Tangmere Strategic Development Location, West Sussex
Report to Inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment (including Appropriate Assessment)
October 2020
Quality Management Client: Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd. Project: Tangmere Strategic Development Location, West Sussex Report Title: Report to inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment (including Appropriate Assessment) Project Number: 1005545 File Reference: 1005545 HRA vf2/MRD/DM Date: 16/10/2020
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Contents
Text:
1 Introduction ...... 4
2 Description of Plan/Project ...... 6
3 Stage 1 - Screening of Likely Significant Effects ...... 7
4 Stage 2 – Appropriate Assessment: Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar .. 21
5 Summary and Conclusion ...... 26
Plans:
Plan 5545/ECO1 Site Location
Plan 5545/ECO3 European Designations within 25km
Plan 5545/ECO4 Habitats and Ecological Features
Appendices:
Appendix 5545/1 Tangmere SDL Open Space and Strategic Landscape Parameters Plan
Appendix 5545/2 Traffic Modelling Data: Land West of Tangmere – Strategic Modelling Specification Note.
Land at Tangmere, West Sussex Report to inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment (including Appropriate Assessment)
1 Introduction
Background and Proposals
1.1.1 Aspect Ecology has been commissioned by Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd to provide information to inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) in respect of land at Tangmere Strategic Development Location (SDL), West Sussex (see Plan 5545/ECO1).
1.1.2 There are a number of European-level designations, within the proximity of the site, the closest being Chichester and Langstone Harbours Special Protection Area and Ramsar, located approximately 5.7km to the south-west of the site. As such, the proposals will need to be subject to an HRA under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, setting out an assessment of effects on nearby European designations.
1.1.3 On this basis, the following report sets out information to inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment of the proposed residential development.
Legislation
1.1.4 All areas in England classified as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) or SPAs, collectively known as European sites, receive statutory protection under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (the ‘Habitats Regulations’). These Regulations transpose into UK legislation the ‘Habitats Directive’ 1992 (92/43/EEC) and the ‘Birds Directive’ 2009 (2009/147/EC).
1.1.5 The Regulations impart a duty on Local Planning Authorities (competent authorities) to carefully consider whether any proposals may have a significant effect on a European site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. In most circumstances, permission may only be given for a plan or project to proceed if it has been ascertained that it will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of any such designation.
Assessment Methodology
1.1.6 The procedure for assessment of projects that are not directly connected with, or necessary to, the management of the designation for conservation is an ordered process following a number of key stages, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (revised February 2019)1 and accompanying ODPM circular 06/20052, whilst further detail is provided by EC guidance relating to the Habitats Directive3,4.
Stage 1 – Screening
1.1.7 Under the first stage, it is necessary to examine if the proposals will result in any ‘likely significant effect’ on the internationally important features of the European site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. EC guidance recommends that key indicators should be used to determine the significance of effects.
1 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (February 2019) National Planning Policy Framework 2 ODPM Circular 06/2005: Government Circular: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Obligations and their impact within the Planning System (16 August 2005) 3 European Commission (November 2001) Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites: Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC 4 European Commission (April 2000) Managing Natura 2000 sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC
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1.1.8 If it can be objectively concluded that there are not likely to be significant effects on the European site, no further assessment is necessary, and permission should not be refused under the assessment.
1.1.9 If any ‘likely significant effects’ are identified or where it remains unclear whether effects will be significant the assessment procedure should follow on to Stage 2.
1.1.10 Contrary to previous case law in England and Wales, following the recent Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruling (People over Wind, Peter Sweetman v Coillte Teoranta, Case C-323/17, dated 12 April 2018), measures intended to avoid or reduce the harmful effects of a plan or project on a European site should not be taken into account at this screening stage, and instead these must be considered as part of an Appropriate Assessment (Stage 2).
Stage 2 – Appropriate Assessment
1.1.11 Should it be determined that (in the absence of mitigation/avoidance measures) a plan or project will result in ‘likely significant effects’ on a European site (or that such effects cannot be ruled out), the competent authority should proceed to the next stage, where further assessment is required.
1.1.12 Under the second stage, it is necessary to determine whether the proposals, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, will result in any adverse effects on the integrity of the site as defined by the conservation objectives and status of the site. The precautionary principle should be applied, and the focus should be on objectively demonstrating, with supporting evidence, that there will be no adverse effects on the integrity of the European site. Where this is not the case, adverse effects must be assumed.
1.1.13 If it is considered that the proposal will not adversely affect the integrity of the site, permission can be granted. If this cannot be ascertained, or there is uncertainty, the assessment procedure should follow on to Stage 3.
Stage 3 onwards
1.1.14 Under Stages 3 and 4, it is necessary to assess if there are alternative solutions and whether there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest. If these tests are passed, authorisation may be granted subject to compensation measures being secured.
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2 Description of Plan/Project
Site Overview
2.1.1 The site is located in West Sussex on the west side of the village of Tangmere, near Chichester. The site is bound to the north by the A27, beyond which lies further open countryside, and a solar park. To the east the site is bound by housing and green open space which form the outskirts of Tangmere. To the south the site is bound by Tangmere Road, and to the west there is further arable land outside the application area.
2.1.2 The majority of the site is comprised of arable land, together with areas of improved grass leys, and a small amount of semi- improved species poor grassland at the centre of the site, and in the form of field margins (as shown on Plan 5545/ECO4). Field boundaries include mainly defunct hedges, or very sparse scattered scrub along ditch lines.
Development Proposals
2.1.3 Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd has been appointed as Chichester District Council’s development partner to help deliver the Tangmere Strategic Development Location (SDL) which is allocated in the adopted Chichester Local Plan: Key Policies 2014-2029 for 1000 homes and associated infrastructure including a primary school, open space and community facilities (proposed to be increased to 1,300 homes under the Preferred Approach consultation on the Chichester Local Plan Review 2034).
2.1.4 The Site comprises approximately 76 hectares to the west of Tangmere, with direct access from the A27 (T) on the north side. An Outline Application (all matters reserved except access) will be submitted in 2020, to be accompanied by an Environmental Statement. The proposed scheme is described as:
“Outline planning application for a residential-led mixed use development comprising up to 1,300 dwellings (Use Class C3), an expanded village centre (comprising flexible units suited to Use Class E and pubs or drinking establishments and/or takeaways in Use Class Sui Generis), community uses, primary school, informal and formal open space, playing pitches, footpaths, cycleways, associated landscaping, utilities and drainage infrastructure, including on-site pumping station(s) with connection to the Strategic Foul network; associated infrastructure and groundworks; with all matters reserved except for the principal access junctions from the A27 grade-separated junction and Tangmere Road and the secondary access at Malcolm Road.”
2.1.5 For the purposes of the Habitats Regulations Assessment the scheme is perhaps best illustrated by the Tangmere SDL Open Space and Strategic Landscape Parameters Plan which is attached at Appendix 5545/3.
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3 Stage 1 - Screening of Likely Significant Effects
European Designations within the Surrounds of the Site
3.1.1 A number of European designations have been identified within 20km if the site, whilst a review of the Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs) produced to inform previous and current versions of Chichester District Council’s (CDC) Local Plan5 identifies a number of additional designations which could be subject to adverse effects as a result of development within the District. These are listed in Table 3.1 below, together with the relative distance from the proposed development, and are also shown on Plan 5545/ECO3.
Table 3.1. International ecological designations in the vicinity of the site (25km radius). Designation Approx. distance from site
Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar 5.7km to south-west
Solent Maritime SAC 5.7km to south-west
Pagham Harbour SPA/Ramsar 6.4km to south
Solent and Dorset Coast pSPAA 7.6km to south
Kingley Vale SAC 7.6km to north-west
Singleton and Cocking Tunnels SAC 7.7km to north
Duncton to Bignor Escarpment SAC 9.3km to north-east
The Mens SAC 18.9km to north-east
Ebernoe Common SAC 19.6km to north-east
Butser Hill SAC 21.4km to north-west
Arun Valley SAC 13.8km to east
Rook Clift SAC 13.7km to north-west
Potential Effects in Relation to the Proposed Development
3.1.2 Based on a review of CDC’s HRAs6, a number of potential impact pathways on European designations have been identified, as follows:
• Loss of Habitats. Since there are no European sites within the proposed development area, these are restricted to the loss of land/habitats which would be considered to have a potential indirect effect to habitats in the European site which
5 URS (May 2014) Habitats Regulations Assessment – Chichester Local Plan: Key Policies Submission 2014- 2029; AECOM (May 2017) Habitats Regulations Assessment: Chichester District Council Local Plan Review – Issues and Evidence Base; and AECOM (August 2018) Habitats Regulations Assessment – Chichester Site Allocation Development Plan Document 6 URS (May 2014) Habitats Regulations Assessment – Chichester Local Plan: Key Policies Submission 2014-2029; AECOM (May 2017) Habitats Regulations Assessment: Chichester District Council Local Plan Review – Issues and Evidence Base; and AECOM (November 2018) Habitats Regulations Assessment – Chichester Local Plan Review.
