Habitats Regulations Screening Assessment of Local Transport Plan 3

Cornwall Council

November 2010

Habitats Regulations Screening Assessment of Cornwall Local Transport Plan 3

WHV285300JB

Prepared for County Hall Treyew Road TR1 3AY

Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff The Forum, Barnfield Road, , EX1 1QR 01392 229 700 www.pbworld.co.uk

Report Title : Habitats Regulations Screening Assessment of Cornwall Local Transport Plan 3

Report Status : Final

Job No : WHV285300JB

Date : November 2010

Prepared by : ...... Ursula Digby

Checked by : ...... Charles Morrison

Approved by : ...... Delyth Toghill

Document History and Status Report Date of Prepared By: Checked By: Approved By: Issue Issue

1 12/10/10 Ursula Digby Charles Morrison Delyth Toghill

2 12/11/10 Ursula Digby Charles Morrison Delyth Toghill

AUTHORISATION SHEET

Client: Cornwall Council Project: Cornwall Local Transport Plan 3 Address: Cornwall Council, County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro, TR1 3AY PREPARED BY Name: Ursula Digby Position: Principal Ecologist Date: 10/11/2010 AGREED BY Name: Charles Morrison Position: Principal Ecologist Date: 11/11/2010 AUTHORISED FOR ISSUE Name: Delyth Toghill Position: Principal Environmental Consultant Date: 12/11/2010 DISTRIBUTION ACCEPTED BY Name: Position: Date: ACCEPTED BY Name: Position: Date:

CONTENTS Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 3 1.2 Report Framework 3 1.3 Consultation on this Screening Report 4

SECTION 2 HABITATS DIRECTIVE AND HABITATS REGULATIONS 2.1 Habitats Regulations Assessment 7 2.2 Stages of the Habitats Regulations Assessment 8 2.3 Steps in Screening 9

SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES 3.1 Identification of Relevant Sites 13 3.2 Natura 2000 and Ramsar Site Description 14

SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT 4.1 Step 1: The Strategy an Management of International Sites 33 4.2 Step 2: Description of Cornwall LTP3 33 LTP3 Description 33 4.3 Step 3 Initial Scoping for Impacts and Effects on Natura 2000 Sites 34 Cornwall LTP3 Potential Impacts and Effects on Natura 2000 and Ramsar Sites 34 4.4 Step 4: Assess the Significance of Effects on Natura 2000 Sites 73

SECTION 5 FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENT FOR APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT 5.1 Conclusions and Recommendations 85

SECTION 6 APPENDICIES Appendix A: Natura 2000 and Ramsar Site Data 88 Appendix B: Natura 2000 and Ramsar Site Locations 127

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 November 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Local Transport Act (2000) as amended by the Local Transport Act (2008) requires Cornwall Council to produce a Local Transport Plan. The third Cornwall Local Transport Plan; Connecting Cornwall: 2030 (Cornwall LTP3) proposes an approach for addressing current and future transport issues in the County. Under the requirements of the European Council Directive 92/43/EEC ‘The Habitats Directive’ and the Council Directive 79/409/EEC ‘The Wild Birds Directive’ it is necessary to consider whether Cornwall LTP3 may have significant effects upon areas of nature conservation importance designated/classified under the Directives. This HRA screening assessment has been produced as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for Cornwall LTP3. By March 2011 Cornwall Council will produce the county’s third LTP to cover the period up to 2030. The goals, which represent the local authority’s vision for local transport, are summarised as follows:

x Respond to the challenges of climate change. Reduce the county’s reliance on fossil fuels; x Support economic prosperity and raise income levels by improving transport links; x Respect and enhance Cornwall’s beautiful natural and built surroundings; x Encourage healthy active lifestyles by providing people with the opportunity to walk and cycle; x Ensure the county’s communities are safer and more enjoyable places to live and x Provide equal opportunities. Details and potential locations of projects or plans for implementing Cornwall LTP3 are not currently available. Therefore this Screening assessment describes potential development requirements and also makes considered assumptions upon potential locations in relation to Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites.

All international designated sites in Cornwall have been included in the screening assessment which includes; one Ramsar site; three SPAs; 17 SACs; and three cSACs. One additional SAC has been included through incorporation of a 2 km buffer (extending into Devon’s county boundary). Through screening the potential impacts it has not been possible to categorically demonstrate that Cornwall LTP3 will not have any significant effects upon the Natura 2000 network or Ramsar sites. Given the possibility of significant effects associated with Cornwall LTP3, further, detailed assessment through Appropriate Assessment is considered necessary to satisfy the requirements of the Habitats Regulations.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 for Cornwall Council Cornwall LTP3 is to be published at a strategy level and will not give detail on potential projects or proposals for its implementation. As a result, it is considered that there is insufficient detail at this time to enable a more in-depth analysis to the degree required for Appropriate Assessment and any further assessment would not provide meaningful information. Accordingly it will only be possible to undertake this level of assessment once specific projects are proposed and/or once sufficient detail is available at the plan level to enable a thorough and robust analysis to be carried out. Cornwall LTP3 documents the requirement for project level HRA for all schemes coming forward to ensure that compliance with the Habitats Regulations. Full recommendations for mitigation will be made within each project/plan-level Appropriate Assessment. These will suggest measures to reduce the potential for any development to result in impacts upon the Natura 2000 network or Ramsar sites. Recommendations for adoption in the LTP3 include: x that development will not be located within any Natura 2000 site so that no direct habitat loss will occur; x that wherever possible works will be avoided where there is a direct transmission pathway to Natura 2000 or Ramsar sites (such as a Natura 2000 site down stream of a new road); x that buffer zones will be provided between construction/improvement works and Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites (the size and extent of which should be dependent upon the nature of impact and the sensitivity of receptors); x that there would be a general presumption against the permitting of construction/improvement works which generate particular adverse effects in proximity to Natura 2000 or Ramsar sites, which are sensitive to those effects – e.g. where particular adverse impacts on the water environment are identified; and x that improved access to Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites will be closely monitored and managed to ensure the integrity of the sites is not compromised.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 for Cornwall Council SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

1.1.1 The Local Transport Act (2000)1 as amended by the Local Transport Act (2008)2 requires Cornwall Council to produce a Local Transport Plan. The third Cornwall Local Transport Plan; Connecting Cornwall: 2030 (Cornwall LTP3) proposes an approach for addressing current and future transport issues in the County.

1.1.2 Under the requirements of the European Council Directive 92/43/EEC ‘The Habitats Directive’3 and the Council Directive 79/409/EEC ‘The Wild Birds Directive’4 it is necessary to consider whether Cornwall LTP3 may have significant impacts upon areas of nature conservation importance designated/classified under the Directives. Should significant impacts be identified it would be necessary to further consider the impacts of Cornwall LTP3 by way of an ‘Appropriate Assessment’. This process of assessment under the requirements of the Habitats Directive (as transposed into UK legislation by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 20105: ‘The Habitat Regulations’) is described within this document as Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA).

1.2 Report Framework

1.2.1 This HRA screening assessment has been produced as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for Cornwall LTP3. This screening assessment, and any subsequent Appropriate Assessment that may be required, will sit within the SEA and will ensure that all HRA-related considerations are fully integrated into Cornwall LTP3 as it is developed.

1.2.2 This report details:

x The HRA process and methodology for assessment (Chapter 2); x The relevant Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites within the zone of influence for Cornwall LTP3 (Chapter 3 and Appendices 1 and 2);

1 Transport Act (2000): http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/38/contents 2 Local Transport Act (2008): http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/26/contents 3 Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora: http://eur- lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31992L0043:EN:NOT 4 Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/environment/nature_and_biodiversity/ev0024_en.htm 5 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010/490: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/490/contents/made

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 3 for Cornwall Council SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

x The goals and objectives of Cornwall LTP3 and how these may impact upon relevant Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites (Chapter 4); x The likely significant effects of Cornwall LTP3 (Chapter 4); and x Further considerations for Cornwall LTP3 (Chapter 5).

1.2.3 It should be noted that this HRA screening assessment has been based solely upon preliminary information provided by Cornwall Council on the goals and objectives of Cornwall LTP3.

1.3 Consultation on this Screening Report

1.3.1 Consultation forms an essential part of an HRA screening exercise. Natural has been formally consulted on the findings of this screening exercise and due regard has been given to their representations. Informal consultation was also undertaken with Clare Fitzgibbon, Natural England (Cornwall and team) in order to identify site conservation objectives.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 4 for Cornwall Council SECTION 2

HABITATS DIRECTIVE AND HABITATS REGULATIONS

SECTION 2 HABITATS DIRECTIVE AND HABITATS REGULATIONS

2 HABITATS DIRECTIVE AND HABITATS REGULATIONS

2.1 Habitats Regulations Assessment

2.1.1 Under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive an assessment is required where a plan or project, not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 site, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, is likely to have a significant effect upon that site. Natura 2000 is a network of areas designated to conserve natural habitats and species that are rare, endangered, vulnerable or endemic within the European Community. This includes Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) designated under the Habitats Directive for their habitats and/or species of European importance and Special Protection Areas (SPA) classified under the Conservation of Wild Birds Directive for rare, vulnerable and regularly occurring migratory bird species and internationally important wetlands. In addition, it is a matter of law that candidate SAC (cSAC) are considered in this process, although pSACs, sites which are proposed in the UK but which are yet to be submitted to the European Commission are not included. It is a matter of Government policy that sites designated under the 1971 Ramsar Convention for their internationally important wetlands (commonly known as Ramsar sites) and potential SPAs (pSPA) are considered.

2.1.2 The requirements of the Habitats Directive are transposed into English law out to territorial water limits (12 nautical miles) by means of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 20076 transpose the Habitats Directive in the UK offshore marine area (beyond 12 nautical miles). European offshore marine sites require consideration in the HRA process.

2.1.3 Paragraph 3, Article 6 of the Habitats Directive states that:

‘any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives...the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public’.

6 SI 2007/1842 - http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/uksi_20071842_en_1

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 7 for Cornwall Council SECTION 2 HABITATS DIRECTIVE AND HABITATS REGULATIONS

2.1.4 Paragraph 4, Article 6 of the Habitats Directive states that:

‘If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest… the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected...’

2.1.5 These requirements are implemented in the UK through Regulations 61, 62, 66 and 67 of the Habitat Regulations.

2.2 Stages of the Habitats Regulations Assessment

2.2.1 The commission guidance on the Habitats Directive sets out four distinct stages for assessment under the Directive7:

x Stage 1: Screening: the process which initially identifies the likely impacts upon a Natura 2000 site of a plan or project, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, and considers whether these impacts are likely to be significant. x Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment: the detailed consideration of the impact on the integrity of the Natura 2000 sites of the plan or project, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, with respect to the site’s conservation objectives and its structure and function. This is to determine whether there will be adverse effects on the integrity of the site. Specific guidance on this stage is provided in Habitat Regulations Guidance Note 18. x Stage 3: Assessment of alternative solutions: the process which examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the plans or projects that avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site. x Stage 4: Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain: an assessment of whether the development is necessary for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) and, if so, of the compensatory measures needed to maintain the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network. 2.2.2 This report presents the findings of the screening assessment undertaken as part of Stage 1 of the HRA process to establish whether or not the likely impacts of Cornwall LTP3 will have significant effects upon Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites. As this HRA

7 Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites (European Commission, 2001) 8 English Nature (2004). Habitat Regulations Guidance Note #1: The Appropriate Assessment (Regulation 48), The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations, 1994.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 8 for Cornwall Council SECTION 2 HABITATS DIRECTIVE AND HABITATS REGULATIONS

assessment is of a broad plan level rather than of specific projects, the information presented within this assessment is high-level and does not contain the level of detail typically presented for HRA screening exercises. Cornwall LTP3 SEA has assumed a 15 year strategy. As a result of this, and the size of the area covered, any project brought forward under Cornwall LTP3 may still require its own HRA assessment and this broad assessment does not preclude the need for project level assessment at a later stage.

2.3 Steps in Screening

2.3.1 The European Commission guidance recommends that screening should fulfil the following steps:

1. Determine whether the plan is directly connected with or necessary for the management of Natura 2000 sites; 2. Describe the plan and describe and characterise any other plans or projects which, in combination, have the potential for having significant effects on Natura 2000 sites; 3. Identify the potential effects on Natura 2000 sites; and 4. Assess the likely significance of any effects on Natura 2000 sites.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 9 for Cornwall Council

SECTION 3

NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

3.1 Identification of Relevant Sites

3.1.1 In order to identify all sites where potential direct, indirect and in- combination impacts to Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites could reasonably be considered possible, a buffer of 2 km from Cornwall county boundary was established. This 2 km buffer follows Highways Agency (HA) Design Manual for Roads and Bridges9 (DMRB) guidance and provides a contextual framework for the consideration of impacts.

3.1.2 One Ramsar site; three SPAs; 17 SACs; and three cSACs were found in Cornwall. One additional SAC was found within the 2 km buffer (extending into Devon’s county boundary):

x Isles of Scilly Ramsar; x and Goss and Moors SAC; x Carrine Common SAC; x Crowdy Marsh SAC; x Clay Pits SAC; x to SAC; x Plymouth Sound and Estuaries SAC; x Dunes SAC; x The SAC; x Lower Bostraze and Leswidden SAC; x Head to St Agnes SAC; x Hill SAC; x –Marsland–Clovelly Coast SAC; x Camel SAC; x Isles of Scilly Complex SAC; x Fal and Helford SAC; x Downs SAC; x and Crow`s Nest SAC; x Tamar Estuaries Complex SPA; x Isles of Scilly SPA;

9 Standards for Highways, DMRB, Volume 11, Section 4, HD4409

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 13 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

x Marsh SPA; x Lands End and Cape Bank cSAC; x Prawle Point to Plymouth Sound cSAC; x Lizard point cSAC; and x Culm Grasslands SAC (buffer site).

3.2 Natura 2000 and Ramsar Site Description

3.2.1 Site data were collated for the search area using information contained within Natura 2000 data forms held by the Joint Nature Conservation Council (JNCC)10. Site vulnerability statements were informed by site Conservation Objectives11, Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) condition reviews and Natural England’s ‘Views about Management’ (VAM)12

3.2.2 Site summary information is provided below in Table 3.1. Full site details and their locations within Cornwall are provided in Appendices A and B respectively. Table 3.1 describes the individual interest features of each site and additionally identifies key issues and threats (through analysis of vulnerability statements; Conservation Objectives; SSSI Condition Reviews and VAMs).

10 Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC: www.jncc.gov.uk) accessed September 2010 11 Natural England Conservation Objectives complied September 2010 12 Natural England Condition of SSSI Units, compiled 01 August 2010: http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/search

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 14 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Table 3.1 Relevant Natura 2000 and Ramsar Site Information Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code Isles of Scilly Noteworthy flora - Qualifying Species/populations Site not considered None identified. Ramsar, UK11033 Species occurring at (as identified at designation): subject to adverse levels of international Species regularly supported ecological change. importance Shore dock during the breeding season: (Rumex rupestris). European storm-petrel Species occurring at (Hydrobates pelagicus), levels of national representing an average of importance heathland: 0.2% of the GB population (Ornithopus pinnatus, (Seabird2000 Census) Viola kitaibeliana). Lesser black-backed gull, (Larus fuscus), representing an average of 2.4% of the breeding population (Seabird 2000 Census) Species/populations identified subsequent to designation for possible future consideration under criterion 6. Species regularly supported during the breeding season: European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), representing an average of 1.3% of the breeding population (Seabird 2000 Census) Breney Common Northern Atlantic wet Marsh fritillary butterfly SSSI - unfavourable, Maintenance of habitat and Goss and heaths with cross- (Eurodryas aurinia). recovering. mosaic and structural Tregoss Moors leaved heath (Erica diversity is important for tetralix); overall functioning. There WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 15 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code SAC, UK0030098 European dry heaths; should be no decline in and overall area of habitat or Transition mires and extent of quaking bogs. wetland/heathland components. Transition habitat should be maintained. Succession: scrub invasion is a key threat. Altered hydrology, in particular to areas of wet heath is a key threat. Pools and pool margins should be maintained for Marsh fritillary along with localised poaching and management of invasive species. Carrine Common Primary: Temperate Not listed. SSSI heathland Maintenance of habitat SAC, UK0012795 Atlantic wet heaths components (relevant to mosaic and structural with Dorset heath this assessment) - diversity is important for (Erica ciliaris) and unfavourable, recovering. overall functioning. There cross-leaved heath; should be no decline in and overall area of habitat or Secondary: European extent of heathland dry heaths. components. Succession: scrub invasion is a key threat. Maintenance of hydrological regime is a

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 16 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code key issue. Public access to this site that results in disturbance, fly tipping, and uncontrolled fires is identified as a key issue. Crowdy Marsh Transition mires and Not listed. SSSI data not available. Succession: scrub SAC, UK0030329 quaking bogs. invasion is a key threat. Not listed. Western rustwort ( SSSI – unfavourable, Succession: scrub SAC, SX022549 profunda). declining. invasion is a key threat. Maintenance of adjacent, open habitats free of over-shading vegetation is required to ensure existing western rustwort population has opportunity to colonise new sites. Western rustwort is reliant on the availability and proximity of good habitat patches in appropriate condition. Primary: Vegetated sea Shore dock (Rumex rupestris). SSSI – sublittoral rock Surface disturbance of SAC, UK0030241 cliffs of the Atlantic and components favourable. shingle vegetation is Baltic coasts; and identified as a key threat Secondary: European (through recreational dry heaths. pressure). Hydrological balance; grazing density of cliff

