Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy Main Modifications Habitats Regulations Assessment

Final Report

February 2017

Cheshire East Council

JBA Project Manager

Rachel Brisley Bank Quay House Sankey Street Warrington Cheshire WA1 1NN Revision History

Revision Ref / Date Issued Amendments Issued to

Final Report / January / Cheshire East Council February 2017 Contract

This report describes work commissioned by Allan Clarke, on behalf of Cheshire East Council. Rachael Brady, Helen Archer, Laura Thomas and Rachel Brisley of JBA Consulting carried out this work.

Prepared by ...... Rachael Brady BSc MSc MIEEM Senior Ecologist

Reviewed by ...... Rachel Brisley BA MCD MBA Technical Director Purpose

This document has been prepared as a draft report for Cheshire East Council. JBA Consulting accepts no responsibility or liability for any use that is made of this document other than by the Client for the purposes for which it was originally commissioned and prepared. JBA Consulting has no liability regarding the use of this report except to Cheshire East Council.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final i

A printed copy of the main text in this document will result in a carbon footprint of 635g if 100% post-consumer recycled paper is used and 808g if primary-source paper is used. These figures assume the report is printed in black and white on A4 paper and in duplex. JBA is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final ii

Non-Technical Summary

This report contributes to Cheshire East Council’s legal obligation under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 to carry out a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) on its plans for effects on European sites. Before a plan can be adopted, the ‘competent authority’ (Cheshire East Council) needs to prove that the plan would have no significant effects on European sites’ integrity to the satisfaction of Natural England and/or Natural Resources Wales. An uncertain result is not acceptable and is treated as adverse until proven otherwise HRA has been undertaken throughout the development of the Cheshire East Local Plan and has informed key stages and assessment work, including the selection of sites proposed for development. This report details the HRA at the 'Main Modifications' stage of the examination of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy, informed by the outcomes of the hearing sessions and Inspector's views on Further Modifications Needed to the Local Plan Strategy (Proposed Changes). This HRA supersedes the HRA undertaken in 2014 and consolidates all work undertaken since the submission of the Local Plan Strategy. The first section of this report consists of the first step of the HRA process, which is to screen the Local Plan Strategy to determine whether it could lead to a significant effect on European sites, either directly, or indirectly, alone, or in combination with other plans. European sites consist of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) designated for habitats and animal species, and Special Protection Areas (SPA) designated for bird species. Ramsar sites designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands 1971 are also included following Government policy. The most likely effects of the Local Plan Strategy on European Sites are related to pressures from new development including water abstraction, changes to surface and ground water levels/quality (surface run-off, pollution events), air pollution and increased recreational pressures arising from new housing developments and increased tourism. The Screening Assessment determined that the Local Plan Strategy could potentially have significant adverse effects as a result of changes in water levels and/or quality, through discharges, and surface and/or groundwater contamination, recreational pressures, and/or air pollution, both alone and in combination with other plans, on the following sites:  West Midlands Mosses SAC  Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar  Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar  Rostherne Mere Ramsar An Appropriate Assessment was then undertaken to assess whether Cheshire East Council’s Local Plan Strategy has the potential to result in significant adverse effects on the integrity of identified European sites, either alone or in combination with a number of other plans. The Assessment identified that the existing policies and provisions in the Cheshire East Council Local Plan Strategy and other plans along with the Site Specific Principles of Development identified for strategic sites, in relation to sustainable water management, provision of appropriate infrastructure, sustainable travel and transport, provision and protection of open space, sport, leisure and recreation facilities and pollution control, (provisions inserted following consultation with Natural England) will ensure that the Local Plan Strategy will have no adverse effects on these European Sites.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final iii

Contents

Non-Technical Summary ...... iii 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 The Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy ...... 1 1.2 Habitats Regulations Assessment ...... 1 1.3 HRA of the Local Plan Strategy ...... 2 1.4 HRA Methodology ...... 5 2 Screening Assessment ...... 7 2.1 Introduction ...... 7 2.2 Methodology ...... 7 2.3 The Precautionary Principle...... 7 3 European Sites ...... 8 3.1 Introduction ...... 8 3.2 European Sites In and Around Cheshire East ...... 8 3.3 Potential Hazards to European Sites ...... 10 3.4 Potential Impact Pathways ...... 12 4 Relevant Plans ...... 15 4.1 Introduction ...... 15 4.2 Local Plan Strategy ...... 15 4.3 Other Relevant Plans that might act In-combination ...... 24 5 Screening Assessment ...... 25 5.1 Introduction ...... 25 5.2 Screening Assessment ...... 25 5.3 Screening Statement and Conclusions ...... 50 6 Appropriate Assessment ...... 51 6.1 Introduction ...... 51 6.2 Methodology ...... 51 6.3 Assessment of Effects on Site Integrity ...... 52 7 Conclusions ...... 86 Appendices...... 88 A Location of European Sites within and adjacent to Cheshire East ...... 88 B Details of European Sites within and adjacent to Cheshire East ...... 89 C Other Relevant Plans ...... 118 D Strategic Sites Screening Assessment ...... 125 E Strategic Sites in Relation to Designated Sites ...... 140 References...... VI

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final

List of Tables

Table 1-1 HRA undertaken for the Local Plan Strategy ...... 3 Table 1-2 HRA Process ...... 5 Table 3-1 European Sites Within and Adjacent to Cheshire East ...... 9 Table 3-2 Potential Hazards to European Sites ...... 10 Table 3-3 Sensitivity of Qualifying Features to Potential Hazards ...... 11 Table 4-1 Summary of Policies contained within the Local Plan Strategy ...... 16 Table 4-2 Distribution of Development across Cheshire East ...... 21 Table 4-3 Relevant Plans ...... 24 Table 5-1 Assessment of Likely Significant Effects on European Sites ...... 26 Table 6-1 Likely Significant Effects on West Midlands Mosses SAC ...... 54 Table 6-2 Likely Significant Effects on the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar ...... 62 Table 6-3 Likely Significant Effects on the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar ...... 71 Table 6-4 Likely Significant Effects on Rostherne Mere Ramsar ...... 81

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final

1 Introduction

1.1 The Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy The Local Plan Strategy will be the centrepiece of the new Cheshire East Local Plan. It sets out the overall vision and planning strategy for development in the Borough and contains planning policies intended to ensure that new development addresses the economic, environmental and social needs of the area. It also identifies strategic sites and strategic locations that should accommodate most of the new development needed. Work on the new Local Plan began in 2010. Since then, a great deal of evidence and research has been completed and there have been various stages of consultation leading to the preparation of a Local Plan Strategy. The Local Plan Strategy has been the subject of an independent examination to determine whether it is sound and legally compliant. There have been three rounds of examination hearing sessions in 2014, 2015 and 2016, with consultation on the Council's proposed changes to the Submitted Local Plan Strategy in March and April 2016. The Inspector has now considered all the issues raised through the examination, setting out his views most recently on the further modifications needed to the Local Plan Strategy (Proposed Changes)1 The Council is now consulting on the Main Modifications required to make the Plan 'sound' and capable of adoption. In paragraph 7 of the Inspector's views on the modifications needed to Local Plan Strategy (Proposed Changes) he notes: "The Main Modifications should be subject to a 6-week period of public consultation, accompanied by any addenda to the Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment. Representations should only be invited on the Main Modifications, and not about the absence of any modifications. The Council should consider these representations and respond where necessary, and I will also take account of these representations and any responses".

1.2 Habitats Regulations Assessment European Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna (Habitats Directive) provides legal protection to habitats and species of European importance. The principal aim of this directive is to maintain at, and where necessary restore to, favourable conservation status of flora, fauna and habitats found at these designated sites. The Directive is transposed into English legislation through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. It is a requirement of Article 102 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 that "the plan-making authority for that plan must, before the plan is given effect, make an appropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of that site's conservation objectives", where the plan is likely to have a significant effect on a European site or a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), and where it is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site. Article 102 also requires that "in the light of the conclusions of the assessment, and subject to regulation 103 (considerations of overriding public interest), the plan-making authority or, in the case of a regional strategy, the Secretary of State must give effect to the land use plan only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the European site or the European offshore marine site (as the case may be)". The HRA process is underpinned by the precautionary principle, especially in the assessment of potential impacts and their resolution. If it is not possible to rule out likely significant effects on the evidence available then it is assumed that a risk may exist and it needs to be addressed in the assessment process, preferably through changes to the proposed measure or through options such as avoidance or control measures. Only once this assessment has been completed can it be concluded that there is no adverse risk to a European site resulting from the plan. Spatial planning documents are required to undergo Habitats Regulations Screening if they are not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a European site. As the Cheshire

1 http://cheshireeast-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/cs/library (Document RH D009) HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 1

East Local Plan Strategy document is not connected with, or necessary to, the management of European sites, it is necessary to undertake a HRA of this strategy.

1.3 HRA of the Local Plan Strategy

1.3.1 Purpose of this Report This report details the HRA at the 'Main Modifications' stage of the examination of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy, informed by the outcomes of the hearing sessions and Inspector's views on Further Modifications Needed to the Local Plan Strategy (Proposed Changes) to make the plan sound and capable of adoption. This HRA supersedes the HRA undertaken in 2014 and consolidates all work undertaken since the submission of the Local Plan Strategy.

1.3.2 Previous Assessment and Reporting HRA has been undertaken throughout the development of the Plan and has informed key stages and assessment work, including the selection of sites proposed for development. Table 1-1 provides a timeline of the HRA work undertaken since the submission of the Local Plan Strategy and an explanation of the purpose and content of the reports produced. The reports can be accessed at http://cheshireeast-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/cs/library.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 2

Table 1-1 HRA undertaken for the Local Plan Strategy HRA Document Date Purpose and Content Cheshire East Local Plan February 2014 The report detailed the HRA of the submission version of the Local Plan Strategy produced by Cheshire East Strategy Habitats (submitted in May Council, as part of the development of the Local Plan. Regulations Assessment 2014 as part of Following further correspondence with Natural England, the Council and JBA agreed to changes to the LPS Final Report and supporting (examination documents PS B015a and PS B015b) with additional specific text proposed for policies / sites to Summary Report documentation for address Natural England’s concerns. (examination documents LPS) SD 004 and SD 005) Cheshire East Local Plan September 2015 The LPS was submitted to the Secretary of State in May 2014 for Public Examination. Three weeks of Strategy Habitats Examination hearing sessions were held in September/October 2014. The Inspector issued his interim views Regulations Assessment on the Legal Compliance and Soundness of the submitted LPS and indicated that further work was required Appraisal of Suggested by the Council on a number of matters. Revisions In the light of initial examination hearings / further Interim Views expressed by the Inspector, the Council Final Report completed a suite of additional work which was submitted to the Inspector on the 31 July 2015 alongside a list (document PS E043 and of suggested revisions to the Local Plan Strategy (Chapters 1 - 8). This concentrated on the following: RE B007)  to clarify and revise the Council’s economic and housing strategies,  to revise the calculation of Objectively Assessed Need,  to update the Green Belt assessment, and  to revise the spatial distribution of development alongside additional urban potential and further site assessment work. The addendum HRA report concerned the interim outcomes of the draft suggested revisions to the LPS Planning for Growth Chapter / Policies and also the draft suggested revisions to other LPS policies (covering chapters 9-14 of the LPS) undertaken following the submission of the additional evidence to the Inspector. The HRA report produced was not a full HRA but an appraisal/screening exercise produced to identify the likely impacts of the suggested revisions upon European designated sites and whether any of the suggested revisions would be inherently undeliverable due to potential significant adverse impacts. The appraisal identified any likely significant effects that differed and/or were additional to those already identified and assessed within the HRA of the Local Plan Strategy along with any further avoidance/mitigation measures that may be required. Therefore, the report was written to be read alongside the previous HRA work [SD 004].

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 3

HRA Document Date Purpose and Content Cheshire East Local Plan February 2016 Following the submission of the additional evidence to the Inspector, the Council produced a set of suggested Strategy Habitats revisions to sites to show how any uplift in housing and employment provision could be accommodated in Regulations Assessment terms of new or amended sites. Appraisal of Sites The addendum HRA report included a screening assessment of any new and amended sites in the light of the Final Report revised evidence submitted to the Inspector in July 2015. Chapter 2 of the report represents the outcomes of (document RE F005) Stage 4 of the Council's Site Selection Methodology, alongside a suite of suggested revisions to the LPS relating to sites. Chapter 3 of the report considers the HRA implications of the preferred sites proposed to be allocated in the LPS, which were consulted on in early 2016. The HRA report produced was not a full HRA but rather an appraisal/screening exercise produced to identify the likely impacts of the new or amended sites considered upon European designated sites and whether the sites considered would be inherently undeliverable due to potential significant adverse impacts. This appraisal of sites identified any likely significant effects that differed and/or were additional to those already identified and assessed within the HRA of the Local Plan Strategy and further avoidance/mitigation measures that may be required. Therefore, the report was written to be read alongside the previous HRA work [SD 004]. Cheshire East Local Plan July 2016 This report detailed additional work undertaken as part of the HRA process in relation to the Cheshire East Strategy Proposed LPS Proposed Changes. Changes The additional work included: Habitats Regulations  An appraisal of new and revised sites following consultation on the proposed changes to the Local Plan Assessment Implications Strategy (document PC B031)  Identifying any HRA implications of proposed changes to the LPS document  Responses to the HRA consultation representations to the LPS Proposed Changes version This work was undertaken to assist the Council when considering and responding to the key issues raised during the consultation on the LPS Proposed Changes and determining its final proposed changes for submission to the Inspector. This additional work took into account the findings of the HRA undertaken in 2014 and assessments of changes to the LPS undertaken in September 2015 and February 2016.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 4

1.4 HRA Methodology It is accepted best-practice for the HRA of strategic planning documents to be run as an iterative process alongside the plan development, with the emerging policies or options continually assessed for their possible effects on European sites and modified or abandoned (as necessary) to ensure that the subsequently adopted plan is not likely to result in significant effects on any European sites, either alone or ‘in combination’ with other plans. This is undertaken in consultation with Natural England and/or Natural Resources Wales and other appropriate consultees.