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are functionally linked. This is particularly relevant to populations of bats, birds and other mobile species.
• Recreational Disturbance resulting from increased visitor numbers to the European sites.
• Air Quality Effects, resulting primarily from traffic.
• Urbanisation, such as the effects of cat predation and fly tipping.
• Water Quality. Effects on the aquatic environment resulting from wastewater or surface water pollution.
• Water Demand. Effects which may have adverse effect on European sites through an increase in abstraction.
• Coastal Squeeze. Intertidal habitat loss which arises due to the high-water mark being fixed by a defence and the low water mark migrating landwards in response to sea level rise.
A discussion of these in relation to the proposed development is set out below.
Loss of Habitat
3.1.3 The site is not located within or adjacent to any European designation, so the proposed development will not result in any direct loss of habitat.
3.1.4 Consideration does need to be given to the possibility that the site provides functionally linked habitat for species associated with European designations, specifically in respect of Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus.
3.1.5 Barbastelle are primarily a woodland bat species, most commonly roosting during the summer in trees, and most maternity roosts occur in this context. However, nocturnal foraging has been recorded over a much wider area. A draft protocol has been produced by South Downs National Park Authority, in conjunction with Natural England7, describing the bat interest within the SACs and surrounding area.
3.1.6 The Mens SAC and Ebernoe Common SAC are both designated for their Barbastelle maternity roosts, together with Singleton and Cocking Tunnels SAC, which is a hibernation roost for the species.
3.1.7 A series of radiotracking studies carried out over the past 15 years have provided detailed information on the flight lines surrounding these sites, the findings of which have been used to formulate the South Downs National Park Authority Draft Sussex Bat SAC Protocol8.
3.1.8 The protocol defines impact zones around the SACs, within which consultation is considered necessary, which are shown on the attached plan, and are summarised as follows:
• 6.5km Key Conservation Area – the Key conservation area in which all impacts must be considered as habitats within this zone are considered critical for sustaining the populations of bats within the SACs.
7 Sussex Bat Special Area of Conservation. Planning and Landscape Scale Enhancement Protocol (Draft). SDNPA/NE 8 .
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• 12km Wider Conservation Area – for developments proposed 6.5 – 12km from the SAC zone , significant impacts or severance of flight lines should be considered. foraging areas required by the bats. Significant impacts or severance to flight-lines should be considered.
3.1.9 Habitats within this sustenance zone have the potential to provide ‘functional linkage’ to the SAC if they provide a (potentially important) role in maintaining or restoring the protected Barbastelle bat population present at the SAC at favourable conservation status. In this case, functionally linked land within the sustenance zone may comprise key Barbastelle bat foraging areas.
3.1.10 In relation to the respective impact zones, the Tangmere SDL site is located outside the 6.5km core sustenance zone, and does not intersect any of the established flight lines. Furthermore, the nearest component part of the SAC is Singleton and Cocking Tunnel which is used for Barbastelle for hibernation. The patterns of movement or origins of hibernating bats using this site has not been investigated under the current radiotracking studies, although the consultation zone does include the 12km zone around this site also.
3.1.11 The studies did identify several other Barbastelle maternity roosts in the surrounding area which are considered to be important but are not designated. These include woodland sites at Slindon (approx. 5.1km to the east of the site), and Goodwood (approx. 2.5km to the north-west of the site).
3.1.12 The results of radiotracking studies at these sites is reported in a joint AEWC/BatCru Report from 20159. The flight-line for Barbastelle using the Goodwood site passes approximately 600m to the west of the Tangmere site, while the Slindon flight-lines passes to the east at approximately 2.5km to the east/south-east of the Tangmere site. These sites have not been established as being functionally linked to the Sussex Bat SACs. Furthermore, no recorded flight-lines for bats originating at either site pass across the Tangmere site.
3.1.13 Bat activity surveys were carried out in relation to the proposed Tangmere SDL development, during 2019, and identified low numbers of the species foraging over some parts of the site. Three static detectors were deployed on a monthly basis and recorded 0.1%, 0.4% and 8.9% of all bat registrations respectively.
3.1.14 Studies have shown that riparian margins and broadleaved woodland are strongly selected for foraging by Barbastelle bats, although unimproved grassland, field margins and hedgerows are also important10. There is recognised to be a high degree of temporal and spatial variation in foraging patterns for the species, often relating to changes in moth abundance11. The frequency of Barbastelle occurring during the activity surveys is consistent with these patterns of occurrence. A high degree of fluctuation in the number of Barbastelle bats was observed, with a distinct spike in the east of the site during the September survey, which has skewed the total number of records.
3.1.15 Furthermore, it has become apparent with the widespread use of static acoustic detectors, that the species is more widely distributed than previously thought – although never common – across the rural landscape of southern Britain and parts of Wales12.
9 AEWC/BatCru (2015) Barbastelle Bats in the South Downs National Park. 10 Zeale et al., 2012 11 Mathews et. al (2018) A review of the population and Conservation Status of British Mammals. A report by the Mammal Society A report by the Mammal Society under contract to Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage. Natural England, Peterborough. 12 ibid
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3.1.16 In conclusion therefore, the effects on Barbastelle originating from the Sussex Bat SACS is screened out on the following basis:
• Tangmere lies outside the core 6.5km sustenance zone, and is not on the route of any known flight lines originating from the SAC.
• Although Barbastelle maternity colonies have been recorded at Goodwood and Slindon, these are not proven to be functionally connected to the Sussex Bat SACs.
• None of the established flight lines Goodwood or Slindon cross the Tangmere SDL.
• Bat surveys have recorded the species using the site, and it is possible that bats originate from Goodwood, Slindon or another non-designated site. However, the patterns of Barbastelle use within the Tangmere site are not thought to be connected in any significant way to the Sussex Bat SACs.
• There are no substantive woodland blocks or corridors of riparian habitat within the Tangmere SDL.
3.1.17 The Tangmere SDL site is also not within the proximity of any other European sites for which functionally-linked habitats could be important (e.g. within the range expected for birds or other species to travel).
3.1.18 On this basis, it is considered that effects of loss of (functionally linked) habitat on The Mens SAC, Ebernoe Common SAC and Singleton and Cocking Tunnels SAC on Barbastelle are not likely to be significant and do not require Appropriate Assessment.
3.1.19 Ebernoe Common SAC and Singleton and Cocking Tunnels SAC are partly notified on the basis of their populations of Bechstein’s bat (for roosting and hibernating populations respectively). This species is known to forage in and around the woodland where they roost with limited outward travel13. Accordingly, Bechstein’s bat is unlikely to be encountered at the site, and no Likely Significant Effects are expected. It is therefore considered that an Appropriate Assessment is not required in respect of this feature on any of the three bat SACs.
3.1.20 On this basis, it is considered that effects of loss of (functionally linked) habitat on The Mens SAC, Ebernoe Common SA and Singleton and Cocking Tunnels SAC on Bechstein’s are not likely to be significant and do not require Appropriate Assessment.
Recreational Disturbance
3.1.21 The Solent area is currently heavily populated, and the high levels of growth proposed within the region have prompted concern over potential for disturbance to bird populations associated with the European designations in this area, namely Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA and Pagham Harbour SPA. As such, numerous studies have been undertaken as part of the Solent Disturbance Mitigation Project (SDMP) to assess visitor patterns and the impacts of increased recreation on wintering bird interest.
3.1.22 The work undertaken has indicated that there are current impacts from disturbance, including within Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar. As such, additional recreational activity arising from the proposed development has the potential to contribute
13 Sussex Bat Special Area of Conservation. Planning and Landscape Scale Enhancement Protocol (Draft). SDNPA/NE
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to disturbance, resulting in adverse effects on the interest species for which the SPA and Ramsar is designated.
3.1.23 The evidence14 shows that mitigation should be required from all dwellings built within 5.6km of the boundaries of the Solent SPAs. This is the zone from which 75% of coastal visitors live. On the advice of Natural England, the Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy has been prepared by Bird Aware, Solent15, setting out the mitigation requirements within this zone.
3.1.24 Based on a review of Natural England’s Impact Risk Zones (IRZs), the site is located outside of the identified zones of influence for Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA, which extends to some 5.6km, with the site being located 5.7km from the SPA.
3.1.25 Nevertheless, pre-planning consultation with Natural England (response dated 19th July 2019) has identified that they consider that the Tangmere SDL ‘has a potential to have a likely significant effect as a result of recreational disturbance’ due to its large scale.
