its tributaries are crossed by the Proposed Scheme and an additional tributary which is not crossed is within the extent of the Proposed Scheme. These watercourses support typical bank side vegetation and occasional wet woodland species. From existing information, the sites are considered to be of no more than district/borough value; • Water bodies – a limited number of ponds have been surveyed. A water body immediately south of the Southam Industrial Estate supports the nationally rare aquatic plant water soldier. This pond is probably of district/borough value due to the presence of this plant. It is unlikely that the remaining field ponds within the Proposed Scheme would be of more than district/borough value; and • Grassland – there are small, scattered areas of semi-improved grassland, lowland meadow and lowland dry acid grassland in the vicinity of the route. Based upon existing data, they are unlikely to be of more than local/parish value.
7.4.8 A summary of the likely value of species covered by the assessment (excluding any features of species interest for which the sites described above are designated) is provided in Table 9.
Resource/Receptor Value Rationale
Barbastelle bats Up to national Presence of a population of barbastelle bats which are rare in Warwickshire; likely to be centred on Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI plus a range of links to suitable habitat such as Thorpe Rough.
Hazel dormouse Up to county/ Uncommon in the county and restricted to suitable habitat types (such metropolitan as broad-leaved woodland which is also scarce within Warwickshire). Thought to be restricted to the Princethorpe Woods complex which includes Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI. No survey observations to date, but suitable habitat is present.
Water vole Up to county/ Limited extent of remaining populations, restricted to suitable metropolitan watercourses and vulnerable to a range of factors, scarce in the county. No evidence from surveys but some desk study records for the River Itchen from 2001; believed extinct on Oxford Canal.
Amphibians Up to county/ Small populations of common species and great crested newt found to metropolitan date.
White clawed crayfish Up to county/ Limited data; may be no viable populations remaining on watercourses metropolitan within the study area currently; signal crayfish found in Oxford Canal and known to be in River Itchen. Considered unlikely to be present.
21 The Hedgerows Regulations 1997 (1997 No. 1160). London: HMSO.
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Resource/Receptor Value Rationale
Bats (all other species) Up to county/ Leisler’s bat has been identified during activity surveys, which are a rare metropolitan species within Warwickshire. One pipistrelle building roost identified which is possibly a transitional roost.
Otter Up to district/borough Species with large home range. Restricted to certain habitat types but which have increasing populations. Abundant evidence of their presence has been found along the Oxford Canal during surveys.
Fish Up to district/borough River Itchen is designated as a salmonid river under the Fisheries Directive and considered to be up to district/borough value. Other watercourses not designated and are typical of lowland freshwater systems, but form wildlife corridors through the largely agricultural landscape.
Aquatic macro- Unlikely to be more EA data on the River Itchen indicate a community of relatively low species invertebrates than district/borough richness, with ‘low’ to ‘moderate’ conservation importance as assessed by the EA’s Community Conservation Index (CCI). Awaiting detailed survey data.
Breeding birds Unlikely to be more Only two sites were surveyed during the 2012 breeding season. than local/parish The majority of the land within the area of temporary or permanent land take is arable and grass farmland which is considered to be widespread in the surrounding area. Consequently, the majority of bird species populations are likely to be of local/parish value.
Badgers Unlikely to be more Common and widespread in the UK. than local/parish
Wintering birds Unlikely to be more No habitats identified of particular importance to wintering birds and no than local/parish particularly notable species or large numbers observed.
Reptiles Unlikely to be more Only common reptile species (grass snake, common lizard and slow than local/parish worm) are likely to be present in low numbers, limited habitat suitability. One record of adder found near Ladbroke.
Terrestrial invertebrates Unlikely to be more Populations centred on pockets of non-arable habitat, notably around than local/parish Ladbroke Hill Farm. Majority of suitable habitat within the area of permanent or temporary land take is of negligible value for invertebrates.
Table 9: Preliminary evaluation of likely value of protected and/or notable species occurring within this section of the route 7.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
7.5.1 The following section considers the impacts and effects on ecological receptors as a consequence of construction of the Proposed Scheme. All assessments made are provisional, based on the preliminary assessment of baseline value as presented in Section 7.4 of this report.
7.5.2 The following measures have been included as part of the design of the Proposed Scheme and avoid or reduce impacts on features of ecological value: • Placing the route in bored tunnel beneath Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI, significantly reducing habitat loss from the SSSI; • A raising of the alignment near the southern end of the study area, which would require less land take including a reduction in the loss of woodland habitat at Fox Covert near the Northamptonshire border. In this area, mitigation includes an extension to Berryhill Plantation along with replacement ponds to mitigate for woodland damage and loss within the adjacent Fox Covert and loss of ponds due to the proposed sidings;
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• Creation of an area of wet woodland and ponds near the fish ponds at Radbourne, close to Chapel Bank Cottage, to mitigate loss of adjacent woodland and loss of ponds along the Proposed Scheme; • Raising the alignment close to Ladbroke, which would reduce landtake required within Windmill Hill Spinney near Ladbroke. Planting is included to extend the retained part of Ladbroke Fox Covert and Windmill Hill Spinney to mitigate for woodland loss. The mitigation area adjacent to the retained part of Windmill Hill Spinney would include woodland, scrub, species-rich grassland and replacement ponds, there would also be hedgerow improvements at the edges of the mitigation area; • Habitat creation between Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI and Thorpe Rough (ancient woodland) to improve hedgerows and woodland links and provide a new water body and bat roosting opportunities. These measures would reduce impacts from potential removal of foraging and roosting habitat on bats; and • Woodland links between Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI and the Grand Union Canal to mitigate for woodland loss and severance across the area.
7.5.3 The larger mitigation areas that would be provided near Berry Hill Plantation, Chapel Bank Cottage and Windmill Hill Spinney would be suitable as receptor sites for amphibians and reptiles that are likely to require translocation prior to construction.
7.5.4 The assessment assumes implementation of the measures set out within the draft CoCP, which includes translocation of protected species, where appropriate. Measures in the CoCP to limit adverse effects within Ladbroke and Southam include the control of run-off, minimisation of vegetation clearance, minimisation of vehicle movements and adherence to designated vehicle routes within or adjacent to Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI.
7.5.5 The construction of a bored tunnel under Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI would require geotechnical investigations. The details of the investigations are not known at this stage, but approximately 15 boreholes would be required. A 3m wide temporary access track would be needed together with 5m by 15m clearance of each drill site. Working methods and details of measures to avoid impacts as far as possible would be discussed and agreed with Natural England, but some loss of trees and shrubs would be required, and there would inevitably be some disturbance. Disturbance would also occur during tunnel construction, and there is the potential for ground settlement beneath the SSSI which could lead to tree fall or localised changes in surface water characteristics. These effects will all be explored in further detail in the formal ES, when more details will be available. At present it is considered unlikely that these localised effects will cause major adverse effects on theSSSI, and there are potential benefits for species that require more open woodland. Overall, at this preliminary stage it is considered that with appropriate management, the long-term effects are unlikely to be significant.
7.5.6 There would be a retaining wall constructed at the northern tunnel portal. This retaining wall would prevent landslips above the portal within the woodland and would act to stabilise the ground. There would be no requirement for land take within the SSSI for either portal or retaining wall construction.
7.5.7 The Proposed Scheme would result in the loss of habitat suitable for use by roosting bats, and the potential severance of foraging and commuting routes. In particular, as described above there is currently uncertainty over the likely scale of habitat loss or disturbance that may occur within Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI, a site that is considered potentially suitable to support barbastelle. As such there is considered to be the potential for loss and disturbance of roosts and potential loss or severance of commuting and foraging habitat.
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7.5.8 The presence of a tunnel beneath the SSSI should reduce the loss of potential bat roosting habitat and severance of foraging and commuting routes, which might otherwise have occurred with a cutting option. In addition, a mitigation area just south of Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI and adjacent to Thorpe Rough (ancient woodland) would be designed to benefit foraging bats by the addition of a pond (barbastelles have been recorded foraging over an existing large water body in the area), hedgerow improvements, woodland and scrub planting and species-rich grassland. These mitigation features could reduce overall effects on bats. However, without detailed survey information, in particular to confirm how barbastelle bat uses the area in the vicinity of the scheme, the assessment is precautionary and there is considered to be the potential for a permanent adverse effect that would be significant at up to the national level for barbastelle bat, and up to a county/metropolitan level for other bats.
7.5.9 Hazel dormice have been recorded previously in Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI, although no survey has been conducted at present due to restricted land access. Given current uncertainty over the scale and extent of impacts at Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI, if present there is the potential for adverse effects on dormouse as a result of loss and fragmentation of woodland habitat, noise and light disturbance, damage to resting places (nests) and reduction in foraging areas during construction. This could result in a temporary adverse effect on species conservation status, which would be significant at up to a county/ metropolitan level until woodland regenerated in the affected areas, after which the effects are likely to reduce to a level where they are not significant.
7.5.10 In the longer term, it is considered that the cleared areas within the SSSI could be beneficial to a number of species by increasing the diversity of the existing habitat providing a woodland edge effect and creating open areas suitable for foraging birds such as green woodpeckers. These areas may also provide roding (display) areas for woodcocks and young regenerating woodland could provide foraging opportunities for hazel dormice and invertebrates (such as butterflies).
7.5.11 Three of the ponds to be lost support small populations of amphibians, and small populations of great crested newt are found in two of these ponds. It is likely that other water bodies would support at least small amphibian populations. Loss of water bodies and terrestrial habitat within the Proposed Scheme has the potential to result in adverse effects on amphibian populations. However, the Proposed Scheme has sought to include habitat within mitigation areas including replacement ponds and suitable terrestrial habitat for amphibians. There is currently no significant effect anticipated and the mitigation could benefit some amphibian populations which are in poorly managed ponds within arable habitats. Depending on the results of amphibian surveys in 2013, further mitigation could be required.
7.5.12 The Proposed Scheme would impact on Windmill Hill Spinney, with a direct loss of approximately half of the woodland due to the large cutting close to Ladbroke. There would also be a small amount of habitat loss from within Fox Covert (within Greatworth to Lower Boddington area), Ladbroke Fox Covert and woodland around the Radbourne fish ponds near Chapel Bank Cottage. There is also likely to be some temporary disturbance to associated animal species within the retained areas of woodland. Due to loss of habitat in the years after construction (no less than 20 years), there would be a temporary adverse effect on the conservation status of secondary woodlands, which would be significant at up to the district/ borough level. However, mitigation planting, as described above, would include a diverse mix of woodland and scrub habitats; new woodland creation areas would be located adjacent to retained woodlands to try to avoid reduction in the size of woodland blocks and edge effects and therefore it is unlikely there would be a permanent adverse effect.
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7.5.13 Abundant evidence of otters has been found on the Oxford Canal. It is unlikely that construction activities associated with the watercourse would result in direct loss of an otter holt or other resting site. However, it is possible that temporary disturbance may result from construction activity in the vicinity of the canal. It is considered unlikely that such disturbance would result in adverse effects on the conservation status of otters that would be significant at more than the local/parish level.
7.5.14 No evidence of water voles has been recorded during surveys of the Oxford Canal and River Itchen tributaries conducted to date. In addition, the County Recorder has indicated that water voles are likely to have become recently extinct on the Oxford Canal. Based on its likely absence, no adverse effects on water voles are anticipated.
7.5.15 A summary of likely residual significant effects is provided in Table 10. Local/parish effects, which in combination may be significant, will be described in the formal ES. Likely residual significant effects
7.5.16 Taking into account mitigation included in the design of the Proposed Scheme, anticipated significant residual ecological effects during construction are detailed inTable 10.
Resource/Receptor Residual effect Level of significance
Barbastelle bat Potential adverse effect on conservation status due to loss of roosts, Up to national disturbance of roosting bats and loss or severance of commuting/foraging habitats.
Bats (all other species) Potential adverse effect on conservation status due to loss of roosts, Up to county/ disturbance of roosting bats and loss or severance of commuting/foraging metropolitan habitats, particularly for Leisler’s bat.