1.4.1 HRA Process The HRA will follow a three stage process as outlined in the DCLG guidance "Planning for the Protection of European Sites: Appropriate Assessment". These stages are described in Table 1-2. Table 1-2 HRA Process Stage/Task Description HRA Task 1 Screening This process identifies the likely impacts upon a European site of a project or plan, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, and determines whether these impacts are likely to be significant. HRA Task 2 Appropriate This assessment determines whether a project or plan would have Assessment an adverse impact on the integrity of a European site, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans. This assessment is confined to the effects on the internationally important habitats and species for which the site is designated. If no adverse impact is determined, the project or plan can proceed. If an adverse impact is identified, task 3 is commenced. HRA Task 3 Mitigation Where a plan or project has been found to have adverse impacts on and Alternatives the integrity of a European site, potential mitigation measures or alternative options should be identified. If suitable mitigation or alternative options are identified, that result in there being no adverse impacts from the project or plan on European sites, the project or plan can proceed. If no suitable mitigation or alternative options are identified, as a rule the project or plan should not proceed. However, in exceptional circumstances, if there is an 'imperative reason of overriding public interest' for the implementation of the project or plan, consideration can be given to proceeding in the absence of alternative solutions. In these cases compensatory measures must have to be put in place to offset negative impacts.

Other guidance documents have been used to help inform the methodology of this assessment including:  Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological Guidance on the Provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (European Commission 2002)  Revised Draft Guidance. The Habitats Regulations Assessment of Local Development Documents. (David Tyldesley and Associates for Natural England, January 2009).  Guidance for Plan Making Authorities in Wales, The Appraisal of Plans Under the Habitats Directive (David Tyldesley and Associates for the Countryside Council for Wales, November 2009)  Assessing Projects under the Habitats Directive, Guidance for Competent Authorities (David Tyldesley and Associates for the Countryside Council for Wales, Revised September 2011)

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 5

 Draft Guidance for Plan Making Authorities in Wales: The Appraisal of Plans under the Habitats Regulations (David Tyldesley for Countryside Council for Wales, September 2012)

1.4.2 Consultation The Local Plan Strategy, and its HRA, has been subject to consultation with Natural England and Natural Resources Wales (in relation to potential effects on the River Dee and Bala Lake SAC). Following correspondence with Natural England, the Council agreed to changes to the Local Plan Strategy submission version (examination documents PS B015 a and PS B015 b) with additional specific text proposed for policies/sites to address Natural England’s concerns and these changes were incorporated into the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy (Proposed Changes – March 2016) and remain within the version of the Local Plan Strategy, which is subject to the further Main Modifications requested by the Inspector to the Local Plan Strategy.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 6

2 Screening Assessment

2.1 Introduction The following section details the screening assessment undertaken to identify the likely impacts upon European sites of the Local Plan Strategy, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, and to determine whether these impacts are likely to be significant.

2.2 Methodology The principles of ‘screening’ are applied to a plan or its components (i.e. policies and site allocations) to allow the assessment stage to focus on those aspects that are most likely to have potentially significant or adverse effects on European sites, as well as shape the emerging strategy. Screening aims to determine whether the plan will have any ‘likely significant effects’ on any European site as a result of its implementation. It is intended to be a coarse filter for identifying effects (positive and negative) that may occur, to allow the assessment stage to focus on the most important aspects. A plan should be considered ‘likely’ to have an effect if it is not possible (on the basis of objective information) to exclude the likelihood that the plan could have significant effects on any European site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects; an effect will be ‘significant’ if it could undermine the site’s conservation objectives. Screening can be used to ‘screen-out’ European sites and plan components from further assessment, if it is possible to determine that significant effects are unlikely (e.g. if sites or interest features are clearly not vulnerable (exposed and / or sensitive) to the outcomes of a plan due to the absence of any reasonable impact pathways). In order to undertake screening of the Local Plan Strategy, it is necessary to:  Identify the European sites within and outside the plan area likely to be affected, reasons for their designation and their conservation objectives  Describe the plan/strategy and their aims and objectives and also those of other plans or projects that in combination have the potential to impact upon the European sites  Identify the potential effects on the European sites  Assess the significance of these potential effects on the European sites.

2.3 The Precautionary Principle If there is uncertainty, and it is not possible, based on the information available, to confidently determine no significant effects on a site then the precautionary principle will be applied, and the plan will be subject to an appropriate assessment (HRA Task 2).

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 7

3 European Sites

3.1 Introduction European sites are often collectively known as Natura 2000 sites. Natura 2000 is an EU-wide network of nature protection areas established under the Habitats Directive. The aim of the network is to assure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened habitats and species. Natura 2000 consists of:  Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and potential SACs (pSACs) - these are designated under the Habitats Directive to protect those habitat types and species that are considered to be most in need of conservation at a European level (excluding birds).  Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and potential SPAs (pSPAs) - these are designated under the Birds Directive to protect rare and vulnerable birds, and also regularly occurring migratory species  Ramsar sites - these are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention. All SPAs and terrestrial SACs in England and Wales are also designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Although not included in the European legislation, as a matter of policy, Ramsar sites in England and Wales are protected as European sites. The vast majority are also classified as SPAs and SSSIs.

3.2 European Sites In and Around Cheshire East Best practice guidance suggests that sites occurring within a wider area of approximately 10km to 15km from the boundary of the area directly affected by a plan should be identified and assessed, in addition to those sites located within the plan area. However, it is important to consider the possibility of impacts for any European site which might be affected, whatever its location, given the activities included in the plan and their range of influence. This may extend some distance from the area within the immediate influence of a plan. There are two SACs, one SPA and three Ramsar sites located within Cheshire East. A further eight SACs, three SPA and three Ramsar sites located adjacent to Cheshire East have been deemed to be within the influence of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy. These sites are listed in Table 3-1 and shown at Appendix A. It should be noted that a number of individual sites (designated as SSSIs) make up the West Midland Mosses SAC, Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar and Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar sites (as listed in the table at Appendix B). The map at Appendix A shows those component sites that have been deemed to be within the influence of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 8

Table 3-1 European Sites Within and Adjacent to Cheshire East Designation Within Cheshire East Adjacent to Cheshire East and deemed to be within the influence of the Local Plan Strategy SAC West Midlands Mosses West Midlands Mosses South Pennine Moors South Pennine Moors Rixton Clay Pits Brown Moss Manchester Mosses Oak Mere Fenn's, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney Mosses Peak District Dales River Dee and Bala Lake Dee Estuary SPA Peak District Moors (South Pennine Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) Moors Phase 1) Mersey Estuary Dee Estuary Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore Ramsar Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Rostherne Mere Mersey Estuary Dee Estuary Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore

Data on the European site interest features, their distribution, and their sensitivity to potential effects associated with the plan were obtained from various sources and reports, including the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and Natural England websites (citations; boundaries, management plans, site improvement plans etc.). Detailed information on these sites, including their qualifying features and conservation objectives are provided at Appendix B.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 9

3.3 Potential Hazards to European Sites

3.3.1 Introduction Development for housing, business and associated infrastructure can potentially have adverse impacts on the habitats and species for which European sites are designated. These impacts can be direct such as habitat loss, fragmentation or degradation, or indirect such as disturbance or pollution from construction, transportation etc. This section identifies the potential hazards to European sites within and adjacent to Cheshire East and then goes on to identify the types of hazards to which the qualifying features present upon the sites are particularly sensitive.

3.3.2 Hazards to Sites The European sites within and adjacent to Cheshire East are mostly comprised of river, estuary and other wetland sites (i.e. meres and mosses) and therefore the hazards identified in Table 3-2 are based on those identified in the Environment Agency's EU Habitats Directive Handbook, however local conditions have also been considered during the hazard identification process. Table 3-2 Potential Hazards to European Sites Potential Hazard Description Habitat loss This is a loss of habitat within the designated boundaries of a European site – it is expected that there would be no direct loss to development. Habitat fragmentation This is where activities result in the separation of available habitats or split extensive areas of suitable habitat. Most likely to affect species. Changes in physical These are changes to physical process that will alter the present regime characteristics of the European site e.g. fluvial and geomorphological processes, erosion processes, deposition. Physical damage This includes recreational pressures such as trampling and erosion, and where sites are close to urban areas, other damaging activities may occur such as rubbish tipping, vandalism, arson, and predation, particularly by cats. Habitat/community Changes to environmental conditions, due to human activities, that result in simplification a reduction and fragmentation of habitats that will reduce biodiversity. Disturbance (noise, Activities which result in disturbance, causing sensitive birds and mammals visual) to deviate from their normal, preferred behaviour, such as construction, recreational, traffic. Competition from non- Activities may cause the introduction or spread of non-native animals and native species plants which could result in changes to community composition and even to the complete loss of native communities. Change in water levels Activities which may affect surface and groundwater levels, such as land or table drainage and abstraction, may have adverse impacts on water dependant habitats and species. Changes in water Activities which may impact upon water quality, such as accidental pollution quality spills, run-off from urban areas, nutrient enrichment from agriculture, and discharge from sewage works, may adversely affect wetland habitats and species. Changes to surface Activities may result in a reduction or increase in the frequency and extent of water flooding surface water flooding which may affect riverine and floodplain habitats. Turbidity and siltation Increases in turbidity within water environments can impact upon aquatic plants, fish and wildfowl due to sedimentation and reduction in penetrable light. Pollution Activities may lead to the release of pollutants to the air such as oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulphur or ammonia, or pollutants deposited on the ground through acidification or terrestrial eutrophication via soil (deposition of nitrogen).

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 10

3.3.3 Qualifying Features and Sensitivity to Hazards The table below shows the qualifying features of the European sites within and adjacent to Cheshire East and identifies the hazards to which they are most sensitive. Their qualifying features have been grouped to facilitate the sensitivity assessment. It must be noted that during the assessment of the potential impacts of the Local Plan Strategy on a European site, all of the potential hazards will be considered.

Table 3-3 Sensitivity of Qualifying Features to Potential Hazards

Potential Hazards

Habitat loss Habitat fragmentation Habitat regime in physical Changes damage Physical simplification community Habitat/ visual) (noise, Disturbance nati from non Competition table or water levels in Change in water qualityChanges flooding water to surface Changes and siltation Turbidity Pollution

ve ve species

SAC/Ramsar habitat groups Fens and wet habitats           Bogs and wet habitats           Riverine habitats and running waters           Standing waters (sensitive to         acidification) Dry woodlands and scrub      Dry grassland      Dry heathland habitats     Upland      Coastal habitats      Coastal habitats (sensitive to       abstraction) Estuarine and intertidal habitats         SAC/Ramsar species groups Vascular plants of aquatic habitats           Vascular plants, lower plants and           invertebrates of wet habitats Mosses and Liverworts       Anadromous fish            Non-migratory fish and invertebrates of             rivers Mammals of riverine habitats            Amphibia            SPA/Ramsar bird species groups Birds of uplands       Birds of lowland wet grasslands          Birds of lowland freshwaters and their            margins HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 11

Ha fragmentation Habitat in physical regimeChanges damage Physical simplification community Habitat/ (noise,visual) Disturbance native species from non Competition table water levels in Change or in water qualityChanges flooding to surface water Changes and siltation Turbidity Pollution

bitat loss bitat

Birds of farmland       Birds of coastal habitats         Birds of estuarine habitats             Birds of open sea and offshore rocks         

3.4 Potential Impact Pathways

3.4.1 Introduction The Local Plan Strategy and other identified plans have the potential to cause a number of direct and indirect effects on European sites via one or more pathways. Such potential effects include long-term effects associated with the operational phase of proposed developments or general population growth, and short-term effects arising from the development construction phases. The main potential effects are described below.