3.1.26 This aligns with Chichester District Council’s (CDC’s) Policy position, which has been developed with advice from Natural England. The adopted CDC Local Plan16 Policy 50 refers to mitigation requirements within the 5.6km zone as follows:
“Net increases in residential development, which incorporates appropriate avoidance/mitigation measures, which would avoid any likelihood of a significant effect on the SPA, will not require an ‘appropriate assessment’. Appropriate avoidance/mitigation measures will comprise:
a) A contribution in accordance with the joint mitigation strategy outlined in Phase III of the Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project; or
b) A developer provided package of measures associated with the proposed development designed to avoid any significant effect on the SPA; or
c) A combination of measures in (a) and (b) above”
3.1.27 With regards to development outside the 5.6km zone, the policy also notes the following:
“The provisions of this policy do not exclude the possibility that some residential schemes either within or outside the Zone of Influence might require further assessment under the Habitats Regulations. For example, large schemes, schemes proposing bespoke avoidance/mitigation measures, or schemes proposing an alternative approach to the protection of the SPAs. Such schemes will be assessed on their own merits, and subject to advice from Natural England.”
3.1.28 In terms of other European sites which might be subject to recreational disturbance effects, the Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA largely relates to feeding grounds for the designated tern species and is not considered to be particularly sensitive to recreational disturbance.
14 Liley D & Tyldesley D (2013) Solent Disturbance & Mitigation Project Phase III. Towards an Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy. Paragraphs 7.28 – 7.30 15 Bird Aware Solent.Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy (December 2017). Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) 16 Chichester Local Plan: Key Policies 2014-2029. Chichester District Council.
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3.1.29 The site is also located outside the IRZ for Pagham Harbour SPA which has a 3.5km radius for residential developments, with the Tangmere site being located 6.4km from the designation.
3.1.30 On this basis it is concluded that the proposed development may result in likely significant effects in relation to recreational disturbance at Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA and Ramsar site, and that an Appropriate Assessment is required.
Air Quality
3.1.31 The main pollutants of concern for European sites are oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and ammonia (NH3). NOx can have a directly toxic effect upon vegetation. In addition, greater NOx or ammonia concentrations within the atmosphere will lead to greater rates of nitrogen deposition to soils. An increase in the deposition of nitrogen from the atmosphere to soils is generally regarded to lead to an increase in soil fertility, which can have a serious deleterious effect on the quality of semi-natural, nitrogen-limited terrestrial habitats.
3.1.32 In the case of SPAs, the bird species for which the SPA is designated are not directly sensitive to air pollution, although increased atmospheric pollution could adversely affect supporting habitats, including those noted on the associated Ramsar citations.
3.1.33 In this respect, atmospheric pollution is highlighted as a potential issue under the HRAs for CDC’s Local Plan, and a number of strategic measures are set out to reduce traffic levels and associated atmospheric pollution.
Screening Process
3.1.34 The screening of European sites for Atmospheric Pollution effects has been carried out broadly in line with Natural England’s guidelines17 which recommend a step-wise approach to screening, as follows:
Step 1: Does the proposal give rise to emissions which are likely to reach a European Site?
Steps 2 and 3: Are the qualifying features of sites within 200m of a road sensitive to air pollution, and could the sensitive qualifying features of the site be exposed to emissions? Highways Agency guidance relating to assessment of traffic and atmospheric pollution18 sets out that roads within 200m of a designation should be considered in terms of potential effects, with effects of emissions reduced to background levels beyond this.
Step 4: Application of screening thresholds. The use of the AADT screening threshold is advocated by Highways England in their Design Manual for Roads and Bridges14 (DMRB) to check whether more detailed assessment of the impact of emissions from road traffic is required. This non-statutory or guideline threshold is based on a predicted change of daily traffic flows of 1,000 AADT or more (or heavy-duty vehicle flows on motorways (HDV) change by 200 AADT or more).
3.1.35 The main distribution of traffic from the site is likely to be along the A259, A27, A285 and A286. According to the Department of Transport’s Transport Analysis Guidance “beyond 200m, the contribution of vehicle emissions from the roadside to local pollution is not significant”. Therefore, designations located within 200m of these roads have the potential
17 Natural England (2018). Natural England’s approach to advising competent authorities on the assessment of road traffic emissions under the Habitats Regulations. 18 Highways Agency (2007) Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. Volume 11: Environmental Assessment. Section 3: Environmental Assessment Techniques. Part 1: HA207/07 – Air Quality.
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to be subject to adverse effects as a result of air quality resulting from the proposed development.
3.1.36 Other designations (Rook Clift SAC and Arun Valley SAC) are well separated from major roads and are unlikely to be affected.
3.1.37 Screening for likely significant effects has been carried out with reference to the following sources:
• In line with the Steps given in Section 3.1.34 above, consideration was given to a) the features of interest of the SPA/SAC within 200m of the major road, and whether they are sensitive to atmospheric pollution, and b) where relevant, what the critical load is considered to be, and whether it is currently exceeded (using data derived from the UK’s Air Pollution Information System - APIS19);
• Conclusions are also extracted from existing local plan HRAs, such as the CDC Local Plan Review HRA (November 2018) and the South Downs National Park Authority Local Plan 2014-2033 HRA20 (April 2018), both of which consider a range of European sites with respect to the possible LSE of their proposals on the features of interest of these European site arising from atmospheric effects.
• Where it has not been possible to screen out effects on the basis of proximity to a major road or by virtue of the sensitivities present, traffic modelling carried out specifically for the Tangmere SDL has been examined to determine if the screening threshold of 1,000 AADT is likely to be exceeded.
Coarse Screening Based on Proximity to Main Roads and Habitat Sensitivity
3.1.38 Table 2 below shows all European sites within 200m of a potentially affected road, and the sensitivity of qualifying ecological features. Information regarding the habitats present have been examined for each unit of the qualifying Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), details of which have been obtained from the government’s MAGIC website.
Table 3.2. European designations within 200m of a major road and details of qualifying criteria sensitive to air quality effects (25km radius).
European Site Major Ordnance Sensitive SSSI units within Proceed to Roads Survey Qualifying 200m next stage within Grid Features within of 200m Reference 200m screening?
Duncton to A285 SU Aspero- 01,02,03 YES Bignor 95651612 Fagetum Beech Escarpment Forest SAC
Kingley Vale B2142 SU Taxus baccata 17 YES SAC 83361332 Yew Woodland,
Semi-natural grasslands and scrubland
19 http://www.apis.ac.uk 20 AECOM (April 2018) South Downs National Park Authority Local Plan Review 2014-2033 Habitats Regulations Assessment.
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European Site Major Ordnance Sensitive SSSI units within Proceed to Roads Survey Qualifying 200m next stage within Grid Features within of 200m Reference 200m screening?
Solent A259 A3(M Various3.1.39 None (*see3.1.40 01,02,03,05,10,3.1.41 NO European Sites A27 M275 section 3.1.44 13,14,16,1718,1 (Chichester A32 below) 9,21,22,29,30 and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar, Solent Maritime SAC) Pagham B2145 SZ None (*see 02,03,05,18 NO Harbour 85649648 section 3.1.46 SPA/Ramsar below)
Ebernoe A283 SU Atlantic 13,14,17 YES Common SAC 96512597 acidophilous beech forests
Barbastelle and Bechstein’s Bat)
The Mens SAC A272 TQ Atlantic 02,03,04,08 YES 02332379 acidophilous beech forests
Barbastelle Bat
Butser Hill SAC A3 SU Taxus baccata 03,05,07,09 YES 72181977 Yew Woodland
3.1.42 Semi-natural grasslands and scrubland
Singleton and A286 SU None (*see 03,04 NO Cocking SAC 87281399 section 3.1.47 below)
3.1.43 Where specific European Sites have been screened out, further justification is provided below.
3.1.44 Solent European Designations: Within the Solent European designations, all SSSI units within 200m of major roads are described as comprising of littoral sediments (saltmarsh) or Fen, Marsh and Swamp habitat, which are not considered sensitive to air quality effects. Critical loads for Saltmarsh are taken from APIS as 20-30 kg N/ha/yr (Nitrogen deposition). Baseline air quality is understood to be well below this level. Bird species qualifying as features of the SPA are also not reliant on these features, instead being associated with sand dune and acid grassland habitats.
3.1.45 The CDC Local Plan concludes that the Local Plan as a whole would result in an increase in Nitrogen deposition of 12.8kgN/ha/yr which is below the critical threshold for those habitats within the SPA/SAC/Ramsar. Tangmere would form a small part of this. It is
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therefore concluded that Tangmere is not likely to have a significant effect either alone or in combination, and the designation is screened out from further screening stages.
3.1.46 Pagham Harbour SPA: SSSI units within 200m of major roads are described under the unit descriptions as neutral grassland. CDC Local Plan concludes that the Local Plan as a whole would result in an increase in Nitrogen deposition of 14.9kgN/ha/yr which is below the critical load threshold for those habitats within the SPA/SAC/Ramsar. It is therefore concluded that Tangmere is not likely to have a significant effect either alone or in combination, and the designation is screened out from further screening stages.