Hazel dormice Potential temporary adverse effects from loss of nesting and foraging Up to county/ habitat in Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI (if present), and metropolitan disturbance.
Secondary woodland Temporary adverse effect due to reduction in availability of broad-leaved Up to district/borough and semi-natural woodland habitat including Fox Covert, Ladbroke Fox Covert, woodland near Chapel Bank Cottage and Windmill Hill Spinney whilst mitigation planting matures (at least 20 years).
Table 10: Significant residual construction effects on ecological receptors within this section of the route Further mitigation
7.5.17 Further measures currently being considered but which are not yet part of the design include: • Management of retained areas of woodland for the benefit of wildlife; • Provision of measures to facilitate the passage of species across the route where significant foraging or commuting routes would be disturbed; • The provision of alternative sites for roosting bats in suitable locations as required, based on further survey results; • Provision of additional replacement ponds within the extent of the Proposed Scheme if required, based on further survey results; • Relocation of nationally rare water soldier (aquatic plant) from a pond south of Southam Industrial Estate to a suitable receptor pond; • Watercourse enhancement adjacent to culvert and viaduct crossing points to mitigate the loss of natural bank habitat and effects from shading;
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• Reducing impacts on aquatic invertebrate and fish communities through appropriate culvert design, in part to allow fish passage by maintaining adequate flow depth and velocity; and • Creation of species-rich grassland on the cutting and embankment slopes of the Proposed Scheme that could provide a benefit for reptiles and invertebrates by providing foraging and basking habitat. 7.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
7.6.1 The following section considers the potential effects on ecological receptors during the operation of the Proposed Scheme. The assessments made are provisional, based on the preliminary assessments of baseline value presented in Section 7.4 of this report.
7.6.2 The following measures have been included as part of the design of the Proposed Scheme and avoid or reduce impacts on features of ecological value: • Placing the route in bored tunnel beneath Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI, thus minimising operational impacts of the Proposed Scheme on the woodland and its associated animal species.
7.6.3 Bats and breeding birds, such as barn owl, could be subject to impacts such as train strike, the risks of which could be increased by air turbulence from passing trains, disturbance from noise, vibration, lighting and visual cues. The risk to bats of train strike is likely to be higher for bats where the route passes through woodland habitat or linear features such as hedgerows which bats could use as commuting or foraging habitat. Disturbance could also lead to displacement (i.e. animals avoiding the area which receives high levels of disturbance and possibly abandoning roosts).
7.6.4 Barbastelle bats are considered potentially susceptible to mortality as a consequence of train strike. There is currently limited information regarding the local distribution of barbastelle bats. If the population is centred on Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI, these effects would be reduced due to the presence of the tunnel.
7.6.5 Potential impacts on barbastelle bats could result in permanent adverse effects on the conservation status of the species, which would be significant at up to the national level. Potential effects on the conservation status of other bat species would be significant up to the county/metropolitan level. Potential impacts on birds are considered unlikely to result in an adverse effect on the conservation status of bird populations that would be significant at more than the local/parish level.
7.6.6 Further work will be carried out for the formal ES to assess the impacts of the Proposed Scheme on bats and birds.
7.6.7 A summary of likely residual significant effects is provided in Table 11. Local/parish effects, which in combination may be significant, will be described in the formal ES. Likely residual significant effects
7.6.8 Taking into account mitigation included as part of the Proposed Scheme design, the anticipated significant residual ecological effects during operation are detailed inTable 11.
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Resource/Receptor Residual effect Level of significance
Barbastelle bats Potential permanent adverse effect on conservation status due to Up to national mortality through train strike and disturbance.
Bats (all other species) Potential permanent adverse effect on conservation status due to Up to county/ mortality through train strike and disturbance. metropolitan
Table 11: Significant residual operational effects on ecological receptors within this section of the route Further mitigation
7.6.9 Further measures currently being considered but which are not yet part of the design include: • A programme of monitoring the movement of bats (particularly barbastelle bats) and birds will be considered to monitor the operational effect of the ProposedScheme; and • Provision of measures to facilitate the passage of species across the route where significant foraging or commuting routes would be disturbed.
66 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Land quality 8 Land quality 8.1 Introduction 8.1.1 This section provides a summary of the likely impacts and significant effects to land quality and geology as a result of the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme. Consideration is given to land that contains contamination and land that has special geological significance, either from a scientific, mining or mineral resources point of view, including: geological sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), local geological sites (LGS), areas of current underground or opencast mining and areas of designated mineral resources.
8.1.2 Areas of land have been identified, both within and adjacent to construction areas, that could affect or be affected by the construction of the route because they are contaminated (for example contaminated soils may need to be removed or the construction may alter existing contamination pathways). Each of these areas has been studied in order to determine the scale of any potential impacts caused by existing contamination and what needs to be done to avoid significant consequences to people and the wider environment. In addition, a review has been undertaken to establish whether the operation of the Proposed Scheme would lead to contamination of its surroundings and what needs to be done to prevent such contamination. This process is known as a contamination risk assessment. 8.2 Policy framework 8.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to land quality are set out below.
8.2.2 The Minerals Local Plan for Warwickshire aims to safeguard parcels of land where there are mineral resources of economic or conservation value (Policies M1 and M5)22. The Minerals Development Framework (MDF) Core Strategy is currently in development; nothing has been published to date.
8.2.3 The adopted Local Plan includes a policy (PR8) on pollution control that does not permit development that could give rise to pollution, including soil contamination. Policy EF.6 (Nature Conservation and Geology) affords protection to features of nature conservation and geological value through a requirement for thorough assessment of potential impacts arising from development proposals; securing the long term management of features; and seeking to ensure that adverse impacts are minimised as far as possible. Policy EF.7 (Nature Conservation and Geology – enhancement) encourages developers to integrate ecological and geological features into development proposals.
8.2.4 The emerging Core Strategy does not specifically address contaminated land but it contains policies related to the identification and safeguarding of mineral resources (Policy CS5), the protection of geodiversity (Policy SS1) and natural features (Policy CS11). 8.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 8.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the land quality assessment are set out in Volume 1.
8.3.2 Engagement is being undertaken with Stratford-on-Avon District Council regarding land contamination and with WCC regarding mineral resources.
22 Warwickshire County Council, (1995). The Minerals Local Plan for Warwickshire.
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8.4 Environmental baseline Geology
8.4.1 There is likely to be made ground associated with various small areas of infilling and existing infrastructure. There are numerous ponds or pits shown on the historical mapping within the study area which appear to have been infilled.
8.4.2 Superficial Deposits underlying the Proposed Scheme in the Ladbroke and Southam area are largely confined to Alluvial Deposits (clay, silt, sand and gravel) in river valleys. Glacial Head deposits consisting of sand and gravel with lenses of silt and clay are present to the north‑west of Long Itchington and Ufton Woods.
8.4.3 Mudstone and occasional limestone of the Charmouth Mudstone Formation is present from the south of the route section to the south of Southam. Interbedded mudstones and limestones of the Rugby Limestone Member are present to the south and south-west of Southam. Northwards from here the bedrock comprises the Saltford Shale Member (mudstone), the Langport Member (limestone) and the Penarth Group (interbedded argillaceous rock and limestone) as far as the northern extent of Long Itchington Wood. Within this section, northwards from Lower Farm, the Proposed Scheme would be constructed in cut and cover, bored or mined tunnel through mudstones and occasional dolomitic siltstones and sandstones of the older, underlying Mercia Mudstone Group. Owing to a decrease in topography from the north of Long Itchington and Ufton Woods to the north of the route section, the solid geology comprises bedrock of the Mercia Mudstone Group. Groundwater and surface water
8.4.4 River Alluvium, where present, is classified as a Secondary A Aquifer and Glacial Head deposits are classified as a Secondary (Undifferentiated) Aquifer.
8.4.5 The Rugby Limestone Member and the occasional sandstones of the Mercia Mudstone Group are classified as Secondary A Aquifers23. The Saltford Shale Member, Penarth Group and Mercia Mudstone Group are classified as Secondary B Aquifers24 and the Langport Member and dolomitic siltstones of the Mercia Mudstone Group are classified as Secondary (Undifferentiated) Aquifers25. The Charmouth Mudstone Formation is classified as Unproductive Strata. No groundwater source protection zones are located within this section of the route.
8.4.6 The EA holds records of one licensed groundwater abstraction within 1km. The local authority hold records of a further four abstractions used for potable supply within 1km of the Proposed Scheme.
8.4.7 Surface watercourses that would be intersected by the Proposed Scheme include the Oxford Canal to the north of Wormleighton, the River Itchen to the west of Southam and various tributaries of the River Itchen.
8.4.8 Groundwater and surface water resources are discussed in more detail in Section 13 – Water resources and flood risk assessment.
23 Secondary A: Permeable layers capable of supporting water supplies at a local rather than strategic scale and in some cases forming an important source of base flow to rivers. 24 Secondary B: Predominantly lower permeability layers which may store and yield limited amounts of groundwater due to localised features such as fissures, thin permeable horizons and weathering. 25 Secondary (Undifferentiated): This classification has been assigned in cases where it has not been possible to attribute either category A or B to a rock type. In most cases, this means that the layer in question has previously been designated as both minor and non-aquifer in different locations due to the variable characteristics of the rock type.
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Current and historic land use
8.4.9 Historical land uses with the potential to have caused contamination within the study area include: an area of historical quarrying to the south of Long Itchington and Ufton Woods, sheep washes, sewage works to the east of Ladbroke, garages, factories located at Kineton Road Industrial Estate and Harp Farm. Typical contaminants from such sites could include oils, fuels, solvents and metals. Those from sheep washes include insecticides and fungicides.
8.4.10 There are also numerous infilled pits, infilled ponds or infilled domestic water wells scattered along the length of the Proposed Scheme, which may have been manually infilled with a variety of waste materials and are a potential source of landfill gas.There are landfills, both historic and active, within the area of Ladbroke and Southam. However, these all lie outside of the study area and are therefore not included as a potential source of contamination.
8.4.11 Current land uses in the study area which have the potential to cause contamination include: a vehicle breakdown recovery business to the south-east of Southam, Warwick House Industrial Park and a fuel filling station off Northfield Road in Southam. Typical contaminants from such sites could include oils, fuels, solvents and metals. Farmsteads are also included as potential sources of contamination as they may store fuels, oils and pesticides.
8.4.12 The higher risk26 sites (both historic and current land uses) identified by the assessment comprise the following: • The former sheep wash in the location of the proposed maintenance loop (map CT‑03-40, G4); • Harp Farm immediately west of the A423 (map CT‑03-42, C5); • The vehicle breakdown recovery business (map CT‑03-42, B5); and • The commercial and industrial land uses associated with the Kineton Road Industrial Estate (map CT‑03-43, G5). Mining/mineral resources
8.4.13 There are no active mining or mineral sites and no Preferred Areas (PA)27 in this section of the route.
8.4.14 The Minerals Safeguarding Areas (MSA) for Warwickshire report specifies several MSAs in the study area28. An MSA for cement raw materials extends across the Proposed Scheme from the A423 Banbury Road to the River Itchen. An MSA for sand and gravel extends approximately from the northern edge of Long Itchington and Ufton Woods to beyond the Grand Union Canal. An MSA for deep coal also covers the entire study area as well as the majority of the county. A building stone MSA covers the Proposed Scheme from approximately the A423 northwards to the north of Long Itchington and Ufton Woods.
8.4.15 Due to the large extent of the MSAs within the study area through Warwickshire the MSAs are not shown on the Key Environmental Features Maps (maps CT‑03-40 to CT‑03-44). Geo-conservation resources
8.4.16 There are no geological conservation resources identified within the study area.
26 The definition of ‘higher risk’ sites in this instance relates to the contamination potential of the source, the type of construction works that are proposed close to or at that location (e.g. tunnel, cutting or embankment) and the proximity of receptors e.g. people, groundwater bodies etc. 27 Preferred Areas: where mineral deposits are known to exist and where the County Council considers there would be least planning objection to mineral extraction taking place. 28 BGS, (2009). Minerals Safeguarding Areas for Warwickshire. Economic Minerals Programme Open Report OR/08/065.