3.4.2 Recreational Impacts Increased recreational pressures from urban populations, including dog walking, jogging, cycling, horse riding, motorbike scrambling, boating and other water-based recreational activities are likely to result from new housing developments and population increases. The population of Cheshire East is expected to grow by around 58,100 people by 2030. During this period, it has been estimated that there will be a significant increase in the proportion of the population above the retirement age (the number of people aged 65 and over will increase by around 65%). This is the section of the population with the greatest amount of leisure time. Improved access to the countryside and increased tourism will also attract more visitors to the area as well as residents. This can lead to significant pressures on sensitive habitats resulting in damage and disturbance to the species they support. Typical impacts of tourism and recreation include:  Physical damage, for example from trampling and erosion  Disturbance to species, such as ground-nesting birds and wintering wildfowl, from walking, cycling, and water sports, resulting in increased mortality and nesting success, and displacement  Air pollution (dealt with under air quality effects below) and disturbance from traffic  Disturbance from dogs and damage from dog excrement. In addition, where sites are close to urban areas and new developments, recreational pressures can be exacerbated by other damaging activities such as rubbish tipping, vandalism, arson, and predation, particularly by cats. Many European sites will be vulnerable to some degree of impact as a result of recreational pressure, although the effects of recreational impacts are complex and very much dependent on the specific conditions and interest features at each site: for example, some bird species are more sensitive to disturbance associated with walkers or dogs than others; some habitats will be more sensitive to trampling than others; some sites will be more accessible than others. Most recreational activities with the potential to affect European sites are ‘casual’ and pursued opportunistically (e.g. walking, walking dogs, riding) which makes it difficult to quantify or predict the impacts of these activities on European sites and harder to control or manage. It also means HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 12

it is difficult to explore in detail all of the potential impacts of recreational pressures at the strategic level. However, it is possible for plans and strategies to influence recreational use of European sites through the planning process, for example by increasing the amount of green/open space and leisure/recreational facilities required within or near developments if potentially vulnerable European sites are located nearby. The screening assessment will consider the potential for recreational pressures on a European site by taking into consideration the vulnerability of their interest features to such pressures, the accessibility of the site to the public, the likely attractiveness of the site and its habitats/species to visitors, and the proximity of the site to proposed development sites.

3.4.3 Hydrological Impacts New development and population increase can result in hydrological effects to existing watercourses and groundwater resource. Such effects can include changes to surface and ground water flow, quality and levels; this can have subsequent effects on habitats and supported species. The main types of potential hydrological effects are as follows:  Water abstraction – new developments would increase the demand for water resulting in increased levels of water abstraction and subsequently affect surface and/or ground water flow, quality and levels. Any such effects would be more extreme during the summer as water demand will peak at this time. The assessment of potential effects of increased water demand will consider how the public water supply system operates and how it is regulated with other water-resource consents, in addition to policy provisions within the Local Plan Strategy to help manage demand and promote water efficiency measures.  Water discharges – new developments could result in an increase in discharges to water via foul and surface water/storm water drainage (flood risk). This could also occur during construction phases (e.g. oil spillage or other pollution incidents from construction plant and machinery) but would be short-term and of reduced significance. Discharges can also occur during the operational phase of works through the increased use of waterways by motor powered boats and oil from a higher number of cars using roads close to the watercourse network. Such discharges can impact on surface water and ground water quality, quantity and flows. The water quality effects of the plan are likely to be either controlled by existing consents regimes (which must undergo HRA) or have diffuse ‘in combination’ effects that are difficult to quantify and therefore any assessment must focus on the development of suitable mitigating policy that will minimise the impacts of development on water quality. The screening assessment will consider the potential for impacts on a European site due to changes in water levels and/or quality by taking into consideration the vulnerability of their interest features to such impacts, and the pathways i.e. the hydrological connectivity between the site and the areas proposed for development.

3.4.4 Air Quality Effects New developments and an increase in population have the potential to result in an increased use of the road network by vehicles which could have adverse effects on air quality. This could have subsequent effects on habitats sensitive to air quality changes and higher deposits of nitrogen dioxide, particulates and sulphur dioxide (diesel trains) such as the West Midlands Mosses SAC, and Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 and Phase 2 Ramsar sites. For example, there is the potential for effects on the health of Sphagnum (which is critical to the ability of the degraded raised bog to re-establish actively growing peat within the site). It should be noted that the likelihood of this effect is greatly reduced as the distance increases between the deposit area (typically the road network) and the European site. Pollutant levels can be expected to fall substantially at a distance less than 50m from the source and can be expected to fall to background levels at a distance of more than 200m (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11). In addition, the vast majority of new vehicles on the road generally emit fewer emissions than older vehicles. This has become more apparent over the last 5 years as the car industry has responded to increasing climate change (carbon reduction) pressures. Road tax bands were also amended by the Government in 2009 to ensure that the most polluting cars are penalized more heavily than previously. These measures have helped to increase the demand for cleaner more HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 13

fuel efficient vehicles; this trend will only increase further in the future as cars continue to become even greener.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 14

4 Relevant Plans

4.1 Introduction This section gives a brief description of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy document and outlines the key objectives/policies and priorities and how these may impact upon European Sites. The Habitat Regulations also require that the potential effects of the plan on European sites must be considered “in combination with other plans or projects’. The “in combination’ assessment must also consider within-plan effects (i.e. between policies or strategic sites). Consideration of “in combination’ effects are not a separate assessment, but integral to the screening and appropriate assessment stage and development of avoidance/mitigation measures. There is limited guidance available on the scope of the “in combination’ element, particularly which plans should be considered. However, the assessment should not necessarily be limited to plans at the same level in the planning hierarchy and there is consequently a wide range of plans that could have potential “in combination’ effects with the Local Plan Strategy due to its regional scale. This section, therefore also identifies the other plans that it is considered could potentially act “in combination’ with the Local Plan Strategy to have “significant effects” on European sites.

4.2 Local Plan Strategy

4.2.1 Introduction The Local Plan is the Statutory Development Plan for Cheshire East and is the basis for determining planning applications. This Local Plan Strategy document sets out the overall vision and planning strategy for development in the Borough and contains planning policies to ensure that new development addresses the economic, environmental and social needs of the area. It also identifies strategic sites and strategic locations that will accommodate most of the new development needed. The vision for the future of Cheshire East is to deliver sustainable, jobs-led growth and sustainable, vibrant communities.

4.2.2 Strategic Priorities In order to deliver their vision, the Council has set out the following strategic priorities:  Promoting economic prosperity by creating conditions for business growth  Creating sustainable communities, where all members are able to contribute and where all the infrastructure required to support the community is provided  Protecting and enhancing environmental quality of the built and natural environment  Reducing the need to travel, managing car use and promoting more sustainable modes of transport and improving the road network.

4.2.3 Policies The Local Plan Strategy contains a number of policies that will be used to ensure the delivery of the strategy and guide individual development management decisions. These are summarised below in Table 4-1. Table 4-1 also considers the potential for the policies to impact upon European Sites.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 15

Table 4-1 Summary of Policies contained within the Local Plan Strategy Policy Policy Name Policy Summary and Justification Potential Impact on No. European Sites MP 1 Presumption in When considering development proposals, the No Favour of Council will take a positive approach that reflects Sustainable the presumption in favour of sustainable Development development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants to jointly find solutions, which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. PG 1 Overall A key purpose of the strategy is to set out how Yes - potential for Development new homes and employment land will be impacts related to Strategy provided as well as essential infrastructure to pressures from new support sustainable communities. development including Provision will be made for a minimum of 380 water abstraction, hectares of land for business, general industrial changes to water and storage and distribution uses over the levels/quality, air period 2010 to 2030, to support growth of the pollution and increased local economy. recreational pressures. Sufficient land will be provided to accommodate the full, objectively assessed needs for the Borough of a minimum of 36,000 homes between 2010 and 2030. PG 2 Settlement Locating most new development within and on Yes - potential for Hierarchy the edge of the Borough's Principal Towns and impacts related to Key Service Centres will enable the maximum pressures from new use of existing infrastructure and resources and development including allow homes, jobs and other facilities to be water abstraction, located close to each other. This has the changes to water potential to enable people to not be reliant on levels/quality, air travel by car and can support existing public pollution and increased transport modes. The Principal Towns and Key recreational pressures. Service Centres also have the greatest potential to generate job growth. PG 3 Green Belt The fundamental purpose of Green Belt is to No prevent urban sprawl by keeping land PG 4 Safeguarded No permanently open or largely undeveloped. Land The extent of the existing Green Belt remains unchanged, apart from the removal of land from a number of development sites. It may also be necessary to identify additional non-strategic sites to be removed in the Site Allocations and Development Policies Document. Safeguarded Land (land between the existing urban area and the inner boundary of the Green Belt) is also included in the Local Plan Strategy. Within the Green Belt and Safeguarded Land, planning permission will not be granted for inappropriate development, except in very special circumstances, in accordance with national policy.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 16

Policy Policy Name Policy Summary and Justification Potential Impact on No. European Sites PG4a Strategic Green Protection is required to maintain the existing No Gaps gaps between Crewe and Nantwich, and between Crewe and other settlements that are at risk of coalescence resulting from the future growth of Crewe. Within Strategic Green Gaps, policy PG 5 (Open Countryside) will apply.

PG 5 Open The protection of the open countryside from No Countryside inappropriate development is a principal objective of the Plan. The open countryside comprises that part of the Local Plan area outside of identified settlements. Only development essential for the purposes of agriculture, forestry, outdoor recreation, public infrastructure, public services authorities or statutory undertakers or for other uses appropriate to a rural area will be permitted. PG 6 Spatial This policy sets out the indicative spatial Yes - potential for Distribution of distribution of development in the Principal impacts related to Development Towns, Key Service Centres, Local Service pressures from new Centres, Other Settlements and Rural Areas. development including The figures provided in the Local Plan Strategy water abstraction, were intended as a guide and are neither a changes to water ceiling nor a target. levels/quality, air pollution and increased recreational pressures. SD 1 Sustainable Planning, through the Local Plan Strategy, has a Yes - potential for Development in key role in addressing the impacts of climate impacts related to Cheshire East change in terms of both mitigation and provision of community adaptation. The Plan's proposed increase of infrastructure and 36,000 new homes and the accommodation of including changes to 380 hectares of employment land by 2030 could water levels/quality, air considerably raise the amount of carbon pollution and increased emissions and impact on the wider environment recreational pressures. unless adequate measures are introduced to SD 2 Sustainable Yes - potential for combat this. Directing development to the most Development impacts related to sustainable locations and thus improving Principles provision of community accessibility and reducing the need to travel infrastructure and through the spatial strategy will have a including changes to significant impact on climate change at the local water levels/quality, air level. However, individual development pollution and increased proposals must themselves also play a key role recreational pressures. in mitigating the causes and adapting to the effects of climate change. IN 1 Infrastructure Need for new development to be adequately Yes - potential for supported by appropriate infrastructure. impacts related to new Improvements to infrastructure will be and improved fundamental to achieving the vision for the infrastructure including development of Cheshire East. The proposed changes to water growth must be supported by improvements to levels/quality and air physical, social and green infrastructure, and pollution. where necessary, be delivered in advance of development. As well as maximising the benefits of Crewe as a national rail hub, substantial new road infrastructure will be required to open up the east of Cheshire and connect the M6 with main HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 17

Policy Policy Name Policy Summary and Justification Potential Impact on No. European Sites settlements and surrounding major roads. IN 2 Developer Developer contributions will be sought to make No Contributions sure that the necessary physical, social, public realm, economic and green infrastructure is in place to deliver development. Contributions will be used to mitigate the adverse impacts of development (including any cumulative impact). Development proposals will be expected to provide a contribution towards the cost of infrastructure. EG 1 Economic The Local Plan Strategy will promote the Yes - potential for Prosperity delivery of strategic employment sites, promote policies EG 1, EG 2, accessibility and regeneration of town centres, and EG 4 to have EG 2 Rural Economy improve the economy in rural areas, and impacts related to develop sustainable tourism. development of EG 3 Existing and employment land, Allocated increased development Employment within rural areas and Sites tourist development including changes to EG 4 Tourism water levels/quality, air pollution and increased recreational pressures. EG 5 Promoting a Town Centre First Approach to Retail and Commerce SC 1 Leisure and The Local Plan Strategy will provide a significant Yes - potential for Recreation number of new dwellings in all parts of the policies SC 1, SC 2, Borough to support economic growth and SC 3 and SC 7 to have SC 2 Indoor and sustainable development. It will make sure that impacts related to Outdoor Sports Facilities there is an appropriate mix of house types, sizes provision of leisure, and tenures provided across the Borough. recreation and SC 3 Health and Well- The Local Plan Strategy will ensure that community facilities being development provides high quality green and provision of further SC 4 Residential Mix infrastructure and cultural, recreational, leisure Gypsy and Traveller and sports opportunities, along with community sites including changes SC 5 Affordable infrastructure and improved links between to water levels/quality, Homes communities. and increased SC 6 Rural recreational pressures. Exceptions Housing for Local Needs SC 7 Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople SE 1 Design This will be delivered by maintaining and Yes - potential for enhancing the character and separate identities policies SE 6, SE10 SE 2 Efficient Use of Land of the Borough's town and villages through and SE 11 to have careful design and siting of development, impacts related to SE 3 Biodiversity and reducing the Borough's impact on climate provision of green Geodiversity change and addressing the causes of pollution infrastructure, mineral SE 4 The Landscape and the contamination of land, conserving and development and enhancing the natural and historic environment, waste management SE 5 Trees, providing new green infrastructure, providing an including changes to Hedgerows and HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 18