3.1.47 Singleton and Cocking SAC: The designation supports hibernation colonies of Barbastelle and Bechsteins Bat, which use the former railway tunnels which are present at the site. Whilst woodland habitats which are sensitive to air quality effects, are relied upon by these species for maternity roosting, this is not the function of the Singleton and Cocking SAC, and there is no identifiable pathway for air quality impacts, since the tunnels are sheltered from deposition effects. It is concluded that there will be no adverse effects either alone or in combination, and the designation is screened out from further screening stages.
3.1.48 All other European Designations: All other designations within 200m contain habitats sensitive to air quality effects and have been subject to further screening.
Detailed Screening Based on Traffic Modelling
3.1.49 The remaining sites where there could be potential likely significant effects have been screened using traffic modelling data gathered specifically for the Tangmere SDL proposals.
3.1.50 The existing Chichester Area Transport Model (CATM) which has recently been updated to support the consideration of developments for the purpose of the Local Plan Review (2016- 2035), and as such offers a means of establishing ‘stand-alone’ or cumulative scenarios for the purpose of informing the TA for the Tangmere SDL. The scope of modelling carried out in relation to the Tangmere SDL is set out in the Transport Assessment Scoping Report21.
3.1.51 The relevant scenarios used for the purposes of traffic assessment in relation to the Tangmere SDL are as follows:
• TA Scenario 2: 2035 Reference Case (existing – no proposed change)
• TA Scenario 3: 2035 Do Minimum – ‘no development’ (Forecast Baseline). This is the TA Scenario 2 minus the contribution from the Tangmere SDL within the existing local plan (ie. 1000 dwellings)
• TA Scenario 4: 2035 Do Something – ‘with development’. As per Scenario 3, plus 1,300 dwellings for the Tangmere development, and taking into account modification to the road network proposed as part of the SDL.
3.1.52 Calculating the difference in predicted traffic movements, between Scenarios 3 and 4, allows the predicted contribution from Tangmere SDL to be calculated in isolation. In addition, by comparing Scenario 4 with the 2014 baseline, it is possible to estimate the total cumulative effect of all proposed local plan development.
3.1.53 The results of this further screening is summarised in Table 3 below:
21 RPS Group (January 2020) Transport Assessment Scoping Report – Tangmere Strategic Development Location.
October 2020 Page|15 Land at Tangmere, West Sussex Report to inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment (including Appropriate Assessment)
Table 3.3. Screening Based on Traffic Modelling Data for European Designations Within 200m of Major Roads
European Major Change in Change in Conclusions of likely Significant Effects (Alone and In Combination) Screening Result Site Roads traffic (Alone) Traffic (In within combination) 200m
Duncton A285 23 AADT 807 AADT SDNPA and CDC Local Plan HRAs both conclude no significant adverse effects Screened Out to Bignor (source South for all planned developments ‘in combination’ with respect to air quality. Escarpme Downs Local nt SAC Plan HRA) Traffic data for Tangmere shows that the scheme will contribute 23 AADT additional traffic movements, which is 0.32% of the total proposed increases under the ‘Do Something’ Scenario. Hence the ‘alone’ effects are also deemed unlikely to be significant.
The predicted effects of traffic increases alone and in combination are <1000 AADT both alone and in combination.
Kingley B2142 Not 89 AADT The CDC Local Plan concludes that as a whole the Local Plan policies will only Screened Out Vale SAC calculated. (source CDC result in an uplift of 89 AADT representing <2% of the baseline traffic flows, Local Plan and therefore is ‘Unlikely to materially alter any air quality modelling results’, HRA) and that Appropriate Assessment is not considered to be necessary.
The predicted effects of traffic increases alone and in combination are <1000 AADT both alone and in combination.
Ebernoe A283 95 AADT 438 AADT Traffic modelling of expected traffic flows likely to arise from the Tangmere Screened Out Common (source CDC SDL, predicts that the scheme will result in an increase of 95 AADT, which is SAC Local Plan significantly below the 1000AADT screening threshold and is therefore not HRA). considered to represent a significant contribution.
As a result, there are not expected to be any likely significant effects to the Ebernoe Common SAC alone or in combination, based on the predicted effects of traffic increases alone and in combination being <1000 AADT both alone and in combination.
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European Major Change in Change in Conclusions of likely Significant Effects (Alone and In Combination) Screening Result Site Roads traffic (Alone) Traffic (In within combination) 200m
The Mens A272 -179 AADT 306 AADT - Traffic modelling carried out for the Tangmere SDL, predicts a reduction of 179 Screened Out SAC (reduction) source CDC AADT resulting from the proposals. It is therefore concluded that Tangmere is Local Plan not likely to have a significant effect either alone or in combination. HRA. The SDNPA Local Plan HRA concludes that there will be no adverse effect resulting from the Do Minimum Scenario. The CDC Local Plan HRA predicts a mitigated uplift in future year traffic (2035) of 438 AADT, of which Tangmere will be a proportion, from which the 179 AADT has been deducted. The Local Plan HRA concludes that there are not expected to be air quality effects from the Tangmere SDL Policy alone, and that following air quality modelling it should be possible to conclude no effect of the Local Plan on integrity of the features of interest of the SAC.
The predicted effects of traffic increases alone and in combination are <1000 AADT both alone and in combination.
Butser Hill A3 10 AADT 822 AADT – The SDNPA Local Plan HRA concludes that there be no likely significant Screened Out SAC source CDC adverse effects for all planned developments ‘in combination’. The CDC Local Local Plan Plan HRA predicts an increase of 822 AADT on a future year base of 111,431 HRA AADT, which equates to a 0.7% impact, which would not be detectable in transport terms. It concludes that there are not expected to be air quality effects from the Tangmere SDL Policy alone, and that following air quality modelling it should be possible to conclude no effect of the Local Plan on integrity.
Traffic modelling for Tangmere predicts and increase of 10 AADT which represents 0.01% of the existing baseline and is considered to be negligible.
The predicted effects of traffic increases alone and in combination are <1000 AADT both alone and in combination.
October 2020 Page|17 Land at Tangmere, West Sussex Report to inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment (including Appropriate Assessment)
3.1.54 In conclusion, following both stages of screening, it is considered that there will be no likely significant effects resulting from changes to air quality on any European Sites, and that this pathway can be screened out.
Urbanisation
3.1.55 Given the distance between the site and nearest designation, the proposed development is considered unlikely to result in any increased urbanisation effects e.g. in relation to increased cat predation and tipping of garden waste.
3.1.56 On this basis these effects are screened out, and no Likely Significant Effects are expected to result from the proposals either alone or in combination with other plans or proposals.
Water Quality
3.1.57 The quality of the water that feeds European sites is an important determinant of the nature of their habitats and the species they support. Poor water quality can have a range of environmental impacts. Sewage and industrial effluent discharges can contribute to increased nutrient levels within European sites, leading to unfavourable conditions. In addition, diffuse pollution, partly from urban run-off, can be a major factor in causing unfavourable condition of European sites.
3.1.58 Wastewater drainage from the Tangmere site will be via Tangmere Wastewater treatment Works (WWTW) which is situated approximately 1.5km to the east of the site, and discharges into the Aldingbourne Rife. Surface Water will also drain into the Aldingboune Rife catchment.
3.1.59 An examination of the Environment Agency Catchment Explorer22 indicates that the course of the receiving waterbody is to the south, entering the sea at Bognor Regis. At this point the only designation that applies is the Solent and Dorset Coast potential SPA (pSPA), which is proposed for designation on the basis of its populations of three species of terns. It is therefore not considered to be sensitive to changes in water quality which might result from the proposals, and the effects of changes in Water Quality on Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA are therefore screened out.
3.1.60 The point at which the site discharges to the sea is approximately 5.4km to the east of Pagham Harbour SPA, and 22km east of Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar and Solent Maritime SAC and it is considered that there is no clear pathway for impacts to affect the features of interest of these designations. It is therefore proposed that the HRA screening exercise would conclude that there will not be any Likely Significant Effects to any European designations on the basis of a deterioration of water quality.
3.1.61 Other designations are more distant with no identified hydrological connectivity and are therefore unlikely to be subject to any adverse effects on water quality as a result of the proposed development. Because the site and its discharge points are outside the Solent catchment, it is also considered that it falls outside the remit of Natural England’s draft nitrogen neutrality methodology, although confirmation of this would be welcomed.
3.1.62 In conclusion, it is considered that there will be no likely significant effects resulting from water quality on any European Sites, and that this pathway (water quality) can be screened out.
22 https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB107041011980
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3.1.63 It is noted that a HRA of CDC’s Preferred Approach Draft Local Plan23 (November 2018) has been carried out, which assessed the LSE of proposed growth on the Solent European Sites, and sets out policy recommendations for ensuring that wastewater in the Chichester Harbour and Pagham Harbour Wastewater treatment Catchment areas provide robust protection to them. The sites referred to are Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Solent Maritime SAC, and Pagham Harbour SPA.