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Receptors
8.4.17 Contaminated land can affect people living or working on or adjacent to the route of the Proposed Scheme, surface and groundwater in the vicinity, the nearby farmland or ecological resources and the built environment. 8.5 Construction Land contamination Assessment of impacts and mitigation 8.5.1 The Proposed Scheme within the study area passes through undulating topography generally in cutting but on embankment over the lower lying areas to the north-east of Wormleighton where the Proposed Scheme crosses the Oxford Canal and a number of small tributaries of the River Itchen. The Proposed Scheme is in cutting through Windmill Hill as it approaches Southam before passing over the River Itchen on viaduct and entering a section of cut and cover tunnel and then bored tunnel beneath Long Itchington and Ufton Woods.
8.5.2 The draft CoCP sets out the measures and standards of work that would be applied to the construction of the Proposed Scheme. Its requirements would involve detailed ground investigations in order to confirm the full extent of areas of contaminated land. Measures would include: • Methods to control waste, dust and vapours; • Methods to control spillage and prevent contamination of adjacent areas; and • Methods for the management of unexpected contamination.
8.5.3 The CoCP requires that a programme of ground investigation would take place prior to construction in order to confirm areas of contamination and a risk assessment undertaken to determine what, if any, site specific remediation measures would be required to allow the Proposed Scheme to be constructed safely and to prevent harmful future migration of contaminants. Any remediation scheme would be agreed with the regulatory authorities.
8.5.4 The Proposed Scheme would cross Harp Farm and the vehicle breakdown recovery business. Small scale adverse impacts could occur during construction through mobilisation of contaminants associated with these land uses. Should the ground investigation identify contamination in these areas, the contaminated soils would be excavated prior to construction.
8.5.5 There are not anticipated to be any significant construction effects regarding land quality and contamination within the study area.
8.5.6 Contaminated soils excavated from the site, wherever feasible, would be treated as necessary to remove or render any contamination inactive and would be reused within the Proposed Scheme where needed and suitable for use. Techniques are likely to include stabilisation methods, soil washing and bioremediation to remove oil contaminants. Contaminated soil disposed off-site would be taken to a soil treatment facility, another construction site (for treatment, as necessary, and reuse) or an appropriately permitted landfill site.
8.5.7 Site compounds would be located at various locations along the Proposed Scheme and are discussed in Section 2.3 Construction of the Proposed Scheme. The compounds would include staff welfare facilities, maintenance facilities for plant and machinery and fuel storage in bunded tanks.
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8.5.8 Whilst the site compounds would store and use potentially contaminative materials such as fuels, oils and solvents, they would be managed in accordance with the CoCP, thus minimising the impacts of contamination from these sources.
8.5.9 It is considered unlikely that additional remediation works would be required over and above the mitigation measures contained as standard within the CoCP. Likely residual significant effects 8.5.10 Should soils be excavated and treated in the areas of the vehicle breakdown recovery business and Harp Farm, there would be a local minor beneficial effect after construction in these areas. However, these are not considered to be significant.
8.5.11 No residual adverse effects are anticipated. Mining/mineral resources Assessment of impacts and mitigation 8.5.12 There is a potential moderate adverse impact on the cement raw materials MSA. The effect is considered not to be significant but pre-extraction of these resources would reduce the impact.
8.5.13 A potential minor adverse impact on the sand and gravel, building stone and deep coal MSA has been identified. However, because of the large local resource of these materials the effects of building over relatively small areas of these materials are assessed as not significant. Likely residual significant effects 8.5.14 The residual effects are not considered to be significant. 8.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
8.6.1 Maintenance and operation of the railway would be in accordance with environmental legislation and best practice. Spillage and pollution response procedures similar to those outlined in the draft CoCP would be established for all high risk activities and employees would be trained in responding to such incidents.
8.6.2 The Proposed Scheme includes the siting of three auto-transformer stations within the study area. These include: Boddington auto-transformer station adjacent to the Proposed Scheme to the north of Wormleighton (map CT‑05-079, C4); Ladbroke auto-transformer station, located approximately 260m to the north-west of the fish ponds at Lower Radbourne map( CT‑05-082, G5); and Stoney Thorpe auto-transformer station between Lower Farm and the River Itchen (map CT‑05-085, A5). A substation can, in principle, be a source of contamination though accidental discharge or leaks of coolants. However the three proposed auto- transformer stations, in common with other modern substations, would use secondary containment appropriate to the level of risk.
8.6.3 There exists the potential of minor leakage of hydraulic or lubricating oils from the trains. However, such leakage or spillage is expected to be very small and would not lead to any significant contamination.
8.6.4 Where contamination remediation works have been carried out during the construction period, there may need to be a requirement to undertake post-remediation monitoring of, for example, groundwater.
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Likely residual significant effects
8.6.5 Residual pollution associated with the operation of the Proposed Scheme is not considered to be significant.
72 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Landscape and visual assessment 9 Landscape and visual assessment 9.1 Introduction 9.1.1 This section of the report presents the assessment of the likely significant landscape and visual effects. It starts by describing the current conditions found within and around the route of the Proposed Scheme, the nature and pattern of buildings, streets, open space and vegetation and their interrelationships within the rural environment. A summary of the significant effects that would arise from the construction and operation on landscape character areas and visual receptors is provided. 9.2 Policy framework 9.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to the landscape and visual assessment are set out below.
9.2.2 The Local Plan identifies the following designations that are of relevance to landscape: conservation areas, scheduled monuments, ancient woodland, open space and recreational routes. Local Plan Policy DEV.1: Layout and Design establishes a series of principles of good design that include reflecting local characteristics within design proposals; considering the interrelationship between the various components of the development proposals and the effect of development on the surrounding area in design terms; and retaining and incorporating existing site features into development. Further guidance on taking account of existing landscape character and distinctive features and incorporating landscape enhancement measures into design is provided in Policies PR.1, EF.4 and DEV.2. Adopted policies generally resist the loss of mature trees and seek to protect amenity through good design.
9.2.3 Many of the policy themes of the Local Plan carry through into the emerging policies of the Core Strategy. New themes are also emerging in relation to the pursuit of sustainable development (Policy CS1) and renewed emphasis on reflecting distinctiveness in design (Policy CS10). The emerging Core Strategy also proposes the reinstatement of Special Landscape Area (SLA) designations.
9.2.4 Relevant district wide guidance documents for landscape and visual assessment include the Green Space Strategy; the Warwickshire Historic Landscape Characterisation and the Warwickshire Landscapes Guidelines Report29,30,31. 9.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 9.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the landscape and visual assessment are set out in Volume 1. The extent of the landscape and visual study area, the distribution of visual receptor viewpoints and the location of verifiable photomontages have been discussed with WCC, Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council. Landscape characterisation for the study area has been discussed with Natural England. Field surveys were undertaken from March to April 2013, including photographic studies of LCAs and visual assessment of viewpoints. Further surveys will be undertaken during 2013 and reported in the formal ES.
9.3.2 The study area has been informed by early drafts of the zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV), which is being prepared for inclusion in the formal ES. LCAs and visual receptors within
29 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, (2006). Solihull Green Space Strategy 2006. SMBC. 30 Warwickshire County Council, (2010). Warwickshire Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) 2010. WCC. 31 Warwickshire County Council, (1993). Warwickshire Landscapes Guidelines 1993. WCC.
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approximately 2km of the Proposed Scheme have been assessed. The study area extends beyond all land required for the Proposed Scheme. 9.4 Environmental baseline 9.4.1 The following section sets out the baseline conditions for the landscape and visual assessment in the study area. Maps LV-11-40 to LV-11-44 show the location of landscape character areas and visual receptor viewpoints. Photomontages have been produced for viewpoints 225-3-004 (figure LV-12-49), 226-3-001 (figure LV-12-50) and 235-3-003 (figure LV-12-51) as representative of the area.
9.4.2 This area lies across limestone hills separated by lower lying clay vales, with the strong impression of openness in many areas; the area between Wormleighton and Southam is distinctive for its lack of roads. Land use is typified by large arable fields, with limestone quarrying north of Southam. Blocks of ancient woodland, including Long Itchington and Ufton Woods, give way to small game covert plantations in the Itchen vale landscape between Wormleighton and Southam. Principal historic landscape elements also include ridge and furrow remnants, evidence of several deserted medieval villages and Farnborough Hall registered landscape. PRoW include Centenary Way long distance footpath and the Oxford Canal and Grand Union Canal towpaths. Landscape character assessment
9.4.3 Landscape character areas (LCAs) are defined as areas with broadly homogenous characteristics and are influenced by national and district published character assessments. The Proposed Scheme in this area is located within national character area (NCA) 96: Dunsmore and Feldon, as defined by the Character of England mapping and NE32,33. For the purposes of this assessment, the study area has been sub-divided into seven discrete LCAs, two of which are most likely to be affected: • Radbourne Ironstone Fringe LCA, a landscape of large scale fields on gently undulating landform; and • Southam Village Farmlands LCA, characterised by small-to-medium scale fields and nucleated villages.
9.4.4 Both have a medium sensitivity to change. Visual baseline
9.4.5 Viewpoints, spilt into residential, recreational and transport have been selected to represent groups of receptors within the study area. WCC and Stratford-on-Avon District Council have been informed of the locations and have made requests for further information. There are no known protected views within the area.
9.4.6 Residential receptors (i.e. residents) with a high sensitivity to change include residential properties at the edges of Wormleighton, Ladbroke and Southam, as well as scattered isolated farmhouses, manor houses and cottages, particularly in the area between Wormleighton and Southam. Recreational receptors also have a high sensitivity to change and include users of several PRoW, the Centenary Way, the Oxford Canal and Grand Union Canal. Transport receptors (i.e. users of public or private transport) on local roads and receptors at hotels have a medium sensitivity to change. People at work and engaged in active sports have a low sensitivity to change.
32 Natural England, (1996) The Character of England 1996 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/nca/default.aspx. Accessed: 8 January 2013. 33 Natural England, (2012) NCA 96 Dunsmore & Feldon Key Facts & Data; http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/96_Dunsmore_Feldon_tcm6- 32538.pdf. Accessed: 8 January 2013.
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9.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
9.5.1 Due to the scale of the construction activities, works would be highly visible in many locations and would have the potential to give rise to significant effects which cannot be mitigated.This is commonplace with construction of major infrastructure projects, but it should be noted that these effects are temporary in nature and relate to the peak construction phase. Effects during other phases of works are likely to be fewer due to less construction equipment being required at the time and a reduced intensity of construction activity.
9.5.2 Measures that have been incorporated into the draft CoCP to avoid or reduce landscape and visual effects during construction include: • Maximising the retention and protection of existing trees and vegetation where reasonably practicable; • Use of well-maintained hoardings and fencing; • Replacement of any trees intended to be retained which may be accidentally felled or die as a consequence of construction works; • Early implementation of planting and other landscape measures where there is no conflict with construction activities or other requirements of the Proposed Scheme; and • Appropriate maintenance of planting and seeding works and implementation of management measures to continue through the construction period as landscape works are completed.
9.5.3 These measures have been taken account of in the assessment of the construction effects in this section. Landscape assessment
9.5.4 The potential significant effects on the landscape during construction would relate to the presence of construction plant, development of worksites and compounds; temporary construction features such as road and utility diversions and stockpiles, construction of permanent changes to the landscape including: implementation of the Oxford Canal overbridge; implementation of Lower Radbourne and River Itchen viaducts; embankments, excavation work for cuttings and balancing ponds, tunnelling under Long Itchington and Ufton Woods, realignment of existing transport infrastructure and the removal of existing landscape elements including vegetation removal from Windmill Hill Spinney.