Policy Policy Name Policy Summary and Justification Potential Impact on No. European Sites Woodland adequate and steady supply of minerals and water levels/quality and managing waste in the most sustainable way increased recreational SE 6 Green possible. pressures. Infrastructure

SE 7 The Historic Environment SE 8 Renewable and Low Carbon Energy SE 9 Energy Efficient Development SE 10 Sustainable Provision of Minerals SE 11 Sustainable Management of Waste SE 12 Pollution, Land Contamination and Land Instability SE 13 Flood Risk and Water Management SE 14 Jodrell Bank SE 15 Peak District National Park Fringe CO 1 Sustainable This will be delivered by building accessible Yes - potential for Travel and homes, encouraging travel by sustainable policies CO1, CO2, Transport means, developing improved transport and CO3 and CO4 to have infrastructure networks, enhancing the role of impacts related to the CO 2 Enabling key railway stations and providing additional provision of new and Business transport infrastructure to improve connectivity. improved transport and Growth Through infrastructure networks Transport including changes to Infrastructure water levels/quality and CO 3 Digital air pollution. Connections CO 4 Travel Plans and Transport Assessments

4.2.4 Local Plan Strategy Sites and Strategic Locations Table 4-2 provides further detail about the distribution of development within Cheshire East. The Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy identifies both 'Sites' and 'Strategic Locations'. These are proposed in locations that will contribute to providing balanced sustainable communities, where there are housing and job opportunities, supported by key infrastructure and a range of services. ‘Local Plan Strategy sites’ are areas where the intended uses and location of development is precisely defined, whereas ‘Local Plan Strategy Strategic Locations’ are broadly-defined areas of land with the capacity to deliver proposals of strategic importance.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 19

The Local Plan Strategy focuses on identifying development proposals in and around Principal Towns and Key Service Centres. The Council will be preparing a Site Allocations and Development Policies document that will identify the remaining sites for development, in particular around Local Service Centres. It should be noted that an allocated site will still have to go through the planning application process and the fact that it is allocated does not guarantee that planning permission will be granted, although it does establish the principle of a particular land use. Planning applications on allocated sites will be assessed against the policies in the Local Plan Strategy, the saved development plan policies and other material planning considerations. It also needs to be recognised that planning applications can be made for sites not identified in the strategy and these will be assessed against the relevant policies of the strategy, the saved development plan policies and other material planning considerations. Any subsequent planning permissions granted on previously unidentified land are referred to as 'windfall' permissions. The Assessment of Strategic Sites and Locations The first step in seeking sites to allocate was to consider information available to the Council through contact and discussion with developers, land owners, agents and promoters, from responses to earlier consultation stages in the preparation of the Local Plan Strategy alongside sites currently identified in a number of evidence documents. The initial list of sites was consulted on early in 2012 as part of the Individual Town Strategies and then identified in 2013 in the Development Strategy with the Preferred Sites and Locations being selected as those that were felt more appropriate to meet the strategic vision, priorities and objectives of the Local Plan. These sites were all assessed as part of the Sustainability Appraisal that accompanied the Development Strategy. A further selection of sites was then consulted on as part of the Possible Additional Sites Consultation, to ensure that all potential sites had been properly considered by the Council, key stakeholders and the public. Following on from this consultation, the Council produced a Pre-Submission Core Strategy for consultation at the end of 2013. The Pre-submission Core Strategy was a draft version of the Local Plan Strategy and allowed an opportunity for comments on the proposed plan prior to the publication of the submission document. The Local Plan Strategy Sites and Strategic Locations were selected using the Council's Site Selection Methodology, which incorporates a thorough assessment of all the evidence available to the Council. The decision taken to propose a site is part of a balanced assessment of all the information available. Following the examination hearings/Interim Views expressed by the Inspector, the Council undertook further supplementary site selection work for the proposed changes. HRA was undertaken at key stages of this process (see Table 1-1) which resulted in the identification of avoidance/ mitigation measures with wording agreed with Natural England (as described in section 1.4.2). Monitoring of Strategic Sites and Locations The Local Plan Strategy has been produced at a time of national and local economic recovery and for that reason has been designed to be flexible and to build in contingency. Whilst the Council is committed to the delivery of the Local Plan Strategy Sites and Strategic Locations, it accepts that there could be circumstances where development will not come forward entirely as anticipated. Therefore, the Local Plan Strategy has an in-built mechanism to monitor performance through a Monitoring Report produced annually. Generally, the outcome of the monitoring process will inform whether specific intervention actions should be pursued in the Local Plan Strategy. If these actions fail to address under performance then other complementary plans and strategies should be reviewed. The Council will also look at the potential to bring forward sites from later phases of the Plan period to ensure that appropriate housing and employment provision is made. A review of employment land and employment land allocations may also be undertaken to maximise efficient use of sites. Further details on the Sites and Strategic Locations are contained within the Local Plan Strategy document. An assessment of the potential for likely significant effects on the European Sites for each of the proposed sites for development is given at Appendix D.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 20

Table 4-2 Distribution of Development across Cheshire East Town New Employment Comments Homes Land (ha) Total Total 2010 to 2010 to 2030 2030 Principal Towns Crewe 7,700 65 A number of Local Plan Strategy Sites and a Strategic Location in and around Crewe have been identified for growth. The creation of new jobs is focussed on the Basford sites. New employment and housing development is also proposed on the edge of Crewe, with abundant open spaces between them. Development would be supported by the provision of new transport infrastructure including the Crewe Green Link road and improvements to Junction 16 of the M6 Macclesfield 4,250 20 A number of homes are expected to be provided on brownfield sites within the town. The remainder will be focussed on strategic sites on the edge of the town with transport infrastructure and community facilities. Key Service Centres Alsager 2,000 40 Employment opportunities are proposed to be provided at the Radway Green sites. Sites at White Moss Quarry, Twyfords / Cardway and others will provide new homes in this plan period. Congleton 4,150 24 The focus for Congleton is that of high quality employment led growth to accommodate the expansion of existing businesses and attract new investment into the town. New housing is seen as important as part of a balanced and integrated portfolio of development to support the town centre, and ensure balanced and sustainable communities. At the heart of the development strategy for Congleton is the construction of the Congleton Link Road. As well as providing other benefits, it directly unlocks considerable opportunities to create new homes, jobs, green infrastructure and other community facilities to the north of the town. The Link Road is therefore necessary for land allocations to take place. Handforth 2,200 22 The North Cheshire Growth Village is adjacent to Handforth and will offer opportunities for growth in the (including North future. The development of the North Cheshire Growth Village site over the Local Plan Strategy period will Cheshire Growth deliver a new exemplar ‘Sustainable Community’ in line with an agreed comprehensive masterplan and Village) supported by a North Cheshire Growth Village design guide.

Knutsford 950 15 Land to the north west of the town will provide high quality, sympathetic low density residential development with community facilities and the creation of open space. Development will integrate with existing facilities

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 21

Town New Employment Comments Homes Land (ha) Total Total 2010 to 2010 to 2030 2030 and communities and provide links to the settlements to the south and east of the sites. Land at Parkgate will be developed to provide new homes and employment land. Safeguarded Land has been identified adjacent to the settlement. Middlewich 1,950 75 The timely delivery of the Middlewich Eastern-By-Pass is key to ensuring that Middlewich realises its full sustainable growth potential as a key Service Centre and also contributes to the prosperity of the Borough as a whole. The completion of the By-Pass should be delivered alongside new developments. Nantwich 2,050 3 Land at Kingsley Fields and Snow Hill, to the north-west of Nantwich are identified for development. These sites are sustainably located in close proximity to the town centre and provide opportunities to extend the Riverside Park. Poynton 650 10 A number of strategic sites have been identified including the development of Adlington Business Park Extension, which will provide 10ha of new employment land. Safeguarded land has also been identified. A relief road is also proposed which will relieve congestion in and around Poynton and, together with junction improvements on the A523 corridor, will improve links to Macclesfield and support economic, physical and social regeneration of the area. Sandbach 2,750 20 Land adjacent to Junction 17 of M6, south east of Congleton Road comprising land south of Old Mill Road presents the opportunity to deliver a mixed used development site with the primary use of the site being for employment purposes which will help to enable the access and infrastructure improvements required to deliver the whole site. It is intended that the development of the site will include the provision of supporting facilities, complimentary to the principal employment use scheme which supports a new local centre whilst also protecting important existing environmental features. Wilmslow 900 10 Four strategic sites have been identified. The Royal London site will deliver mixed use development. Wilmslow Business Park will provide opportunity to deliver high quality sustainable employment led development. Land at Little Stanneylands and Heathfield Farm will provide opportunity to deliver residential developments. Safeguarded land has also been identified. Other Settlements Local Service 3,500 7 Some new development will be required to meet local needs and help retain services and facilities.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 22

Town New Employment Comments Homes Land (ha) Total Total 2010 to 2010 to 2030 2030 Centres Other 2,950 69 New development in these settlements could help to sustain local services. Settlements and The Wardle Employment Improvement Area will provide in the order of 61 ha of employment land. Rural Areas The Council will also support development on the Alderley Park Opportunity Site to create a life science (including Wardle park with a focus on human health science research and development, technologies, and processes. Improvement Area)

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 23

4.3 Other Relevant Plans that might act In-combination A series of individually modest effects may in combination produce effects that are likely to adversely affect the integrity of one or more European sites. Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive tries to address this by taking into account the combination of effects from other plans or projects. The Directive does not explicitly define which other plans and projects are within the scope of the combination provision. Guidance in section 4.4.3 of ‘Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC’, published by the European Commission, states: ‘When determining likely significant effects, the combination of other plans or projects should also be considered to take account of cumulative impacts. It would seem appropriate to restrict the combination provision to other plans or projects which have been actually proposed.’ There is limited guidance available on the scope of the ‘in combination’ element, particularly which plans or projects should be considered. The plans identified by the Sustainability Appraisal provided the basis for the assessment of ‘in combination’ effects. These plans were reviewed to identify any potential effects and these were then considered (as necessary) within the screening or appropriate assessment. Attention was focused on those aimed at delivering planned spatial growth with the most significant being those that seek to provide housing, employment and infrastructure. The assessment did not include national plans/strategies, policy or legislation since the Local Plan must be compliant with these. It is considered that in combination effects are most likely in respect of other regional and sub-regional development plans and strategies. The review considered the most relevant plans of this nature of Cheshire East and neighbouring authorities, along with relevant Water Resource Management Plans and Catchment Abstraction Management Plans. Table 4-3 lists the relevant plans that have been identified as having the potential to result in adverse effects on European sites in-combination with the Local Plan Strategy, further detail is provided at Appendix C. Table 4-3 Relevant Plans Other Relevant Plans Cheshire Means Business Cheshire Sub-Regional Housing Strategy Corporate Plan 2016 to 2020 – Cheshire East Council Cheshire East Local Transport Plans and Implementation Plans Cheshire East Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2011-2026 and Implementation Plan 2015-2019 Cheshire East Housing Strategy: Moving Forward 2011 to 2016 Local Air Quality Strategy for Cheshire East Council and Action Plan Cheshire East Visitor Economy Strategy 2016-2020 Cheshire Replacement Minerals Local Plan 1999 Cheshire Replacement Waste Local Plan 2007 Saved Policies from the Congleton Borough Local Plan, Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Local Plan and Macclesfield Local Plan The United Utilities Final Water Resources Management Plan 2015 The Weaver and Dane Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) The Dee Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) Local Plans and Core Strategies of adjacent Authorities (Cheshire West and Chester; Peak District National Park; High Peak; Manchester; Newcastle-under-Lyme; Stockport; Shropshire; Peak District; Staffordshire Moorlands; Stoke-on-Trent; Trafford and Warrington Councils)

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 24

5 Screening Assessment

5.1 Introduction This section considers the various policies and strategic sites identified in the Local Plan Strategy document and identifies whether or not they are likely to have significant effects on site integrity, either alone or in-combination with other plans.