3.1.64 The view that water quality effects resulting from the Tangmere development should be screened out, is further substantiated by the policy background and framework in respect to water quality, in a number of important respects, which are summarised below:
• CDC is not one of the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) planning authorities – these being Hampshire County Council, the unitary authorities of Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight and eight district authorities of Eastleigh, East Hampshire, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, New Forest, Test Valley and Winchester. An Integrated Water Management Study24 was carried out in March 2018 on behalf of the PUSH authorities, including consideration of any adverse effects on European site. Within the PUSH zone, Natural England has also produced a draft ‘methodology for calculating the nitrogen budget for development in the Solent and achieve nitrogen neutrality’.
• CDC’s Water Quality Assessment25 (August 2018) outlines how sustainable growth will be achieved in respect of water quality, taking into account population growth and associated housing needs, and proposals for increased transport, power and infrastructure growth. In addition to the above objectives the water quality assessment identifies relevant protected areas and designated sites which could be impacted by changes in water quality caused by future housing growth. This included sites such as European sites, bathing waters, shellfish waters and Ramsar sites. The assessment included an examination of Tangmere WWTW (including consideration of recent upgrades at the site) and predicted that there would be no significant deterioration in downstream water quality. It concluded that there were not likely to be any impacts to the next downstream waterbody.
Water Demand
3.1.65 The site is supplied by Portsmouth Water, who have confirmed that overall water demand is not increasing despite increased populations and they do not intend to apply for any additional licences in the near future. On this basis, it is considered that effects on European designations resulting from the proposed development can be screened out.
Coastal Squeeze
3.1.66 The site is located approximately 7.5km from the sea. As such, the proposed development is not considered to result in adverse effects on any designations as a result of coastal squeeze. On this basis, it is considered that effects on European designations resulting from the proposed development can be screened out.
23 AECOM (May 2017) Habitats Regulations Assessment: Chichester District Council Local Plan Review – Issues and Evidence Base; and AECOM (November 2018) Habitats Regulations Assessment – Chichester Local Plan Review. 24 Amec Foster Wheeler (March 2018). Integrated Water Management Study. Report for Partnership for Urban South Hamphire. 25 Amec Foster Wheeler (August 2018). Chichester District Council Water Quality Assessment
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Summary
3.1.67 On the basis of the above, potential effects on European designations are summarised in Table 3.2 below:
Table 3.4: Potential impact pathways in relation to European designations within the surrounds of the site.
Potential impact pathways
)
-
Distance from
Designation proposed habitat
development
waste/ Water
Loss of Loss
Coastal Coastal
(
squeeze
demand
Air quality Air
disturbance
functionally Recreational
Urbanisation
Waterquality
linked surfacewater Chichester and Langstone Harbours 5.7m to SW X Y X X X X X SPA/Ramsar Pagham Harbour 6.4km to S No effects anticipated SPA/Ramsar Solent and Dorset 7.6km to S No effects anticipated Coast pSPA Solent Maritime SAC 5.7km to SW No effects anticipated Kingley Vale SAC 7.6km to NW No effects anticipated Singleton and 7.7km to N No effects anticipated Cocking Tunnels SAC Duncton to Bignor 9.3km to NE No effects anticipated Escarpment SAC The Mens SAC 18.9km to NE No effects anticipated Ebernoe Common 19.6km to NE No effects anticipated SAC Butser Hill SAC 21.4km to NW No effects anticipated Arun Valley SAC No effects anticipated Rook Clift SAC No effects anticipated
3.1.68 Consideration of these effects in relation to the identified European designations is given in the following sections (Sections 4 to 7). This information is considered sufficient to inform an appropriate assessment of the proposed development, in accordance with the ‘People over Wind’ ruling.
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4 Stage 2 – Appropriate Assessment: Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar
Geographical Context
4.1.1 Chichester and Langstone Harbours are large, sheltered estuarine basins comprising extensive sand- and mud-flats exposed at low tide. In total, the SPA/Ramsar designation covers an area measuring around 5,810ha. The nearest unit of the SPA/Ramsar is located 5.7km to the south-west of the site.
Qualifying Features
Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA
4.1.2 Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European importance of the following Annex 1 species:
• During the breeding season • Little Tern Sterna albifrons; and • Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis. • On passage • Little Egret Egretta garzetta. • Over winter • Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica; and • Little Egret.
4.1.3 This site also qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European importance of the following migratory species:
• On passage • Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. • Over winter • Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa islandica; • Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla bernicla; • Dunlin Calidris alpina alpine; • Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola; • Redshank Tringa tetanus; and • Ringed Plover.
4.1.4 The area qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by regularly supporting at least 20,000 waterfowl, including Wigeon Anas penelope, Bar-tailed, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, Little Egret, Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, Curlew Numenius arquata, Teal Anas crecca, Pintail Anas acuta, Shoveler Anas clypeata, Red-breasted Merganser
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Mergus serrator, Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus, Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Knot Calidris canutus, Sanderling Calidris alba, Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus.
Chichester and Langstone Harbours Ramsar
4.1.5 Chichester and Langstone Harbours Ramsar qualifies under the following Ramsar criteria:
• Ramsar criterion 1: The site comprises two large estuarine basins linked by the channel which divides Hayling Island from the main Hampshire coastline. It includes many wetland habitats including intertidal mudflats, saltmarsh, sand, shingle spits and sand dunes. • Ramsar criterion 5: A mean peak of 76,480 waterfowl for the 5 year period 1998/99 – 2002/03. • Ramsar criterion 6: The site regularly supports more than 1% of the individuals in a population for the following species: Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Common Shelduck, Grey Plover and Dunlin, whilst Little Tern has been identified subsequent to designation for possible future consideration under this criterion.
Conservation Objectives
4.1.6 The European Site Conservation Objectives for the SPA are stated as:
Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring:
• The extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features;
• The structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features;
• The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely;
• The population of each of the qualifying feature; and
• The distribution of the qualifying features within the site.
Consideration of Potential Effects
4.1.7 The Stage 1 screening exercise identified potential effects on Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar as a result of recreational disturbance. These are discussed further below.
Recreational Disturbance
4.1.8 The Solent area is currently heavily populated, and the high levels of growth proposed within the region have prompted concern over potential for disturbance to bird populations associated with the European designations in this area. As such, numerous studies have been undertaken as part of the Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project (SDMP) to assess
October 2020 Page|22 Land at Tangmere, West Sussex Report to inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment (including Appropriate Assessment)
visitor patterns and the impacts of increased recreation on wintering bird interest. The findings of this work are set out in a number of reports, namely:
• Stillman, R. A., Cox, J., Liley, D., Ravenscroft, N., Sharp, J. and Wells, M. (2009) Solent disturbance and mitigation project: Phase I report. Report to the Solent Forum; • Stillman, R.A., West, A.D., Clarke, R.T. and Liley, D. (2012) Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project Phase II: Predicting the impact of human disturbance on overwintering birds in the Solent. Report to the Solent Forum; • Fearnley, H., Clarke, R.T. and Liley, D. (2010) The Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project. Phase II: On-site visitor survey results from the Solent region. Solent Forum/Footprint Ecology; • Fearnley, H., Clarke, R.T. and Liley, D. (2011) The Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project. Phase II: results of the Solent household survey. Solent Forum/Footprint Ecology; • Liley D. and Tyldesley, D. (2013) Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project: Phase III. Towards an Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy. Footprint Ecology/David Tyldesley and Associates.
4.1.9 The work undertaken has indicated that there are current impacts from disturbance, including within Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar. As such, additional recreational activity arising from the proposed development has the potential to contribute to disturbance, resulting in adverse effects on the interest species for which the SPA and Ramsar is designated.
4.1.10 The Tangmere SDL is located approximately 5.7km from Chichester and Langstone Harbour Special Protection Area (SPA), which is one of three SPAs within the Solent which are subject to strategic mitigation measures under the auspices of the Bird Aware Solent Recreational Mitigation Strategy (Solent SMRP). These mitigation measures have been set out at the strategic level, to avoid impacts associated with recreational disturbance of bird species for which the Solent SPAs are designated.
4.1.11 At the strategic level, a Delivery Framework for the SMRP was produced in December 2017 by The Partnership for South Hampshire (PUSH)26 which comprises a number of LPAs in South Hampshire, who are advised by stakeholders including Natural England. This document provides recommendations to enable the delivery of dwellings in the vicinity of Solent SPAs without having a significant effect on the SPA as a whole.
4.1.12 Therefore, an assessment of the likely effects of recreational activity arising from the proposed development is set out below, based on the findings of the SDMP research.
Predicted increase in levels of recreational activity
4.1.13 The cost model used for calculating contributions to the Solent Bird Mitigation Strategy, and tariffs generated by it, is based on payments being secured for all proposed developments within the 5.6km zone. The mitigation scheme is understood to be fully funded by contributions from development within the 5.6km zone.