9.5.5 Table 12 summarises the LCAs that would be significantly affected during construction of the Proposed Scheme.
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LCA Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of LCA of change to LCA
Radbourne Ironstone Fringe LCA Medium Medium Moderate Construction resulting in loss of woodland, severance of agricultural land and adverse the activity associated with construction of road realignment, overbridges and large scale earthworks including the cutting at Windmill Hill.
Southam Village Farmlands LCA Medium Medium Moderate Construction resulting in loss of trees and hedgerows, temporary loss of adverse agricultural land, tunnel construction relating to Long Itchington and Ufton Woods area and activity associated with viaduct and overbridge construction.
Table 12: Significant landscape effects during construction Visual assessment
9.5.6 The most apparent changes to views during construction would relate to the presence of construction plant, construction activity including development of worksites and compounds, temporary construction features such as road and utility diversions and stockpiles, construction of embankments, excavation work for cuttings and balancing ponds, and the removal of existing landscape elements.
9.5.7 Changes would be most notable where works are required for tunnelling under Long Itchington and Ufton Woods and construction of associated portals as a 24 hour activity; implementation of the Oxford Canal overbridge; implementation of Lower Radbourne and River Itchen viaducts; works to the A423, B4451, A425, Banbury Road, Leisure Drive and Lower Radbourne access track; cutting through Windmill Hill and vegetation removal from Windmill Hill Spinney; implementation of a number of overbridges including at Leisure Drive, B4451 and A423; and excavation of balancing ponds. The height of the construction plant and viaducts and the proximity of construction activities to viewpoints, coupled with the absence of intervening screening (apart from the site hoardings) would result in visual effects during construction. The topography in certain locations and the retention of intervening hedgerows and trees would partially screen low level construction activity.
9.5.8 An assessment of effects arising from lighting during construction where( required) will be prepared and included as part of the formal ES.
9.5.9 Table 13 summarises the views which would be significantly affected by the construction of the Proposed Scheme. The numbers in brackets identify the viewpoint locations which are shown on maps LV-11-40 to LV-11-44. The assessed level of effect is considered to be the maximum level at the height of construction activity in the view at each location. The duration of this effect would in most instances be less than the entire construction period and will be considered in the formal ES. An indicative construction programme is set out in Section 2.3 of this report.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of of visual of change effect to receptors visual receptors
Residential receptors
Views south-west from detached properties of Stoneton Manor Farm, Hill High Medium Moderate Farm and north-west from Ladbroke Grove Farm adverse (224.2.001, 226.2.005, 234.2.001) Visibility of construction plant and activity including Ladbroke overbridges and Windmill Hill cutting.
View north from Glebe Farm and view south from Glebe Farm (229.2.001) High Medium Moderate Visibility of construction activity in middle ground and in the background adverse construction of Lower Radbourne viaducts.
View north-east from Lower Radbourne Farm, Starbold Cottage and property High Medium Moderate off Windmill Lane adverse (231.2.001, 239.2.008, 235.2.001) Visibility of construction worksites, construction traffic, plant and activity including B4451 overbridge, Windmill Lane overbridge, Windmill Hill cutting activity and road diversions.
View east from Lower New House Farm High Medium Moderate (229.2.005) adverse Visibility of construction traffic on the upgraded track crossing between construction site compound and the A423 in middle ground.
View east from residential properties adjacent to Banbury Road High Medium Moderate (235.2.004) adverse Visibility of construction activity associated with Windmill Lane overbridge and Windmill Hill cutting.
View south-east from Stoney Thorpe Home Farm High Medium Moderate (244.2.001) adverse Visibility of works compound and construction of the Long Itchington Wood tunnel porous portal.
View west from Chapel Bank Cottage High Medium Moderate (232.2.001) adverse Visibility of the worksite and construction activity.
View west from residential property off Welsh Road High Medium Moderate (246.2.001) adverse Visibility of construction activity for Wood Farm overbridge and cutting.
View south-west from Ladbroke Hill Farm High Medium Moderate (236.2.001) adverse Visibility of construction plant and activity for Windmill Lane overbridge, cutting and realignment of Windmill Lane; and vegetation loss at Windmill Spinney Lane.
View south-west from Print Wood Farm High Medium Moderate (250.2.001) adverse Visibility of construction activity for Ufton Wood portal and Longhole viaduct and extents of cutting and realignment of Welsh Road East; material treatment and transfer area.
View north-east from Starbold Farm and Wood Farm High High Moderate (237.2.006) adverse Visibility of construction activity for A423 realignment and overbridge; and demolition of buildings adjacent to the A423.
View north-east from Field Cottage High High Moderate (239.2.003) adverse Visibility of realignment of B4451 and overbridge; material storage areas.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of of visual of change effect to receptors visual receptors
View north-east from property adjacent to Ufton Hill and Wood Farm High High Major (245.2.002, 247.2.004) adverse Visibility of construction site compound material treatment and transfer area, cranes associated with Wood Farm overbridge and Ufton Wood porous portal.
Recreational receptors
View west from PRoW SM101 adjacent to Stoneton Manor and PRoW Sm116a, High Medium Moderate traversing between Stoneton Manor and the Oxford Canal; and view north- adverse west from PRoW footpath SM104 along access road leading to Berryhill Farm (224.3.002, 226.3.002, 224.3.005) Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with footpath footbridge SM101, partially screened by hedgerows and vegetation at Newfield oolP and/or undulating landform.
View north-east from PRoW footpath SM101 east of Wormleighton High Medium Moderate (225.3.001) adverse Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with overbridge and footbridge construction and removal of vegetation from Fox Covert.
View north-east from PRoW SM24 High Medium Moderate (241.3.004) adverse Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with River Itchen viaduct and Long Itchington Wood portal, cuttings and embankments.
View from PRoW footpath SM116a, north of Wormleighton, and south-west High Medium Moderate from PRoW 116a, crossing the Oxford Canal adverse (225.3.004, 226.3.001) Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with the Oxford Canal underbridge, embankment, worksites and compounds.
View north from bridleway PRoW, 058, National Trail, along the Oxford Canal High Medium Moderate (227.3.006) adverse Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with Lower Radbourne viaduct and construction compound.
View east from PRoW footpath Oxford Canal 058 (227.3.001) High High Major Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with clearance either side of adverse the Oxford Canal, upgrading the Stoneton access track, ponds, worksite and the Oxford Canal underbridge.
View south-east from PRoW bridleway SM96 (230.3.002) High High Major Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with the Lower Radbourne adverse viaduct.
View north-east from PRoW footpath SM90 at Windmill Hill High High Major (235.3.003) adverse Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with Windmill Lane overbridge.
View south-west from PRoW footpath SM24 south of the A425 High High Major (242.3.011) adverse Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with River Itchen viaduct.
View south-west from PRoW SM6 and north-east from PRoW bridleway High High Major Centenary Way adverse (246.3.002, 247.3.003) Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with Ufton Wood porous portal and Longhole viaduct, as well as construction compound.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of of visual of change effect to receptors visual receptors
Transport receptors
View west from Welsh Road Medium Medium Moderate (248.4.003) adverse Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with Longhole viaduct, Ufton Wood porous portal and Wood Farm overbridge, as well as construction compound and material treatment area.
Hotels and healthcare institutions receptors
View north-east from public house Medium Medium Moderate (245.5.03) adverse Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with Ufton Wood porous portal, Longhole viaduct and Welsh Road overbridge.
Employment receptors
View south from Kineton Road Industrial Estate, west of Kineton Road Low Medium Moderate (240.6.008) adverse Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with B4451 overbridge, worksite and compound and storage area.
Active sports receptors
View south from Polo Grounds Low High Moderate (244.7.002) adverse Visibility of construction plant and activity associated with A425 diversion, Long Itchington Wood tunnel worksite, material treatment and transfer area and A425 realignment, some elements in the foreground.
Table 13: Significant visual effects during construction Likely residual significant effects
9.5.10 Due to the highly visible nature of the construction activities along the Proposed Scheme there would be significant residual effects, as set out in Table 12 and 13 above, although they would be temporary and reversible for the duration of the construction works. Residual effects would generally arise from the visibility of construction activity from residential receptors, PRoW and travellers on roads in the study area. Further mitigation
9.5.11 No further mitigation is considered practicable during construction. 9.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
9.6.1 The operational assessment of impacts and mitigation measures is based on the first year of opening of the Proposed Scheme (2026). A process of iterative design and assessment has been employed to avoid or reduce adverse effects during the operation of the Proposed Scheme. Measures that have been incorporated into the design of the Proposed Scheme include: • Reinstatement of severed lengths of hedge/enclosure of fields; • Replacement of lost vegetation/woodland; • Introduction of screening through new planting where this fits into the existing landscape pattern;
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• Integration of embankment landforms into the natural topography; • Creation of raised embankments on both sides of the route to screen the Proposed Scheme; • Placement of noise barriers close to the track within cuttings – avoiding the top of the cut slope; and • Alignment of the Proposed Scheme adjacent to the A425 and in tunnel under Long Itchington and Ufton Woods would reduce its overall prominence and loss of characteristics within the area.
9.6.2 These measures have been taken account of in the assessment of the operation effects. Landscape assessment
9.6.3 The potential significant effects on the landscape in 2026 (i.e. the assumed year of opening) on LCAs would arise from changes to landform and vegetation pattern and the introduction of built components and rail traffic. These changes would include: the introduction of new rail track and track bed with associated infrastructure; new embankments, other earthworks and viaducts including extensive cuttings particularly those through Berryhill and Windmill Hill; realignments of existing transport and PRoW routes including Boddington Road, Banbury Road and Leisure Drive; loss of existing vegetation and interruption of the pattern of retained existing vegetation; and the introduction of high speed trains resulting in noticeable alteration to tranquillity.
9.6.4 Table 14 summarises the LCAs that would be significantly affected by the Proposed Scheme in year one of operation (2026).
LCA Sensitivity Magnitude Level of of LCA of change effect to LCA
Radbourne Ironstone Fringe LCA Medium High Major Presence of the Proposed Scheme including track and rail traffic, overbridges, adverse viaducts, lost vegetation and extensive cutting at Windmill Hill, auto-transformer substations, lighting at Wormleighton maintenance depot and vegetation loss.
Southam Village Farmlands LCA Medium Medium Moderate Presence of the Proposed Scheme including track and rail traffic, overbridges and adverse extensive cutting south of Southam to the A425, auto-transformer substation, Long Itchington Wood tunnel porous portal and vegetation loss.
Table 14: Significant landscape effects during operation year 1 (2026) Visual assessment
9.6.5 The potential significant effects on views in 2026 (i.e. the assumed year of opening) would arise from the introduction of overhead line equipment, the introduction of new rail track and track bed with associated infrastructure, new embankments, other earthworks and viaducts including extensive cuttings particularly those through Berryhill and Windmill Hill, realignments of existing transport and PRoW routes including Boddington Road, Banbury Road and Leisure Drive, loss of existing vegetation and interruption of the pattern of retained existing vegetation; and the introduction of high speed trains resulting in noticeable alteration to tranquillity.
9.6.6 For residential and recreational receptors, changes to views would result from changes to landform and vegetation pattern; and the introduction of built components and rail traffic. These changes would occur in the middle to foreground of several views and in longer views across the agricultural landscape.
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9.6.7 For transport, changes to views would result both from introduction of embankments and overbridges in the foreground and in views of the new engineering elements and rail traffic of the Proposed Scheme.
9.6.8 Photomontages have been produced illustrating the view of the Proposed Scheme during year 1 of operation from viewpoints 225-3-004 from PRoW SM116a (figure LV-12-49), 226-3- 001 from PRoW 116a (figure LV-12-50) and 235-3-003 from the PRoW at Windmill Hill (figure LV-12-51).
9.6.9 Table 15 summarises the visual receptors that would be significantly affected by the Proposed Scheme in year one of operation (2026). The numbers in brackets identify the viewpoint locations which are shown on maps LV-11-40 to LV-11-44.
Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of of visual of change effect to receptors visual receptors
Residential receptors
View south-west from detached properties of Stoneton Manor Farm High Medium Moderate (224.2.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme and the cutting at Windmill Hill.
View south-west from Ladbroke Hill Farm High Medium Moderate (236.2.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme including reduction in vegetation at Windmill Spinney and realigned Windmill Lane.
View west from residential property off Welsh Road High Medium Moderate (246.2.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme including Wood Farm overbridge and new planting and fencing associated with the cutting.
View north-east from Lower Radbourne Farm High Medium Moderate (231.2.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme including Lower Radbourne overbridge and associated embankments.
View north-west from Ladbroke Grove Farm High Medium Moderate (234.2.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme including the cutting and reduced vegetation at Windmill Hill Spinney.
View north-east from property off Windmill Lane High Medium Moderate (235.2.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme including Windmill Lane overbridge and reduced vegetation at Windmill Hill Spinney.
View north-east from Starbold Farm and Wood Farm High High Major (237.2.006) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme including A423 overbridge and embankment for realigned A423.
View north-east from Field Cottage (239.2.003) High High Major Visibility of the Proposed Scheme including realignment of the B4451 and its adverse overbridge.
View north-east from Wood Farm and south-west from Print Wood Farm High High Major (247.2.004, 250.2.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme including the Ufton Wood portal, close to the receptor.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of of visual of change effect to receptors visual receptors
Recreational receptors
View west from PRoW SM101 adjacent Stoneton Manor and PRoW footpath High Medium Moderate SM116a, traversing between Stoneton Manor and Oxford Canal, and from adverse PRoW footpath, SM116a, north of Wormleighton; north from bridleway PRoW, 058, National Trail, along the Oxford Canal; and north-east from PRoW SM24 (224.3.002, 226.3.002, 225.3.004, 227.3.006, 241.3.004) Visibility of the Proposed Scheme and earthworks in the middle ground.
View north-west from PRoW footpath SM104 along access road leading to High Medium Moderate Berryhill Farm adverse (224.3.005) Visibility of the Proposed Scheme on embankment adjacent to the Oxford Canal.
View north-east from PRoW footpath SM94, adjacent Windmill Hill Spinney High Medium Moderate (235.3.009) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme particularly fencing and the overhead line equipment, the cutting at Windmill Hill and the reduction in vegetation at Windmill Hill Spinney.
View north-east from PRoW bridleway Centenary Way High High Major (247.3.003) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme on embankment, loss of hedgerows; and Wood Farm overbridge.
View south-west from PRoW 116a, crossing the Oxford Canal High High Major (226.3.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in the middle ground including the regraded land form, fencing, trains and overhead line equipment.
View north-east from PRoW SM90 at Windmill Hill High High Major (235.3.003) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in the foreground and middle ground including the extent of cutting, overhead line equipment, trains and Windmill Lane Overbridge.
Transport receptors
View north-east at junction of Windmill Lane and farm track Medium High Moderate (235.4.006) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme including the cutting and realignment of Windmill Lane.
View west from Welsh Road Medium High Moderate (248.4.003) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme including new roads and the Ufton Wood portal.
Employment receptors
View west from Church Farm Low High Moderate (228.6.03) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme on embankment in foreground and middle distance views.
View south from Kineton Road Industrial Estate, west of Kineton Road Low Medium Moderate (240.6.008) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme including the B4451 overbridge.
Table 15: Significant visual effects during operation year 1 (2026)
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9.6.10 Where planting has been proposed, effects in year 15 (2041) and year 60 (2086) of operation may be reduced compared to year one (2026), due to the increased height and maturity of trees. An assessment of effects for these assessment years will be prepared and presented within the formal ES. Likely residual significant effects
9.6.11 Due to the highly sensitive nature of the landscape and visible nature of the Proposed Scheme, significant residual effects would remain, as set out in Tables 14 and 15. The residual effects would arise from a local change in character in the vicinity of viaducts and extensive cuttings; and the foreground visibility of the proposed structures from residential receptors, PRoW and travellers on local roads in the study area. Further mitigation
9.6.12 Further measures under consideration, but which are not yet part of the design are set out below: • Additional planting on the southern earthworks to aid in screening views from Lower Radbourne Farm; • Better integration between the earthworks and balancing pond on the northern earthworks; • Additional planting to the southern embankment to link with Ladbroke Fox Covert; • Additional planting to the northern embankment to aid in screening views from Ladbroke Grove Farm; and • Additional planting to aid in screening views from Starbold Farm.
83 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Socio-economics 10 Socio-economics 10.1 Introduction 10.1.1 This section provides a summary of the assessment methodology and scope, environmental baseline and likely significant economic and employment effects during construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme.
10.1.2 The need for a socio-economic assessment results from the potential for the Proposed Scheme to affect: • Existing businesses and community organisations and thus the amount of local employment; • Local and sub-regional economies including employment; and • Planned growth and development.
10.1.3 The beneficial and adverse socio-economic effects of the ProposedScheme are reported at two different levels; route-wide and CFA. Effects on levels of employment are reported at a route-wide level within Report 27 (route-wide effects). Localised effects on businesses and observations on potential local economic effects are reported within eachCF A report. 10.2 Policy framework 10.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to the area are described in Section 2.1. 10.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 10.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the socio-economic assessment are set out in Volume 1. 10.4 Environmental baseline 10.4.1 Section 2.1 provides a general overview of the CFA which includes data of specific relevance to socio-economics, notably demographic data. The following provides a brief overview in terms of employment, economic structure, labour market and business premises available within the CFA.
10.4.2 The Ladbroke and Southam CFA lies wholly within the area covered by Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
10.4.3 In 2011 59,000 people worked in the Stratford-on-Avon District Council area34. The employment rate35 within the area covered by Stratford-on-Avon District Council in 2011 was 69%, which is higher than those recorded for the West Midlands (62%) and England (65%)36. As of September 2012, the unemployment rate for Stratford-on-Avon District Council area was 5%, compared with the England average of 8%37.
10.4.4 In terms of business activity more widely, in 2011 the Stratford-on-Avon District Council area had a larger proportion (at 17%) of businesses within professional, scientific and technical services than both the English average (14%) and the West Midlands regional average (12%). Similarly agriculture, forestry and fishing industries at 10% accounted for a greater proportion
34 Office for National Statistics, (ONS), (2012), Business Register and Employment Survey 2011 35 The proportion of working age (16-74 year olds) residents that are in employment 36 ONS, (2012), Census 2011 37 ONS, (2012), Annual Population Survey
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in Stratford-on-Avon District Council area than nationally at 4%, and regionally at 6%38. The higher proportion of agricultural industries represents the rural character of this area. This is shown below in Figure 4: Business sector composition in Stratford-on-Avon and the West Midlands39.
Professional, scientific & technical
Construction
Agriculture, forestry & fishing
Retail
Business administration and support services
Arts, entertainment, recreation and other services
Accommodation & food services
Production
Information & communication
Wholesale
Property Stratford-on-Avon Other West Midlands 0% 5% 10%15% 20% 25%
Figure 4: Business sector composition in Stratford-on-Avon and the West Midlands
Source: Office for NationalStatistics (2011), UK Business: Activity, Size and Location40 10.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and effects
10.5.1 No significant direct effects on non-agricultural employment have been identified within this study area. It is estimated that the Proposed Scheme would result in the displacement or possible loss of approximately 30 jobs41 within this study area. Taking into account the availability of alternative premises and the relatively healthy local economy, the displacement or possible loss of jobs is considered to be relatively modest compared to the scale of economic activity and opportunity in the area.
10.5.2 Construction compounds would consist of two main site compounds at Lower Radbourne and Long Itchington Wood and 13 satellite sites (see Table 1). This could result in the creation of 1,680 person years of construction employment42 that, depending on skill levels required and the skills of local people, are potentially accessible to residents in the locality and to others living further afield. It could also lead to opportunities for local businesses to supply the project or to benefit from expenditure of construction workers. Direct and wider construction employment effects are quantified at a route-wide level (see Report 27 (route-wide effects)).
38 ONS, (2011), UK Business: Activity, Size and Location 39 Figure 4 presents the proportion of businesses within each business sector in the district but not the proportion of employment by sector. 40 ‘Other’ includes Motor Trades; Transport and Storage; Finance and Insurance; Public administration and defence; and Education and Health sectors 41 Employment within businesses has been estimated through a combination of sources, for example, surveys of businesses, the Experian employment dataset, employment floor space and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) 42 Construction labour is reported in construction person years, where one construction person year represents the work done by one person in a year composed of a standard number of working days.
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10.5.3 It is intended that discretionary enhancement measures, such as business support, supply chain engagement and local construction skills development initiatives to enhance local business performance will be included as appropriate in the formal ES. Likely residual significant effects
10.5.4 The likely residual significant socio-economic effects are currently being assessed and will be reported in the formal ES. 10.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
10.6.1 The Proposed Scheme would create direct and wider operational employment opportunities at locations along the route including stations, train crew facilities and infrastructure/ maintenance depots. Although no plans exist to locate these facilities within this study area, it is considered possible that wider operational employment opportunities could be accessed by local residents. Operational effects are captured and assessed at a route-wide level (see Report 27 (route-wide effects)). Likely residual significant effects
10.6.2 The likely residual significant socio-economic effects are currently being assessed and will be reported in the formal ES.
86 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Sound, noise and vibration 11 Sound, noise and vibration 11.1 Introduction 11.1.1 This section provides a summary of the likely noise and vibration significant effects associated with the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme for the Ladbroke and Southam CFA. This section should be read in conjunction with Volume 1. 11.2 Policy framework 11.2.1 The policy framework for sound, noise and vibration is set out in Volume 1. 11.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 11.3.1 The approach to the assessment of sound, noise and vibration and the related key assumptions are set out in Volume 1, with the local variations as described below. A summary of the operating assumptions is given in Section 2.4 of this report. Assumptions
11.3.2 In addition to those given in Volume 1 and Section 2.4 of this report, the following assumptions apply to the assessment of sound, noise and vibration in this area.
11.3.3 As a reasonably foreseeable worst case, it has been assumed that tunnel boring machines (TBMs) would be used to excavate the tunnel under Long Itchington and Ufton Woods. Similarly, it has been assumed that materials (including tunnel lining segments), people and equipment would be transported from the surface to the TBM using small construction trains, which would travel at relatively low speeds. It has been assumed that significant noise and vibration effects arising from use of the temporary railway would be avoided by a design and maintenance specification. Other methods of construction and material movement may be employed; however it is considered that these would result in lower ground-borne noise and vibration.
11.3.4 The engineering design of tunnels and their portals would ensure passenger comfort in tunnels. This design should also avoid any significant airborne noise effects caused by the tunnel portals. This will be confirmed in the formal ES.
11.3.5 Ventilation and intervention shafts (vent shafts) and tunnel portals are likely to include mechanical ventilation equipment. This equipment would only operate in abnormal situations or in the event of an emergency. It has been assumed that the ventilation equipment in the vent shafts would be designed so it could be tested, like that associated with HS1, during the daytime. This is subject to ongoing development work that will be reported in the formal ES.
11.3.6 It has been assumed that significant noise effects from the operation of vent shafts and static equipment (e.g. auto-transformers) would be avoided through the design and specification of the shafts and any fixed plant and equipment. 11.4 Environmental baseline 11.4.1 The baseline sound environment for this CFA is varied due to the presence of major roads (e.g. A423 and A425). Aircraft flying to/from Birmingham International or Coventry Airports are also notable sources over much of this area, although rarely the dominant source of existing sound levels. Close to the major roads, medium and sometimes high baseline sound levels are experienced during the daytime. Lower baseline sound levels exist at locations away from the major roads and at night.