5.2 Screening Assessment Taking into account the location of the European sites in relation to proposed development (see Appendix D), and the identified potential hazards and impact pathways associated with the policies and strategic sites, an assessment has been made as to whether the Local Plan Strategy, both alone and in-combination with other plans, will have likely significant effects on any European sites. This assessment is detailed in Table 5-1.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 25

Table 5-1 Assessment of Likely Significant Effects on European Sites Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans West Midlands Changes in water The development of strategic sites on New housing, increased tourism Potential for significant Mosses SAC quality the edge of Crewe (CS 2: Basford West, and improved access to the effects (alone and in- Changes in water CS 6: The Shavington/Wybunbury countryside resulting from policies combination) Qualifying features: levels or table Triangle and CS 7: East Shavington) of other plans (such as Housing Standing waters Pollution (air) could result in adverse impacts, both Strategies, Cheshire East Rights of alone and in-combination, on Way Improvement Plan) could have (sensitive to Physical damage Wybunbury Moss SSSI, a component in-combination effects resulting acidification) (due to recreational site of the West Midlands Mosses SAC from increased recreational Bogs and wet pressures) due to the potential for changes in local pressures on the West Midlands habitats water levels and/or quality, given its Mosses SAC. proximity to these sites. Likely significant effect Likely significant effect The potential for adverse effects on West Midlands Mosses SAC due to air pollution from increased vehicles using the local road and motorway network is unlikely. This is due to the distance of the SAC components from the main road network and new infrastructure projects, as pollutant levels can be expected to fall substantially at a distance less than 50m from the source and can be expected to fall to background levels at a distance of more than 200m (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11). In addition, improvements to public transport and new cycle and pedestrian routes, should result in an overall reduction of vehicles on the road

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 26

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans network (Policy SD 2 and Policy IN 1). No likely significant effect Policies EG 4, SC 1 and SC 3 have the potential to have impacts on Wybunbury Moss SSSI related to the development of tourism, and the provision of leisure, recreation and community facilities which could result in increased recreational pressures. In addition, the development of new residential sites, in particular strategic sites CS 2: Basford West, CS 6: The Shavington/Wybunbury Triangle and CS 7: East Shavington, could result in adverse effects, both alone and in-combination, on Wybunbury Moss SSSI due to recreational pressures, given its proximity to these areas. Likely significant effect

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 27

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 28

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans the local road and motorway network is unlikely. This is due to the distance of the SAC from the main road network and new infrastructure projects, as pollutant levels can be expected to fall substantially at a distance less than 50m from the source and can be expected to fall to background levels at a distance of more than 200m (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11). In addition, improvements to public transport, footpaths, and cycle ways should result in an overall reduction of vehicles on the road network (Policy SD 2 and Policy IN 1). No likely significant effect It is unlikely that any of the policies or development of strategic sites will result in recreational/disturbance impacts that extend as far as the South Pennine Moors SAC. No likely significant effect Rixton Clay Pits Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects SAC quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Changes in water highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of Rixton Clay Pits Qualifying features: levels or table than 11km) of the SAC from any SAC in-combination with any other Amphibia (Great Physical damage proposed development within Cheshire relevant plans. Crested Newt (due to recreational East, and the lack of hydrological No likely significant effect Triturus cristatus) pressures) connectivity with any watercourses that could be affected by development. No likely significant effect

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 29

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans It is unlikely that any of the policies or development of strategic sites will result in recreational/disturbance impacts that extend as far as Rixton Clay Pits SAC. No likely significant effect Brown Moss SAC Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Qualifying features: Changes in water highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of Brown Moss SAC Vascular plants of levels or table than 15km) of the SAC from any in-combination with any other aquatic habitats Physical damage proposed development within Cheshire relevant plans. (Floating Water (due to recreational East, and the lack of hydrological No likely significant effect Plantain Luronium pressures) connectivity with any watercourses that natans) could be affected by development. No likely significant effect It is unlikely that any of the policies or development of strategic sites will result in recreational/disturbance impacts that extend as far as Brown Moss SAC. No likely significant effect Manchester Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects Mosses SAC quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Changes in water highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of Manchester Qualifying features: levels or table than 13km) of the SAC from any Mosses SAC in-combination with Bogs and wet Pollution (air) proposed development within Cheshire any other relevant plans. East, and the lack of hydrological No likely significant effect habitats Physical damage connectivity with any watercourses that (due to recreational could be affected by development. pressures) No likely significant effect The potential for adverse effects on Manchester Mosses SAC due to air

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 30

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans pollution from increased vehicles using the local road and motorway network is unlikely. This is due to the distance of the SAC from the main road network and new infrastructure projects, as pollutant levels can be expected to fall substantially at a distance less than 50m from the source and can be expected to fall to background levels at a distance of more than 200m (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11). In addition, improvements to public transport, footpaths, and cycle ways should result in an overall reduction of vehicles on the road network (Policy SD 2 and Policy IN 1). No likely significant effect It is unlikely that any of the policies or development of strategic sites will result in recreational/disturbance impacts that extend as far as Manchester Mosses SAC. No likely significant effect Oak Mere SAC Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Qualifying features: Changes in water highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of Oak Mere SAC Standing waters levels or table than 9km) of the SAC from any in-combination with any other (sensitive to Pollution (air) proposed development within Cheshire relevant plans. East, and the lack of hydrological No likely significant effect acidification) Physical damage connectivity with any watercourses that (due to recreational Bogs and wet could be affected by development.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 31

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans habitats pressures) No likely significant effect The potential for adverse effects on Oak Mere SAC due to air pollution from increased vehicles using the local road and motorway network is unlikely. This is due to the distance of the SAC from the main road network and new infrastructure projects, as pollutant levels can be expected to fall substantially at a distance less than 50m from the source and can be expected to fall to background levels at a distance of more than 200m (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11). In addition, improvements to public transport, footpaths, and cycle ways should result in an overall reduction of vehicles on the road network (Policy SD 2 and Policy IN 1). No likely significant effect It is unlikely that any of the policies or development of strategic sites will result in recreational/disturbance impacts that extend as far as Oak Mere SAC. No likely significant effect Fenn's, Whixall, Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects Bettisfield, Wem quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects and Cadney highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of Fenn's, Whixall, Mosses SAC Changes in water levels or table than 20km) of the SAC from any Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney

Pollution (air) proposed development within Cheshire Mosses SAC in-combination with Qualifying features: East, and the lack of hydrological any other relevant plans. Physical damage

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 32

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans Bogs and wet (due to recreational connectivity with any watercourses that No likely significant effect habitats pressures) could be affected by development. No likely significant effect The potential for adverse effects on Fenn's, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney Mosses SAC due to air pollution from increased vehicles using the local road and motorway network is unlikely. This is due to the distance of the SAC from the main road network and new infrastructure projects, as pollutant levels can be expected to fall substantially at a distance less than 50m from the source and can be expected to fall to background levels at a distance of more than 200m (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11). In addition, improvements to public transport, footpaths, and cycle ways should result in an overall reduction of vehicles on the road network (Policy SD 2 and Policy IN 1). No likely significant effect It is unlikely that any of the policies or development of strategic sites will result in recreational/disturbance impacts that extend as far as Fenn's, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney Mosses SAC. No likely significant effect

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 33

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans Peak District Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects Dales SAC quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Changes in water highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of the Peak District Qualifying features: levels or table than 14km) of the SAC from any Dales SAC in-combination with any Fens and wet Physical damage proposed development within Cheshire other relevant plans. habitats (due to recreational East, and the lack of hydrological No likely significant effect connectivity with any watercourses that Dry woodlands and pressures) could be affected by development. scrub Disturbance No likely significant effect Dry grassland It is unlikely that any of the policies or Dry heathland development of strategic sites will result habitats in recreational/disturbance impacts that Upland extend as far as the Peak District Dales Non-migratory fish SAC. and invertebrates No likely significant effect of rivers River Dee and Changes in water The potential for adverse effects on the Development growth (housing and No likely significant effects Bala Lake SAC quality River Dee and Bala Lake SAC due to employment) resulting from the Changes in water changes in water levels and/or quality is policies of other plans and Qualifying features: levels or table highly unlikely due to the distance (more strategies (Cheshire East Housing Strategy and the Local Plans of Riverine habitats Physical damage than 17km) of the SAC from any neighbouring authorities) could and running waters (due to recreational proposed development within Cheshire East, and the lack of hydrological result in in-combination effects from Vascular plants of pressures) connectivity with any watercourses that increased water requirements. aquatic habitats Disturbance could be affected by development. However, as described in the Anadromous fish No likely significant effect previous column, it is not Non-migratory fish Development of new housing and anticipated that the water and invertebrates employment land within Cheshire East requirements of Cheshire East and of rivers could lead to increased demand for surrounding areas (i.e. United Mammals of water. Increased levels of abstraction Utilities Integrated Resource Zone) riverine habitats could significantly affect the levels of will require further abstraction from

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 34

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans flow in the River Dee and hence result in the River Dee. significant effects on qualifying features. No likely significant effect The River Dee Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) 2014 identifies the River Dee as an important resource for public water supply as it is used to supply the homes of more than two million people. Because of the overriding need to protect this supply, more water is not available for abstraction from the River Dee (or its tributaries) upstream of Chester Weir, when the river is being regulated. Some additional water may be available during wetter periods, but abstractors would be required to stop taking water as soon as the river flow dropped again. Natural Resources Wales may also have to place special conditions on any new licences granted to safeguard the wildlife and conservation interest of the River Dee. The secure provision of a water supply is not the statutory responsibility of Cheshire East Council or any other Local Authority; the responsibility lies with the water companies as statutory undertakers for the provision of water. The abstraction of water to provide a water supply is also heavily regulated by the Environment Agency (EA) and

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 35

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans Natural Resources Wales (NRW). United Utilities is the principal water provider for Cheshire East and such provision is covered by the Integrated Resource Zone which serves 6.7 million people in South Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and most of Cheshire. The United Utilities Final Water Resources Management Plan 2015 provides a comprehensive statement of their water supply and water demand forecasts over the period to 2040. It also describes the resulting supply-demand balances and the actions they propose to take as part of their preferred strategy to achieve water supply reliability standards for their customers. The Plan states that the water available for use in the Integrated Resource Zone is expected to reduce by about 22 Ml/d between 2015/16 and 2019/20. However, no supply deficit is forecast for the Integrated Resource Zone, a surplus of over 90 Ml/d is maintained throughout the planning period. United Utilities abstract water from the River Dee at various locations to supply both potable and non-potable customers, including a supply of raw water from the River Dee to Dŵr Cymru

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 36

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans Welsh Water and a non-potable supply of raw water from the River Dee to industrial customers in the Wirral (80. Ml/d on average). The River Dee is managed by Natural Resources Wales through a regulation scheme. United Utilities abstractions are governed by the River Dee General Directions (EA, 2009) which set out rules for abstraction during drought conditions and are approved by the statutory Dee Consultative Committee. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Local Plan Strategy will result in the need for further abstraction from the River Dee. No likely significant effect It is unlikely that any of the policies or development of strategic sites will result in recreational/disturbance impacts that extend as far as the River Dee and Bala Lake SAC. No likely significant effect Dee Estuary SAC Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Qualifying features: Changes in water highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of the Dee Estuary Coastal habitats levels or table than 32km) of the SAC from any SAC in-combination with any other proposed development within Cheshire relevant plans. Coastal habitats Physical loss East. Any impacts on local watercourses No likely significant effect (sensitive to Physical damage due to development are unlikely to abstraction) Pollution (air) cause significant effects on water Estuarine and Disturbance levels/quality of the estuary, that far

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 37

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans intertidal habitats downstream Mosses and No likely significant effect liverworts It is unlikely that any of the policies or Anadromous fish development of strategic sites will result in recreational/disturbance impacts that extend as far as the Dee Estuary SAC. No likely significant effect Peak District Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects Moors (South quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Pennine Moors highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of the Peak District Phase 1) SPA Changes in water levels or table than 5km) of the SPA from any Moors SPA in-combination with any

Pollution (air) proposed development within Cheshire other relevant plans. Qualifying features: East, and the lack of hydrological No likely significant effect Physical damage Birds of uplands connectivity with any watercourses that (due to recreational could be affected by development. Birds of lowland pressures) wet grasslands No likely significant effect Disturbance Birds of farmland The potential for adverse effects on the Birds of coastal Peak District Moors SPA due to air habitats pollution from increased vehicles using the local road and motorway network is Birds of estuarine unlikely. This is due to the distance of habitats the SAC from the main road network and new infrastructure projects, as pollutant levels can be expected to fall substantially at a distance less than 50m from the source and can be expected to fall to background levels at a distance of more than 200m (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11). In addition, improvements to public transport, footpaths, and cycle ways

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 38

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans should result in an overall reduction of vehicles on the road network (Policy SD 2 and Policy IN 1). No likely significant effect It is unlikely that any of the policies or development of strategic sites will result in recreational/disturbance impacts that extend as far as the Peak District Moors SPA. No likely significant effect Mersey Estuary Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects SPA quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Changes in water highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of the Mersey Qualifying features: levels or table than 23km) of the SPA from any Estuary SPA in-combination with Birds of uplands Physical damage proposed development within Cheshire any other plans or projects. East. Any impacts on local watercourses Birds of lowland (due to recreational No likely significant effect due to development are unlikely to wet grasslands pressures) cause significant effects on water Disturbance Birds of lowland levels/quality of the estuary, that far freshwaters and downstream their margins No likely significant effect Birds of farmland It is unlikely that any of the policies or Birds of coastal development of strategic sites will result habitats in recreational/disturbance impacts that Birds of estuarine extend as far as the Mersey Estuary habitats SPA. No likely significant effect Dee Estuary SPA Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Qualifying features: Changes in water highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of the Dee Estuary