4.1.14 Outside the 5.6km zone, the visitor density per postcode is likely to be significantly reduced. To estimate the possible number of visitors from Tangmere SDL, the visitor data (after the Footprint Ecology visitor survey 2010) was scrutinised for each postcode band at 500m increments. This data is shown below:
26 Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy (December 2017). Bird Aware Solent.
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Table 4.1. Visitor density per postcode band around Solent SPA sites (data after Footprint Ecology visitor survey 2010)
Density (per Zone (m from Solent No of postcodes per No. Visitors No. Postcodes 1000 SPA) visitor postcodes)
0-500 95 3125 30.40 32.89 500-1000 230 21875 10.51 95.11 1000-1500 160 40625 3.94 253.91 1500-2000 70 50000 1.40 714.29 2000-2500 60 68750 0.87 1145.83 2500-3000 45 81250 0.55 1805.56 3000-3500 65 90625 0.72 1394.23 3500-4000 40 87500 0.46 2187.50 4000-4500 35 93750 0.37 2678.57 4500-5000 10 95000 0.11 9500.00 5000-5500 15 112500 0.13 7500.00 5500-6000 35 137500 0.25 3928.57 6000-6500 30 153125 0.20 5104.17 Sum of 0-5500m 825 745000 1.11 903.03 All visitors 1,155
4.1.15 This analysis shows that the density of visitors in the 6000m band (within which the Tangmere SDL is situated) is approximately 0.25 visitors per 1000 postcodes, in comparison to a density of 1.11 visitors per postcode when considering the total density summed throughout the 0-5.5km zones.
4.1.16 Accordingly, the predicted visitor density from Tangmere could reasonably be expected to be approximately 23% of the overall predicted visitor density within the zone of influence.
4.1.17 Using the visitor density (per postcode) given in Table 1 above, and assuming that each postcode contains 15 properties, there are estimated to be 2,062,500 households within the 5500-6000m band. If the number of visitors interviewed in this band was 35 (3.03% of the total 1155 visitors which were interviewed as part of the survey), then the additional 1300 houses which are added by the Tangmere SDL, would account for a population increase of 0.063% within that band. This in turn would be expected to amount to a 0.0019% increase in the predicted number of visitors expected to originate from the Tangmere SDL.
4.1.18 Modelling undertaken by SDMP estimated that current total visitor rates to the Solent are 52 million annually, rising to 60 million as a result of projected housing increases27. On this basis, in total numbers, the Tangmere SDL would be expected to contribute a predicted increase of an additional 1,134 annual visits to the Solent.
27 Stillman, R.A., West, A.D., Clarke, R.T. and Liley, D. (2012) Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project Phase II: Predicting the impact of human disturbance on overwintering birds in the Solent. Report to the Solent Forum.
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Mitigation/Avoidance Measures
4.1.19 As set out above, some minor potential has been identified for effects on Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar as a result of disturbance from cumulative increases in recreational activity and impacts on water quality.
4.1.20 Given the minor nature of the predicted increases in visitors resulting from the Tangmere SDL, and its location outside the 5.6km zone, it would not be reasonable to use the same method for calculating financial contributions as for those developments within the zone. Indeed, there is no method defined under the Strategy for such circumstances.
4.1.21 Local Plan Policy does however, appear to offer flexibility over the exact mitigation measures stating that a “developer provided package of measures” is appropriate. Bearing this in mind, the following mitigation measures are proposed.
4.1.22 On-site greenspace, providing alternative recreational opportunities. The Tangmere SDL masterplan includes provision for recreation routes within the retained green corridors throughout the site, including at least one circular path of approximately 3km in length. Whilst there is no formal requirement to provide Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (a SANG) within the development, the length of walk is similar to the SANG requirements adopted in relation to other European Designations. For example, guidelines within the Thames Basin Heaths SPA Delivery Framework28 stipulate that a circular walk of between 2.3 – 2.5km in length is provided.
4.1.23 Educational measures – distribution of Bird Aware Solent leaflets to new residents to reinforce the message of responsible recreation in and around the Solent. The current leaflet is available at https://solent.birdaware.org/media/32888/Bird-Aware-Brochure- September 2019/pdf/Bird_Aware_Brochure_September_2019_update.pdf. A leaflet drop would be carried out for all new phases of development, once approaching full occupation.
4.1.24 Implementation of the above measures and ongoing monitoring of their effectiveness will be funded by the developer.
Residual Effects and Conclusion
4.1.25 The proposed development has potential to result in a small increase in visits to Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar, which although would be insignificant alone, could result in a significant effect in-combination with other plans and projects.
4.1.26 Accordingly, a package of mitigation measures has been prepared. Following implementation of the above measures, it is considered that the proposed development, alone and in-combination with other plans and projects, would not result in an adverse effect on integrity at Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar in view of the site’s conservation objectives.
28
October 2020 Page|25 Land at Tangmere, West Sussex Report to inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment (including Appropriate Assessment)
5 Summary and Conclusion
5.1 Aspect Ecology has been commissioned by Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd to provide information to inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) in respect of land at Tangmere SDL, West Sussex. The site is proposed for residential development, comprising 1,300 residential units, along with associated commercial floor space, community facilities, access and landscaping.
5.2 Given that a number of European designations are located within the wider vicinity of the site, this report provides an assessment of potential effects on European designations arising from the proposed development.
5.3 Loss of (functionally linked) habitat for bats, recreational disturbance, air quality effects, urbanisation, water quality effects, water demand and coastal squeeze are each considered.
5.4 No effects from any of the following European Designations are anticipated, in respect of any of the effect pathways:
• Pagham Harbour SPA/Ramsar • Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA • Solent Maritime SAC • Kingley Vale SAC • Duncton to Bignor Escarpment SAC • Arun Valley SAC • Rook Clift SAC • The Mens SAC • Ebernoe Common SAC • Butser Hill SAC • Singleton and Cocking Tunnels SAC
5.5 An Appropriate Assessment has been carried out of the potential effects on the Solent European sites (Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA/Ramsar and Solent Maritime SAC) resulting from recreational disturbance.
5.6 This report therefore sets out the required information to allow an Appropriate Assessment of the proposed development in relation to the Solent European Sites. Based on the nature and location of the European designations relative to the site, and mitigation measures to be incorporated under the proposed development, it is considered that detrimental effects, alone and in-combination, will be avoided, such that taking into account the designations’ conservation objectives, the proposed development would have no adverse effect on integrity of these sites.
October 2020 Page|26
Plan 5545/ECO1:
Site Location
Key:
Site Location
Aspect Ecology Limited West Court Hardwick Business Park Noral Way Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 2AF 01295 279721 info@aspectecology.com www.aspectecology.com
Tangmere Strategic Development PROJECT Location, Chichester
Site Location TITLE
DRAWING 5545/ECO1 NO.
REV. September 2020 DATE
Based upon the Ordnance Survey map with permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright. Aspect Ecology Ltd, West Court, Hardwick Business Park, Noral Way, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 2AF. Licence No. 100045262
Plan 5545/ECO3:
European Designations Within 25km
Key:
Site Boundary Ebernoe Common SAC 25km Buffer Wealden Heaths Phase II SPA Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Special Protection Area (SPA)
RAMSAR
Butser Hill SAC The Mens SAC
Rook Clift SAC
Duncton to Bignor Escarpment SAC
Arun Valley SPA, SAC & RAMSAR
Kingley Vale SAC Singleton & Cocking Tunnels SAC
Solent & Isle of Wight Lagoons SAC Solent Maritime SAC
Chichester & Langstone Harbours SPA & RAMSAR
Portsmouth Harbour SPA & RAMSAR
Pagham Harbour SPA & RAMSAR
South Wight Maritime SAC
Aspect Ecology Limited West Court Hardwick Business Park Noral Way Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 2AF 01295 279721 info@aspectecology.com www.aspectecology.com
Tangmere Strategic Development PROJECT Location, Chichester
European Designations TITLE
DRAWING 5545/ECO3 NO.