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11.4.2 It is likely that the majority of receptors adjacent to the route are not currently subject to appreciable vibration. For the draft ES, vibration at all receptors has been assessed using the absolute vibration criteria as described in Volume 1. 11.5 Construction Assessment of effects and mitigation
11.5.1 This initial assessment has considered the potential effects on community receptors within the study area, their occupants and their use (including annoyance and activity disturbance) arising from construction noise and/or vibration.
11.5.2 The mitigation measures specified within the draft CoCP have been included within the assessment of construction noise and vibration.
11.5.3 TBMs or mining would be used to excavate the twin bore tunnels. There are no residential receptors over or near to the tunnels.
11.5.4 Potential construction noise or vibration effects could occur on Codemasters, a computer software company, arising from construction activities such as the construction of the Long Itchington Wood tunnel (refer to Section 2.2/2.3 and to map CT‑05-86).
11.5.5 Track laying, power system and signalling installation works along the route are unlikely to result in significant construction noise effects, given the short duration close to any communities and the presence of the permanent noise barriers. Likely residual significant effects
11.5.6 Further work is being undertaken to confirm significant construction noise and vibration effects, including any temporary effects from construction traffic. Non-residential receptors identified at this stage as potentially subject to construction noise or vibration effects will be further considered, where necessary, on a receptor-by-receptor basis. Any further assessment will be reported in the formal ES. Further mitigation
11.5.7 Further work is being undertaken to confirm the likely significant effects and identify any site specific mitigation considered necessary in addition to the general measures set out in the draft CoCP. Any site specific mitigation will be presented in the formal ES and will include an estimate of the number of properties that may qualify for noise insulation or temporary rehousing under provisions set out in the draft CoCP. 11.6 Operation Assessment of effects and mitigation
11.6.1 This initial assessment has considered the potential effects on community receptors within the study area, their occupants and their use (including annoyance, activity and sleep disturbance) arising from operational noise and/or vibration. Further assessment will be undertaken for the formal ES.
11.6.2 The ongoing development of the Proposed Scheme includes noise barriers in the form of landscape earthworks, noise (fence) barriers and/or low level barriers on viaducts. The envisaged noise barrier locations are shown on the Operational Sound Contour and Potential Significant Effect Maps SV-01.
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11.6.3 The Operational Sound Contour and Potential Significant Effect Maps SV-01 indicate the likely long term daytime sound level (defined as the equivalent continuous sound level from 07:00 to
23:00 or LpAeq,day) from HS2 operations alone. The contours are shown in 5dB steps from 50dB to 70dB. With the train flows described in Volume 1, the night-time sound level (defined as the
equivalent continuous sound level from 23:00 to 07:00 or LpAeq,night) from the Proposed Scheme would be approximately 10dB lower than the daytime sound level. The 50dB contour therefore indicates the distance from the Proposed Scheme at which the night-time sound level would be 4dB. This contour represents where the lowest observed community noise effects would be expected to occur during the day (with respect to annoyance) and night (with respect to sleep disturbance). It is generally unlikely that there would be any adverse noise effects outside of this contour. With regard to sleep disturbance, the assessment has also taken account of the maximum sound levels generated by each train pass by.
11.6.4 Residential receptors within the daytime 65dB contour, and therefore the night-time 55dB contour, have been identified as being likely to experience a significant adverse effect from HS2 noise alone. This is in line with the daytime threshold in the Noise Insulation Regulations and the Interim Target defined in the World Health Organization’s Night Noise Guidelines43, 44.
11.6.5 The potential for significant noise effects on communities in areas between the0dB 5 and 65dB daytime sound contours, or 40dB and 55dB night-time contours, will be dependent on the baseline in that area and the change in sound level brought about by the Proposed Scheme.
11.6.6 For the draft ES, the criteria used in assessing whether an effect is potentially significant includes factors such as the number and magnitude of impacts in a community as well as the existing sound environment. The further significance criteria, including the character of the existing sound environment, any unique features of the Proposed Scheme’s sound or impacts and the potential combined impacts of sound and vibration, will be taken into account in the formal ES.
11.6.7 This initial assessment has identified potential airborne noise effects on the following quiet areas (which includes those recognized areas prized for their tranquillity where these have been identified as being areas with existing high tranquillity andQuiet Areas)45: • The LCA at Ufton Vale Farmlands (identified by SV16-L01 on maps SV-01).
11.6.8 PRoW are by their nature transitory routes, with users not staying in any one location for long periods. Train sound from the Proposed Scheme is intermittent and its level would vary as the PRoW user moves closer to and further from the Proposed Scheme. Noise effects would generally be reduced by the landscape earthworks envisaged to reduce visual impact of the Proposed Scheme and envisaged noise mitigation to protect other receptors. No significant noise effects have therefore been identified on the users of PRoW within this area.
11.6.9 No potentially significant noise or vibration effects arising from changes to existing roads are anticipated at this stage. This will be confirmed in the formal ES.
11.6.10 A number of potential minor ground-borne noise and vibration impacts have been forecast at a small number of properties very close to the alignment. Taking account of the number and minor magnitude of the impacts, and the experience of HS1, no significant effects have been identified. Further assessment will be undertaken for the formal ES to confirm whether the impacts currently forecast are likely to occur. Vibration from the operation of the Proposed Scheme will present no risk of any building damage.
43 Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations 1996. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. 44 Night Noise Guidelines for Europe. World Health Organization (2009): 45 Environmental Noise Regulations, England 2006
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Likely residual significant effects
11.6.11 The envisaged mitigation (especially landscape earthworks and noise barriers) described in this chapter substantially reduces the potential airborne sound impacts and noise effects that would otherwise arise from the Proposed Scheme. Nonetheless, potential significant adverse airborne noise effects have been identified for the following residential receptors: • Approximately one receptor in the vicinity of Fields Cottage, which is closest to the Proposed Scheme (identified by SV16-D01 on Maps SV-01). At this receptor, the forecast noise from long term railway operation may exceed the daytime threshold set by the Noise Insulation Regulations and the night-time Interim Target identified in the World Health Organization Guidelines.
11.6.12 Further assessment work is being undertaken to confirm operational sound and vibration significant effects, especially those at non-residential receptors and quiet areas (as necessary on a receptor-by-receptor basis). This will be reported in the formal ES which will present baseline levels, forecasts for the Proposed Scheme and the change in sound levels brought about by the Proposed Scheme, both as impact plans and tables. Further mitigation
11.6.13 Noise insulation would be offered following the principles of the Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations 1996 where, taking account of the mitigation incorporated into the Proposed Scheme, the long term operational noise level
exceeds 68dBLpAeq,18 hour. It is estimated that one dwelling, marked as SV16-D01 on maps SV-01, would potentially experience noise levels higher than the insulation trigger level.
90 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Traffic and transport 12 Traffic and transport 12.1 Introduction 12.1.1 This section describes the likely impacts and effects arising from the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme within the Ladbroke and Southam area on all forms of transport. 12.2 Policy framework 12.2.1 WCC’s Passenger Rail Strategy vision is to have “An affordable, accessible, safe, convenient, environmentally friendly and integrated network of rail services, capable of attracting an increasing market share for rail thereby contributing to the achievement of the objectives in Warwickshire’s Local Transport Plan 2011”46.
12.2.2 WCC’s Policy PTPR4: Rail network capacity and infrastructure improvements, states that: “The County Council will encourage the provision of improvements to the capacity of the infrastructure of the rail network to increase capacity to enable improved performance and to provide additional services and stations”.
12.2.3 The Stratford-on-Avon District Local Plan: Review covers the period 1996-2011 and sets out policies and proposals to guide development in the district. Although expired, most of its policies and proposals have been ‘saved’ and can continue to be applied until they are replaced by the LDF – Core Strategy. Policy IMP.6 states that development proposals that generate significant traffic movements will be expected to be accompanied by a Transport Assessment, which sets out all significant transport impacts, appropriate mitigation measures and a programme of implementation. In addition, Policy IMP.7 advises that a Green Transport Plan will be required for all developments where the proposal would cause significant traffic impacts, generate a significant amount of car travel and/or be situated in an area where public transport facilities are limited”. 12.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 12.3.1 The scope and methodology of the traffic and transport assessment are set out inVolume 1.
12.3.2 The potential impacts of the Proposed Scheme in this area are limited to local diversions of existing highways and PRoW together with construction traffic.
12.3.3 It should be noted that the transport and passenger modelling of HS2 is continuing to be developed and therefore the assessment may be updated for the formal ES.
12.3.4 The impact of construction traffic has been assessed on the assumption that all excavated material from worksites would be removed by road, although investigation will continue to establish the possibility of movement by rail. The construction traffic assessment may be updated for the formal ES.
12.3.5 The scope of this assessment has been discussed and agreed with the relevant highway authority.
12.3.6 Although future transport baseline scenario assessments have been made, as of yet no assessments of the future baseline with the Proposed Scheme have been undertaken. Therefore analyses of junction impacts during construction are not yet known. These will be assessed in the formal ES.
46 Warwickshire County Council, (2011) Warwickshire Local Transport Plan 2011-2026.
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12.3.7 The following key limitations exist in the reporting of significant effects: • As yet only limited assessment has been made of the impacts on public transport, although at this stage it is not expected that demand generated by the operation of the Proposed Scheme would be sufficient to have a significant impact on existing public transport services in the area.
• The following Volume 1 criteria for construction and operational scenarios have not yet been assessed at this stage: • Public transport delay; • Traffic flows and delays to vehicle occupants; and • Vulnerable road user delays, amenity and ambience.
12.3.8 The following effects have not been assessed as there is no impact predicted in this area as a result of the Proposed Scheme: • Parking and loading; and • Disruption at stations/interchanges.
12.3.9 Future year traffic flows are based on an approach that does not etak account of wider effects e.g. redistribution and reassignment of traffic, modal shift and peak spreading.As a consequence, local transport effects may be overestimated.
12.3.10 The assessment is based on the Proposed Scheme construction and operation assumptions with the following exceptions: • The current forecast construction traffic flows, temporary diversions, traffic management arrangements and phasing of construction interventions are indicative. They will be subject to revision and update in the formal ES; • Construction traffic volumes, assumptions for truck capacities and periods of movement of excavated materials, construction materials and staff numbers have been determined from earlier Proposed Scheme information. Further revisions to this information would inform the formal ES; and • The assessment assumes that construction traffic would use the routes to and from the worksites (as described in section 2.3 of this document).
12.3.11 Engineering and construction details associated with required service diversion works have still to be confirmed and will be assessed and reported as part of the formal ES. 12.4 Environmental baseline 12.4.1 Comprehensive traffic surveys were undertaken between 18 June 2012 and 12 July 2012 and additional sites were surveyed in November 2012. Traffic flow data have been collected through manual classified counts, automatic traffic counts and queue length surveys.
12.4.2 There are no motorways which would intersect with the Proposed Scheme in the Ladbroke and Southam area; however the following two A-roads would intersect: the A423 Banbury Road to the south of Southam and the A425 Leamington Road to the west of Southam between the B4452/A425 and B4451/A425 junctions.
12.4.3 None of the relevant roads that would be affected by the Proposed Scheme currently experience any noteworthy demand for on-street parking and/or loading.
12.4.4 Bus services currently operating along the B4451 and A425 are in the vicinity of the Proposed Scheme.
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12.4.5 The Proposed Scheme would cross no existing rail services in the Ladbroke and Southam area.
12.4.6 All PRoW which would be intersected by the route have been surveyed in August and September 2012, taking account of the nature of the PRoW and their levels of utilisation. As appropriate, these covered weekday and weekend use. A total of 23 PRoW have been identified consisting of public footpaths, bridleways and cycleways.The surveys indicate that none of the roads, footpaths, bridleways and cycleways that would cross the route are used by more than 60 people per day walking, cycling or riding.
12.4.7 Accident data have been obtained from WCC for a three-year period until 7 June 2012. Analyses shows that there were a total of eight accidents over the three-year period, of which six (75%) were recorded as slight, one (12.5%) as serious and one as fatal. The maximum number occurred on the A423 (Southam Road), with three during the three-year period.