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 39

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans Birds of lowland levels or table than 32km) of the SPA from any SPA in-combination with any other wet grassland Physical damage proposed development within Cheshire plans or projects. Birds of lowland (due to recreational East. Any impacts on local watercourses No likely significant effect freshwaters and pressures) due to development are unlikely to their margins Disturbance cause significant effects on water Birds of farmland levels/quality of the estuary, that far downstream Birds of coastal No likely significant effect habitats It is unlikely that any of the policies or Birds of estuarine development of strategic sites will result habitats in recreational/disturbance impacts that Birds of open sea extend as far as the Dee Estuary SPA. and offshore rocks No likely significant effect Mersey Narrows Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects and North Wirral quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Foreshore SPA Changes in water highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of the Mersey

levels or table than 42km) of the SPA from any Narrows and North Wirral Qualifying features: Physical damage proposed development within Cheshire Foreshore SPA in-combination with Birds of lowland (due to recreational East. Any impacts on local watercourses any other relevant plans. wet grasslands pressures) due to development are unlikely to No likely significant effect cause significant effects on water Birds of lowland Disturbance freshwaters and levels/quality, that far downstream their margins No likely significant effect Birds of farmland It is unlikely that any of the policies or Birds of coastal development of strategic sites will result habitats in recreational/disturbance impacts that extend as far as the Mersey Narrows Birds of estuarine and North Wirral Foreshore SPA. habitats No likely significant effect Birds of open sea and offshore rocks

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 40

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans

Midland Meres Changes in water There is the potential for adverse New housing, increased tourism Potential for significant and Mosses quality effects, both alone and in-combination, and improved access to the effects (alone and in- Phase 1 Ramsar Changes in water on the Midland Meres and Mosses countryside resulting from policies combination) levels or table Phase 1 Ramsar (component sites of other plans (such as Housing Qualifying features: Pollution (air) Tatton Meres SSSI and The Mere SSSI) Strategies, Cheshire East Rights of due to changes in water levels and/or Way Improvement Plan) could have Criteria 1 - The site Physical damage quality as a result of the development of in-combination effects resulting comprises a (due to recreational strategic sites CS 18: North West from increased recreational diverse range of pressures) habitats from open Knutford and CS 19: Parkgate pressures on the Midland Meres water to raised bog. Extension, and also allocated site CS and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar. 50: Land South of Longridge, and Potential changes to water levels safeguarded sites CS 53, CS 33 and CS Criteria 2 - and/or quality resulting from 52, which are located in close proximity Supports a number development outlined in other plans to the sites. of rare species of and projects (such as the Housing plants associated The development of strategic sites on Strategy, Transport Plan) could with wetlands the edge of Crewe (CS 2: Basford West, have in-combination effects with the including five CS 6: The Shavington/Wybunbury Local Plan Strategy on the Midland nationally scarce Triangle and CS 7: East Shavington) Meres and Mosses Phase 1 species together could result in adverse impacts, both Ramsar. with an alone and in-combination, on Likely significant effect assemblage of rare Wybunbury Moss SSSI, a component wetland site of the Midland Meres and Mosses invertebrates (three Phase 1 Ramsar due to the potential for endangered insects changes in local water levels and/or and five other quality, given its proximity to these sites. British Red Data Likely significant effect Book species of The potential for adverse effects on the invertebrates). Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar due to air pollution from increased vehicles using the local road

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 41

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans and motorway network is unlikely. This is due to the distance of the Ramsar components from the main road network and new infrastructure projects, as pollutant levels can be expected to fall substantially at a distance less than 50m from the source and can be expected to fall to background levels at a distance of more than 200m (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11). In addition, improvements to public transport and new cycle and pedestrian routes, should result in an overall reduction of vehicles on the road network (Policy SD 2 and Policy IN 1). No likely significant effect Policies EG 4, SC 1 and SC 3 have the potential to have impacts on the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar related to the development of tourism, and the provision of leisure, recreation and community facilities which could result in increased recreational pressures. The development of new residential sites, in particular strategic sites CS 2: Basford West, CS 6: The Shavington/ Wybunbury Triangle and CS 7: East Shavington, could result in adverse effects, both alone and in-combination, on Wybunbury Moss (a component site

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 42

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans of the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar) due to recreational pressures, given its proximity to these areas. The development of strategic sites CS 18: North West Knutford and CS 19: Parkgate Extension, and also allocated site CS 50: Land South of Longridge, and safeguarded sites CS 53, CS 33 and CS 52, could have recreational impacts on Tatton Meres and The Mere due to increased visitors. Likely significant effect Midland Meres Changes in water The development of strategic sites CS New housing, increased tourism Potential for significant and Mosses quality 42: White Moss Quarry, CS 12: and improved access to the effects (alone and in- Phase 2 Ramsar Changes in water Twyfords and Cardway, CS 13: Former countryside resulting from policies combination) levels or table MMU Campus, CS 14: Radway Green of other plans (such as Housing Qualifying features: Pollution (air) Brownfield, CS 15: Radway Green Strategies, Cheshire East Rights of Extension and CS 43: Radway Green Way Improvement Plan) could have Criteria 1 - The site Physical damage North could result in adverse impacts, in-combination effects resulting comprises a (due to recreational both alone and in-combination, on from increased recreational diverse range of pressures) habitats from open Oakhanger Moss SSSI, a component pressures on the Midland Meres water to raised bog. site of the Midland Meres and Mosses and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar. Phase 2 Ramsar due to the potential for Potential changes in air quality changes in local water levels and/or Criteria 2 - resulting from an increase in quality, given its proximity to these sites. Supports a number development outlined in other plans Likely significant effect of rare species of (Housing Strategy, Local Plans of plants associated Oakhanger Moss lies close to the M6 neighbouring authorities) could with wetlands, adjacent to Alsager and therefore an have in-combination effects on including the increase in the use of the main road Oakhanger Moss. Potential effects nationally scarce network has the potential to increase will largely arise from an increase in

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 43

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans Cowbane and levels of air pollution and affect the traffic with more significant effects Elongated Sedge. status of the meres. resulting from the potential Also present are Likely significant effect increased use of the M6. Increases the nationally Policies EG 4, SC 1 and SC 3 have the in the deposition of pollutants such scarce bryophytes potential to have impacts on the Midland as nitrogen dioxide and particulates Dicranum affine Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar may have adverse effects upon the and Sphagnum related to the development of tourism, wide range of habitats (especially pulchrum. and the provision of leisure, recreation the raised bog) making up the Also supports an and community facilities which could Ramsar site. assemblage of result in increased recreational Likely significant effect invertebrates pressures. including several The development of strategic sites CS rare species. There 42: White Moss Quarry, CS 12: are 16 species of Twyfords and Cardway, CS 13: Former British Red Data MMU Campus, CS 14: Radway Green Book insect listed Brownfield, CS 15: Radway Green for this site Extension and CS 43: Radway Green including the North may result in increased following recreational impacts on Oakhanger endangered Moss. species: the moth Likely significant effect Glyphipteryx

lathamella, the caddisfly Hagenella clathrata and the sawfly Trichiosoma vitellinae. Rostherne Mere Changes in water There is the potential for adverse effects New housing, increased tourism Potential for significant Ramsar quality on Rostherne Mere Ramsar due to and improved access to the effects (alone and in- Changes in water changes in water levels and/or quality as countryside resulting from policies combination) Qualifying features: levels or table a result of the development of strategic of other plans (such as Housing

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 44

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans Criteria 1 - Physical damage sites CS 18: North West Knutsford and Strategies, Cheshire East Rights of Rostherne Mere is (due to recreational safeguarded sites CS 53 and CS 33, as Way Improvement Plan) could have one of the deepest pressures) these sites are located upstream of in-combination effects resulting and largest of the Disturbance Rostherne Brook which flows into from increased recreational meres of the Rostherne Mere Ramsar. pressures on Rostherne Mere Shropshire- Likely significant effect Ramsar. Cheshire Plain. Its Policies EG 4, SC 1 and SC 3 have the Potential changes to water levels shoreline is fringed potential to have impacts on Rostherne and/or quality resulting from with common reed. Mere Ramsar related to the development outlined in other plans development of tourism, and the and projects (such as the Housing Noteworthy Birds: provision of leisure, recreation and Strategy, Transport Plan) could - Great Cormorant community facilities which could result in have in-combination effects with the increased recreational pressures. Local Plan Strategy on Rostherne - Great Bittern The development of strategic sites CS Mere. - Water Rail 18: North West Knutsford and Likely significant effect safeguarded sites CS 53 and CS 33 may result in increased recreational impacts, both alone and in-combination, on Rostherne Mere. Likely significant effect Mersey Estuary Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects Ramsar quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Changes in water highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of the Mersey Qualifying features: levels or table than 23km) of the Ramsar from any Estuary Ramsar in-combination Criteria 5 - Physical damage proposed development within Cheshire with any other relevant plans. Assemblages of (due to recreational East. Any impacts on local watercourses No likely significant effect international pressures) due to development are unlikely to cause significant effects on water importance: Disturbance levels/quality of the estuary, that far Species with peak downstream counts in winter: No likely significant effect

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 45

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans 89576 waterfowl (5 It is unlikely that any of the policies or year peak mean development of strategic sites will result 1998/99- in recreational/disturbance impacts that 2002/2003) extend as far as the Mersey Estuary Ramsar. Criteria 6 - No likely significant effect species/populations occurring at levels of international importance. - Common Shelduck - Black-tailed Godwit - Common Redshank - Eurasian Teal - Northern Pintail - Dunlin Dee Estuary Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects Ramsar quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Changes in water highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of the Dee Estuary Qualifying features: levels or table than 32km) of the Ramsar from any Ramsar in-combination with any Criterion 1 - Physical damage proposed development within Cheshire other relevant plans. Extensive intertidal (due to recreational East. Any impacts on local watercourses No likely significant effect mud and sand flats pressures) due to development are unlikely to cause significant effects on water (20 km by 9 km) Disturbance with large levels/quality of the estuary, that far expanses of downstream saltmarsh towards No likely significant effect

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 46

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans the head of the It is unlikely that any of the policies or estuary. development of strategic sites will result in recreational/disturbance impacts that Criterion 2 - it extend as far as the Dee Estuary supports breeding Ramsar. colonies of the No likely significant effect vulnerable Natterjack Toad, Epidalea calamita

Criterion 5 - Assemblages of international importance: Species with peak counts in winter: Non-breeding season regularly supports 120,726 individual waterbirds (5 year peak mean 1994/5 - 1998/9).

Criterion 6 - species/populations occurring at levels of international importance: - Redshank

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 47

Designated Site Potential Hazards Potential Exposure to Hazard and Potential In-combination Effects Screening Assessment Mechanism of Effect/Impact if Known with other Plans - Teal - Shelduck - Oystercatcher - Curlew - Pintail - Grey plover - Dunlin - Black-tailed godwit - Bar-tailed godwit Mersey Narrows Changes in water The potential for adverse effects due to The Local Plan Strategy is unlikely No likely significant effects and North Wirral quality changes in water levels and/or quality is to have significant adverse effects Foreshore highly unlikely due to the distance (more on the integrity of the Mersey Ramsar Changes in water levels or table than 42km) of the Ramsar from any Narrows and North Wirral proposed development within Cheshire Foreshore Ramsar in-combination Qualifying features: Physical damage (due to recreational East. Any impacts on local watercourses with any other relevant plans. Criterion 4 - the site pressures) due to development are unlikely to No likely significant effect regularly supports cause significant effects on water Disturbance plant and/or animal levels/quality, that far downstream. species at a critical No likely significant effect stage in their life It is unlikely that any of the policies or cycles, or provides development of strategic sites will result refuge during in recreational/disturbance impacts that adverse conditions: extend as far as the Mersey Narrows - supports and North Wirral Foreshore Ramsar. important numbers No likely significant effect of non-breeding little gulls and common terns.

Criterion 5 - the site

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 48

Criterion 6 - species /populations occurring at levels of international importance: - Knot - Bar-tailed Godwit - Little Gull - Common Tern

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 49

5.3 Screening Statement and Conclusions The most likely effects of the Local Plan Strategy on European Sites are related to pressures from new development including water abstraction, changes to water levels/quality (surface run- off, pollution events) and increased recreational pressures arising from new housing developments and tourism developments. The Screening Assessment has determined that the Local Plan Strategy is not likely to have significant effects, either alone or in-combination with other plans on the following European Sites:  South Pennine Moors SAC  Rixton Clay Pits SAC  Brown Moss SAC  Manchester Mosses SAC  Oak Mere SAC  Fenn's, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney Mosses SAC  Peak District Dales SAC  River Dee and Bala Lake SAC  Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA  Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar  Dee Estuary SAC, SPA and Ramsar  Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar

The Local Plan Strategy could potentially have significant adverse effects, both alone and in combination with other plans, on the following sites:  West Midlands Mosses SAC  Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar  Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar  Rostherne Mere Ramsar Therefore, an Appropriate Assessment is required to assess in more detail the likely nature of the effects on the integrity of these European Sites.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 50

6 Appropriate Assessment

6.1 Introduction This section describes Tasks 2 and 3 of the Appropriate Assessment of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy. Where the potential for significant effects has been identified, the nature and likely scale of effects on the integrity of the individual European sites are reported (taking into account potential in combination effects where appropriate, particularly relating to the in-combination effects of strategic site development), excluding those aspects that have been screened out. Additional information and interpretation is provided to allow for a reasonable assessment of the effects, and to identify appropriate mitigation which can be included within the plan to ensure that adverse effects do not occur.