REV. August 2020 DATE
Based upon the Ordnance Survey map with permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright. Aspect Ecology Ltd, West Court, Hardwick Business Park, Noral Way, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 2AF. Licence No. 100045262
Plan 5545/ECO4:
Habitats and Ecological Features
T3 Key: H18 Site Boundary
Arable
Arable (Stubble) H20 H17 Horticultural Beds
F4 Improved Grassland H19 Semiimproved Grassland
Amenity planting
Tree (Negligible Bat Roosting Potential) F3 Tree with Low Bat Roosting Potential H21 H16 H30 Tree with High Bat Roosting Potential
Ancient Yew Tree
Hedgerow H22 T1 X X X X X X X X Scattered Scrub H32 T2 Pond X Wet Ditch H23 F1 Dry Ditch TG8 H5 X H2 X Bare Ground P1 F5 H1 H6 F6 H3 H27
P2 T9 H24 T5 H12 F2 H26 H7 H28 T6 F10 H29 T4 TG4 H4 F9 H25 H11 H10 H14 X T7 H13 F7 X X X F11 H15 X Aspect Ecology Limited West Court Hardwick Business Park Noral Way Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 2AF 01295 279721 info@aspectecology.com www.aspectecology.com H8 W1 Tangmere Strategic Development PROJECT F8 Location, Chichester
Habitats and Ecological Features TITLE
H15 DRAWING 5545/ECO4 NO. H9 REV. September 2020 DATE
Based upon the Ordnance Survey map with permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright. Aspect Ecology Ltd, West Court, Hardwick Business Park, Noral Way, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 2AF. Licence No. 100045262
Appendix 5545/1:
Tangmere SLD Open Space and Strategic Landscape Parameters Plan
FB Key ARUNDEL ROAD Planning application boundary
El Sub Sta
2
Filling
1 Station Existing access to Saxon Meadow
SQUARE GARLAND 45
44 Olde Cottage Cherry Tree 54 Development areas Inn Cottage 51
63 50 Thimbles A 27 30 Kelburn 39 28 Cedar Playground Sta Extra 33 Primary school El Sub Inglewood Cott 58 Cover 38 55 31 12 Shelldrake 29 Lindale 25 Beaulara 27 Potential primary school expansion (if primary school is not 32 Ringinglow Night 8 32 expanded, land use will be residential) Owl Hideaway 29 Side Green El 62 AVENUE 59 28 EDWARDS 25 Game Farm Sub Willowdene Hibiscus
Sta 7 Cottage Mere 16 Moonrakers 26 Informal open space (including amenity and open space and Lodge 24 32 36 Downlands LB natural / semi-natural green space) ROAD
23 33 21 21 1 BISHOPS 50
GIBSON El Sub Sta 23
5 Parks, Sport and Recreation 22 CLOSE 35 NICOLSON 20 34 19
42 41 ROAD 18 1 Woodstock
12 MIDDLETON Parks 46 8 GARDENS
5
14 41 7 6 12a 12 11 14
The 37 Sports and recreation
20 A Pines 17 285 NETTLETON AVENUE 23
21 10 9 26 2 1 El Ps 4 Allotments
32
30
ROAD Spinney 3 Community orchard Cottage
HAMPDEN 27 ARUNDEL 28
Recreation Ground Rossmore 9
Playground
24 PLACE Locally Equipped Area for Play
23 26
12
CLOSE
10
14
1 19 Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play 17
DUXFORD
1 El 1 to 14 Tangmere Sub Sta Existing pond retained Spitfire Court
Jerrard Tennis House ROAD Retained trees and hedgrows Berakah Courts JERRARD Tangmere Village Centre Lladro Dental Centre
Monymusk
24 25 26 27 Removed trees and hedgrows Nompara 23 Tangmere Hooters 15 Medical Centre Woodlands 12 14 16 7
28 Greenbanks 15 29
30 6 Proposed hedgerow planting native species up to 5m wide. Hamilton 32 House 33 31 Planted as transplant hedge with advanced nursery stock MALCOLM 35 ROAD Mooncoin 34 12 14 CAEDWALLA Walnut Tree Lark Cottage Whiteways hedgerow trees at maximum 15m centres. Maintained as 3m Grambles Garter 17
Lea 1
Rise 1 high hedgerow with hedgerow trees Lindenwood 5 CLOSE Willow Cottage DERWENT WAY Cherry 36 Midsummer 67 Mabruk Kumasi Heemse Dunsfold 1 Pump 68 DRIVE 40 Sky Place Proposed native species woodland matrix planting between Culham Sybrik Craven TAMAR Oakley View
Cott Sta 15 and 20m wide including whips, transplants and some 8 Edrosa Byways Holly Orchard 5 44
6 72 Ayala advanced nursery stock 8 Highlands New ROAD Reydon Pumping Fields 4 139 Gate Cottage Zone for earth bund up to 3m high (above existing AOD) in Sta Compton House El Sub addition to a 3m high acoustic fence and planted with native 151 House Orchard CAMPBELL 145 147 Wings TANGMERE Corner Jasmine 1 Gas Cottage Gov species woodland planting including whips, transplants and Tangmere 49 137 ROAD CHESTNUT Cottage 40 ROAD MALCOLM 44 some advanced nursery stock. 79 46 Ardlamont 41 43 45 Holmwood HuntersGate WALK 39 80 Tamarisk 36 112 35 108 Cornerways Potential churchyard expansion (If churchyard is not 3 Hazelhurst 33 By 32 CLOSE Hill Farm The 12 14 15 31 129 WOODFIELD 106 House Mere 30 1 expanded, land use shall remain as open space) DRIVE Way 3
Cott 28
2 Gastons 4 19 Pilgrims End CLOSE
1 20 April 5 90 Egerton Acre 24 CRESCENT 27
100 The 6 Cott 87 7 Floodwater attenuation basin zone (Maximum extent) 1 9 MANNOCK 98 Lodge CHICHESTER 1 5 CHESHIRE BARNCROFT The Retreat Amberley WHITEBEAM WAY
93
119 Tanglewood 48 2 ROAD Austens 6 10 95 The Croft 8 Danby 8 Existing watercourse to be Re-profiled / naturalised 105 Bader Richey 1 10 5 Typhoon House 117 House House 1 to 6 1 to 6 The Bungalow Newcroft 1 to 6
1 4
1 9 Yeomans Perrymead Newlands DRIVE 35 41 44 COPPER BEECH 36 37 40 House 43 12 Sports pavilion 38 39 42 Beaconhurst Sewage 14 3 4 5 Pumping LB 8 30 Station 34 TCB Dukes Cottages The Old Cottage NOTE: 48
CL 17 25
9 123 For the NEAP and LEAP, a 25m deviation from the location indicated has 24 118 26 Tempest 1 House been allowed for. 2 11 to 6 4 1 7 The COTTAGE ESS
29 Wayside 1 OLD Notes/Revisions
24 a 24 Bay 28 Cottages 5 Cottage 2 Bayleys
18 Ark Royal 23 15 BAYLEY
21
12 Tangmere House 1 El ROAD 3
ST Sub THE
34 Sta ANDREW'S 11 GLEBE
8
El 6 Sub
7
LANE Sta
2 1
17 40 Gas Gov 2 4 WALK Church Farm 1 St Andrew's House LANE Church CHURCH HALEYBRIDGE 6 1 Kimkarlo Tank 11 3
7 1
27 A
Haresfield
14 15 12 10 Allotment Gardens
13 CLOSE
HEARN 1 Elerkey 23 7 3
21
TERR
16 22
27 Saxon 1 Meadow 5 18
15
17 4 HARESFIELD
16 1
12
14
1 13
11 5
10 GAMECOCK 4
6
TERRACE 5 Military 0 50 100 150 200 m Aviation
9 Museum
Shelter Tangmere Strategic Development Location Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd
Open space and strategic landscape Parameters Plan
Status: Drawn by: Checked by: SL TF
Project Number: Scale: Date: Tank 180620 Scale@A1: 1:2500 02/2020 Sluices Drawing Number: Revision:
Copse Farm TOR-PP05 L
3 Cottages 2 Copse Barn
Copse Farm 1
3 © Terence O’Rourke Ltd 2020 Do not scale from this drawing
1 LONDON 7 Heddon Street London W1B 4BD BIRMINGHAM Enterprise House 115 Edmund Street El Sub Sta Birmingham B3 2HJ
BOURNEMOUTH Everdene House Deansleigh Road Bournemouth BH7 7DU
TELEPHONE 020 3664 6755 Shopwyke Park www.torltd.co.uk
Appendix 5545/2:
Traffic Modelling Data: Land West of Tangmere – Strategic Modelling Specification Note.
TECHNICAL NOTE
Project Title: Land West of Tangmere – Strategic Modelling Specification Note
Report Reference: JNY9716-05
Date: 17 January 2020
LAND WEST OF TANGMERE – STRATEGIC MODELLING SPECIFICATION NOTE
1. Purpose
1.1.1 This Technical Note presents the modelling specifications that will be used in testing various development scenarios within the Chichester Area Transport Model (CATM) strategic transport model. These scenarios will allow for the effects of the Tangmere Strategic Development Location (‘Tangmere SDL’) to be assessed, as part of a Transport Assessment (TA) which will support an Outline Planning Application (OPA).
1.1.2 The current CATM model (31 October 2019) has been the subject to a validation exercise, which confirmed its suitability against WebTAG standard, laid out by the Department for Transport (DfT). Both West Sussex County Council (WSCC) and Highways England (HE) have both sanctioned the use of the CATM for site allocations and infrastructure scheme appraisals.
1.1.3 It is anticipated that a series of steps will need to be undertaken in order to manipulate the CATM model so that it provides the project team with the development scenarios for assessment in the TA and relevant ES chapters.
1.1.4 The information contained in this note should be read in conjunction with the Chichester District Council – Local Plan Transport Study of Strategic Development (October 2018) and TA79/99 Traffic Capacity of Urban Roads (February 1999).