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 17 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code grassland; nutrient inputs are key issues. Management of coastal scrub to maintain variety of age classes is a key issue. The range of zones and transitions typical of the site, including transitions to other habitats, should be maintained (although changes may be evident because of natural dynamism,). Shore dock specifically - habitat is required for erosion and slumping. Plymouth Sound Primary: Sandbanks Primary: Shore dock (Rumex SSSI – favourable. Recreation; port and Estuaries which are slightly rupestris); and development; SAC, SX472506 covered by sea water Secondary: Allis shad (Alosa maintenance dredging are all the time; alosa). all identified as key Estuaries; threats. Large shallow inlets Shore dock specifically, and bays; requires available habitat for erosion and slumping. Reefs; Maintenance of Atlantic salt meadows hydrological balance and (Glauco-Puccinellietalia in particular ‘good water maritimae). quality’ is a key issue. Secondary: Mudflats The loss of natural coastal

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 18 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code and sand-flats not processes and dynamics is covered by seawater at a key threat. low tide. Penhale Dunes Primary: Fixed dunes Petalwort (Petalophyllum SSSI – currently Impedance of natural SAC, UK0012559 with herbaceous ralfsii); Shore dock(Rumex favourable however dune processes; visitor vegetation; and rupestris); and nutrient enrichment; pressure (e.g. sand Humid dune slacks. Early gentian (Gentianella intensive rabbit grazing; extraction, visitor invasive species and trampling impacts, Secondary: Shifting anglica). scrub encroachment ploughing or conversion dunes along the identified as potential to improved grassland); shoreline with future issues to site hydrological balance; Ammophila arenaria; boundaries. grazing; uncontrolled and fires; mechanical beach Dunes with (Salix clearing or ‘tidying-up’; repens ssp argentea and scrub invasion are Salicion arenariae). key threats. Shore dock specifically, requires available habitat for erosion and slumping. Early gentian vulnerable to competition (therefore change in dynamics from for example, increased nutrients). Vegetated sea cliffs of Not listed. SSSI – favourable. Uncontrolled fire is a key SAC, UK0012799 the Atlantic and Baltic threat. Siltation, abrasion coasts; and smothering (resulting Hard oligo-mesotrophic for instance from fishing) waters with benthic as well as toxic and non- vegetation of Chara toxic contamination

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 19 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code spp.; (nutrient-related resulting Mediterranean from for instance, temporary ponds; shipping) are identified as key threats. Northern Atlantic wet heaths with cross- leaved heath; European dry heaths; and Dry Atlantic coastal heaths (Erica vagans) Lower Bostraze Not listed Western rustwort (Marsupella SSSI – unfavourable. Succession: scrub and Leswidden profunda). invasion is a key threat. SAC, UK0030064 Maintenance of adjacent, open habitats free of over-shading vegetation is required to ensure existing western rustwort population has opportunity to colonise new sites. Western rustwort is reliant on the availability and proximity of good habitat patches in appropriate condition. Motorcycle scrambling is a identified as a potential issue. Godrevy Head to Temperate Atlantic wet Early gentian (Gentianella SSSI – unfavourable. Succession: scrub St Agnes heaths (Erica ciliaris anglica). invasion is a key threat.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 20 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code SAC, UK0012549 Erica tetralix); and Agricultural development. European dry heaths Visitor pressure resulting in fly tipping trampling and uncontrolled fires is a key issue. Secondary: European Western rustwort (Marsupella SSSS – unfavourable, Succession: scrub SAC, UK0012604 dry heaths profunda). declining. invasion is a key threat. Maintenance of adjacent, open habitats free of over-shading vegetation is required to ensure existing western rustwort population has opportunity to colonise new sites. At this site suitable habitat does not occur throughout the quarry and so management of area of existing population key. Tintagel– Primary: Vegetated sea Not listed. SSSI – favourable. Succession: scrub Marsland–Clovelly cliffs of the Atlantic and invasion is a key threat. Coast Baltic coasts; and Agricultural development SAC, UK0013047 Old sessile oak woods and visitor pressure (Ilex and Blechnum) in resulting in trampling and the British Isles; and uncontrolled fires is a key Secondary: European issue. dry heaths European dry heaths; Primary: Bullhead (Cottus Most relevant SSSI Maintenance of natural components - structure; flow regime; WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 21 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code SAC, UK0030056 Old sessile oak woods gobio); Otter (Lutra lutra); and unfavourable, declining or and conservation of water (Ilex Blechnum) in the Secondary: Atlantic salmon unfavourable no change. quality for fish spawning British Isles; and (Salmo salar). and access for migration Alluvial forests (Alnus are key issues. glutinosa, Fraxinus excelsior) (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) Isles of Scilly Sandbanks which are Primary: Shore dock(Rumex n/a Human activities: fishing; Complex SAC, slightly covered by sea rupestris); and diffuse pollution; UK0013694 water all the time; Secondary: Grey seal moorings; anchoring; Mudflats and sandflats (Halichoerus grypus). pollution from boats are not covered by identified as key seawater at low tide; issues/threats. and Reefs. Fal and Helford Primary: Sandbanks Shore dock SSSI – favourable. Succession: scrub SAC, UK0013112 which are slightly invasion is a key threat. covered by sea water Recreation; port all the time; development; Mudflats and sandflats maintenance dredging are not covered by all identified as key seawater at low tide; threats. Large shallow inlets Maintenance of and bays; and hydrological balance, Atlantic salt meadows sediment loads and in (Glauco-Puccinellietalia particular ‘good water maritimae). quality statuses’ are key issues. Secondary: Estuaries; and The loss of natural coastal

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 22 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code Reefs processes and dynamics is a key threat. Primary: Temperate Not listed. SSSI – Unfavourable Maintenance of habitat SAC, UK0030065 Atlantic wet heaths recovering in part, mosaic and structural (Erica ciliaris, Erica declining in part. diversity is important for tetralix); and overall functioning. Secondary: European Succession: scrub dry heaths invasion is a key threat. Maintenance of: current grazing; and hydrological regime are key issues. Public access to this site that results in disturbance, fly tipping, and uncontrolled fires is identified as a key issue. Phoenix United Calaminarian Not listed. SSSI – unfavourable, Succession: scrub Mine and Crow`s grasslands (Violetalia recovering. invasion is a key threat. Nest SAC, calaminariae) Disturbance of abandoned UK0030238 workings may be required within a cycle of 10-20 years or more to provide fresh metal-rich substrate. High recreational use is a potential threat to habitat. Culm Grasslands Primary: Molinia Marsh fritillary butterfly n/a Succession: scrub SAC, UK0012679 meadows on (Eurodryas aurinia). invasion is a key threat. calcareous, peaty or

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 23 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) Secondary: Northern Atlantic wet heaths (Erica tetralix) Tamar Estuaries N/A Over-winter: Avocet SSSI – favourable, for the Maintenance of good Complex (Recurvirostra avosetta) most part. Unfavourable, water and sediment SPA, UK9010141 (Western Europe/Western recovering for several quality are key issues. Mediterranean - breeding) - components. Maintenance of transition 15.8% of the GB population; habitats required. and On-passage Little Egret: Disturbance as a result of (Egretta garzetta) recreational pressure is at least 9.3% of the GB identified as a key threat. population Loss of natural estuarine processes; port development, dredging and mooring and coastal erosion are identified as key threats. Isles of Scilly N/A During breeding: European n/a Succession: scrub SPA, UK9020288 Storm-petrel (Hydrobates invasion is a key threat. pelagicus) at least 6.4% of the Managing disturbance as GB breeding population a result of recreational Lesser Black-backed Gull pressure is identified as a (Larus fuscus) 2.9% of the key issue. breeding population Including: European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) Great Black-backed Gull (Larus

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 24 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code fuscus) N/A Over-winter: Bittern (Botaurus SSSI – two units Succession: scrub SPA, UK9020289 stellaris) 2% of the GB favourable, one unit invasion /hydroserall population unfavourable, recovering. succession is a key threat. On-passage: Aquatic Warbler Maintenance of (Acrocephalus paludicola) 9% appropriate water levels of the GB population (according to the requirements of the and bird species present) is a key issue. Eutrophication through diffuse pollution, probably from agricultural sources is a key threat. Lands End and Inshore upstanding Not specifically listed. Unknown at time of Physical loss/damage by Cape Bank reefs; However, characterised by assessment (cSAC data smothering, siltation or cSAC, UK0030375 Offshore upstanding high biodiversity tide swept only recently submitted). abrasion. reefs. communities. Toxic contamination by introduction of synthetic or non-synthetic compounds. Non-toxic contamination from changes in nutrient loading, organic loading, or changes in turbidity. Prawle Point to Inshore upstanding Supports extensive reef Unknown at time of Physical loss/damage by Plymouth Sound reefs; communities of several species assessment (cSAC data removal, smothering, cSAC, UK0030373 Offshore upstanding of sea fan and coral and only recently submitted). siltation or abrasion. reefs. supports deeper water reef Toxic contamination by

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 25 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code species. introduction of synthetic or non-synthetic compounds. Non-toxic contamination from changes in nutrient loading, organic loading, or changes in turbidity. Biological disturbance by Introduction of non-native species and translocation or selective extraction of species. Lizard Point Inshore upstanding Not listed. Unknown at time of Physical loss/damage by cSAC, UK0012795 reefs; assessment (cSAC data smothering, siltation or Offshore upstanding only recently submitted). abrasion. reefs.; Toxic contamination by Flat bedrock reefs. introduction of synthetic or non-synthetic compounds. Non-toxic contamination from changes in nutrient loading, organic loading or changes in turbidity. Changes in salinity (for sea caves only). Biological disturbance by Introduction of microbial pathogens, introduction of non-native species and translocation, or selective WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 26 for Cornwall Council SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

Site Name, Qualifying Feature / Interest Features Current Conditions Key Issues and Threats Designation and Habitat Species Code extraction of species.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 27 for Cornwall Council

SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 AND RAMSAR SITES

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 29 for Cornwall Council

SECTION 4

SCREENING ASSESSMENT

SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

4.1 Step 1: The Strategy an Management of International Sites

4.1.1 This stage considers whether Cornwall LTP3 is directly connected with or necessary to the management of Natura 2000 or Ramsar sites. Within this context ‘directly’ means that the plan is solely conceived for the conservation management of a site or group of sites and ‘management’ refers to the management measures required in order to maintain in favourable condition the features for which the Natura 2000 or Ramsar site has been designated.

4.1.2 Cornwall LTP3 is neither directly connected with, nor necessary for, the management of any Natura 2000 or Ramsar sites. As such it is clear that further consideration of the plan by way of a HRA screening assessment is required.

4.2 Step 2: Description of Cornwall LTP3

LTP3 Description

4.2.1 By March 2011 Cornwall Council will produce the county’s third LTP to cover the period up to 2030. The goals, which represent the local authority’s vision for local transport, are as follows:

x Respond to the challenges of climate change by ensuring the county has a resilient transport network. Reduce the county’s reliance on fossil fuels in recognition of peak oil, and support communities to live locally. x Support economic prosperity and raise income levels by improving transport links for business and access to employment, education and training; x Respect and enhance Cornwall’s beautiful natural and built surroundings through the way in which travel is carried out and transport is delivered; x Encourage healthy active lifestyles by providing people with the opportunity to walk and cycle; x Ensure the county’s communities are safer and more enjoyable places to live and improve individual wellbeing by reducing the negative impacts of transport; and x Provide equal opportunities for everyone regardless of age, postcode, income level or ability, to feel safe and access the services they need.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 33 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

4.2.2 Details and potential locations of projects or plans for implementing Cornwall LTP3 are not currently available. Therefore at this stage it is only possible to describe potential development requirements and also to make considered assumptions upon potential locations in relation to Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites.

4.3 Step 3 Initial Scoping for Impacts and Effects on Natura 2000 Sites

Cornwall LTP3 Potential Impacts and Effects on Natura 2000 and Ramsar Sites

4.3.1 Table 4.1 (pages 36 – 38) and Table 4.2a-e (pages 39 - 68) provide assessments of potential development activities and associated impacts, which might arise as a result of the implementation of Cornwall LTP3.

In Combination Impacts and Effects on Natura 2000 and Ramsar Sites)

4.3.2 Given the strategic nature of this screening assessment and the uncertainties surrounding the timing and effects of other county level plans and projects, it is not practicable at this stage to identify all the possible plans and projects that may act ‘in-combination’ or to consider the specific nature of likely effects arising. However, it is possible to outline at a strategic level the broad types of effects that may arise from the implementation of other plans and projects which should inform the overall implementation of Cornwall LTP3. Some of the effects (identified in Table 4.3) may occur as a result of Cornwall LTP3 alone (as specified by Table 4.1 and 4.2a-e), but may also occur or be magnified as a result of a wider range of development actions and activities arising from the implementation of other plans and projects.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 34 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Table 4.3: Potential strategic in-combination effects Effects Development actions and activities Water resources and quality • sewage and industrial effluent discharges from new developments • abstraction to secure water supplies for planned growth (housing, industry) • flood and coastal risk management development (for example, implementation of new flood defences) Soil and Geology • changes in land use, in particular agricultural production Air quality • increase in atmospheric pollutants (for example, road, rail, airports expansion) • changes in atmospheric pollutants from power generation, in particular change in fossil fuel use • ‘cleaner’ technologies in industrial and domestic use Disturbance • construction and operation of new developments (transportation, residential, commercial, industrial) • recreational pressures including trampling from settlements expansion, improved access (for example, national coastal footpaths • infrastructure at height (chimney stacks, wind turbines) Habitat (and species) loss and • direct land take (for example, road, rail, fragmentation settlements, industrial) • barriers to migration (for example, tidal power, bridge construction)

4.3.3 Further assessment of the cumulative impacts of different plans and projects will not be specifically undertaken for this screening assessment. The cumulative and in-combination effects of plans and projects with Cornwall LTP3 have been considered as part of the SEA. Any subsequent Appropriate Assessment(s) will require consideration of the potential impacts of in-combination effects in greater detail.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 35 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Table 4.1 Potential Construction and Operation Impacts of Cornwall LTP3 Goals and Objectives Cornwall LTP Goals and Possible Impacts Objectives Supporting Economic Prosperity Construction / improvement of transport links (roads/ports) in or adjacent to Natura Improve connectivity 2000 and Ramsar sites has the potential for the following short-term and long-term impacts during construction and operation. Construction / improvement to infrastructure Resilient and reliable transport and facilities of rural communities additionally have the potential to result in the system for goods and services following short-term and long-term impacts during construction. Supports rural vitality and integrity of Habitat Loss / Habitat Damage and/or Fragmentation: potentially compromising site our town centres integrity, wildlife corridors and migratory routes. Air quality: DfT (2005) proposals leading to traffic generated emissions within 200 m of Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites may result in significant effects. Habitat degradation may result through the release of atmospheric pollutants and deposition of dust. Sites where critical loads are already exceeded13 may be particularly vulnerable to air quality impacts. Hydrology: changes to localised drainage and water balance as a result of drainage; run- off etc. has the potential to lead to significant effects. Changes to water quality and / or quantity may affect composition of species within designated habitats. Bridges/viaducts can constrict water flows and increase siltation. , streams, and marine areas are susceptible to the introduction of invasive plant and animal species, which can be spread through construction and operation activities, such as increased shipping. Disruption of coastal processes: construction and/or operation of transport links or associated infrastructure on or in proximity to the coast can negatively affect natural coastal processes: erosion and deposition (further information is provided in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Shoreline Management Plan II)14. Disturbance: noise/vibration/visual impacts to species may result in significant effects, for example, construction in proximity to SPAs may result in mortality of qualifying bird species due to reduced feeding/breeding ability. Improving connectivity has the potential to positively impact upon the Natura 2000 and

13 Air Pollution Information System (APIS) http://www.apis.ac.uk, accessed January 2011. 14 CISCAG: http://wwww.cisag.org/, accessed January 2011. WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 36 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Cornwall LTP Goals and Possible Impacts Objectives Ramsar sites by removing barriers to dispersal by providing/enhancing habitat corridors, which are resilient to the added impacts of climate change. Reducing the need for travel additionally may have positive impacts upon Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites by the reduction of fossil fuel emissions (air quality impacts) in proximity to Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites. Climate change Construction and generation of alternative fuel technologies has the potential to result in Reduce reliance on fossil fuels and construction and operation phase impacts (habitat loss/damage/fragmentation; air encourage low carbon technologies quality; hydrology; disturbance to associated species through noise, visual and vibration inputs). Air quality impacts may be potentially off-set by reduction in use of fossil fuels. Support communities to live locally In marine areas, additional construction and operation phase effects may arise through and reduce the need to travel the electro-magnetic impacts of cables. Adaptation and improving the Improvement to infrastructure and facilities of rural communities has the potential to transport network to ensure resilience result in construction and operation phase impacts (habitat loss/damage/fragmentation; to climate change air quality; hydrology; disturbance to associated species through noise, visual and vibration inputs). Construction / adaptation / improvement of transport links have the potential for short- and long-term (construction and operational phase) impacts through: (habitat loss/damage/fragmentation; air quality; hydrology; disturbance to associated species through noise, visual and vibration inputs). Adapting the existing transport network has the potential to positively impact upon the Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites by removing barriers to dispersal by providing/enhancing habitat corridors, which are resilient to the added impacts of climate change. Reducing the use of fossil fuels additionally may have positive impacts upon Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites by the reduction of fossil fuel emissions (air quality impacts) in proximity to Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites. Respect and Enhance the Improved sustainable access has the potential to increase visitor pressure on Natura Environment 2000 and Ramsar sites. Habitat degradation (marine access: water sports, trampling of Make the most of opportunities to vegetation, soil compaction, erosion, fly tipping, air pollution through increased vehicle protect and enhance the environment emissions) and disturbance (noise, light, visual) may result. Minimise the use of natural resources All other objectives associated with this goal have the potential to positively impact upon the Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites identified. WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 37 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Cornwall LTP Goals and Possible Impacts Objectives and minimise waste Provide sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment Healthy Active Lifestyles Construction of cycle paths in or adjacent to Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites may result in Improve the health of our construction phase impacts: habitat loss/damage/fragmentation; air quality; hydrology; communities through active travel disturbance to associated species through noise, visual and vibration inputs. Increased human presence in proximity to designated sites may additionally result in long-term Increase awareness and an (operational phase) impacts of visitor pressure to sites and disturbance to species. understanding of the health benefits of integrating cycling and walking into our daily lives. Community Safety and Individual Improvement to roads (safety and noise/air attenuation measures) has the potential to Wellbeing result in construction phase impacts (habitat loss/damage/fragmentation; air quality; Reducing crime and the fear of crime hydrology; disturbance to associated species through noise, visual and vibration inputs) in using public transport to Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites where found in proximity to communities. Improving road safety Measures taken to reduce noise and air quality impacts have the potential to positively impact upon the Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites identified during operation. Reduce noise and air quality impacts Equality of Opportunity Construction / improvement of transport links have the potential for short and long-term Improving access to employment, (construction and operational phase) impacts through: habitat education, health and leisure loss/damage/fragmentation; air quality; hydrology; disturbance to associated species through noise, visual and vibration inputs. Improving accessibility to public transport (Physical and infrastructure) Encourage community participation in shaping and delivering transport services for their communities

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 38 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Table 4.2a Impact Identification and Likely Significant Effects for Relevant Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites Site Name: Isles of Scilly Ramsar site Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: The intertidal and sub littoral habitats of the Isles of Scilly form the site. This is close to rural communities. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include reducing the need for travel and supporting communities to live locally, which may require infrastructure improvements to rural communities.

Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Construction Disturbance Visual, noise and vibration Any project brought It is not possible disturbance from construction forward under Cornwall to conclude that works to improve infrastructure in LTP3, which may involve there will be no proximity to coastal habitat, construction/improvements likely significant particularly during the breeding to infrastructure in order to effects on the season may impact upon the allow communities to be integrity of Isles qualifying features (internationally self-sufficient and reduce of Scilly Ramsar important birds) of the Ramsar travel would require site as a result of site. careful consideration of Cornwall LTP3. potential effects on the Ramsar site.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 39 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Recreational pressure and Human Increased access may result in disturbance disturbance which (particularly during the breeding season), may impact upon the qualifying features.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 40 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Breney Common and Goss and Tregoss Moors SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: immediately adjacent to A30; immediately adjacent to minor roads. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the improvement of connectivity, noise/air and safety impacts, creating a resilient and reliable transport network for goods and services, supporting rural vitality, and providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Construction and/or improvement works may be required to major and minor roads as a result. Increased access/use of the site is possible. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Air Pollution Acidification and deposition as a Any project brought It is not possible result of increased road traffic. forward under Cornwall to conclude that SAC components (heathland and LTP3 that would encourage there will be no wetland habitats in particular) may construction, road likely significant be vulnerable to air quality impacts widening and/or additional effects on the within 200m of roads, resulting in traffic on the A30 and/or integrity of habitat deterioration or change in that would develop minor Breney Common habitat dynamics and species roads to improve access and Goss and composition. for rural communities, Tregoss Moors would require SAC as a result of Habitat Loss / Damage / Fragmentation SAC currently fragmented by A30 consideration of the Cornwall LTP3. and Barriers to Dispersal and A391, each section may be potential effects on the further fragmented by land-take SAC (air quality and (due to immediate proximity of fragmentation). roads); improvement works to, and/or increased traffic on, minor roads. Dispersal of species between two sections is currently possible but ongoing function could be compromised. Annex II species, marsh fritillary, rely on ability to disperse between sites WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 41 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

for metapopulation support and may be particularly vulnerable to such impacts. Hydrological Change (water quality or Successional change: altering quantity) dynamics of habitat/species composition may result (particularly the case for wetland components of the SAC). Water levels within wet heaths should also be maintained to avoid adverse changes to the characteristic plant composition of the habitat. Recreational pressure and Human Increased access may result in disturbance disturbance to the qualifying features (excessive trampling of vegetation; litter; uncontrolled fires).

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 42 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Carrine Common SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: immediately adjacent to minor roads. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the improvement of connectivity, noise/air and safety impacts, creating a resilient and reliable transport network for goods and services, supporting rural vitality, and providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Construction and/or improvement works may be required to major and minor roads as a result. Increased access/use of the site is possible. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Hydrological Change (water quality or A change in water balance may Any project brought It is not possible quantity) degrade the habitat by altering the forward under Cornwall to conclude that unique conditions for Dorset heath LTP3 that would develop there will be no in this location. minor roads to improve likely significant access for rural effects on the Air Pollution Acidification and deposition as a communities, or create integrity of result of increased road traffic. additional opportunities for Carrine Common SAC components (heathland) may disturbance, would require SAC as a result of be vulnerable to air quality impacts consideration of the Cornwall LTP3. within 200m of roads, resulting in potential effects on the habitat deterioration or change in SAC (air quality and habitat dynamics and species fragmentation). composition. Habitat Loss / Damage / Fragmentation SAC currently fragmented by and Barriers to Dispersal minor roads each section may be further fragmented by land- take (due to immediate proximity of roads); improvement works to, and/or increased traffic on, minor roads.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 43 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Human Disturbance and recreation Site has been identified as being currently vulnerable to fly tipping and uncontrolled fires and as such, increased access to this site is identified as being significant. Increased access may additionally result in increased recreational pressures (habitat degradation through trampling for example).

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 44 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: St Austell Clay Pits SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: in proximity to minor roads, and A391. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the improvement of connectivity, noise/air and safety impacts, creating a resilient and reliable transport network for goods and services, supporting rural vitality, and providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Construction and/or improvement works may be required to major and minor roads as a result. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Air Quality Construction activities; and/or Any project brought It is not possible increased levels of traffic; in forward under Cornwall to conclude that proximity to the SAC may result in LTP3 that would reduce there will be no changes to air quality, including available habitat for future likely significant dust deposition and nitrogen colonisation by Western effects on the deposition (DfT, 2005). Rustwort and/or increase integrity of St. dust or atmospheric Austell Clay Pits deposition, and/or increase SAC as a result of SAC interest feature, Western human presence in the Cornwall LTP3. rustwort may be vulnerable to dust locale should be deposition and/or nitrogen considered as having a deposition. potential impact upon the integrity of the SAC. Western rustwort is reliant on the ability to colonise suitable habitats in its surrounding area. Changes in soil conditions and species composition of such adjacent habitats through the addition of increased dust/nitrogen deposition may compromise the future

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 45 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

functioning of this species at this site. Habitat Degradation SAC currently in close proximity to minor roads and A391, may be degraded by land-take; improvement works to, and/or increased traffic on these roads. SAC interest feature, Western rustwort is reliant on ability to colonise new, adjacent suitable habitats. Human disturbance A change in the land-use of the surrounding area and/or improved access may increase human presence. Illegal access, fires and fly tipping may destroy, degrade or fragment the SAC interest feature or the surrounding habitat on which its future survival is reliant.

Site Name: Polruan to Polperro SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: Located in the coastal region. Not immediately adjacent to rural communities or road network. Situated adjacent to the South west coastal path. Increased access/use of the site is possible. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Recreational pressure and Human SAC is currently situated in Any project brought It is not possible disturbance proximity to the South west forward under Cornwall to conclude that coastal path, which is currently LTP3, which may improve there will be no

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 46 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

subject to high levels of access to the SAC would likely significant disturbance. Shingle vegetation require careful effects on the (of particular note, shore dock) is consideration of the integrity of vulnerable to surface disturbance. potential effects of visitor Polruan to Increased visitor pressure through pressures. Polperro SAC as a improved access has the potential result of Cornwall to compound this and cause LTP3. significant effects.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 47 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Plymouth Sound and Estuaries SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: Immediately adjacent to port; A38 (road not considered to directly or indirectly impact upon the estuary). Increased access/use of the site is possible. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Recreational pressure and Human SAC is currently situated in area of Any project brought It is not possible disturbance high recreational demand. Shore forward under Cornwall to conclude that dock is vulnerable to surface LTP3, which may increase there will be no disturbance resulting in habitat recreational use, reliance likely significant loss. Increased visitor pressure on transportation in this effects on the has the potential to intensify this region (shipping) or would integrity of and cause significant effects. encourage construction of Plymouth Sound the port would require and Estuaries careful consideration of SAC as a result of potential effects on the Cornwall LTP3. SAC.

Habitat damage and Hydrological Change Change to habitat; water quality (water quality or quantity) (run-off and pollution); and/or flow as a result of increased development/increased port use: altering dynamics of habitat/species composition.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 48 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Penhale Dunes SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: Located in the coastal region. Within proximity to rural communities but not identified as being within zone of development influence. Not within proximity of road network. Increased access/use of the site is possible. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Recreational pressure and Human SAC is currently situated in area Any project brought It is not possible disturbance used intensively for recreation. forward under Cornwall to conclude that Dog fouling is identified as a LTP3, which may improve there will be no particular concern at this site. access to the SAC would likely significant Annex II plant species, shore dock, require careful effects on the petalwort and early genetian are consideration of the integrity of particularly vulnerable to surface potential effects of visitor Penhale Dunes disturbance and changes in pressures. SAC as a result of nutrient status. Increased visitor Cornwall LTP3. pressure (including dog fouling) through improved access has the potential to compound this and cause significant effects.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 49 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: The Lizard SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: Located in the coastal region. Within proximity to rural communities but not identified as in zone of development influence. Not within proximity of road network. Increased access/use of the site is possible. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Human Disturbance and recreational Site currently vulnerable to Any project brought It is not possible pressure uncontrolled fires. Increased forward under Cornwall to conclude that visitor pressure and recreation LTP3, which may improve there will be no through improved access has the access to the SAC would likely significant potential to compound this (and require careful effects on the introduce additional impacts such consideration of the integrity of the as trampling and disturbance) and potential effects of visitor Lizard SAC as a cause significant effects. pressures. result of Cornwall LTP3.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 50 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Lower Bostraze and Leswidden SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: Rural location. Within proximity (approximately 200 m) of A3071. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the improvement of connectivity, noise/air and safety impacts, creating a resilient and reliable transport network for goods and services, supporting rural vitality, and providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Construction and/or improvement works may be required to major and minor roads as a result. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include reducing the need for travel and supporting communities to live locally, which may require infrastructure improvements to rural communities. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Air Quality SAC currently in close proximity to Any project brought It is not possible A3071 and may be indirectly forward under Cornwall to conclude that impacted upon through LTP3 that would result in there will be no acidification and deposition as a air quality impacts should likely significant result of increased road traffic be considered as having a effects on the and/or development for potential impact upon the integrity of Lower infrastructure improvement in rural integrity of the SAC. Bostraze and communities. Western rustwort Leswidden SAC may be vulnerable to air quality as a result of impacts within 200m of roads, Cornwall LTP3. resulting in habitat deterioration or change in habitat dynamics and smothering of vegetation.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 51 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Godrevy Head to St. Agnes SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: Located in the coastal region. Within proximity to rural communities but not identified as being within zone of development influence. Not within proximity of road network. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Increased access/use of the site is possible. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Recreational pressure and Human SAC is currently situated in area Any project brought It is not possible disturbance used intensively for recreation. forward under Cornwall to conclude that Increased visitor pressure through LTP3, which may improve there will be no improved access has the potential access to the SAC would likely significant to compound this and result in require careful effects on the significant effects. consideration of the integrity of potential effects of visitor Godrevy Head to pressures. St. Agnes SAC as Site is currently vulnerable to a result of uncontrolled fires and dog fouling Cornwall LTP3. (affecting nutrient status), which may be compounded with increased access to the site.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 52 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Tintagel-Marsland-Clovelly Coast SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: Located in the coastal region. Within proximity to rural communities (in zone of development influence in locations including ). Within 200m of minor roads. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Increased access/use of the site is possible. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Recreational pressure and Human SAC currently identified as Any project brought It is not possible disturbance vulnerable to disturbance impacts. forward under Cornwall to conclude that Increased visitor pressure through LTP3, which may improve there will be no improved access has the potential access to the SAC would likely significant to intensify this and cause require careful effects on the significant effects. consideration of the integrity of potential effects of visitor Tintagel- pressures. Marsland-Clovelly Coast SAC as a result of Cornwall LTP3. Air Pollution Acidification and deposition as a result of improvements to minor roads and increased road traffic on minor roads. SAC components may be vulnerable to air quality impacts within 200m of roads, resulting in habitat deterioration or change in habitat dynamics and species composition.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 53 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Isles of Scilly SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: The intertidal and sub littoral habitats of the Isles of Scilly form the site. This is close to rural communities but likely to be outside of the zone of influence for impacts on the interest features. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Increased access/use of the site is possible.

Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Human Disturbance and increased Site has been identified as being Any project brought It is not possible recreational pressures currently vulnerable to human forward under Cornwall to conclude that disturbance and as such, increased LTP3, which may involve there will be no access to this site is identified as construction/improvements likely significant being significant. to infrastructure in order to effects on the allow communities to be integrity of Isles self-sufficient and reduce of Scilly SAC as a travel and/or would result of Cornwall increase recreational use LTP3. of the site would require careful consideration of potential effects on the SAC.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 54 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Crowdy Marsh SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: Not within proximity to rural communities or road network Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects None identified.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 55 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: River Camel SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: situated within 200 m of local road network (including and linking to A30). In proximity to rural communities. Situated immediately adjacent to the Camel Trail.

Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the improvement of connectivity, noise/air and safety impacts, creating a resilient and reliable transport network for goods and services, supporting rural vitality, and providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Construction and/or improvement works may be required to major and minor roads as a result. Increased access/use of the site is possible.

Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include reducing the need for travel and supporting communities to live locally, which may require infrastructure improvements to rural communities. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Air Quality SAC currently in close proximity to Any project brought It is not possible minor roads linking to A30 and forward under Cornwall to conclude that may be impacted upon through LTP3 that would result in there will be no acidification and deposition as a increased visitor pressures, likely significant result of increased road traffic air quality and hydrological effects on the and/or development for impacts should be integrity of the infrastructure improvement in rural considered as having a River Camel SAC communities. potential impact upon the as a result of integrity of the SAC. Cornwall LTP3. Hydrological Change (water quality or Dynamics of habitat/species quantity) composition may alter as a result of increased run-off / changes to flow. Degradation of habitat for Annex II species otter and bullhead may occur, these species are reliant on high water quality

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 56 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

and a natural river environment. Recreational pressure and Human SAC is currently situated in area disturbance used intensively for recreation. Increased access and visitor pressure may intensify any existing threats to the SAC as a result of human disturbance.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 57 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Fal and Helford SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: Adjacent to port. In proximity to A39 and A394.

Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the improvement of connectivity, noise/air and safety impacts, creating a resilient and reliable transport network for goods and services, supporting rural vitality, and providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Construction and/or improvement works may be required to major and minor roads as a result. Increased access/use of the site is possible. Description of Impact / Potential Matters for Consideration in Matters for Likelihood of Effect Cornwall LTP3 Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Recreational pressure and Human SAC is currently situated in area of Any project brought It is not possible disturbance high recreational demand. Shore forward under Cornwall to conclude that dock is vulnerable to surface LTP3, which may increase there will be no disturbance resulting in habitat recreational use, access to likely significant loss. Increased visitor pressure the water, and deep water effects on the has the potential to intensify this moorings, reliance on integrity of Fal and cause significant effects. transportation in this and Helford SAC Habitats may be degraded or region (shipping) or would as a result of fragmented by increased demand encourage construction of Cornwall LTP3. for moorings, berths and other the port would require means of accessing the water. careful consideration of potential effects on the SAC.

Hydrological Change (water quality or Successional change as a result of quantity) increased development/increased port use: altering dynamics of

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 58 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

habitat/species composition may result.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 59 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Newlyn Downs SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: In close proximity to A30.

Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the improvement of connectivity, noise/air and safety impacts, creating a resilient and reliable transport network for goods and services, supporting rural vitality, and providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Construction and/or improvement works may be required to major and minor roads as a result. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Hydrological Change (water quality or Dorset heath in this location is Any project brought It is not possible quantity) dependent on the maintenance of forward under Cornwall to conclude that existing hydrological conditions. LTP3 that would involve there will be no construction, road likely significant Air Pollution Acidification and deposition as a widening and/or additional effects on the result of increased road traffic on traffic on the A30, would integrity of the A30. SAC components require consideration of Newlyn Downs (heathland) may be vulnerable to the potential effects on the SAC as a result of air quality impacts within 200m of SAC. Cornwall LTP3. roads, resulting in habitat deterioration or change in habitat dynamics and species composition.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 60 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Phoenix United Mine and Crow`s Nest SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: In close proximity to rural communities. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include reducing the need for travel and supporting communities to live locally, which may require infrastructure improvements to rural communities. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Increased access/use of the site is possible. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Construction-phase impacts from Improvement of infrastructure to Any project brought It is not possible development of rural communities encourage rural communities to be forward under Cornwall to conclude that self-sufficient may result in air and LTP3 that would involve there will be no water quality impacts as well as construction for the likely significant disturbance causing habitat improvement of effects on the loss/fragmentation/degradation. infrastructure and/or integrity of increase access to the SAC Phoenix United would require Mine and Crow consideration of the SAC as a result of potential effects on the Cornwall LTP3. SAC (air quality and fragmentation). Recreational pressure and Human SAC is currently situated in area of disturbance high recreational use; certain activities are currently listed as potentially having future impacts through habitat degradation.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 61 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Tregonning Hill SAC Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: In close proximity to rural communities – however likely to be outside of development zone of influence. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects None identified.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 62 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Tamar estuaries Complex SPA Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: Immediately adjacent to port; A38. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the improvement of connectivity, noise/air and safety impacts, creating a resilient and reliable transport network for goods and services, supporting rural vitality, and providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Construction and/or improvement works may be required to major and minor roads as a result. Increased access/use of the site is possible.

Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Recreational pressure and Human SPA is currently situated in area of Any project brought It is not possible disturbance high recreational demand. The forward under Cornwall to conclude that site regularly supports bird LTP3, which may increase there will be no species, vulnerable to disturbance, recreational use, reliance likely significant particularly during breeding. on transportation in this effects on the Increased visitor pressure has the region (shipping) or would integrity of Tamar potential to intensify disturbance encourage construction of estuaries and cause significant effects. the port would require Complex SPA as a careful consideration of result of Cornwall potential effects on the LTP3. SPA.

Hydrological Change (water quality or Changes to water quality or quantity) quantity as a result of new port development or increased use may alter dynamics of habitat/species composition. Construction Disturbance Visual, noise and vibration

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 63 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

disturbance from port construction, improvement works in proximity to intertidal habitats, particularly at periods of low tide during the winter or during late spring/early summer.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 64 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Isles of Scilly SPA Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: The intertidal and sub littoral habitats of the Isles of Scilly form the site. In close proximity to rural communities and minor roads. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the improvement of connectivity, noise/air and safety impacts, creating a resilient and reliable transport network for goods and services, supporting rural vitality, and providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Construction and/or improvement works may be required to major and minor roads as a result. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include reducing the need for travel and supporting communities to live locally, which may require infrastructure improvements to rural communities. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Construction Disturbance Visual, noise and vibration Any project brought It is not possible disturbance from construction forward under Cornwall to conclude that works to improve infrastructure in LTP3, which may involve there will be no proximity to coastal habitats, construction/improvements likely significant particularly during the breeding to infrastructure in order to effects on the season may impact upon allow communities to be integrity of Isles internationally important self-sufficient and reduce of Scilly SPA as a assemblages of sea birds and travel would require result of Cornwall nationally important bird careful consideration of LTP3. assemblages. potential effects on the SPA.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 65 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Site Name: Marazion Marsh SPA Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: In close proximity to A30 and minor roads. Intersected by A394. Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the improvement of connectivity, noise/air and safety impacts, creating a resilient and reliable transport network for goods and services, supporting rural vitality, and providing sustainable access to Cornwall’s environment. Construction and/or improvement works may be required to major and minor roads as a result. Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in Significant Cornwall LTP3 Effects Air Quality SPA may be impacted upon Any project brought It is not possible through acidification and forward under Cornwall to conclude that deposition as a result of increased LTP3 that would involve there will be no road traffic. construction, road likely significant widening and/or additional effects on the Hydrological Change (water quality or Increased road traffic on the A30 or A394, integrity of quantity) traffic/improvements to existing or supporting Marazion Marsh roads or development of new roads infrastructure, would SPA as a result of may increase run-off and alter require consideration of Cornwall LTP3. dynamics of habitat/species the potential effects on the composition through changes to SPA. water quality/quantity. Infrastructure to support development/improvement of transport links (e.g. coastal defences) may indirectly impact upon the SPA by changing water quality/quantity. Habitat Fragmentation SPA currently in close proximity to A30 and fragmented by A394, further fragmentation may occur with improvement works to, and/or

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 66 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

increased traffic. Recreational pressure and Human Increased access may lead to disturbance increased recreation at the site and human disturbance, which may result in significant effects (e.g. disturbance of qualifying features). Construction Disturbance Visual, noise and vibration disturbance from construction, improvement works in proximity to reedbed at any time of year (the site supports overwintering and on-passage bird species).

Site Name: Lands End and Cape Bank cSAC; Lizard Point cSAC; and Prawle Point to Plymouth Sound cSAC. Assumptions: Likely Significant Effects are determined by assessing the site’s key issues, threats and vulnerabilities (as described in Table 3.1) specifically in relation to potential development scenarios. All potential LTP3 development scenarios are described in 4.1; only those considered relevant to the site are described below. Potential Development: not applicable (inshore marine sites). Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the reduction of reliance on fossil fuels and encouraging the use of low carbon technologies. Renewable energy generation (wave/tidal) may require construction in proximity. Improved access (leading to increased opportunity for marine recreation). Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for HRA Next Steps Potential Effect Consideration in Cornwall LTP3

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 67 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Habitat Fragmentation and Barriers to cSAC may be fragmented by Any project brought It is not possible Dispersal introduction of tidal power within forward under Cornwall to demonstrate or in proximity. Dispersal of LTP3 that would encourage that there will be species and function/integrity of the development of wind no impacts on the cSAC could be compromised or tidal power stations integrity of Lands (particularly relevant for Lands End within or in proximity to End and Cape and Cape Bank’s associated tide- the cSACs, or would Bank cSAC, swept communities and Prawle encourage increased Lizard Point cSAC Point to Plymouth Sound’s sea fan recreation within or in or Prawle Point to and coral communities). proximity, would require Plymouth Sound consideration of the cSAC as a result potential effects on the of Cornwall LTP3. Hydrological Change (water quality or Change through organic cSACs (biological Further quantity) loading/toxic contamination: disturbance, invasive assessment will altering dynamics of species be necessary. habitat/species composition may introduction/spread water result. quality and Recreational pressure and Human It is not known (due to only recent fragmentation). disturbance submission of cSAC data) whether the site is currently subject to high recreational demand or is vulnerable to recreation pressures. An assumption is made for precautionary purposes. It is possible however, that increased access will lead to increased use of the site for recreational activities. This may result in disturbance of the site’s associated biological communities, increased siltation, changes in turbidity and potentially introduction of toxic or non-toxic contaminants. Increased shipping (commercial and recreational may lead to the

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 68 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

introduction and/or spread of invasive species.

Table 4.2b Impact Identification for Relevant Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites Site Name: All sites (with the exception of the inshore marine cSACs, discussed separately above) Potential Power Station Development (to support climate change objective): Assumed any development would be linked to renewable power generation: solar, wind and wave/tidal and impacts upon Natura 2000 or Ramsar sites would therefore only potentially be evident within the (2 km) buffer established for this current high-level assessment.

Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives include the reduction of reliance on fossil fuels and encouraging the use of low carbon technologies.

Possible Impact Description of Impact / Potential Matters for Likelihood of Effect Consideration in Significant Effects Cornwall LTP3 Potential locations for development of alternative fuel technologies cannot be identified at the LTP level. As a result, it It is not possible to is not possible to characterise the potential impact (which will be dependent on the type of facility and location in conclude that there relation to the Natura 2000 or Ramsar site). Associated impacts may also occur to varying degrees (for example, will be no likely supporting infrastructure). significant effects on the integrity of Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites as a result of Cornwall LTP3.

Table 4.2c Impact Identification for Relevant Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites Site Name: All sites (with the exception of the inshore marine cSACs) Potential Cycle Path Development: Assumed cycle path could be developed in proximity to any SPA or Ramsar.

Possible Impact Description of Impact / Potential Matters for Likelihood of Effect Consideration in Significant Effects Cornwall LTP3

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 69 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Construction Disturbance Potential construction-phase impacts Any project brought It is not possible to may be evident at all sites. In addition, forward under Cornwall conclude that there visual, noise and vibration disturbance LTP3 that would involve will be no likely from construction works to improve construction and significant effects on infrastructure in proximity to coastal operation of cycle paths the integrity of habitats may impact upon birds (SPAs would require Natura 2000 and and Ramsar sites). consideration of the Ramsar sites as a potential effects on result of Cornwall Recreational pressure and Human disturbance Qualifying features of SPA (birds) are Natura 2000 and Ramsar LTP3. known to be vulnerable to visual and sites. noise disturbance. Increased visual presence, in particular, may cause significant disturbance and potentially site abandonment.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 70 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Table 4.2d Impact Identification for Relevant Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites Site Name: All sites (with the exception of the inshore marine cSACs) Positive effects - adapting the existing transport network and reducing reliance on fossil fuels has the potential to positively impact upon the Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites.

Possible Impact Description of Impact / Potential Matters for Likelihood of Effect Consideration in Significant Effects Cornwall LTP3 Increased connectivity (adaptation of transport Habitat fragmentation may be reversed Any project brought It is not possible to network and creation of cycle paths) or improved by removing barriers to forward under Cornwall conclude that there dispersal by providing/enhancing habitat LTP3 that would involve will be no likely corridors, which are resilient to the construction or significant positive added impacts of climate change improvement to effects on the transport network would integrity of Natura Air Quality All sites may be positively impacted require consideration of 2000 and Ramsar upon through reduction in acidification the potential for creating sites as a result of and deposition as a result of lower levels positive effects. Cornwall LTP3. of road traffic.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 71 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Table 4.2e Impact Identification for Relevant Natura 2000 sites Site Name: All sites where potential development of rural communities or road networks have been identified. All potential development: development of rural communities and/or improvement to roads within or bordering a relevant Natura 2000 site Possible Impact Description of Impact / Matters for Likelihood of Potential Effect Consideration in the Significant Plan Effects Potential locations for development cannot be identified at the LTP3 level. As a result, it is not possible to It is not possible to categorically determine that habitat loss through land-take; habitat shrinkage or fragmentation through loss conclude that there of adjacent, undesignated buffer habitat; or habitat degradation or fragmentation through the loss of will be no likely connected or unconnected habitat supporting site functioning, will not occur. significant effects on the integrity of Natura 2000 and sites as a result of Cornwall LTP3.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 72 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

4.4 Step 4: Assess the Significance of Effects on Natura 2000 Sites

4.4.1 Table 4.4 below, presents a screening matrix identifying the likelihood of occurrence of significant effects as a result of Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives.

4.4.2 Notwithstanding the requirement for further assessment, it is highly likely that within the regulation and permitting of the development of projects to implement Cornwall LTP3, a range of environmental control measures will be required to ensure adverse impacts upon the environment are avoided or minimised. This will include the reduction of air quality emissions to below critical threshold levels as identified by Air Pollution Information System (APIS) and others. The control of water abstraction and discharge of water is required via the Water Framework Directive15, the consideration of impacts on designated sites is covered under the Habitats Regulations, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and national and location planning policy. These control measures will ensure that impacts associated with projects to implement Cornwall LTP3 are minimised. Indeed it is likely that with the control measures in place, development that may result in significant adverse impacts on Natura 2000 or Ramsar sites would only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

4.4.3 Nevertheless is not possible to categorically demonstrate that Cornwall LTP3 will not have any impacts upon the Natura 2000 network or Ramsar sites.

15 Water Framework Directive (2000): http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32000L0060:EN:HTML

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 73 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

Table 4.4 Matrix: Likelihood of occurrence of significant effects as a result of Cornwall LTP3 goals and objectives Notes: -Likely development arising as a result of LTP3 goals and objectives is described in Table 4.1. Each relevant Natura 2000 or Ramsar site’s key threats and vulnerabilities are established in Table 3.1. It is possible to identify potential impacts by assessing site vulnerabilities against development scenarios, this is carried out in Table 4.2a-d for the site as a whole and is summarised for each interest feature in this matrix . -This table does not detail where impacts are considered to be applicable to all sites; these impacts are detailed in Table 4.2b-d (see (*).

LTP 3 Goals; Likely Development Scenarios; Potential Impacts and Occurrence of Likely Significant Effects (denoted by ‘X’) Supporting Economic Climate Change Respect & Healthy Active Community Safety and Equality & Opportunity Prosperity -Construction / Enhance the Lifestyles: Individual Wellbeing -Construction / -Construction / improvement of transport Environment -Operation of -Improvement to roads improvement of transport improvement of transport networks -Improved cycle paths when in proximity to networks networks -Construction / access and -Improved communities -Construction / improvement of rural visitor/ access and improvement of rural infrastructure and recreation visitor/ infrastructure and facilities pressure recreation facilities pressure * In addition, potential impacts resulting from the construction and * In addition, potential generation of alternative fuel impacts associated with technologies have been identified for all the construction of sites. cycle paths have been identified for all sites (or (or ation (or illegal access illegal (or access illegal (or ges to Hydrology to ges Habitat loss / damage / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Habitat degrad Air Quality Noise, visual, light disturbance Habitat degradation (only sites those for identified already subject to visitor pressures) Vibration / / Visual Noise for identified (only Disturbance the are birds where sites feature) qualifying / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Chan Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Site Name Qualifying Features

Isles of Scilly Shore dock X Ramsar European; storm-petrel X X X X Lesser black-backed gull X X X X European shag X X X X Breney Common and Northern Atlantic wet X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Goss and Tregoss heaths with cross-leaved Moors SAC heath European dry heaths X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Transition mires and X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X quaking bogs Marsh fritillary butterfly X X X X X X X X Carrine Common European dry heaths X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X SAC Temperate Atlantic wet X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X heaths with Dorset heath WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 74 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

LTP 3 Goals; Likely Development Scenarios; Potential Impacts and Occurrence of Likely Significant Effects (denoted by ‘X’) Supporting Economic Climate Change Respect & Healthy Active Community Safety and Equality & Opportunity Prosperity -Construction / Enhance the Lifestyles: Individual Wellbeing -Construction / -Construction / improvement of transport Environment -Operation of -Improvement to roads improvement of transport improvement of transport networks -Improved cycle paths when in proximity to networks networks -Construction / access and -Improved communities -Construction / improvement of rural visitor/ access and improvement of rural infrastructure and recreation visitor/ infrastructure and facilities pressure recreation facilities pressure * In addition, potential impacts resulting from the construction and * In addition, potential generation of alternative fuel impacts associated with technologies have been identified for all the construction of sites. cycle paths have been identified for all sites (or (or ation (or illegal access illegal (or access illegal (or ges to Hydrology to ges Habitat loss / damage / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Habitat degrad Air Quality Noise, visual, light disturbance Habitat degradation (only sites those for identified already subject to visitor pressures) Vibration / / Visual Noise for identified (only Disturbance the are birds where sites feature) qualifying / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Chan Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Site Name Qualifying Features

and cross-leaved heath

Crowdy Marsh SAC Transition mires and quaking bogs St Austell Clay Pits Western rustwort X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X SAC Polruan to Polperro Vegetated sea cliffs of the X SAC Atlantic and Baltic coasts European dry heaths X X Shore dock X X Plymouth Sound and Sandbanks which are X X X X X X X X X X Estuaries SAC slightly covered by sea water all the time Estuaries X X X X X X X X X X Large shallow inlets and X X X X X X X X X X bays Reefs X X X X X X X X Atlantic salt meadows X X X X X X X X Mudflats and sand-flats not X X X X X X X X covered by seawater at low tide

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 75 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

LTP 3 Goals; Likely Development Scenarios; Potential Impacts and Occurrence of Likely Significant Effects (denoted by ‘X’) Supporting Economic Climate Change Respect & Healthy Active Community Safety and Equality & Opportunity Prosperity -Construction / Enhance the Lifestyles: Individual Wellbeing -Construction / -Construction / improvement of transport Environment -Operation of -Improvement to roads improvement of transport improvement of transport networks -Improved cycle paths when in proximity to networks networks -Construction / access and -Improved communities -Construction / improvement of rural visitor/ access and improvement of rural infrastructure and recreation visitor/ infrastructure and facilities pressure recreation facilities pressure * In addition, potential impacts resulting from the construction and * In addition, potential generation of alternative fuel impacts associated with technologies have been identified for all the construction of sites. cycle paths have been identified for all sites (or (or ation (or illegal access illegal (or access illegal (or ges to Hydrology to ges Habitat loss / damage / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Habitat degrad Air Quality Noise, visual, light disturbance Habitat degradation (only sites those for identified already subject to visitor pressures) Vibration / / Visual Noise for identified (only Disturbance the are birds where sites feature) qualifying / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Chan Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Site Name Qualifying Features

Shore dock X X X X X X X X Allis shad X X X X Penhale Dunes SAC Fixed dunes with X X herbaceous vegetation Humid dune slacks X X Shifting dunes along the X X shoreline with Ammophila arenaria Dunes with Salix repens X X ssp argentea Salicion arenariae Petalwort X X Shore dock X X Early gentian X X The Lizard SAC Vegetated sea cliffs of the X Atlantic and Baltic coasts Hard oligo-mesotrophic X waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. Mediterranean temporary X ponds

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 76 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

LTP 3 Goals; Likely Development Scenarios; Potential Impacts and Occurrence of Likely Significant Effects (denoted by ‘X’) Supporting Economic Climate Change Respect & Healthy Active Community Safety and Equality & Opportunity Prosperity -Construction / Enhance the Lifestyles: Individual Wellbeing -Construction / -Construction / improvement of transport Environment -Operation of -Improvement to roads improvement of transport improvement of transport networks -Improved cycle paths when in proximity to networks networks -Construction / access and -Improved communities -Construction / improvement of rural visitor/ access and improvement of rural infrastructure and recreation visitor/ infrastructure and facilities pressure recreation facilities pressure * In addition, potential impacts resulting from the construction and * In addition, potential generation of alternative fuel impacts associated with technologies have been identified for all the construction of sites. cycle paths have been identified for all sites (or (or ation (or illegal access illegal (or access illegal (or ges to Hydrology to ges Habitat loss / damage / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Habitat degrad Air Quality Noise, visual, light disturbance Habitat degradation (only sites those for identified already subject to visitor pressures) Vibration / / Visual Noise for identified (only Disturbance the are birds where sites feature) qualifying / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Chan Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Site Name Qualifying Features