6.2 Methodology

6.2.1 Introduction An Appropriate Assessment is a decision by the "Competent Authority" as to whether the proposed plan or project can be determined as not having an adverse effect on the integrity of any Natura 2000 sites. The Competent Authority in this case is Cheshire East Council. The principle objective of Appropriate Assessment is to ensure that the policies of the Local Plan Strategy (which will form part of the Local Plan and guide development within Cheshire East over the next 20 years) will not result in any adverse effects on European sites. The approach adopted for this Appropriate Assessment is to focus on avoidance of adverse effects on European site integrity rather than mitigation, through the identification of appropriate policy wording and development-specific measures to ensure adverse effects on European sites are avoided down the line. That is, the plan must ensure that a future project (i.e. development of a site) that is harmful to site integrity, as understood at the plan stage, cannot be approved consistently with the plan. The policies and development-specific measures/actions included within the Local Plan Strategy have been subject to consultation and are based on revisions and specific wording requested by Natural England in discussion with the Council.

6.2.2 Screening Conclusion The HRA Task 1 screening assessment identified that the Local Plan Strategy could potentially have significant adverse effects, both alone and in combination with other plans, on the following sites:  West Midlands Mosses SAC  Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar  Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar  Rostherne Mere Ramsar Therefore, the screening assessment concluded that an Appropriate Assessment would be required to determine whether or not the Local Plan Strategy (alone and in-combination with other plans) would result in significant adverse effects on the integrity of these European sites.

6.2.3 Appropriate Assessment and Mitigation - HRA Tasks 2 and 3 For those sites listed above it is necessary to undertake an Appropriate Assessment to explore the potential adverse effects and develop measures to avoid these effects entirely, or if not possible, to mitigate the impacts sufficiently that effects on the European sites are rendered effectively insignificant. The stages involved in the Appropriate Assessment are to:  Explore the reasons for the European designation of the "scoped in" European sites

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 51

 Explore the environmental conditions required to maintain the integrity of the "scoped in" European sites and become familiar with the current trends in these environmental processes  Gain a full understanding of the Local Plan Strategy document and consider each within the context of the environmental processes – would the policies lead to an impact on any identified process?  Decide whether the identified impact will lead to an adverse effect on the integrity of the European site  Identify other plans that might affect these European sites in combination with the Local Plan Strategy and decide whether there are any adverse effects that might not result from the strategy in isolation will do so in-combination.  Develop measures to avoid the effect entirely, or if not possible, to mitigate the impact sufficiently such that its effect on the European site is rendered effectively insignificant. In evaluating significance, JBA Consulting has relied on its professional judgement; which has been further reinforced through consultation with Natural England.

6.3 Assessment of Effects on Site Integrity This section details the Appropriate Assessment of the potential effects of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy document on the integrity of the identified European sites.

6.3.1 West Midlands Mosses SAC Qualifying Features The West Midlands Mosses qualify as a SAC for the following features:  Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds - West Midlands Mosses contains three pools, one at Clarepool Moss and two at Abbots Moss, that are examples of dystrophic lakes and ponds in the lowlands of England and Wales, where this habitat type is rare.  Transition mires and quaking bogs - West Midlands Mosses represents Schwingmoor vegetation. Floating rafts of Sphagnum-dominated vegetation have developed over semi-liquid substrates within basins. In the UK this type of Sphagnum-dominated vegetation is confined to this part of England and mid-Wales. Wybunbury Moss is one of the finest examples in the country of a Schwingmoor. Conservation Objectives Natural England's conservation objectives for the West Midlands Mosses SAC are: With regard to the SAC and the natural habitats and/or species for which the site has been designated (the ‘Qualifying Features’ listed above), and subject to natural change; Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the Favourable Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by maintaining or restoring; - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural habitats - The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats, and - The supporting processes on which qualifying natural habitats rely. Environmental Conditions Sustaining Integrity of Site The West Midlands Mosses comprises four sites: Clarepool Moss, Abbots Moss, Chartley Moss and Wybunbury Moss. The screening assessment identified the potential for significant effects on Wybunbury Moss due to its proximity to proposed development on the edge of Crewe. Wybunbury Moss has been historically impacted by, and remains vulnerable to, changes in water quality and nutrient enrichment from its surrounding catchment. The site is also vulnerable to hydrological changes. As well as surface water, ground water is also an important water supply mechanism to the moss. Hence the site is vulnerable to groundwater abstractions and artificial flooding as well as catchment drainage. The transition mire habitat experiences continual re-colonisation by scrub, typically birch and pine, as a consequence of past hydrological change e.g. historical drainage and cumulative HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 52

nutrient enrichment together with readily available seed sources. The presence of excessive amounts of scrub and trees affects the mire habitat by increasing the rate of drying out and by the addition of nutrients. The site is also vulnerable to air pollution, as deposits of nitrogen dioxide, particulates and sulphur dioxide (diesel trains) adversely impact upon the health of Sphagnum (which is critical to the ability of the degraded raised bog to re-establish actively growing peat within the site). Likely Significant Effects The likely significant effects of the Local Plan Strategy, both alone and in-combination with other plans, on the integrity of the West Midlands Mosses SAC are described in Table 6-1.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 53

Table 6-1 Likely Significant Effects on West Midlands Mosses SAC Qualifying Identified Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Feature Hazards alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? Natural Changes in water There is the potential for adverse effects Changes in water quality/levels: No significant adverse dystrophic lakes quality on the West Midland Mosses SAC Policy SE 13 states that developments will effects. and ponds Changes in water (component site Wybunbury Moss SSSI) integrate measures for sustainable water Transition mires levels or table due to changes in water levels and/or management, including appropriate SuDS and quaking quality, through discharges, and surface to manage surface water, and enhance and and/or groundwater contamination, as a protect water quality. The policy also states bogs result of the development of strategic that new development should enhance and sites: protect water quality and comply with the  CS 2: Basford West, Crewe Water Framework Directive in ensuring that  CS 6: The Shavington / Wybunbury development does not cause a deterioration Triangle, Crewe in the status of inland waters unless  CS 7: East Shavington, Crewe suitable mitigation measures are in place; and new development should also

incorporate water efficiency measures. Site CS 6: The Shavington / Wybunbury The Local Plan Strategy recognises the Triangle is located approximately 400m to the north of Wybunbury Moss and will importance of ensuring that development is

provide 400 new homes. Site CS 7 will adequately supported by appropriate provide up to 275 new homes and is infrastructure, whether using existing or located approximately 1.2km to the north- through new provision. east of Wybunbury Moss. Site CS 2 is Policy IN1 states that Cheshire East located approximately 2.5km to the north- Council is working in partnership with infrastructure providers and other delivery east of Wybunbury Moss and could deliver up to 370 new homes, in addition agencies to provide essential infrastructure to around 22 hectares of employment land to deliver the Local Plan, this includes both (see map at Appendix E for the location of water supply and wastewater provision. the strategic sites in relation to Strategic infrastructure requirements are Wybunbury Moss). set out in the Local Plan Strategy and in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

Infrastructure delivery will take place in a

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 54

Qualifying Identified Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Feature Hazards alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? phased co-ordinated manner guided by the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and any additional site specific requirements to support the Local Plan Strategy proposals.

These will include mechanisms for the funding and delivery of all infrastructure required to support development and regeneration. The Infrastructure Delivery Plan will be kept under review and if necessary revised as and when required. With regards to wastewater treatment, the Local Infrastructure Baseline Report and

Delivery Plan identify the importance of ensuring that where new investment is required, development is phased through DPD policies and restrictions on planning permissions to enable the required infrastructure to be provided in advance of

schemes being completed. Developers will be expected to meet connection costs. Cheshire East Council will continue to work closely with United Utilities in preparing its Local Plan to ensure identified sites can be catered for in terms of supporting waste water infrastructure.

In addition, the Site Specific Principles of

Development for strategic sites CS 2, CS 6 and CS 7 state that these sites will only be developed where it can be demonstrated that there is no adverse impact on West Midland Mosses SAC (Wybunbury Moss

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 55

Qualifying Identified Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Feature Hazards alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? SSSI). A Habitats Regulations Assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of the development of each of these sites on the features of special interest will be required,

and will be expected to consider impacts on natural hydrological function, pathways, groundwater and surface water, impact on recharge to groundwater and consequent impact on site, impact on water resources and water chemistry, impacts on nutrient status and also risks from pollution during

construction (e.g., spillages or minor pollution incidents and the storage of oils and fuels). Where impacts cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation measures will be required to ensure no adverse effects on the integrity of the site.

Physical damage (due to recreational Physical damage Policies EG 4, SC 1 and SC 3 promote impacts): (due to the development of Borough-wide Policies SC1, SC2 and SE 6 aim to recreational tourism, and the provision of leisure, strengthen the contribution that open impacts) recreation and community facilities and space, sport, leisure and recreation facilities routes which could result in increased make to Cheshire East's Green N.B. air pollution recreational pressures due to increased Infrastructure network by protecting and was screened out accessibility to the West Midlands Mosses enhancing existing, and providing new, during the initial SAC (i.e. Wybunbury Moss). However, open spaces and recreational facilities. This assessment such development and provision would will reduce the potential for increased also increase accessibility to other areas recreational pressure on the West Midlands of open and green space in the Borough Mosses SAC. away from the SAC. Policy SD 2 of the Local Plan Strategy

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 56

Qualifying Identified Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Feature Hazards alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? Due to the proximity of Wybunbury Moss outlines principles for development which to proposed development at Crewe (as includes the expectation that all residential described above) there is potential for development will provide open space, of an additional recreational pressures on the extent, quality, design and location SAC component site. appropriate to the development and the Site CS 6: The Shavington / Wynbunbury local community. In addition, it is outlined Triangle is located just 400m from that the development of strategic sites CS Wybunbury Moss and therefore is most 2: Basford West, CS 6: The Shavington / likely to have the potential to result in Wybunbury Triangle and CS 7: East adverse effects due to increased Shavington will provide green infrastructure recreational impacts. A planning and open space including children's play application for the development of this site areas, allotments, a village green, has been submitted to Cheshire East community woodland, games areas and Council and planning permission granted outdoor gyms. This provision of additional including a legal agreement, and as part open space and recreational facilities will of this a Habitats Regulations Assessment reduce the potential for increased has been carried out. This assessment recreational pressure on the West Midlands determined no significant effect on Mosses SAC. Wybunbury Moss for the following In addition, the Site Specific Principles of reasons: Development for strategic sites CS 2, CS 6 - No paths enter the Moss and access is and CS 7 state that these sites will only be by permit holders or escorted tours developed where it can be demonstrated arranged with Natural England only. that there is no adverse impact on West There are no facilities at the Moss. Midland Mosses SAC (Wybunbury Moss - Although there are public footpaths that SSSI). A Habitats Regulations Assessment link to the perimeter of the Moss, the of the direct and indirect impacts of the existing measures such as fencing, signs development of each of the sites on the and boundary vegetation, which currently features of special interest will be required prevent access to the site would be and will be expected to consider changes in adequate to deter any additional footpath recreational pressures and impacts of users from veering off the path and into increased foot traffic on sensitive habitats

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 57

Qualifying Identified Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Feature Hazards alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? the designated site. and species. Where impacts cannot be - The proposed development will provide avoided, appropriate mitigation measures areas of open space/amenity village will be required to ensure no adverse green/sports pitches, as well as an area effects on the integrity of the site. proposed as a park/nature conservation area. - Additional pressure from littering or the General: potential introduction of non-native plant Policy SE 3 aims to protect and enhance species could be a risk. However, the areas of high biodiversity value. likelihood of introducing non-native plants Development proposals which are likely to is deemed to be very low as the proposals have a significance adverse impact on a do not involve the introduction of any SAC will not be permitted except in the very roads, infrastructure or residential limited and rare circumstances set out in properties adjacent to the site. In order to the Policy. introduce any non-native plant species to the Moss, this would need to be carried on foot following paths for approximately 400m, which reduce this risk to an insignificant level. Although there is potential for some increase in littering through an increase in use of the perimeter paths, it is not feasible that this would compromise the integrity of designated habitats. Given the above assessment, it is also unlikely that the development of sites CS 2 and CS 7 would result in any adverse impact on the integrity of the designated site due to recreational pressures.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 58

Qualifying Identified Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Feature Hazards alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? In-combination: The Cheshire East Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2011 - 2026 and most recent Implementation Plan 2015 - 2019 aim to promote, publicise, improve and create new green infrastructure, accessible routes, and also support organised walks. These initiatives are Borough-wide and therefore would also increase accessibility to other areas and routes away from the SAC.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 59