1.1.5 In terms of mitigation strategies, no mitigation is to be tested. The intention of this exercise is for the output of the modelling to be used to undertake detailed capacity assessment of junctions and develop mitigation design from that as well as guide the wider EIA process and to inform other relevant ES chapters.
2. Quantum of Development
2.1.1 The Tangmere SDL is proposed as a residential led mixed-use development, which was identified in the Chichester Local Plan: Key Policies 2014 – 2029 under Policy 18 as having capacity for up to 1,000 dwellings.
2.1.2 The Chichester Local Plan Review 2035: Preferred Approach (December 2018) in Policy AL 14 Land West of Tangmere proposed to increase this allocation by 300 dwellings, leading to a total of 1,300 dwellings.
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2.1.3 Chichester District Council’s (CDC) is proposing to bring forward development on the site, by 2034- 2035 which is in keeping with the above policy direction. With an assessment year of 2035, the CATM model would therefore be suitable in deriving future year traffic flows for the TA.
3. Model Zoning
3.1.1 Based on the outputs from the CATM model, Zone 266 has been identified as being representative of the Tangmere SDL development. As shown on Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Tangmere SDL Zone
3.1.2 Zone 266 is currently linked to the existing road network via centroid connectors to nodes 40185 and 40184, representing Tangemre Road to the south and via centroid connector 30024 to the A27 Westhampnett Bypass to the north.
3.1.3 While zone 253 is also present in the model, it is not used presently within the model and is not proposed to be used as part of strategic modelling for the TA.
3.1.4 Zone 100 will continue to represent the existing quantum of development represented within the western edge of the existing Tangmere village, and no changes are proposed to make to this either.
4. Distribution
4.1.1 Traffic distribution will be obtained from the CATM model. As stated above, we have identified the Zone 266 as representative of the Tangemre SDL and the traffic generated and distributed from this zone will be used to assess the overall impact on the surrounding network.
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4.1.2 As was agreed with WSCC, it is entirely appropriate for other zones to be used in presenting the trip distribution to/from Zone 266. These ‘proxy’ zones being within Tangmere village will ensure that the general propensity for travel being exhibited by existing residents will apply also to the Tangmere SDL, given that over time residents’ decisions to live there will be influenced by the same travel choices.
4.1.3 At present, it has been confirmed by WSCC that the proxy zone used to represent the trip distribution for Tangmere SDL will be Zone 100.
5. Road Network
5.1.1 The Adopted Local Plan Policy 18 states that:
“Subject to detailed transport assessment, provide primary road access to the site from the slip-road roundabout at the A27/A285 junction to the west of Tangmere providing a link with Tangmere Road”
5.1.2 Based on the above, it will be the responsibility of the TA to test the effects of the Tangmere SDL development alongside the infrastructure which it proposes to deliver. The CATM will allow for the combined effects of this to be determined in terms of the re-assignment of traffic flows and the impact on off-site locations.
Development Spine Road
5.1.3 Discussions with WSCC have determined that this connecting road would have the dual functionality of providing access to the Tangmere SDL development, as well as allowing for through-traffic. Because of this dual function, the proposed Masterplan has recognised that its design would need to be integrated with the development by incorporating it as a development ‘spine road’.
5.1.4 A hierarchical approach to street design was used for the development, whereby this ‘primary’ spine road will provide the highest order of road through the site and will be suitable for the movement of all vehicles, including larger vehicles and buses. This central spine will be flanked by a 3m combined footway/cycleway on one side of the carriageway and a 2m wide footway on the other. On-street parking will not generally be permitted, with the occasional visitor parking space. It will be subject to a speed limit of 30mph, although much lower speeds may be recorded as a result of adopting design criteria for the road which will be in accordance with the Manual for Streets (MfS) guidance.
5.1.5 In determining the link between design and highway capacity for the development ‘spine road’, the Design Manual for Roads and Bridge (DMRB) TA79/99 Traffic Capacity of Urban Roads has been used, however, with reference to Tables 1 and 2 which define the road type and its capacity (see Appendix A).
5.1.6 The proposed ‘spine road’, as mentioned previously, will be used by buses, and the MfS proposes a minimum road width of 6.5m. Based on the parameters of the road, it has been estimated that the nearest match for the development ‘spine road’, within the TA79/99, would fall under the Urban All- Purpose Category 3 standard (6.75m). This means that it would be characterised by directional highway capacity of 1,110 vehicles per hour.
Access
5.1.7 The interface between the development ‘spine road’ and the surrounding highway network will be by means of two roundabouts.
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5.1.8 From the Tangmere Road, a newly constructed 40m Inscribed Circle Diameter (ICD) roundabout will be provided. Table 3 shows the final intercept values for each arm.
Final Intercept values for Tangmere Road Roundabout Arm Intercept (PCU/hr) Tangmere Road (West approach) 1,438 Development Spine Road / Site Access 1,441 Tangmere Road (East approach) 1,364
Table 3: Final Intercept values for Tangmere Road Roundabout.
5.1.9 As part of the design process of the Tangmere Road Roundabout, sections of Tangmere Road East and West approaches will be subject to speed reduction to 30 mph.
5.1.10 The speed reduction will be applied to a 215m section of Tangmere Road, to the wet of the roundabout.
5.1.11 Existing 30 mph zone will be extended from Tangmere Village for a distance of 500m on the section to the east of the roundabout.
5.1.12 The above intercept values and the proposed speed reductions will be used when inputting this new access into the CATM model in order to represent this new junction onto Tangmere Road.
5.1.13 Access to the A27/A285 grade-separated junction will be taken from the existing 35m ICD roundabout with the introduction of a newly constructed southern arm. Table 4 shows the final intercept values for each arm.
Final Intercept values for A27/A285 Grade-separated Roundabout Arm Intercept (PCU/hr) A285 Stane Street 1,573 A27 off-slip WB 1,972 Development Spine Road/Site Access 1,420
Table 4: Final Intercept values for A27/A285 Grade-separated Roundabout.
6. Model Scenarios
6.1.1 It has been agreed with WSCC that, for a development of the scale anticipated at the Tangmere SDL, the use of the strategic CATM model would allow for the traffic re-assignment effects to be forecasted, based on anticipated changes in travel demand and supply.
6.1.2 The current CATM model, which has been updated for the purpose of the Local Plan Review 2016- 2035 is based on the assessment of the following scenarios:
• 2035 Reference Case (Existing Local Plan):
• Local Plan Development Scenarios 1, 2 and 3 representing dwelling projections of 4,900; 7,600 and 10,914; respectively.
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6.1.3 From the above, only the 2035 Reference Case model would be taken forward, as it is representative of the current Adopted Local Plan 2014-2029, albeit under the 2035 horizon that matches the build- out of the proposed Tangmere SDL development.
6.1.4 While the 2035 Reference Case scenario includes the Tangmere SDL development, it does so for only 1,000 dwellings and so the appropriate adjustment will need to be made so that it can provide the outputs necessary for the TA to assess the c.1,300 dwellings that CDC wishes to now come forward with.
6.1.5 Taking the above into account, the scenarios that would be used within the modelling assessments which were outlined within the TA Scoping Report are as follows:
• TA Scenario 2: 2035 Reference Case (existing – no proposed change):
o Traffic Flows: CATM 2035 Reference Case (no change); o Road Network: As per existing road network configuration.
• TA Scenario 3: 2035 Do Minimum – ‘no development’ (Forecast Baseline):
o Traffic Flows: As per the TA Scenario 2 minus the contribution from the Tangmere SDL within existing Local Plan (i.e. 1,000 dwellings);
o Road Network: as per TA Scenario 2
• TA Scenario 4: 2035 Do Something – ‘with development’:
o Traffic Flows: as per TA Scenario 3 plus 1,300 dwellings for the Tangmere SDL development.
o Road Network: as per TA Scenario 3 plus the proposed link road from Tangmere Road to A285/A27 grade-separated junction
6.1.6 The above scenarios will need to be tested for both the AM (08:00 – 09:00) and PM (17:00 – 18:00), to reflect the weekday peak conditions of traffic on the road network.
6.1.7 By establishing new CATM scenarios ‘without’ and ‘with’ the Tangmere SDL development, the TA will be able to assess the changes in traffic resulting from the development and its associated infrastructure. It will then be up to the TA process to determine if these changes are significant in relative terms and whether they give rise to a requirement for further detailed assessment or, where physical mitigation is deemed to be required, what improvements would be required to cater for the residual impact of traffic at these locations.
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APPENDIX A – Extract from DMRB TA79/99
Table 1: Types of Urban roads and the features that distinguish them
Source: DMRB Volume 5 Section 1 Part 3 TA 79/99 Amendment 1
Table 2: Capacities of Urban Roads – One-way hourly flows in each direction
Source: DMRB Volume 5 Section 1 Part 3 TA 79/99 Amendment 1
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