Northern Atlantic wet X X heaths with cross-leaved heath European dry heaths X X Dry Atlantic coastal heaths X X Lower Bostraze and Western rustwort X X X X X X X X Leswidden SAC Godrevy Head to St Temperate Atlantic wet X X Agnes SAC heaths European dry heaths X X Early gentian X X Tregonning Hill SAC European dry heaths Western rustwort Tintagel–Marsland– Vegetated sea cliffs of the X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Clovelly Coast SAC Atlantic and Baltic coasts Old sessile oak woods X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Early gentian X X X X X X X X X X X X X X River Camel SAC European dry heaths X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Old sessile oak woods X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 77 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

LTP 3 Goals; Likely Development Scenarios; Potential Impacts and Occurrence of Likely Significant Effects (denoted by ‘X’) Supporting Economic Climate Change Respect & Healthy Active Community Safety and Equality & Opportunity Prosperity -Construction / Enhance the Lifestyles: Individual Wellbeing -Construction / -Construction / improvement of transport Environment -Operation of -Improvement to roads improvement of transport improvement of transport networks -Improved cycle paths when in proximity to networks networks -Construction / access and -Improved communities -Construction / improvement of rural visitor/ access and improvement of rural infrastructure and recreation visitor/ infrastructure and facilities pressure recreation facilities pressure * In addition, potential impacts resulting from the construction and * In addition, potential generation of alternative fuel impacts associated with technologies have been identified for all the construction of sites. cycle paths have been identified for all sites (or (or ation (or illegal access illegal (or access illegal (or ges to Hydrology to ges Habitat loss / damage / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Habitat degrad Air Quality Noise, visual, light disturbance Habitat degradation (only sites those for identified already subject to visitor pressures) Vibration / / Visual Noise for identified (only Disturbance the are birds where sites feature) qualifying / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Chan Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Site Name Qualifying Features

Alluvial forests X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Bullhead X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Otter X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Atlantic salmon X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Isles of Scilly Sandbanks covered by sea X X X X X Complex SAC water Mudflats and sandflats not X X X X X covered by seawater at low tide Reefs X X X X X Shore dock X X X x x Grey seal X x x x X Fal and Helford SAC Sandbanks covered by sea X X X X X X X X X X X X X water Mudflats and sandflats not X X X X X X X X X X X X X covered by seawater at low tide Large shallow inlets and X X X X X X X X X X X X X bays Atlantic salt meadows X X X X X X X X X X X X X Estuaries X X X X X X X X X X X X X WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 78 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

LTP 3 Goals; Likely Development Scenarios; Potential Impacts and Occurrence of Likely Significant Effects (denoted by ‘X’) Supporting Economic Climate Change Respect & Healthy Active Community Safety and Equality & Opportunity Prosperity -Construction / Enhance the Lifestyles: Individual Wellbeing -Construction / -Construction / improvement of transport Environment -Operation of -Improvement to roads improvement of transport improvement of transport networks -Improved cycle paths when in proximity to networks networks -Construction / access and -Improved communities -Construction / improvement of rural visitor/ access and improvement of rural infrastructure and recreation visitor/ infrastructure and facilities pressure recreation facilities pressure * In addition, potential impacts resulting from the construction and * In addition, potential generation of alternative fuel impacts associated with technologies have been identified for all the construction of sites. cycle paths have been identified for all sites (or (or ation (or illegal access illegal (or access illegal (or ges to Hydrology to ges Habitat loss / damage / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Habitat degrad Air Quality Noise, visual, light disturbance Habitat degradation (only sites those for identified already subject to visitor pressures) Vibration / / Visual Noise for identified (only Disturbance the are birds where sites feature) qualifying / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Chan Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Site Name Qualifying Features

Reefs X X X X X X X X X X X X X Shore dock X X X X X X X Newlyn Downs SAC Temperate Atlantic wet X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X heaths European dry heaths X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Phoenix United Mine Calaminarian grasslands X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X and Crow`s Nest SAC Tamar Estuaries Over-winter: Avocet X X X X X X X X X X Complex SPA On-passage: Little Egret X X X X X X X X X X Isles of Scilly SPA During breeding: European X X X X X X X X X X Storm-petrel; Lesser Black- backed Gull Including: European Shag; X X X X X Great Black-backed Gull Marazion Marsh SPA Over-winter: Bittern X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X On-passage: Aquatic X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Warbler Lands End and Cape Inshore upstanding X X X Bank cSAC reefs

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 79 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

LTP 3 Goals; Likely Development Scenarios; Potential Impacts and Occurrence of Likely Significant Effects (denoted by ‘X’) Supporting Economic Climate Change Respect & Healthy Active Community Safety and Equality & Opportunity Prosperity -Construction / Enhance the Lifestyles: Individual Wellbeing -Construction / -Construction / improvement of transport Environment -Operation of -Improvement to roads improvement of transport improvement of transport networks -Improved cycle paths when in proximity to networks networks -Construction / access and -Improved communities -Construction / improvement of rural visitor/ access and improvement of rural infrastructure and recreation visitor/ infrastructure and facilities pressure recreation facilities pressure * In addition, potential impacts resulting from the construction and * In addition, potential generation of alternative fuel impacts associated with technologies have been identified for all the construction of sites. cycle paths have been identified for all sites (or (or ation (or illegal access illegal (or access illegal (or ges to Hydrology to ges Habitat loss / damage / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes light / / Visual Noise Disturbance /Vibration impacts) access illegal Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Habitat degrad Air Quality Noise, visual, light disturbance Habitat degradation (only sites those for identified already subject to visitor pressures) Vibration / / Visual Noise for identified (only Disturbance the are birds where sites feature) qualifying / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Hydrology to Changes Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity / damage / loss Habitat fragmentation Air Quality to Changes Chan Vibration / / Visual Noise Disturbance impacts) Improved / creation Habitat Connectivity Site Name Qualifying Features

Offshore upstanding X X X reefs

Prawle Point to Inshore upstanding X X X Plymouth Sound reefs cSAC Offshore upstanding X X X reefs Culm Grasslands Molinia meadows on X X X X X X X X SAC calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils Northern Atlantic wet X X X X X X X X heaths Marsh fritillary butterfly X X X X X X X X Lizard Point cSAC Inshore upstanding X X X reefs Offshore upstanding X X X reefs Flat bedrock reefs X X X

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 80 for Cornwall Council SECTION 4 SCREENING ASSESSMENT

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 81 for Cornwall Council

SECTION 5

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENT FOR APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT

SECTION 5 FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENT FOR APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT

5 FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENT FOR APPROPORIATE ASSESMENT

5.1 Conclusions and Recommendations

5.1.1 Given the possibility of significant effects associated with Cornwall LTP3, further, detailed assessment is necessary to satisfy the requirements of the Habitats Regulations. This detailed assessment is described as an ‘Appropriate Assessment’.

5.1.2 In order to consider potential impacts in more detail, further information on the proposals of Cornwall LTP3 and in-depth consultation with Natural England would be required.

5.1.3 Cornwall LTP3 is to be published at a strategy level and will not give detail on potential projects or proposals for its implementation. As a result, it is considered that there is insufficient detail at this time to enable a more in-depth analysis to the degree required for Appropriate Assessment. It will only be possible to undertake this level of assessment once specific projects are proposed and/or once sufficient detail is available at the plan level to enable a thorough and robust analysis to be carried out.

5.1.4 An assessment of any likely significant in-combination effects will be made and full recommendations for mitigation will be provided within each project/plan-level Appropriate Assessment. These will suggest measures to reduce the potential for any development to result in impacts upon the Natura 2000 network or Ramsar sites.

5.1.5 Where possible over-arching mitigating statements should be incorporated within Cornwall LTP3, for example:

x that development will not be located within any Natura 2000 site so that no direct habitat loss will occur; x that wherever possible works will be avoided where there is a direct transmission pathway to Natura 2000 or Ramsar sites (such as a Natura 2000 site down stream of a new road); x that buffer zones will be provided between construction/improvement works and Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites (the size and extent of which should be dependent upon the nature of impact and the sensitivity of receptors); x that there would be a general presumption against the permitting of construction/improvement works which generate particular adverse effects in proximity to Natura 2000 or

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010September 2010 Page 85 for Cornwall Council SECTION 5 FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENT FOR APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT Ramsar sites, which are sensitive to those effects – e.g. where particular adverse impacts on the water environment are identified; and x that improved access to Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites will be closely monitored and managed to ensure the integrity of the sites is not compromised.

If you would like this information in another format please contact:

Cornwall Council County Hall Treyew Road Truro TR1 3AY

Telephone: 0300 1234 100

Email: [email protected]

www.cornwall.gov.uk

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 86 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

SECTION 6

APPENDICIES SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

6 APPENDICIES

Appendix A: Natura 2000 and Ramsar Site Data

Source of data: Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC: www.jncc.gov.uk) accessed September 2010

Site Name Isles of Scilly Designation Ramsar Site Code UK11033 Position Grid Reference SV896134 Latitude 49:57:46 N, Longitude: 6:20:42W Total Area (Ha) 401.64 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the The Isles of Scilly form an archipelago of over 200 Catchment Area low-lying granite islands and rocks situated in the South-West Approaches 45 km south-west of Land's End at the extreme south-west of England. The Scilly archipelago encompasses extensive areas of undisturbed intertidal sandflats and sublittoral sandy sediments. Although sheltered, the shallow sandy sediments include little mud or silt because the surrounding seas have a low suspended sediment concentration, resulting from the islands’ isolation and the presence of fully marine oceanic water. The shallow sublittoral sediments are colonised by the most extensive and best-developed eelgrass Zostera marina beds in southern England (Hocking & Tompsett 2001). The Isles of Scilly are surrounded by reefs and rocky islets, some only extending into the shallow sublittoral, others extending well beyond 50 m depth. Primary Reason(s) for Ramsar criterion 6 – species/populations occurring at Designation levels of international importance Qualifying Species/Populations European storm-petrel , 71 apparently occupied sites, representing an average Hydrobates pelagicus, of 0.2% of the GB population (Seabird 2000 Census) World Lesser black-backed gull, 3603 apparently occupied nests, representing an Larus fuscus graellsii, average of 2.4% of the breeding population W (Seabird 2000 Census) Europe/Mediterranean/W Africa

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 88 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Species/populations identified subsequent to designation for possible future consideration under criterion 6. Species regularly supported during the breeding season: European shag, 1091 apparently occupied nests, representing an Phalacrocorax aristotelis average of 1.3% of the breeding population aristotelis, Coastal N (Seabird 2000 Census) Europe Noteworthy Flora Species occurring at Higher : Rumex rupestris levels of international importance Species occurring at Habitat Type: Heathland H4 levels of national importance Higher Plants: Ornithopus pinnatus, Viola kitaibeliana Noteworthy Fauna Birds Species regularly supported during the breeding season: Great black-backed gull 778 apparently occupied nests, representing an , Larus marinus, NE average of 4.5% of the GB population (Seabird 2000 Atlantic Census) Site Vulnerabilities Site not considered subject to adverse ecological change.

Site Name Breney Common and Goss and Tregoss Moors Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0030098 Position SW951598 Latitude 50 24 08 N, Longitude: 04 52 57 W Total Area (Ha) 816.01 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) Catchment Area (5%) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (30%) Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (20%) Humid grassland. Mesophile grassland (15%) Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (30%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 4010 - Northern This lowland site exhibits mosaics of various habitats,

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 89 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Atlantic wet heaths with including 4030 European dry heaths, wet heaths, acid Erica tetralix grassland, bog, swamp, fen and open water communities. The soil-structure of these sites reflects past mining operations, which caused poor drainage. 4030 - European dry The resulting extensive wet communities include the heaths localised M14 Schoenus nigricans – Narthecium ossifragum mire, closely associated with M25 Molinia caerulea – Potentilla erecta mire. There are several species of bog- Sphagnum spp., bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, orchids and some nationally scarce plants, such as yellow centaury Cicendia filiformis, marsh clubmoss Lycopodiella inundata and pillwort Pilularia globulifera. The habitat supports rich assemblages of butterflies (including the Annex II species 1065 marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia), moths, dragonflies and damselflies, and also a population of European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. 7140 - Transition mires Although possibly the site of a former raised bog, this and quaking bogs site lying either side of the A30 trunk road and encompassing the River is now recovering from an intensive period of china clay and gravel extraction. H7140 Transition mire has developed in the hollows between ridges and mounds on which dry heathland forms a mosaic with acid grassland. Wet heath merges into Sphagnum-dominated fen vegetation with common cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium, round- leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia, bog-myrtle Myrica gale, bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, black bog- rush Schoenus nigricans and bog pimpernel Anagallis tenella. Of particular note are the nationally scarce plants yellow centaury Cicendia filiformis, marsh clubmoss Lycopodiella inundata and pillwort Pilularia globulifera. Emergent vegetation around the 15 ponds includes water horsetail Equisetum fluviatile, bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata and marsh cinquefoil Potentilla palustris. Many of the transitions include tall fen vegetation with bulrush Typha latifolia, common reed Phragmites australis and bottle sedge Carex rostrata. Other wetland plants found in the pond margins and across the more shallow ponds include marsh St John’s-wort Hypericum elodes, sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus and ivy-leaved bellflower Wahlenbergia hederacea. Of particular note are the nationally scarce Cornish moneywort Sibthorpia europaea and wavy St John’s-wort Hypericum undulatum. Extensive willow carr has developed over much of the central part of the . Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1065 - Marsh fritillary This is a cluster of three marsh fritillary Euphydryas

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 90 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES butterfly Euphydryas aurinia sub-populations over a complex of wet (Eurodryas, Hypodryas) heathland sites. This supports the largest aurinia metapopulation in Cornwall and probably the most westerly viable population in England. Site Vulnerabilities The two component sites comprise both Common Land and privately-owned land. A large part of Goss and Tregoss Moors is a National Nature Reserve managed by English Nature. A National Nature Reserve management plan is in place. Part of Breney Common is a nature reserve managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust in accordance with a management plan agreed with English Nature. Management Agreements or Site Management Statements are in place or under negotiation for all active private land managers on both sites. Whilst there are considerable practical difficulties associated with achieving nature conservation management on the areas of Common Land, the majority of which has not been actively managed for a considerable length of time, active engagement of the Common Rights holders has been initiated to progress the delivery of appropriate management aimed at securing favourable condition.

Site Name Carrine Common Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0012795 Position SW798438 Latitude, 50 15 09 N Longitude: 05 05 23 W Total Area (Ha) 45.86 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (40%) Catchment Area Humid grassland. Mesophile grassland (60%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 4020 - Temperate Carrine Common has a large area of Dorset heath Erica Atlantic wet heaths with ciliaris and is important for the representation of the Erica ciliaris and Erica full geographical distribution of temperate Atlantic wet tetralix * Priority heaths. This site also takes account of the ecological feature variation of the habitat type, as E. ciliaris at Carrine Common occurs on soils that appear to be more free- draining than is usually the case in Dorset and elsewhere in Cornwall. The occurrence of this habitat type under such conditions is thought to reflect the highly oceanic climate of Cornwall Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 91 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES selection of this site 4030 - European dry heaths Site Vulnerabilities The wet heathland requires limited management in the form of scrub control. Pressures on the site arise from damaging summer fires, attributable mainly to irresponsible visitors and motorists using the road that divides the site. Dumping and tipping have also occurred on the site. These are difficult to control, as public access is not restricted. Nearly half the site is under a management agreement and fire-breaks have been constructed around the site.

Site Name St Austell Clay Pits Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code St Austell Clay Pits UK0030282 Position SX022549 Latitude 50 21 36 N, Longitude 04 46 52 W: Total Area (Ha) 0.61 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (50%) Catchment Area Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste places, mines, industrial sites) (50%) Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1390 - Western This is one of three sites selected for western rustwort rustwort Marsupella . St Austell Clay Pits is located in profunda * mid-Cornwall within china clay workings, and comprises three sub-sites Site Vulnerabilities The only known UK locality for Marsupella profunda is within china clay workings in Cornwall. This liverwort is a colonist at early stages in the succession on exposed china clay waste and decaying granite rocks. Because M. profunda appears to be a ’mobile’ colonist which utilises newly-exposed china clay waste and decaying granitic material, habitats are then lost to natural vegetation succession, and statutory protection for its sites of limited value. The continued survival of this species depends on the management of existing sites, which in the St Austell area, are in close proximity to active working pits, and on the inclusion of new sites. New sites are continually being created by china clay extraction in the St Austell area and are being artificially created in former clay-mining areas in west Cornwall. Management of existing sites includes manual control of scrub (willow and gorse), heathers and grasses,

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 92 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

trials with herbicide control of heathers, etc., and small-scale translocation experiments. This management is being achieved through close liaison with the landowners, IMERYS and Goonvean Ltd. IMERYS are actively involved in the management of their sites. Management will be further addressed by the agreement of management plans with the clay companies.

Site Name Polruan to Polperro Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0030241 Position SX161512 Latitude 50 19 52 N, Longitude 04 35 03 W: Total Area (Ha) 213.39 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets (65%) Catchment Area Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) (3%) Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (15%) Dry grassland. Steppes (15%) Improved grassland (2%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1230 - Vegetated sea This site on the south coast of Cornwall represents a cliffs of the Atlantic and range of cliff habitats influenced by the complex Baltic coasts lithological variation and tectonic structure at this location. The cliff habitats are particularly important for their assemblage of plants and the site also supports the Annex II species 1441 shore dock Rumex rupestris. The cliffs and slopes support a variety of maritime rock crevice and ledge communities, with maritime and sub-maritime grasslands and flushes. In places the lower cliffs, backshore and cliff crevices are influenced by freshwater seepages, flushes and springs. The maritime grasslands are found alongside or amongst areas of scrub and bracken Pteridium aquilinum, and the species composition reflects the variation in the calcareous influence of the underlying strata. Extensive areas of unimproved grassland are present on the cliff tops and headlands. The exposure at this site is less than that experienced on the north coast of Cornwall, and provides an important contrast to the other Cornish sites selected for this feature. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 93 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

4030 - European dry The area is considered to support a significant presence heaths for this habitat type. Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1441 - Shore dock An important rocky-shore site for shore dock Rumex Rumex rupestris rupestris, near to the centre of its UK distribution. In 1999 the site supported 13 widely scattered colonies and at least 30 plants, along with numerous small pockets of additional suitable habitat. Considered to be one of the best areas in the for this species. Site Vulnerabilities The sea cliffs support a variety of maritime vegetation that is dependent on natural processes and climatic influence. The sea cliffs require limited management, and are fairly accessible in many areas. Maintenance and enhancement of the coastal strip is being pursued in collaboration with the National Trust and other land managers through the provision of advice and promotion of positive land management schemes such as the Wildlife Enhancement Scheme and Countryside Stewardship.