12.4.8 There are three waterways situated within the Ladbroke and Southam area: the Oxford Canal, River Itchen and Grand Union Canal. These three waterways would intersect with the Proposed Scheme. The impact on the usage of the waterways has not yet been assessed; this will be included in the formal ES.
12.4.9 The two A-roads which would intersect with the Proposed Scheme (A423 and A425) have generally light traffic flows with a maximum one way traffic flow of approximately0 35 vehicle movements during the evening peak hour (17:00 to 18:00) on the A423 northbound. The maximum traffic flow at a junction has been identified at the A425/A423 Daventry Road junction, with approximately 1,600 total movements in the morning peak hour (08:00 to 09:00) and approximately 1,800 in the evening peak hour.
12.4.10 The following eight junctions have been assessed in terms of their capacity47 for the 2021, 2026 and 2041 baseline scenarios (these junctions are either close to the alignment of the Proposed Scheme or are likely to be affected by the Proposed Scheme either by alignment or as a result of changes to traffic volumes): • A4091 Tamworth Rd/Coleshill Street; • A423/A425/Daventry Road; • Leamington Way/A45/A425/Brown’s Road; • South Way/London Road/A45; • A45/M1/Weedon Road (M1 junction 16); • A45/Braunstone Road/A4256; • A425/B4452/Bascote Road; and • A425 Southam Road/B4455 Fosse Way.
12.4.11 In the 2041 baseline scenario, the A425 Southam Road/B4455 Fosse Way junction would operate in the morning peak at capacity and in the evening peak over capacity.
12.4.12 All other junctions tested in this area would operate with spare or at capacity.
12.4.13 A number of additional junctions along the construction route between the A423 and M40 via the A422 will be assessed for existing, baseline and baseline with construction scenarios and reported in the formal ES.
47 A junction operates with spare capacity when traffic demand is below the maximum volume of traffic this junction can accommodate at any one point in time. A junction operates at capacity when traffic demand is equal to the maximum volume of traffic this junction can accommodate at any one point in time before congestion is likely to occur. A junction operates over capacity when traffic demand exceeds the maximum volume of traffic this junction can accommodate at any point in time and thus congestion is likely to occur.
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12.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
12.5.1 The following section considers the impacts on traffic and transport and the consequential effects resulting from construction of the Proposed Scheme (as described in Section 2.3 of this report).
12.5.2 The draft CoCP has been followed throughout the engineering design of the Proposed Scheme to avoid or reduce impacts on travellers.
12.5.3 Table 16 shows the number of main construction sites and satellite site compounds in the Ladbroke and Southam area and their associated number of workers, average duration of use and trip generation.
Number of Number of Average Likely vehicular compounds workers duration (year) two-way peak hour trips
Small satellite site compounds 6 180 1 190
Medium satellite site compounds 6 480 1.5 430
Large satellite site compounds 1 130 2.5 360
Main construction sites 2 440 5 1,130
Total 15 1,230 2,110
Table 16: Construction site compound, workforce numbers, duration of use and daily trips48
12.5.4 It has been assumed that during the compounds’ peak time of operation, a third of satellite compounds would also be in operation at their peak concurrently.
12.5.5 Given that the construction strategy is still developing, the assessment has yet to take any detailed phasing implications or capacity assessments at individual junctions into account. These will be assessed in the formal ES.
12.5.6 Temporary road closures would be required; as shown on maps CT‑06-079 to CT‑06-087; to tie- in new highway diversions with existing highways: • Banbury Road (half day/overnight closures); • Leisure Drive (half day/overnight closures); • Windmill Lane (half day/overnight closures); • A423 Banbury Road (half day/overnight closures); • B4451 Kineton Road (half day/overnight closures); and • A425 Leamington Road (half day/overnight closures).
12.5.7 Due to the temporary and very short nature of these diversions, they are deemed not to be significant.
12.5.8 A number of access points to the construction sites would be required and so the construction vehicle movements would be spread over a number of roads. Access points are shown on plans CT‑06-079 to CT‑06-087 and the implications of these will be reported in the formal ES.
48 Construction traffic volumes, assumptions for truck capacities and periods of movement of excavated materials, construction materials and staff numbers have been determined from earlier Proposed Scheme information. Further revisions to this information would inform the formal ES.
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12.5.9 The general principle that has been adopted in this area is that replacement road bridges and underbridges across the route would be constructed early in the programme prior to construction of the haul road along the route to avoid conflict between construction traffic travelling along the haul road and traffic on public highways. It is also assumed that the majority of excavated material would be reused within the Proposed Scheme.
12.5.10 Transport related impacts of the Proposed Scheme during construction would arise from traffic generated by construction activities, as well as temporary diversions of roads and PRoW.
12.5.11 Construction vehicle movements related to the building of the Proposed Scheme have been calculated based on the quantity of materials required to construct the Proposed Scheme with +10% for ancillary delivery vehicles.
12.5.12 The average levels of traffic generated by construction activities at the main construction sites throughout the construction period would be approximately 550 (total two-way flow) vehicles per day. However, in the first three years of construction, traffic levels could be up to 20% higher than this on two or three days a week. The split of construction vehicles is expected to be on average 65% heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and 35% light goods vehicles (LGV). However, this excludes workforce arrival/departure trips, and when related to the overall traffic flows, the percentage split of HGVs in these flows during the morning and evening peaks would therefore be lower.
12.5.13 The CoCP would seek to maximise consolidation of construction materials and equipment thus minimising construction lorry trip generation and minimising deliveries of construction materials and equipment during peak traffic periods. The levels of traffic and the access arrangements, together with the controls imposed by the CoCP mean that construction traffic would not be expected to have a significant impact on traffic levels on roads around the construction site.
12.5.14 The measures in the CoCP would include HGV management and control measures. A construction workforce travel plan would be put into operation with the aim of reducing workforce commuting by private car, especially sole occupancy car travel. The combined effect of the CoCP and the construction workforce travel plan is anticipated to reduce construction traffic generation by a minimum of 7% overall and 15% during the peak periods.
12.5.15 A total of 12 PRoW would either be diverted or temporarily closed during the construction period (subject to consultation with the local authority). The numbers of users have been identified during surveys undertaken in August and September 2012 as mentioned above. Of the 12 PRoW, nine have been identified with user numbers below ten per day. The remaining three, which are used more frequently are detailed below: • SM33 – Link from Leamington Road (opposite Banbury Road) into Starbold Farm with 23 pedestrian users; • SM24 – Link from Leamington Road (near Thorpe Bridge) with 20 pedestrian and six cycle users; and • SM19 – Link from Bascote Road east bound with 18 pedestrian users.
12.5.16 The length of the diversions would be kept to a minimum where practicable. The impact of all diversions is considered to be not significant or of minor significance because of the few people that would be affected (no more than 60 people per day per PRoW).
12.5.17 Bus services which would be subject to temporary diversion include the following: • Bus route 503 on the B4451 Kineton Road; and
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• Bus routes 63, 64, 65 and 66 on the A425 Leamington Road.
12.5.18 Details of bus diversion distances and durations will be included in the formal ES.
12.5.19 No other significant transport related impacts arising from the construction of the Proposed Scheme have been identified. Residual effects
12.5.20 Although the CoCP seeks to minimise construction lorry trips, the construction of the Proposed Scheme is anticipated to result in significant increases in traffic flows (i.e. more than 30% for HGV or all vehicles) on some roads and junctions as a result of temporary closures/ diversions. The following list details those with a temporary increase in HGV or all vehicles of 30% and above in the morning peak hour and their significance: • 30% HGV increase: ȃȃ The A423 (minor adverse); • 30% increase in both HGV and all vehicles: ȃȃ A425 Leamington Road/A423 Banbury Road junction (moderate adverse); ȃȃ A423 Banbury Road/Glebe Farm access junction (moderate adverse); ȃȃ Welsh Road/Bascote Road junction (minor adverse); and ȃȃ A425 Leamington Road/B4452/Bascote Road junction (moderate adverse).
12.5.21 The effect of increased traffic on congestion and delay at the junctions mentioned would not be significant, as they are all currently forecast to have sufficient capacity to accommodate additional traffic flows.
12.5.22 Since in the Ladbroke and Southam area no roads or junctions have been identified which experienced a significant number of accidents (nine and above in a three-year period ending in 2011/12), it is not expected that the increase in traffic flows on major roads and through certain junctions is likely to increase accident risk. 12.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
12.6.1 The assessments undertaken at this stage have indicated that for this area there would be no significant transport related impacts during operation of the ProposedScheme that require mitigation. This is due to there being no stations or depots within this area, and trips generated by the Proposed Scheme being deemed not to be significant.
12.6.2 PRoW diversions as detailed below are not deemed to be significant as the maximum number of people affected is no more than 60 per day per PRoW: • Leisure Drive (SM101) – not significant; • South of Stoneton Farm, Oxford Canal Walk/Towing Path (SM116a) – not significant; • South of Church Farm, west of Stoneton Farm on the Oxford Canal (SM200) – no effect; • South of Church Farm, west of Stoneton Farm on the Oxford Canal (SM 116) – not significant; • East of Glebe Farm (E2424) – not significant; • Lower Radbourne Farm (SM96a) – minor adverse effect; • E2413 – minor adverse effect;
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• Link North from Windmill Lane/Ladbroke Hill Farm (SM90) – minor adverse effect; • Link from Leamington Road (Opposite Banbury Road) into Starbold Farm (SM33) – not significant; • Link from Leamington Road (Near Thorpe Bridge) (SM24) – not significant; and • Link from Bascote Road eastbound (SM19) – no effect. Residual effects
12.6.3 There are not considered to be any significant residual effects associated with the operation of the Proposed Scheme.
97 CFA Report – Ladbroke and Southam/No 16 I Water resources and flood risk assessment 13 Water resources and flood risk assessment 13.1 Introduction 13.1.1 This section provides a summary of the likely impacts and significant effects on water resources and flood risk as a result of the construction and operation of the ProposedScheme. The assessment considers effects on surface water resources, groundwater resources and flood risk. 13.2 Policy framework 13.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to water resources and flood risk assessment are set out below.
13.2.2 The adopted Local Plan contains four policies relating to flood risk management and water resources: • Policy PR.7 (Flood Defence) requires developers to undertake an appropriate level of flood risk assessment; • Policy DEV.7 (Drainage) requires development proposals to incorporate sustainable drainage and encourages the reuse and recycling of surface water; • Policy PR.8 (Pollution Control) does not permit development that would give rise to pollution; and • Policy PR.5 (Resource Protection) highlights the need for conservation of key resources across the district including surface and groundwater.
13.2.3 The emerging Stratford-on-Avon Core Strategy maintains the general policy approach of the development plan in respect of flood risk and pollution control. Three policies are considered of particular relevance, strengthening the control on flood risk management and introducing additional considerations relating to sustainability and climate change: • Policy CS1 (Sustainable Development) amongst other things, seeks to ensure that development is resilient to climate change; • Policy CS2 (Climate Change and Sustainable Energy) reinforces the need to avoid locating new development in areas of flood risk, promotes water efficiency and the incorporation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS); and • Policy CS3 (Safeguarding the Water Environment) outlines a presumption against development in flood risk areas, the need to manage surface water run-off and promotes the use of sustainable drainage (with a preference for infiltration). It also includes a presumption against culverting and requires Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) for all development adjacent to canals. 13.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 13.3.1 The route of the Proposed Scheme is as shown in Section 2.
13.3.2 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the water resources and flood risk assessment are set out in Volume 1. The study area for water is 1km either side of the route although some water features extending beyond this have been considered.
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13.3.3 The assessment of surface water resources and flood risk focuses on the River Itchen, its tributaries, the Grand Union Canal and the Oxford Canal and their associated catchment areas and floodplains.