Site Name Plymouth Sound and Estuaries Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0013111 Position SX472506 Latitude 50 20 06 N, Longitude 04 08 51 W: Total Area (Ha) 6402.03 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Marine areas. Sea inlets (50%) Catchment Area Tidal rivers. Estuaries. Mud flats. Sand flats. Lagoons (including saltwork basins) (40%) Salt marshes. Salt pastures. Salt steppes (5%) Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair (2%) Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets (3%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1110 - Sandbanks Plymouth Sound and Estuaries, on the south-west which are slightly coast of England, has been selected for its extensive covered by sea water all areas of sublittoral sandbanks, which consist of a range the time of sandy sediments within the inlet and on the open coast. These sediments include tide-swept sandy banks in estuarine habitats, sandy muds north of the Breakwater, muddy sands in Jennycliff Bay, fine sands with eelgrass Zostera marina and a rich associated

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 94 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

flora and fauna in the Yealm entrance, as well as tide- swept sandy sediments with associated hard substrates colonised by distinctive communities of algae and invertebrates. This is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom for this habitat type. 1130 - Estuaries Plymouth Sound and Estuaries is representative of ria estuaries in south-west England. The Rivers Tamar and Lynher are linked at their mouths. The upper parts of the Tamar and Lynher include a very well- developed estuarine salinity gradient. As a consequence, they exhibit one of the finest examples in the UK of changing estuarine communities with changing salinity regime. Rocky reefs in low salinity estuarine conditions far inland on the Tamar are very unusual and support species such as the hydroid Cordylophora caspia. The Tamar is one of few estuaries where zonation of rocky habitats (intertidal and subtidal) can be observed along an estuarine gradient. This is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom for this habitat type. 1160 - Large shallow Plymouth Sound and Estuaries on the south-west coast inlets and bays of England includes the rias of the rivers Tavy, Tamar, Lynher and Yealm. The first three of these join at the wide, rocky inlet of Plymouth Sound and the Yealm enters the adjacent Wembury Bay. The Yealm has good examples of habitats and communities characteristic of sheltered marine inlets with little freshwater input, including a range of sponge- and worm-dominated communities on lower shore mixed sediments. The Plymouth Sound complex has a high diversity of habitats and communities characteristic of different salinities, in contrast to the Fal and Helford. Some of these support extremely rich marine flora and fauna, which include abundant southern Mediterranean-Atlantic species rarely found in Britain, such as the carpet coral Hoplangia durotrix. Particularly notable habitats include (i) littoral and sublittoral limestone reefs extensively bored by bivalves and harbouring a rich fauna; (ii) offshore sublittoral tide-swept reefs; (iii) tide-swept limestone channels with animal communities rarely encountered in other marine inlets; and (iv) subtidal sediments with rich and often diverse invertebrate communities. 1170 - Reefs Plymouth Sound in south-west England has a wide variety of intertidal and subtidal reef biotopes. Of particular importance are the limestone reefs running along the northern shore from West Hoe to Batten Bay, which are one of only two coastal areas in south-west Britain with Devonian limestone. This relatively soft rock is extensively bored by the bivalve Hiatella arctica and the spionid worms Polydora spp., and harbours a

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 95 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

rich fauna. In the sublittoral this steep-sided, wave- sheltered reef is dominated by a dense hydroid and bryozoan turf with anemones and ascidians. A number of rarely-recorded low shore biotopes also occur along the shores from Devil’s Point to Batten Bay, at Wembury, Penlee, Hoo Lake Point, and in the mouth of the River Yealm. The sublittoral is of particular importance for its kelp- and animal-dominated habitats. The area off Batten Bay contains the south- western kelp Laminaria ochroleuca, together with other uncommon species including the rare sea slug Okenia elegans and trumpet anemone Aiptasia mutabilis. Most circalittoral rocky reefs occur in areas of the Outer Sound, such as off Wembury, the Mewstone, Penlee Point and south of the breakwater. In the approaches to Plymouth Sound, abundant populations of the slow- growing, long-lived, nationally important pink sea-fan Eunicella verrucosa occur. This is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom for this habitat type. 1330 - Atlantic salt This site is representative of a ria system in south-west meadows (Glauco- England. The well-developed salinity gradient supports Puccinellietalia Atlantic salt meadow together with natural transitions maritimae) to brackish and freshwater communities, including reedbeds supporting the only UK population of triangular club-rush Schoenoplectus triqueter. Some stands of saltmeadow are structurally and botanically diverse and include sea club-rush Scirpus maritimus and saltmarsh rush Juncus gerardii, with red fescue Festuca rubra, sea rush J. maritimus and thrift Armeria maritima at higher levels. The locally common parsley water-dropwort Oenanthe lachenalii is also found in some parts of the site, and there are stands of sea- purslane Halimione portulacoides, which is unusual in Cornwall. The Atlantic salt meadows make a vital contribution to the structure and function of the estuary and the other habitats within it. This is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom for this habitat type. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site 1140 - Mudflats and This is considered to be one of the best areas in the sandflats not covered United Kingdom for this habitat type. by seawater at low tide Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1441 - Shore dock One of the chief rocky-shore strongholds for shore dock Rumex rupestris Rumex rupestris on the UK mainland, in 1999 comprising 15 colonies and 42 plants. The site also holds a sizeable area of additional suitable habitat. This is considered to be one of the best areas in the

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 96 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

United Kingdom for this species. Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection 1102 - Allis shad Alosa The area is considered to support a significant presence alosa of this species. Site Vulnerabilities The complex ria system and wide rocky inlet of Plymouth Sound are popular with visitors, close to a large population, and accommodate military and commercial shipping. Potential threats therefore include: increased pressure for recreational moorings and associated facilities; port development; ongoing maintenance dredging. A single scheme of management has been drafted to address these issues. Both the geology and geography of Plymouth Sound makes it very sensitive to oil pollution. A review of the oil contingency strategy has been completed, along with appropriate training.

Site Name Penhale Dunes Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0012559 Position SW769572 Latitude 50 22 18 N, Longitude 05 08 16 W: Total Area (Ha) 621.34 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair (80%) Catchment Area Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets (3%) Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) (2%) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (5%) Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (5%) Dry grassland. Steppes (3%) Mixed woodland (2%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 2130 - Fixed dunes with Penhale Dunes, like Braunton Burrows, is in south-west herbaceous vegetation England and also has a large area of fixed dunes with (`grey dunes`) * herbaceous vegetation on an extensive and exposed Priority feature calcareous dune system where active geomorphological and successional processes occur. However, of particular interest are the communities developing on sand overlying the adjacent hillsides, which have been blown inland by strong winds. In this respect the site

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 97 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

is functionally similar to Invernaver, on the north coast of Scotland, though the vegetation is very different owing to climatic differences. This is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom for this habitat type. 2190 - Humid dune Penhale Dunes in south-west England is an extensive slacks and exposed calcareous dune system where active geomorphological and successional dune processes occur. Humid dune slacks with an interesting flora are well-developed in the northern section where they often form marshy areas or pools. The drier slacks support short, rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus-grazed turf with species such as silverweed Potentilla anserina, common centaury Centaurium erythraea and pyramidal orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis. The damper slacks are colonised by taller herbs including meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, water mint Mentha aquatica, great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum and water horsetail Equisetum palustre. The dune slacks also support a number of uncommon plant species including populations of the Annex II species 1441 shore dock Rumex rupestris for which the site is also selected. Other low-lying wetlands within the site are important for sedge and fern-dominated communities. This is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom for this habitat type. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site 2120 - Shifting dunes The area is considered to support a significant presence along the shoreline with of this habitat type. Ammophila arenaria (`white dunes`) 2170 Dunes with Salix The area is considered to support a significant presence repens ssp. argentea of this habitat type - which is considered to be rare as (Salicion arenariae) its total extent in the United Kingdom is estimated to be less than 1000 hectares

Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1395 - Petalwort Penhale’s extensive dune system supports a large Petalophyllum ralfsii population of petalwort Petalophyllum ralfsii and is one of three sites selected to represent the species in south-west England. Recorded here since 1919, it occurs in damp, calcareous dune slacks. This is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom for this species. 1441 - Shore dock Penhale Dunes is an important sand-dune site for shore Rumex rupestris dock Rumex rupestris, with possibly the largest

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 98 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

concentration of plants on the UK mainland. More than 50 plants were recorded at this site in the late 1980s; in 1994 the number had apparently declined to 33 fruiting plants but, following the discovery in the late 1990s of new plants away from the previously-known colonies, the total population is now thought to comprise >70 plants. 1654 - Early gentian This site supports strong populations of Gentianella Gentianella anglica anglica. Populations of G. anglica in Cornwall are now viewed as mixed populations of G. anglica ssp. anglica and its ‘hybrid’ with autumn gentian Gentianella amarella, G. x davidiana (Rich et al. 1997). They were formerly regarded as a subspecies, G. anglica ssp. cornubiensis (Pritchard 1959). Plants at Penhale Dunes have been found to range from pure G. anglica through a range of intermediate forms to pure G. amarella (Wilson 1999). This is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom for the species. Site Vulnerabilities These extensive and exposed calcareous dunes are dependent upon the natural dune processes being allowed to continue. The unspoilt character of the site is in part a result of approximately half the area being under Ministry of Defence occupation, which over the years has restricted public access. The Ministry of Defence has also voluntarily implemented policies designed to reduce any artificially induced instability into the system, e.g. limiting vehicle movements and access. A site management statement has been drawn up between English Nature and Ministry of Defence, which forms the basis of an agreed management plan. The other main landowners on the site have recently entered a Countryside Stewardship scheme and an agri- environment scheme. The site management statements for all the three landowners cover visitor pressure, grazing, fire control and scrub management.

Site Name The Lizard Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0012799 Position SW690174 Latitude 50 00 41 N, Longitude 05 13 28 W: Total Area (Ha) 3257.11 Biogeographic Region Atlantic

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 99 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Physical Features of the Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets (15%) Catchment Area Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) (2%) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (2%) Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (73%) Dry grassland. Steppes (2%) Improved grassland (2%) Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (1%) Coniferous woodland (2%) Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste places, mines, industrial sites) (1%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1230 - Vegetated sea The Lizard, at the extreme south-west tip of England, cliffs of the Atlantic and has been selected for its unusual representation of Baltic coasts base-rich igneous and acid metamorphic cliffs. The combination of its complex geology and a southern location has resulted in the diverse nature of the plants and plant communities found here, many of which are particularly species-rich and some of which are rare in the UK. The site includes a typical sequence of cliff vegetation, with a variety of truly maritime plants, which grades into grazed and ungrazed communities on exposed cliffs with dense red fescue Festuca rubra and wild asparagus Asparagus officinalis ssp. prostratus. There are also transitions to heathland, normally dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris and bell heather Erica cinerea, though in addition the Lizard has extensive heath rich in the rare Cornish heath Erica vagans. The Lizard is one of the richest botanical areas in the UK and is of considerable value at EU level, owing to its unusual ecology and outlying representatives of rare species. 3140 - Hard oligo- The coastal peninsula of the Lizard in south-west mesotrophic waters England supports a nationally unique series of oligo- with benthic vegetation mesotrophic waterbodies in which high base-status is of Chara spp. not due to limestone or shell-sand. The Lizard is partly underlain by igneous serpentine rock which gives rise to calcium-deficient ground waters that are rich in magnesium. Groundwater drains from adjoining wet and dry serpentine heaths to feed the oligo- mesotrophic waterbodies in which another unusual feature is the occurrence of stoneworts Chara species typical of calcareous lakes, together with species normally associated with acid conditions, such as bog pondweed Potamogeton polygonifolius. Stoneworts present include three Red Data Book species – Chara baltica, C. curta and C. fragifera 3170 - Mediterranean There are widespread examples of the serpentine

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 100 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES temporary ponds variant of Mediterranean temporary ponds on the * Priority feature Lizard heaths. A number of rare species, including chives Allium schoenoprasum, dwarf rush Juncus capitatus and land quillwort Isoetes histrix, occur in this habitat type. The acid pool type is the main locality on the Lizard for an important assemblage of rare species, including pigmy rush Juncus pygmaeus, three- lobed crowfoot Ranunculus tripartitus and yellow centaury Cicendia filiformis. A number of these pools support important invertebrate populations, including the water beetles Graptodytes flavipes and Dryops striatellus. However, in many areas the habitat type is much reduced, as trackways that once ensured the creation of the pools have fallen into disuse. 4010 - Northern The Lizard peninsula in the extreme south-west of Atlantic wet heaths with England has a unique type of wet heath, NVC type H5 Erica tetralix Erica vagans – Schoenus nigricans heath. This wet heath occurs extensively on poorly-drained soils derived from ultra-basic serpentine and gabbro. It contains unusual mixtures of species characteristic of acid soils growing with species typical of base-rich soils 4030 - European dry The typical inland, dry heathland on the Lizard is NVC heaths type H4 Ulex gallii – Agrostis curtisii heath, sometimes called ‘short heath’, which differs from other dry heaths in the area which are Annex I type 4040 Dry Atlantic coastal heaths with Erica vagans. These heathlands are dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris and bell heather Erica cinerea. Western gorse Ulex gallii, Cornish heath Erica vagans, cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea and bristle bent Agrostis curtisii can be locally dominant. Good stands of this vegetation type are found on extensive loess deposits. 4040 - Dry Atlantic All good-quality areas of dry Atlantic coastal heaths coastal heaths with with Erica vagans on the Lizard peninsula in south-west Erica vagans * Priority England are included in this site. The full range of feature structural and floristic variation within NVC type H6 Erica vagans – heath is covered, ranging from cliff-top heaths rich in maritime species, such as spring squill Scilla verna, to more inland heaths containing abundant bristle bent Agrostis curtisii. Site Vulnerabilities Over half the site is a National Nature Reserve and much of the remainder is managed by the National Trust. Threats to the site, at the present time, are limited. Uncontrolled fires still pose a threat, but greater public awareness, improved response times and fire-breaks minimise the risk.

Site Name Lower Bostraze and Leswidden

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 101 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0030064 Position SW384310 Latitude 50 07 14 N, Longitude 05 39 37 W: Total Area (Ha) 2.33 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste Catchment Area places, mines, industrial sites) (100%) Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1390 Western rustwort This site comprises two closely adjacent locations Marsupella profunda selected for western rustwort Marsupella profunda. The * Priority feature colony at Lower Bostraze is in the southern half of a disused china-clay quarry where extraction ended around 1991. There are many exposed clay surfaces with little or no colonisation by bryophytes and vascular plants. Filamentous green algae are however widespread on the clay. Most vascular plants present are only immature individuals, with heather Calluna vulgaris and bell heather Erica cinerea the most common species. Lower Bostraze supports the largest population of western rustwort, with an estimated 4,000 cm2 cover, while Leswidden supports an estimated 200 cm2. Leswidden is also a former china- clay quarry, where working ceased before 1965. Banks of clay spoil have been exposed more recently during work to clear and flatten the area to the south now used as a coal merchant’s yard. As at Lower Bostraze, the clay surfaces are colonised by filamentous green algae and, very sparsely, by calcifuge vascular plants such as heather Calluna vulgaris and bell heather Erica cinerea Site Vulnerabilities Marsupella profunda appears to be a pioneer species, in England colonising bare china clay substrates. It is lost through natural succession as taller plants, particularly heather and gorse, shade it out. This successional change is being addressed at the site through site management agreed with the owner, which will be informed by research into management of the species under English Nature’s species recovery programme.

Site Name Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0012549

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 102 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Position SW700496 Latitude 50 18 02 N, Longitude 05 13 49 W: Total Area (Ha) 128.07 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Marine areas. Sea inlets (1%) Catchment Area Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair (10%) Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets (10%) Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) (2%) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (2%) Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (35%) Dry grassland. Steppes (35%) Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste places, mines, industrial sites) (5%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 4020 - Temperate This site is characterised by maritime 4030 European Atlantic wet heaths with dry heaths, but along the Chapel Porth valley it Erica ciliaris and Erica supports stands of Dorset heath Erica ciliaris. At this tetralix * Priority site the species occurs on drier substrates than in feature Dorset. 4030 - European dry The dry heathland in this site represents typical heaths examples of wind-pruned, ‘waved’ H4 Ulex gallii – Agrostis curtisii and H8 Calluna vulgaris – Ulex gallii heath, with some maritime features. Several noteworthy species occur in the site, including bristle bent Agrostis curtisii, red-flowered kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria var. coccinea, Portland spurge Euphorbia portlandica and hairy greenweed Genista pilosa. Scattered areas of 4020 Temperate Atlantic wet heaths with Erica ciliaris and Erica tetralix also occur. Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1654 - Early gentian Although not one of the largest populations, this site is Gentianella anglica considered to be important because it is representative of early gentian Gentianella anglica on a non- calcareous substrate in the extreme west of its range. Populations in Cornwall were formerly regarded as a subspecies, G. anglica ssp. cornubiensis (Pritchard 1959) but are now viewed as mixed populations of G. anglica ssp. anglica and G. x davidiana, its ‘hybrid’ with autumn gentian Gentianella amarella (Rich et al. 1997). Site Vulnerabilities The site is owned by the National Trust and public access is promoted. The site could therefore be vulnerable to trampling, scrub invasion and summer fires. The

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 103 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

National Trust is managing the site in accordance with the nature conservation objectives set out in the agreed site management statement, which includes actions to address these issues. Management for scrub invasion or invasive species may be required.