13.3.4 The groundwater resources assessment focuses on aquifers that are present within bedrock and overlying deposits located within 1km of the Proposed Scheme. This is referred to as the study area. Effects on groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems GWDTEs)( and groundwater users (both licensed abstractions and private users) are also considered. 13.4 Environmental baseline 13.4.1 The study area has a rolling landscape of gentle hills and valleys. The landform along the route is at its greatest elevation of 140m above sea level in the south-east and then undulates between 70m and 120m above sea level as the route crosses various hills and valleys within the study area.
13.4.2 The route intersects water bodies six times within the study area, crossing features including the River Itchen and tributaries, the Oxford Canal and the Grand Union Canal (map CT‑04-15). The River Itchen and its tributaries are classified as being of moderate status under theWater Framework Directive (WFD) by the EA49. All of these watercourses have an overall objective of good under the WFD, indicating they need to reach good status by 2027. There are a further 99 water features within the study area.
13.4.3 The EA has indicated that there is a single licensed surface water abstraction within the area from the River Itchen. There are 20 consented discharges to surface waters within the study area, the majority of which are sewerage discharges.
13.4.4 At the southern end of the study area the bedrock is predominantly Jurassic Charmouth Mudstone Formation (Mudstone). There are additional localised areas of limestone as well as various Triassic and Jurassic Mudstone bands. Superficial deposits are largely confined to the alluvial deposits in river valleys. Many of the rock layers support secondary aquifers, as do the occasional alluvial deposits. There are no Source Protection Zones (SPZs) within the study area.
13.4.5 There are numerous groundwater bodies within the study area. All are classed as having good status under the WFD (map CT‑04-15).
13.4.6 No groundwater level data has been made available but it is assumed that groundwater may be within 2m of the ground surface and will be flowing towards local watercourses, especially within superficial deposits.
13.4.7 The EA reports that there is one licensed groundwater abstraction within the study area. The local authority reports that a further four unlicensed abstractions are used for potable supply. There is one existing discharge to groundwater (a sewerage discharge) within the study area. Thirty three springs, sinks and wells have been identified within the study area.
13.4.8 The route lies within the Warwickshire Avon Secondary Mudrocks area, which is designated a secondary aquifer to the north and an unproductive strata to the south. However, the Warwickshire Avon Secondary Mudrocks has not been designated in terms of groundwater availability for licensing by the EA50.
49 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy. Strasbourg, European Parliament and European Council. 50 Environment Agency, (2013). Warwickshire Avon Abstraction Licensing Strategy.
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13.4.9 There are no sites of European or international nature conservation importance within the study area. There are two sites designated under UK legislation located within this study area: Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI lies on the line of the route, on the higher ground just north of Ufton and Bascote Heath. However, the design would take the route under the woods in tunnel (map CT‑01-44). Ufton Fields Nature Reserve SSSI lies on the same area of higher ground near the wood, approximately 1km west of the nearest part of the route not in tunnel. These features may be GWDTEs.
13.4.10 The route within the study area lies within the Coventry Cluster sub area as designated by the River Severn Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP). Throughout this sub area there is a relatively high level of river flood risk during the 1 in 100 annual probability flood event (i.e. a flood event or level that has a 1% probability of occurring in any given year). The policy for this sub area requires that further action be taken to reduce flood risk51.
13.4.11 The EA’s flood zone mapping is shown on map CT‑04-15. The maps show the predicted limits of flooding from rivers during events with an annual chance of occurring of 1 in 100 (1%) and 1 in 1,000 (0.1%). The route intersects into the floodplain of the River Itchen and its tributaries in several locations.
13.4.12 Flood Mapping for Surface Water maps provided by the EA indicate that the following areas may be at risk of surface water flooding to a depth greater than 10cm during the 1 in 002 (0.5%) annual probability flooding event52: • Areas to the east and north-east of Wormleighton; • Areas to the south and north of Chapel Bank Cottage as well as the cottage itself; • An area east of Ladbroke; • Southern Southam as well as areas to the south and west of Southam; and • Long Itchington and Ufton Woods.
13.4.13 The Warwickshire County Council Strategic Flood Risk Assessment promotes infiltration drainage techniques in more permeable areas rather than discharges to watercourses.53 The SFRA also supports the use of sustainable drainage (such as ponds, reed beds and other landscape features).
13.4.14 British Geological Survey (BGS) groundwater flood maps show that much of the land within the area is at high risk of groundwater flooding. However, both the Stratford-on-Avon and the Warwickshire Strategic Flood Risk Assessments indicate that there are no known major issues from groundwater flooding54. The overall importance of groundwater flood risk within the study area ranges from high (around the River Itchen, to the north of the Oxford Canal and south of Ladbroke) to low (from Southam to Bascote Heath).
13.4.15 The risk of flooding from canals and reservoirs has been assessed as low.
13.4.16 The route crosses the sewer network at several locations within the study area. However, due to the closed nature of the system and the fact there are no inspection covers located close to the route, the risk of flooding from this source is considered to be low.
51 Environment Agency, (2009). River Severn Catchment Flood Management Plan. 52 Environment Agency, (2010). Flood Map for Surface Water 53 Warwickshire County Council, (2007). Strategic Flood Risk Assessment 54 Stratford on Avon District Council, (2008). Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.
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13.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
13.5.1 The draft CoCP sets out the measures and standards of work that would be applied to the construction of the Proposed Scheme. It would provide effective management and control of the impacts during the construction period including those required for utility diversions and strengthening, compensation grouting, and tunnelling construction.
13.5.2 The draft CoCP includes the following provisions: • Implementing a surface water and/or groundwater monitoring plan, particularly in relation to works which may affect aquifers; • Undertaking further risk assessments associated with excavation work and impacts on surface water, groundwater, abstractions, aquifers and private water supplies; • Preparing site specific flood risk management plans for those areas at risk of flooding; • Avoiding the use of contaminating materials through appropriate design, construction and equipment specification wherever possible; • Following the measures outlined in the draft CoCP for the provision of suitable site drainage, for the storage and control of oils and chemicals and to mitigate against accidental spillages; and • Undertaking, as required, further pre-construction monitoring to establish baseline water quality conditions for watercourses; groundwater and during construction works. This would enable the effectiveness of those mitigation measures introduced to limit pollution risk to be monitored and any pollution incidents to be identified.
13.5.3 Construction works have the potential to impact surface and groundwater flow and quality due to run-off, sediment, fuels or other construction materials entering the watercourse, or through mobilisation of contamination following disturbance of contaminated ground or groundwater, or through uncontrolled site run-off or direct discharges. Measures defined in the draft CoCP, including detailed method statements, would ensure that there would be no effect on surface water quality or flows associated with construction.
13.5.4 The route of the Proposed Scheme would cross a number of small watercourses, some of which would require permanent realignment over a short distance to a new culvert. These are moderate value receptors and whilst diversion could have moderate potential impacts, by constructing the new channel in advance and following the measures included in the draft CoCP these would be reduced to slight. It is unlikely that there would be any significant effect during construction as a result.
13.5.5 The Proposed Scheme within this area overlies multiple aquifers and entails construction of an abundance of cuttings and a tunnel giving rise to the potential to affect groundwater quality. Excavations, sheet piling and dewatering could also alter the groundwater flow with potential for inducing low flows (abstraction and reduced permeability) or increasing groundwater flood risk (cuttings and sheet piling). It is not anticipated that any GWDTE or other receptors will be significantly affected, after mitigation, based on the information available, with the exception of the potential impact on Long Itchington and Ufton Woods where uncertainty currently remains.
13.5.6 Tunnelling beneath Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI may induce settlement and associated fracturing which may alter the drainage and shallow groundwater characteristics of the wood. Further assessment of this potential impact will be reported in the formal ES.
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13.5.7 The effects of disturbing and mobilising existing poor quality ground or groundwater and of creating or altering of pathways on groundwater quality during construction would be mitigated by the following measures: • Avoiding below ground construction in the saturated zone, if at all possible; • Creating hydraulic barriers around excavations; and • Implementing a regime of pre-construction monitoring of groundwater quality to establish baseline conditions.
13.5.8 Three temporary bridges (required to cross the Oxford Canal, the River Itchen and the Grand Union Canal) and several areas proposed to be used during construction (including accommodation areas, construction compounds and haulage roads) may affect flood risk from rivers. Bridges would be designed to convey the 1 in 100 annual probability of flooding event without increasing flood risk and construction areas would be designed so as not to increase the risk of flooding.
13.5.9 Mitigation would seek to restrict runoff from construction areas and other temporary works to the equivalent existing runoff rates during the 1 in 100 annual probability vente or more frequent events, as appropriate. As a result, there would be no significant change in surface water flood risk. Likely residual significant effects
13.5.10 There may be residual effects on the hydrology of Long Itchington andUfton Woods SSSI, the magnitude and the significance of which will be reported in the formal ES. 13.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
13.6.1 The proposed scheme has been designed to control impacts on the water environment through the following: • Drainage has been designed to reduce the rate and volume of runoff from the railway and prevent an increase in flood risk; • Sustainable drainage, where appropriate, has been included to encourage water to soak back into the ground where drainage or cuttings intercept groundwater flow; and • Sustainable drainage will also provide opportunities to reduce the effect of runoff on water quality by reducing potential contaminants through filtration, vegetative adsorption or settlement; and • Best practice pollution control guidance would be adopted for maintenance of the Proposed Scheme.
13.6.2 All standard drainage including drainage from associated access roads and hardstandings would discharge either under agreement to sewer or to sustainable drainage attenuation ponds, prior to subsequent discharge to sewer/watercourses, as appropriate. All discharges to watercourses would be conducted in accordance with the EA or Lead Local Flood Authority consent conditions with respect to quality and flow, as appropriate.
13.6.3 It is proposed to realign and culvert a minor tributary of the River Itchen where a crossing is needed. In addition, a second culvert is proposed on a tributary of the River Itchen, approximately 350m west of the route. This may have a local adverse impact on the existing water environment, although this is not considered to be significant.As part of the
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realignment, opportunities would be taken to retain and if possible enhance the overall quality, and WFD status, of the watercourses.
13.6.4 Some road diversions are required as part of the Proposed Scheme. Mitigation would be selected for these realignments using the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and the Construction Industry Research and Information Association guidance to reduce impacts on the water environment55,56.
13.6.5 In some locations active groundwater abstraction may need to be continuous to maintain a low water table or passive drainage into cuttings may occur. These impacts would be mitigated through the use of sustainable drainage, reinjection of water and the incorporation of low permeable barriers (e.g. cut off walls) into the ground works design. Further assessment of this impact and any additional mitigation will be detailed in the formal ES.
13.6.6 Tunnelling beneath Long Itchington and Ufton Woods SSSI may induce settlement and associated fracturing, which may alter the drainage and shallow groundwater characteristics of the wood. Further assessment of this potential impact will be reported in the formal ES.
13.6.7 All watercourse crossings are designed to convey the 1 in 100 (1%) annual probability event (including an allowance for climate change) without increasing flood risk. Appropriate storage mitigation would be provided as required if the Proposed Scheme would increase flood risk to sensitive receptors.
13.6.8 Modelling to quantify operational river flood risk is ongoing but interim results indicate that overall the Proposed Scheme would have minimal impact within this study area.
13.6.9 The overall impact on flooding from all sources during operation is therefore not significant and the effect on property and the water environment is not significant.
13.6.10 None of the effects likely to arise during operation has been identified as being significant after mitigation, with the possible exception of the effects of Long ItchingtonWood tunnel. Likely residual significant effects
13.6.11 There may be residual effects on the hydrology of Long Itchington andUfton Woods SSSI, the magnitude and the significance of which for the management of the designated area requires further assessment in the formal ES.
13.6.12 The diversion of the tributaries of the River Itchen would offer the opportunity for beneficial effects should enhancements be identified. This will be reviewed and assessed in the formal ES. All other residual effects on the water environment or flood risk have been assessed as not significant.
55 Highways Agency, (1992 plus subsequent addenda): The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). 56 CIRIA, (2007). The SUDS manual (C697).
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