Site Name Tregonning Hill Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0012604 Position SW600300 Latitude 50 07 14 N, Longitude 05 21 28 W: Total Area (Ha) 5.21 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (60%) Catchment Area Improved grassland (20%) Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. Permanent snow and ice (10%) Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste places, mines, industrial sites) (10%) Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection 1390 - Western Marsupella profunda is known from 15 or fewer 10 x rustwort Marsupella 10 km squares in the United Kingdom. profunda * Priority The site is considered to support a significant presence. feature Site Vulnerabilities Western rustwort Marsupella profunda occurs within the site which consists of old china clay workings, pits and spoil-tips, surrounded mostly by western lowland heath. Monitoring of the site and investigation into the specific ecological requirements of the species are desirable to ensure optimal conditions for its survival and increase.

Site Name Tintagel–Marsland–Clovelly Coast Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0013047 Position SS225234 Latitude 50 58 57 N, Longitude 04 31 45 W: Total Area (Ha) 2429.84

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 104 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair (5%) Catchment Area Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets (60%) Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) (2%) Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (10%) Dry grassland. Steppes (10%) Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (10%) Mixed woodland (3%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1230 - Vegetated sea This site represents an extensive length of largely hard cliffs of the Atlantic and coastal cliff in south-west England, with a range of Baltic coasts maritime influences and vegetation developed on hard neutral to acidic sedimentary rocks. It demonstrates a range of vertical or near-vertical cliffs with intervening slumped sections. The greater part of this very long site, totalling approximately 60 km, is west-facing, fully exposed to Atlantic storms and therefore strongly maritime in character. The section east of Hartland Point faces north and north-east and is relatively sheltered. Inland of the crevice and grassland communities, maritime heath and short coastal grassland with wild thyme Thymus polytrichus and spring squill Scilla verna are particularly significant, and locally these show transitions to scrub and woodland in the adjacent valleys. This includes an unusual wind-pruned cliff woodland, the , with an exceptionally rich lichen flora. 91A0 - Old sessile oak Stretches of old sessile oak wood occur at various woods with Ilex and points along this section of coast. The trees are Blechnum in the British frequently wind-pruned, sometimes to the point where Isles they are barely taller than the heather Calluna vulgaris. The oak communities include small patches of richer ash Fraxinus excelsior and alder Alnus glutinosa woodland. The bryophyte and lichen assemblages are particularly rich, and the Atlantic influence is also shown in the abundance of hay-scented buckler-fern Dryopteris aemula. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site 4030 - European dry The area is considered to support a significant presence heaths of this habitat type Site Vulnerabilities The sea cliffs support a variety of maritime vegetation that is dependent upon natural processes and climatic influence. The sea cliffs require limited management, and are fairly inaccessible in many areas. Maintenance and enhancement of the coastal strip is

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 105 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

being pursued in collaboration with the National Trust and other land managers, through the provision of advice and promotion of positive land management schemes such as the Wildlife Enhancement Scheme and Countryside Stewardship.

Site Name Crowdy Marsh Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0030329 Position SX150834 Latitude 50 37 14 N, Longitude 04 36 52 W: Total Area (Ha) 92.65 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) Catchment Area (5%) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (40%) Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (30%) Humid grassland. Mesophile grassland (25%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 7140 - Transition mires Crowdy Marsh is one of several valley mires found and quaking bogs around the edge of the granite massif of Moor. Most of the gently-sloping wide valley is now occupied by a freshwater reservoir, but feeder streams still meander via a network of water tracks between low peaty mounds over the remainder. The H7140 Transition mire includes the water tracks and occasional waterlogged hollows found throughout Crowdy Marsh. The deep hollows are dominated by the bog- Sphagnum [auriculatum] with a mix of typical transition mire species such as marsh cinquefoil Potentilla palustris and bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata. Marsh St John’s-wort Hypericum elodes and bog pondweed Potamogeton polygonifolius are common in the water tracks, often fringed by the rushes Juncus effusus and Juncus bulbosus. Pale butterwort Pinguicula lusitanica is widely distributed along the margins of the fen. Crowdy Marsh is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom for this habitat type. Site Vulnerabilities The site comprises both Common Land and privately- owned land. Historically there have been considerable practical difficulties associated with achieving positive nature conservation management both on the Common

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 106 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

and adjacent privately-owned land, resulting in both areas not being appropriately managed for a considerable length of time. In order to progress the delivery of appropriate management aimed at securing favourable condition, a Countryside Stewardship agreement has recently been negotiated on all of the Common Land within and adjacent to the site boundary. It is intended that a further management agreement will be negotiated with the private land manager and their grazier in due course.

Site Name River Camel Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0030056 Position SX061708 Latitude 50 30 15 N, Longitude 04 44 07 W: Total Area (Ha) 621.17 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Tidal rivers. Estuaries. Mud flats. Sand flats. Lagoons Catchment Area (including saltwork basins) (1%) Salt marshes. Salt pastures. Salt steppes (0.5%) Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) (5%) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (10%) Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (25%) Humid grassland. Mesophile grassland (10%) Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (45%) Mixed woodland (3%) Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. Permanent snow and ice (0.5%) Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site 4030 - European dry The area is considered to support a significant presence heaths of this habitat type 91A0 - Old sessile oak The area is considered to support a significant presence woods with Ilex and of this habitat type Blechnum in the British Isles 91E0 - Alluvial forests The area is considered to support a significant presence with Alnus glutinosa of this habitat type and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 107 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES incanae, Salicion albae) * Priority feature Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1163 - Bullhead Cottus The Camel represents bullhead Cottus gobio in the gobio extreme south-west of its range in England. The river encompasses a range of ecological conditions with both upland and lowland characteristics. The clean, fast- flowing, relatively oligotrophic waters with their stony bottoms are particularly suitable for bullhead, which forms an important part of the total fish biomass. 1355 - Otter Lutra The Camel represents otter Lutra lutra in its main lutra stronghold in England in the south-west of the country. Surveys have indicated a dense population along this river. Records show that these populations persisted even during the period when the otter was in serious decline over much of the rest of its range in England, and this area has acted as a nucleus for recolonisation of other parts of England. The river and its tributaries represent the more upland as well as lowland habitat types utilised by otters, satisfying requirements for adequate food supply throughout the year. The wooded lower reaches of the river provide excellent habitat for resting and breeding. Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection 1106 - Atlantic salmon The area is considered to support a significant presence Salmo salar of this species. Site Vulnerabilities The otter and bullhead populations are dependent on high water quality and a natural river environment. The otter population also requires strong fish populations as well as areas of cover and holt sites for breeding and lying-up. The latter are provided by bank-side trees, areas of woodland, scrub and rank vegetation. Otters can also feed in adjacent wet meadows. Maintenance and creation of these features is being pursued in collaboration with the Environment Agency (EA) through the Local EA Plan (LEAP), provision of advice to land managers and the promotion of positive land management schemes such as Countryside Stewardship and Woodland Grant Schemes. The role of the Local Water company is also important, for example in relation to future catchment uses. Disturbance is an issue, particularly as the Camel Trail (a major walking/cycling attraction) is situated next to the site. It will be important to ensure that the local authority committees

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 108 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

that run this facility fully integrate its promotion and operation with conservation needs.

Site Name Isles of Scilly Complex Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0013694 Position SV883111 Latitude 49 55 06 N, Longitude 06 20 35 W: Total Area (Ha) 26850.95 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Marine areas. Sea inlets (75%) Catchment Area Tidal rivers. Estuaries. Mud flats. Sand flats. Lagoons (including saltwork basins) (20%) Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets (5%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1110 - Sandbanks The Scilly archipelago, off the south-west tip of which are slightly England, encompasses extensive sublittoral sandy covered by sea water all sediments, which, between the islands, are contiguous the time with the intertidal sandflats. They are important in the UK for the extent and diversity of their associated communities. In particular, their isolation and the presence of oceanic water contribute to the special nature of the site, which is characterised by shallow sandy sediments with low silt content and by the fully marine salinity. There are rich communities present on the tide-swept sandbanks in the narrow channels between the islands and in the deeper, more stable, wave-sheltered sediments. The fauna of these sediments includes tanaid crustaceans, a diversity of polychaete worms, and various echinoderms. The shallow sublittoral sediments are colonised by the most extensive and best-developed eelgrass Zostera marina beds in southern England (Hocking & Tompsett 2001). These beds have a rich associated flora and fauna of algae, hydroids, sea anemones, molluscs and fish. Fauna with warm-water affinities include the trumpet anemone Anthopleura ballii. 1140 - Mudflats and The Isles of Scilly archipelago supports extensive areas sandflats not covered of undisturbed intertidal sandflats in the extreme by seawater at low tide south-west of the UK. The islands are particularly important for exceptionally rich communities occurring in coarse sediments, including clean sand, a substrate that is usually poor in species. Although sheltered, the sediments include little mud because the surrounding

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 109 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

seas have a low suspended sediment concentration, resulting from the islands’ isolation and the presence of oceanic water. The sandflats exposed at low tide between the northern islands are of international marine nature conservation importance, owing to their extent and diversity and the presence of species rarely found elsewhere in the intertidal. The lower shore sandflats are particularly notable, for they include the fringes of the most extensive and diverse beds of eelgrass Zostera marina known in southern England (Hocking & Tompsett 2001), with an unusually species- rich associated biota, including various seaweeds and fish and rich sediment communities of anemones, polychaete worms, bivalve molluscs and burrowing echinoderms. These include many species restricted to the sublittoral elsewhere in the UK. Many southern species are present, often in large numbers, including some, such as the hermit crab Cestopagurus timidus and the spiny cockle Acanthocardia aculeata, that are recorded only rarely in the UK. 1170 - Reefs The Isles of Scilly are surrounded by reefs and rocky islets, some only extending into the shallow sublittoral, others extending well beyond 50 m depth. The location of the islands, exposed to the full force of the Atlantic, leads to the development of extremely exposed communities on west-facing reefs, whilst on the east- facing coast, more sheltered and silted reefs occur. The south-westerly position of the islands leads to a range of warm-water species being present, including sunset cup-coral Leptopsammia pruvoti, pink sea-fans Eunicella verrucosa, and Weymouth carpet-coral Hoplangia durotrix. Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1441 - Shore dock There are historical records of shore dock Rumex Rumex rupestris rupestris from seven of the larger islands, as well as from several small rocky outcrops and the . Recent surveys suggest that it may now be restricted to just four islands (Tresco, Annet, Samson, Tean). Despite recent losses (and possibly earlier over- estimates of its abundance), the Isles of Scilly remain an important stronghold of the species at the south- western limit of its UK range. It is thought likely that the species is in long-term decline here, probably due to sea-level rise, increased storminess and ‘coastal squeeze’. Recent population data are lacking for some colonies, but it is thought that the total population, estimated in 1994 to be 165 plants, may now be rather less than this, perhaps fewer than 100 plants. Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 110 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

1364 - Grey seal The area is considered to support a significant presence Halichoerus grypus of this species. Site Vulnerabilities The Isles of Scilly voluntary Marine Park, under the management of the Marine Park Management Committee, has been established to conserve and protect the ecological, archaeological, historical and environmental importance of the area. A code of conduct for the area has been drawn up and is being promoted by the Environmental Trust and English Nature. Monitoring programmes continue, particularly on the extent and quality of Zostera marina beds. The vulnerability of the marine site will be further identified through English Nature’s work to develop and promote the necessary conservation measures for UK marine SACs. English Nature propose to develop guidance on setting and reviewing conservation objectives; identify key human activities which may affect Annex I and Annex II interests; identify the necessary survey management and monitoring systems; and increase the awareness of those most closely involved in the use and management of marine SACs.

Site Name Fal and Helford Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0013112 Position SW747261 Latitude 50 05 30 N, Longitude 05 09 01 W: Total Area (Ha) 6387.8 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Marine areas. Sea inlets (60%) Catchment Area Tidal rivers. Estuaries. Mud flats. Sand flats. Lagoons (including saltwork basins) (35%) Salt marshes. Salt pastures. Salt steppes (3%) Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair (1%) Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets (1%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1110 - Sandbanks This is a sheltered site on the south-west coast of which are slightly England, with a low tidal range and a wide range of covered by sea water all substrates resulting in biologically one of the richest the time examples of sandbanks in the UK. Sublittoral sandbanks are present throughout much of the ria system and . There are particularly rich

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 111 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

sublittoral sand invertebrate communities with eelgrass Zostera marina beds near the mouth of both the Fal and Helford and in some channels of the rias, such as the River and Passage Cove. Of particular importance are the maerl (Phymatolithon calcareum and Lithothamnion orallioides) beds that occur in the lower Fal on Bank, and the extensive areas of maerl gravel which extend throughout the Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay. These are the largest beds in south-west Britain and harbour a rich variety of both epifaunal and infaunal species, including some which are rarely encountered, such as Couch’s goby Gobius couchi. 1140 - Mudflats and This area supports examples of sheltered intertidal sandflats not covered mudflats and sandflats representative of south-west by seawater at low tide England, and is particularly recognised for the importance of the species living in the sediments, including amphipods, polychaete worms, the sea cucumber Leptopentacta elongata and bivalve molluscs. Most of the shores of the Fal and Helford rias, and their upper reaches, are fringed by sandflats and mudflats. Owing to the sheltered nature of the site, the sediments are stable as well as being diverse, and include muds, muddy sand and clean sand. These support particularly rich and nationally important sediment communities in the Fal/Ruan estuary, and in Passage Cove, including beds of dwarf eelgrass Zostera noltei and diverse invertebrate communities. 1160 - Large shallow This site is a ria system in south-west England that inlets and bays supports a wide range of communities representative of marine inlets and shallow bays. The rias of the Fal and Helford have only a low freshwater input and as a result the area contains a range of fully marine habitats from extremely sheltered in the inlets to the wave- exposed, tide-swept open coast. There is a particularly diverse algal flora and a number of warm-water species are present. The area supports extensive and rich sediment communities, which include the largest and most south-westerly maerl Phymatolithon calcareum bed in the UK. 1330 - Atlantic salt The Fal and Helford is an example of saltmarsh meadows (Glauco- vegetation in a ria (drowned river valley), a Puccinellietalia physiographic type restricted to south-west England maritimae) and west Wales. There is a narrow saltmarsh zonation typical of rias, from pioneer to upper marsh, and transitions to woodland where the fringing trees overhang the tidal river, an unusual juxtaposition of vegetation in the UK. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 112 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES selection of this site 1130 - Estuaries The area is considered to support a significant presence of this habitat. 1170 - Reefs The area is considered to support a significant presence of this habitat. Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1441 - Shore dock A rocky-shore site supporting a large, dispersed Rumex rupestris population of shore dock Rumex rupestris near to the centre of its distribution in south-west England. Three sections of open coastline are included within the site, which when last surveyed (in 1999) supported 12 colonies and at least 34 plants. The site also holds extensive additional areas of suitable habitat. Site Vulnerabilities The ria systems of the Fal and Helford Rivers and adjacent Falmouth Bay attract visitors and accommodate many commercial and recreational activities. Potential threats therefore include: additional usage of the area for deep water moorings; deep-water oil rig lay-up in Carrick Roads; increased pressure for recreational moorings and associated facilities; port development; oil pollution. A single scheme of management will address these issues. The oil pollution plan has recently been successfully tested. Water quality issues arising from the effects of sewage discharges into this SAC, for example, will be addressed through the review procedures under the Habitats Regulations.

Site Name Newlyn Downs Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0030065 Position SW835544 Latitude 50 20 56 N, Longitude 05 02 39 W: Total Area (Ha) 115.71 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) Catchment Area (1%) Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (97%) Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste places, mines, industrial sites) (2%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 4020 - Temperate Newlyn Downs has the largest area in Cornwall of Atlantic wet heaths with heath rich in Dorset heath Erica ciliaris. A significant

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 113 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Erica ciliaris and Erica proportion of the E. ciliaris occurs in wetter situations tetralix * Priority than at Carrine Common. The sites selected for E. feature ciliaris heath in Cornwall, where the habitat type is rarer and more fragmented than in Dorset, are important for the representation of the full geographical distribution of Temperate Atlantic wet heaths with Erica ciliaris and Erica tetralix. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site 4030 - European dry The area is considered to support a significant presence heaths for this habitat type. Site Vulnerabilities The site is under private but generally sympathetic ownership. Much of the heathland is being positively managed under Countryside Stewardship, an agri- environment scheme. Motorcycle scrambling is being restricted to a small area and annually monitored.

Site Name Phoenix United Mine and Crow`s Nest Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0030238 Position SX265723 Latitude 50 31 26 N, Longitude 04 26 52 W: Total Area (Ha) 48.72 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Dry grassland. Steppes (65%) Catchment Area Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (5%) Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste places, mines, industrial sites) (30%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 6130 - Calaminarian This site on the south-eastern edge of grasslands of the supports internationally-important Calaminarian Violetalia calaminariae grassland metallophyte communities. The legacy of a long history of copper and tin extraction survives as mine spoil which has been colonised by a number of metallophytic bryophytes. In particular, the site supports the only known site in the world for the endangered Cornish path-moss cornubicum. Other notable metallophytes include the Red Data Book liverworts Cephaloziella massalongi and the endemic C. nicholsonii, both associated with copper-rich substrates, and the mosses Pohlia andalusica and Scopelophila cataractae, the latter possibly an introduction into this country on imported ore. Many other notable bryophytes have colonised the spoil, including the liverworts Cephaloziella integerrima, C.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 114 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

stellulifera, Lophozia sudetica, Gymnomitrion obtusum and Marsupella funckii, and the moss Ditrichum lineare. The vulnerable liverwort Cephaloziella calyculata grows on derelict mine buildings. Site Vulnerabilities The rare mosses and liverwort populations occurring here are pioneer species of bare or sparsely-vegetated metalliferous mine-spoil. This SAC represents the total known world population for Cornish path-moss . It also supports a number of other rare bryophytes which are specialists of highly- contaminated metalliferous mine waste. The continued survival of these rare and vulnerable species depends on the retention of these areas of mine- spoil. The management regime requires low intensity grazing to control scrub invasion and strict control of any tipping, landscaping and some recreational activities, specifically motorbike scrambling (third party activity which is very difficult to control, probably not causing damage at current levels but needs to be monitored). Site management is being achieved through close liaison with landowners, particularly with the LPA in relation to Derelict Land Grants Schemes for restoration of old mine buildings and safety works to mine shafts. Liaisons with other landowners has involved the agreement of Site Management Statements where appropriate.

Site Name Plymouth Sound and Estuaries Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0013111 Position SX472506 Latitude 50 20 06 N, Longitude 04 08 51 W: Total Area (Ha) 6402.03 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Marine areas. Sea inlets (50%) Catchment Area Tidal rivers. Estuaries. Mud flats. Sand flats. Lagoons (including saltwork basins) (40%) Salt marshes. Salt pastures. Salt steppes (5%) Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair (2%) Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets (3%)

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 115 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1110 - Sandbanks Plymouth Sound and Estuaries, on the south-west which are slightly coast of England, has been selected for its extensive covered by sea water all areas of sublittoral sandbanks, which consist of a range the time of sandy sediments within the inlet and on the open coast. These sediments include tide-swept sandy banks in estuarine habitats, sandy muds north of the Breakwater, muddy sands in Jennycliff Bay, fine sands with eelgrass Zostera marina and a rich associated flora and fauna in the Yealm entrance, as well as tide- swept sandy sediments with associated hard substrates colonised by distinctive communities of algae and invertebrates. 1130 - Estuaries Plymouth Sound and Estuaries is representative of ria estuaries in south-west England. The Rivers Tamar and Lynher are linked at their mouths. The upper parts of the Tamar and Lynher include a very well-developed estuarine salinity gradient. As a consequence, they exhibit one of the finest examples in the UK of changing estuarine communities with changing salinity regime. Rocky reefs in low salinity estuarine conditions far inland on the Tamar are very unusual and support species such as the hydroid Cordylophora caspia. The Tamar is one of few estuaries where zonation of rocky habitats (intertidal and subtidal) can be observed along an estuarine gradient. 1160 - Large shallow Plymouth Sound and Estuaries on the south-west coast inlets and bays of England includes the rias of the rivers Tavy, Tamar, Lynher and Yealm. The first three of these join at the wide, rocky inlet of Plymouth Sound and the Yealm enters the adjacent Wembury Bay. The Yealm has good examples of habitats and communities characteristic of sheltered marine inlets with little freshwater input, including a range of sponge- and worm-dominated communities on lower shore mixed sediments. The Plymouth Sound complex has a high diversity of habitats and communities characteristic of different salinities, in contrast to the Fal and Helford. Some of these support extremely rich marine flora and fauna, which include abundant southern Mediterranean- Atlantic species rarely found in Britain, such as the carpet coral Hoplangia durotrix. Particularly notable habitats include (i) littoral and sublittoral limestone reefs extensively bored by bivalves and harbouring a rich fauna; (ii) offshore sublittoral tide-swept reefs; (iii) tide-swept limestone channels with animal communities rarely encountered in other marine inlets; and (iv) subtidal sediments with rich and often diverse invertebrate communities. 1170 - Reefs Plymouth Sound in south-west England has a wide

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 116 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

variety of intertidal and subtidal reef biotopes. Of particular importance are the limestone reefs running along the northern shore from West Hoe to Batten Bay, which are one of only two coastal areas in south-west Britain with Devonian limestone. This relatively soft rock is extensively bored by the bivalve Hiatella arctica and the spionid worms Polydora spp., and harbours a rich fauna. In the sublittoral this steep-sided, wave- sheltered reef is dominated by a dense hydroid and bryozoan turf with anemones and ascidians. A number of rarely-recorded low shore biotopes also occur along the shores from Devil’s Point to Batten Bay, at Wembury, Penlee, Hoo Lake Point, and in the mouth of the River Yealm. The sublittoral is of particular importance for its kelp- and animal-dominated habitats. The area off Batten Bay contains the south- western kelp Laminaria ochroleuca, together with other uncommon species including the rare sea slug Okenia elegans and trumpet anemone Aiptasia mutabilis. Most circalittoral rocky reefs occur in areas of the Outer Sound, such as off Wembury, the Mewstone, Penlee Point and south of the breakwater. In the approaches to Plymouth Sound, abundant populations of the slow- growing, long-lived, nationally important pink sea-fan Eunicella verrucosa occur. 1330 - Atlantic salt This site is representative of a ria system in south-west meadows (Glauco- England. The well-developed salinity gradient supports Puccinellietalia Atlantic salt meadow together with natural transitions maritimae) to brackish and freshwater communities, including reedbeds supporting the only UK population of triangular club-rush Schoenoplectus triqueter. Some stands of saltmeadow are structurally and botanically diverse and include sea club-rush Scirpus maritimus and saltmarsh rush Juncus gerardii, with red fescue Festuca rubra, sea rush J. maritimus and thrift Armeria maritima at higher levels. The locally common parsley water-dropwort Oenanthe lachenalii is also found in some parts of the site, and there are stands of sea- purslane Halimione portulacoides, which is unusual in Cornwall. The Atlantic salt meadows make a vital contribution to the structure and function of the estuary and the other habitats within it. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site 1140 - Mudflats and The area is considered to support a significant presence sandflats not covered of this habitat type. by seawater at low tide Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1441 - Shore dock One of the chief rocky-shore strongholds for shore dock Rumex rupestris Rumex rupestris on the UK mainland, in 1999

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 117 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

comprising 15 colonies and 42 plants. The site also holds a sizeable area of additional suitable habitat. Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection 1102 - Allis shad Alosa The area is considered to support a significant presence alosa of this species. Site Vulnerabilities The complex ria system and wide rocky inlet of Plymouth Sound are popular with visitors, close to a large population, and accommodate military and commercial shipping. Potential threats therefore include: increased pressure for recreational moorings and associated facilities; port development; ongoing maintenance dredging. A single scheme of management has been drafted to address these issues. Both the geology and geography of Plymouth Sound make it very sensitive to oil pollution. A review of the oil contingency strategy has been completed, along with appropriate training.

Site Name Lands End and Cape bank Designation Candidate Special Protection Area Site Code UK0030375 Position Latitude 50.201 deg; N, Longitude 5.825 deg; W: Total Area (Ha) 30172 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Submarine reefs comprising of a coastal margin reef Catchment Area and an offshore upstanding reef. Reefs are predominantly granite and topographically complex with high biological and biotope diversity. Characterised by high biodiversity tide swept comunities. This is a high- energy circalittoral reef system. Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1170 Reefs For which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom. Closely associated with the main area of offshore upstanding rocky reefs within the Lands End and Cape Bank pSAC are isolated upstanding rocky reef pinnacles to the east and south. These isolated reefs appear to be as topographically complex and as biodiverse as those in the main area of upstanding rocky reef. Much

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 118 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

of the coastal margin deepens to 30 m within a kilometre or two of the shore. It includes areas of sand which stretch out from the major bays and as patches between rock outcrops. The resistant headlands and islands are formed of a variety of rock types including granite, metamorphic and volcanic rocks which also form a fringing reef system. The site’s south westerly position on the British coast means that the sub-littoral zone is exposed to the full force of the waves and oceanic swells coming in from the Atlantic, as well as experiencing full salinity, given the absence of any major source of fresh water run off from the land. The offshore upstanding rocky reefs areas are the most biodiverse of all rocky reef habitats within the site. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection Not applicable Site Vulnerabilities Operations likely to affect the habitat are: i) Physical loss by smothering; ii) Physical damage by siltation or abrasion; iii) Toxic contamination by introduction of synthetic or non-synthetic compounds; iv) Non-toxic contamination from changes in nutrient loading, organic loading, or changes in turbidity.

Site Name Prawle Point to Plymouth Sound Designation Candidate Special Protection Area Site Code UK0030373 Position Latitude 50 12 40 N, Longitude 04 00 31 W Total Area (Ha) 31525 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Reef habitats comprise complex topography. They Catchment Area support a wide variety of reef fauna and flora showing excellent examples of zonation from the infralittoral down to deeper water communities. Supports the most extensive and highest density beds and communities of several species of sea fan and coral

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 119 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

and supports deeper water reef species. Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1170 Reefs Numerous areas of reef (in many forms) exist within the Prawle Point to East Rutts and Bigbury Bay to Plymouth Sound reefs The site comprises coastal reef features associated with the extension of the exposed terrestrial geology out into the sublittoral zone and large areas of outcropping bedrock, boulders and cobbles in the offshore extents of the area. The reefs between Prawle Point and Salcombe appear similar in nature to that to the west of Salcombe (i.e., one of high topographic complexity). This large reef habitat comprises outcropping bedrock characterised by boulders and rocky gullies, fissures and crevices in the west of the area from Salcombe around the coast to Prawle Point. The inshore reefs here support large kelp forests and a variety of other algal species. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection Not applicable Site Vulnerabilities Operations likely to affect the habitat are: i) Physical loss by removal, smothering, siltation or abrasion; ii) Toxic contamination by introduction of synthetic or non-synthetic compounds; iii) Non-toxic contamination from changes in nutrient loading, organic loading, or changes in turbidity; iv) Biological disturbance by Introduction of non-native species and translocation or selective extraction of species.

Site Name Lizard Point Designation Candidate Special Protection Area Site Code UK0030374 Position Latitude 49 58 03 N, Longitude 05 15 21 W Total Area (Ha) 13988

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 120 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Geologically and topographically complex area Catchment Area consisting of upstanding sublittoral reefs, flat bedrock reefs and rocky shoals, all skirted by a relatively flat basin. The reef is a moderate to high-energy system with scour tolerant communities at slope bases. Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1170 Reefs For which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom. Lizard Point is unique in terms of its underlying geology, with no other existing SAC in the surrounding area offering such a variety of bedrock origins. The Lizard Point site consists of rugged inshore and offshore areas of submerged bedrock and boulders of complex geological origin, separated by extensive areas of thin, coarse mobile sediment covering flat sedimentary bedrock to the south and east, and the flat metamorphic bedrock to the west. There are two areas of upstanding offshore reef extending from approximately 3.5 to 9 km offshore and extending down to depths of 80 m in some areas. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection Not applicable Site Vulnerabilities Operations likely to affect the habitat are: i) Physical loss by smothering, siltation or abrasion; ii) Toxic contamination by introduction of synthetic or non-synthetic compounds; iii) Non-toxic contamination from changes in nutrient loading, organic loading or changes in turbidity; iv) Changes in salinity (for sea caves only); v) Biological disturbance by Introduction of microbial pathogens, introduction of non-native species and translocation, or selective extraction of species.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 121 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Site Name Tamar Estuaries Complex Designation Special Protection Area Site Code UK9010141 Position SX438604 Latitude 50 26 14 N, Longitude 04 11 42 W: Total Area (Ha) 1955 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Tidal rivers. Estuaries. Mud flats. Sand flats. Lagoons Catchment Area (including saltwork basins) (80%) Salt marshes. Salt pastures. Salt steppes (15%) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (5%) ARTICLE 4.1 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC) Over winter the area Recurvirostra avosetta (Pied Avocet) regularly supports: (Western Europe/Western Mediterranean - breeding) - 15.8% of the GB population 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96 On passage the area Egretta garzetta (Little Egret) regularly supports: (Sub-Saharan Africa - breeding) - at least 9.3% of the GB population Count, as at 1995 Site Vulnerabilities The complex ria system of the Tamar is close to a large conurbation, accommodates military and commercial shipping and is popular area for a variety of recreational activities. The single scheme of management being developed under the EC Life Programme will address all issues such as: increased pressure for moorings and associated facilities; port development; coastal squeeze; dredging; bait collection; and risk of accidental oil pollution. Current management is underway to address concerns over bait digging and loss of intertidal habitat to land claim.

Site Name Isles of Scilly Designation Special Protection Area Site Code UK9020288 Position SV885160 Latitude 49 57 46 N, Longitude 06 20 42 W: Total Area (Ha) 401.64

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 122 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair (10%) Catchment Area Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets (69%) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (1%) Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (20%) ARTICLE 4.1 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC) During the breeding Hydrobates pelagicus (European Storm-petrel) season the area (World) - at least 6.4% of the GB breeding population regularly supports: Count as at 1999 ARTICLE 4.2 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC) During the breeding Larus fuscus (Lesser Black-backed Gull) season the area (Western Europe/Mediterranean/Western Africa) - regularly supports: 2.9% of the breeding population Count as at 1999 ARTICLE 4.2 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC): AN INTERNATIONALLY IMPORTANT ASSEMBLAGE OF BIRDS During the breeding 26478 seabirds (5 year peak mean 17/07/2001) season the area Including: regularly supports: Hydrobates pelagicus, Phalacrocorax aristotelis (The European Shag), Larus fuscus , Larus marinus (Great Black-backed Gull).

Site Vulnerabilities The site is within the Isles of Scilly archipelago and mainly consists of many small uninhabited islands but is also partly within several inhabited islands. The habitats on these areas are primarily a mosaic of coastal cliffs, boulder beaches, heathland and some dune grassland.

The most exposed areas are largely self-sustaining through the operation of natural processes but significant areas are becoming scrubbed over and management measures are being developed to implement an enhanced programme of scrub cutting, possibly supplemented in the longer term through the reintroduction of stock grazing.

The economy of the Isles of Scilly community depends heavily on the tourist business and the management of the high numbers of visitors to the most vulnerable bird breeding sites is controlled by the Isles of Scilly Environment Trust. The trust manages the majority of the land within the site and also carries out a rat

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 123 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

control programme to reduce their impact on the ground-nesting seabirds.

Site Name Marazion Marsh Designation Special Protection Area Site Code UK9020289 Position SW515317 Latitude 50 08 04 N, Longitude 05 28 30 W: Total Area (Ha) 54.58 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair (5%) Catchment Area Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) (15%) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (50%) Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (30%) ARTICLE 4.1 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC) Over winter the area Botaurus stellaris (The Eurasian Bittern) regularly supports: (Europe - breeding) - 2% of the GB population 5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99 On passage the area Acrocephalus paludicola (Aquatic Warbler) regularly supports: 9% of the GB population 5 year mean 1994-98 Site Vulnerabilities Marazion Marsh is the largest reedbed in Cornwall and the most westerly extensive area of reedbed in England, making it of strategic importance for breeding, passage and wintering birds. The site is managed as a nature reserve by the RSPB. The maintenance of the reedbed depends on active management through the periodic cutting of reeds and control of potentially invasive scrub and willow carr, carried out according to the management plan. An assessment of water level requirements to maintain the reedbed and associated areas of open water has been carried out. Plans for the installation of water level controls are currently being developed. Eutrophication through diffuse pollution, probably from agricultural sources, is an outstanding issue yet to be resolved.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 124 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Buffer Sites (<2 km from Cornwall County Boundary) Site Name Culm Grasslands Designation Special Area of Conservation Site Code UK0012679 Position SS843214 Latitude 50 58 48 N, Longitude 03 38 52 W Total Area (Ha) 768.69 Biogeographic Region Atlantic Physical Features of the Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) Catchment Area (1%) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (3.5%) Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (25%) Dry grassland. Steppes (2.5%) Humid grassland. Mesophile grassland (60%) Improved grassland (1%) Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (7%) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 6410 - Molinia Culm Grasslands represents Molinia meadows in south- meadows on west England. This site contains extremely diverse calcareous, peaty or examples of the heathy type of M24 Molinia caerulea – clayey-silt-laden soils Cirsium dissectum fen-meadow, ranging from short, (Molinion caeruleae) grazed swards through to stands that are transitional to scrub. Structural diversity accounts for the conservation of a wide range of flora and fauna, particularly of species characteristic of south-western Europe, such as meadow thistle Cirsium dissectum and whorled caraway Carum verticillatum. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site 4010 Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1065 Marsh fritillary Culm Grasslands in south-west England contains the butterfly Euphydryas largest cluster of sites for marsh fritillary Euphydryas (Eurodryas, Hypodryas) aurinia in the south-west peninsula. It is judged to be aurinia the most important location for the species in its major south-west stronghold. Site Vulnerabilities Culm Grassland is the local name given to the unimproved pastures which support a distinctive array of wildlife on the Culm Measures of northern Devon and north-east Cornwall. The grassland is a result of human activity, and to survive it must continue to be managed. The traditional methods upon which these meadows depend are rough summer grazing, selective burning and topping, and no application of fertilisers.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 125 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Such management may no longer be economic; therefore, a Wildlife Enhancement Scheme (WES) is being used to promote the continuation of traditional management. The scheme has achieved a 95% uptake rate with owner-occupiers.

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 126 for Cornwall Council SECTION 6 APPENDICIES

Appendix B: Natura 2000 and Ramsar Site Locations

WHV285300JB HRA Screening of Cornwall LTP3_Post_Consultation_Final_230311 Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff November 2010 Page 127 for Cornwall Council