6.3.2 Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar Qualifying Features The Midland Mere and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar is designated under the following criteria:  Criterion 1 - The site comprises a diverse range of habitats from open water to raised bog.  Criterion 2 - The site supports a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands including five nationally scarce species together with an assemblage of rare wetland invertebrates (three endangered insects and five other British Red Data Book species of invertebrates).  Noteworthy flora: - Six-stamened Waterwort Elatine hexandra - Needle Spike-rush Eleocharis acicularis - Cowbane Cicuta virosa - Marsh Fern Thelypteris palustris - Elongated Sedge Carex elongata  Noteworthy fauna: - Caddisfly Hagenella clathrata - Cranefly Limnophila fasciata - Spider Carorita limnaea - Rove Beetle Lathrobium rufipenne - Reed Beetle Donacia aquatica - Cranefly Prionocera pubescens - Cranefly Gonomyia abbreviata - Spider Sitticus floricola Conservation Objectives Natural England does not have specific conservation objectives for Ramsar sites; however, the same objectives as those for SACs and SPAs can also be applied to Ramsar sites. Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the Favourable Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by maintaining or restoring;  The extent and distribution of qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species  The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats  The structure and function of the habitats of qualifying species  The supporting processes on which qualifying natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying species rely  The populations of qualifying species, and,  The distribution of qualifying species within the site. Environmental Conditions Sustaining Integrity of Site The Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar comprises 16 component sites in the north- west midlands of England. The sites include open water bodies (meres), the majority of which are nutrient-rich with associated fringing habitats; reed swamps, fen, carr and damp pasture. Peat accumulation has resulted in nutrient poor peat bogs (mosses) forming in some sites in the fringes of meres or completely infilling basins. In a few cases the result is a floating quaking bog or schwingmoor. The wide range of resulting habitats support nationally important flora and fauna. The screening assessment identified the potential for significant effects on three component sites: Wybunbury Moss due to its proximity to proposed development on the edge of Crewe, and Tatton Meres and The Mere due to their proximity to proposed development at Knutsford.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 60

Wybunbury Moss has been historically impacted by, and remains vulnerable to, changes in water quality and nutrient enrichment from its surrounding catchment. The site is also vulnerable to hydrological changes. As well as surface water, ground water is also an important water supply mechanism to the moss. Hence the site is vulnerable to groundwater abstractions and artificial flooding as well as catchment drainage. The transition mire habitat experiences continual re-colonisation by scrub, typically birch and pine, as a consequence of past hydrological change e.g. historical drainage and cumulative nutrient enrichment together with readily available seed sources. The presence of excessive amounts of scrub and trees affects the mire habitat by increasing the rate of drying out and by the addition of nutrients. The site is also vulnerable to air pollution, as deposits of nitrogen dioxide, particulates and sulphur dioxide (diesel trains) adversely impact upon the health of Sphagnum (which is critical to the ability of the degraded raised bog to re-establish actively growing peat within the site). Tatton Meres and The Mere are also vulnerable to changes in water levels and water quality (particularly increased nutrients from agricultural run-off and discharges). They also require appropriate vegetation management to prevent encroachment by scrub and also non-native species. Likely Significant Effects The likely significant effects of the Local Plan Strategy, both alone and in-combination with other plans, on the integrity of the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar are described in Table 6-2.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 61

Table 6-2 Likely Significant Effects on the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? Criteria 1 - The site Changes in water There is the potential for adverse Changes in water quality/levels: No significant comprises a diverse quality effects on the Midland Meres and Policy SE 13 states that developments adverse effects. range of habitats from Changes in water Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar (component will integrate measures for sustainable open water to raised levels or table sites Wybunbury Moss SSSI, Tatton water management, including bog. Meres SSSI and The Mere SSSI) due appropriate SuDS to manage surface to changes in water levels and/or water, and enhance and protect water

quality, through discharges, and quality. The policy also states that new Criteria 2 - Supports a number of rare surface and/or groundwater development should enhance and

species of plants contamination, as a result of the protect water quality and comply with associated with development of strategic sites: the Water Framework Directive in wetlands including five  CS 2: Basford West, Crewe ensuring that development does not nationally scarce  CS 6: The Shavington / cause a deterioration in the status of inland waters unless suitable mitigation species together with Wybunbury Triangle, Crewe measures are in place; and new an assemblage of rare  CS 7: East Shavington, Crewe wetland invertebrates  CS 18: North West Knutsford development should also incorporate

(three endangered  CS 19: Parkgate Extension, water efficiency measures. insects and five other Knutsford The Local Plan Strategy recognises the British Red Data Book  CS 50: Land south of Longridge importance of ensuring that species of (Allocation), Knutsford development is adequately supported by invertebrates).  CS 53: (Safeguarded) Land south appropriate infrastructure, whether using existing or through new provision. of Tabley Road, Knutsford Policy IN1 states that Cheshire East Noteworthy flora:  CS 33: (Safeguarded) Land north Council is working in partnership with - Six-stamened of Tabley Road, Knutsford infrastructure providers and other Waterwort Elatine  CS 52: (Safeguarded) Land delivery agencies to provide essential hexandra adjacent to Booths Hall, Knutsford infrastructure to deliver the Local Plan,

- Needle Spike-rush this includes both water supply and Eleocharis acicularis At Crewe, site CS 6: The Shavington / wastewater provision. Strategic - Cowbane Cicuta Wybunbury Triangle is located infrastructure requirements are set out in approximately 400m to the north of

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 62

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? virosa Wybunbury Moss and will provide 400 the Local Plan Strategy and in the - Marsh Fern new homes. Site CS 7 will provide up Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Thelypteris palustris to 275 new homes and is located Infrastructure delivery will take place in a approximately 1.2km to the north-east - Elongated Sedge phased co-ordinated manner guided by Carex elongata of Wybunbury Moss. Site CS 2 is the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and any located approximately 2.5km to the additional site specific requirements to north-east of Wybunbury Moss and support the Local Plan Strategy Noteworthy fauna: could deliver up to 370 new homes, in proposals. These will include - Caddisfly Hagenella addition to around 22 hectares of mechanisms for the funding and delivery clathrata employment land of all infrastructure required to support - Cranefly Limnophila At Knutsford, site CS 18: North West development and regeneration. The fasciata Knutsford is located approximately Infrastructure Delivery Plan will be kept

- Spider Carorita 800m to the west of Tatton Meres and under review and if necessary revised limnaea less than 500m upstream of Rostherne as and when required. - Rove Beetle Brook which flows into The Mere. This With regards to wastewater treatment, Lathrobium rufipenne site will have a phased provision of the Local Infrastructure Baseline Report - Reed Beetle around 500 new homes and a and Delivery Plan identify the business park. Site CS 19 will have a Donacia aquatica importance of ensuring that where new phased provision of around 200 new - Cranefly Prionocera investment is required, development is homes and employment land. Site CS pubescens phased through DPD policies and 50 will provide around 225 homes and restrictions on planning permissions to - Cranefly Gonomyia is located approximately 800m to the enable the required infrastructure to be abbreviata east of Tatton Meres. provided in advance of schemes being - Spider Sitticus It should be noted that the completed. Developers will be expected floricola safeguarded sites are not allocated for to meet connection costs. Cheshire East development at the present time and Council will continue to work closely with

policies relating to development in the United Utilities in preparing its Local open countryside will apply. These Plan to ensure identified sites can be sites have been identified to meet catered for in terms of supporting waste longer-term development needs water infrastructure. stretching well beyond the period of In addition, the Site Specific Principles

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 63

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? the Local Plan. Planning permission for of Development for strategic sites CS 2, the permanent development of CS 6 and CS 7 state that these sites will ‘Safeguarded Land’ will only be only be developed where it can be granted following a Local Plan review demonstrated that there is no adverse

which proposes the development. Any impact on the Midland Meres and such review will need to take account Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar (Wybunbury of the development needs arising at Moss SSSI). The Site Specific Principles that time and the availability of other of Development for Sites CS 18, CS 19 sources of land available at that point. and CS 50 state that these sites will only be developed where it can be demonstrated that there is no adverse (see maps at Appendix E for the impact on the Midland Meres and location of the strategic sites in relation to the Ramsar). Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar (Tatton Mere SSSI and The Mere SSSI). A Habitats

Regulations Assessment of the direct

and indirect impacts of the development

of each of these sites on the features of special interest will be required, and will

be expected to consider impacts on

natural hydrological function, pathways, groundwater and surface water, impact

on recharge to groundwater and

consequent impact on site, impact on water resources and water chemistry,

impacts on nutrient status and also risks

from pollution during construction (e.g., spillages or minor pollution incidents and

the storage of oils and fuels). Where

impacts cannot be avoided, appropriate

mitigation measures will be required to ensure no adverse effects on the

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 64

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? integrity of the site. The development of sites at Knutsford Physical damage (due could result in adverse impacts on Physical damage (due to recreational to recreational Tatton Meres and The Mere due to pressures): pressures) increased visitors. Tatton Meres is Policies SC1, SC2 and SE 6 aim to already heavily visited, being part of strengthen the contribution that open the Tatton Park estate, with activities space, sport, leisure and recreation N.B. Air pollution as a such as sailing, fishing, picnicking, facilities make to Cheshire East's Green hazard was screened walking, cycling and horse riding Infrastructure network by protecting and out during the initial undertaken on and around the meres. enhancing existing, and providing new, assessment The presence of The Mere Golf Resort open spaces and recreational facilities. and Spa on the western shore of The This will reduce the potential for Mere, and private properties on the increased recreational pressure on the eastern shore of The Mere limits visitor Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 access to this site. There are also no Ramsar. public rights of way through the site. Policy SD 2 outlines principles for Due to the proximity of Wybunbury development which includes the Moss to proposed development at expectation that all residential Crewe (as described above and as development will provide open space, of shown on the maps at Appendix E) an extent, quality, design and location there is potential for additional appropriate to the development and the recreational pressures on the Ramsar local community. In addition, it is component site. outlined that the development of Site CS 6: The Shavington / strategic sites CS 2: Basford West, CS Wynbunbury Triangle is located just 6: The Shavington / Wybunbury 400m from Wybunbury Moss and Triangle,CS 7: East Shavington, CS 18: therefore is most likely to have the North West Knutsford, CS 19: Parkgate potential to result in adverse effects Extension and CS 50: Land south of due to increased recreational impacts. Longridge (Allocation), will provide A planning application for the green infrastructure and open space including children's play areas,

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 65

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? development of this site has been allotments, a village green, community submitted to Cheshire East Council woodland, games areas and outdoor and planning permission granted gyms. This provision of additional open including a legal agreement, and as space and recreational facilities will part of this a Habitats Regulations reduce the potential for increased Assessment has been carried out. This recreational pressure on the Midland assessment determined no significant Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar. effect on Wybunbury Moss for the In addition, the Site Specific Principles following reasons: of Development for strategic sites CS 2, - No paths enter the Moss and access CS 6 and CS 7 state that these sites will is by permit holders or escorted tours only be developed where it can be arranged with Natural England only. demonstrated that there is no adverse There are no facilities at the Moss. impact on West Midland Mosses SAC - Although there are public footpaths (Wybunbury Moss SSSI). The Site that link to the perimeter of the Moss, Specific Principles of Development for the existing measures such as fencing, Sites CS 18, CS 19 and CS 50 state that signs and boundary vegetation, which these sites will only be developed where currently prevent access to the site it can be demonstrated that there is no would be adequate to deter any adverse impact on the Midland Meres additional footpath users from veering and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar (Tatton off the path and into the designated Mere SSSI and The Mere SSSI). A site. Habitats Regulations Assessment of the - The proposed development will direct and indirect impacts of the provide areas of open space/amenity development of each of the sites on the village green/sports pitches, as well as features of special interest will be an area proposed as a park/nature required and will be expected to conservation area. consider changes in recreational pressures and impacts of increased foot - Additional pressure from littering or traffic on sensitive habitats and species. the potential introduction of non-native Where impacts cannot be avoided, plant species could be a risk. However, appropriate mitigation measures will be

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 66

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? the likelihood of introducing non-native required to ensure no adverse effects on plants is deemed to be very low as the the integrity of the site proposals do not involve the introduction of any roads, infrastructure or residential properties adjacent to the General: site. In order to introduce any non- native plant species to the Moss, this Policy SE 3 aims to protect and enhance would need to be carried on foot areas of high biodiversity value. following paths for approximately Development proposals which are likely 400m, which reduce this risk to an to have a significance adverse impact insignificant level. Although there is on a Ramsar site will not be permitted, potential for some increase in littering except in the very limited and rare through an increase in use of the circumstances set out in the Policy. perimeter paths, it is not feasible that this would compromise the integrity of The Safeguarded sites in Knutsford are designated habitats. not allocated for development at the Given the above assessment, it is also present time. Any future development of unlikely that the development of sites these sites will require a Habitats CS 2 and CS 7 would result in any Regulations Assessment and these sites adverse impact on the integrity of the will only be developed where it can be designated site due to recreational demonstrated that there is no adverse pressures. impact on the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar (Tatton Mere SSSI and The Mere SSSI). Policies EG 4, SC 1 and SC 3 promote the development of Borough-wide tourism, and the provision of leisure, recreation and community facilities and routes which could result in increased recreational pressures due to increased accessibility to the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 67

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? (i.e. Tatton Meres, The Mere, Wybunbury Moss). However, such development and provision would also increase accessibility to other areas of open and green space in the Borough away from the Ramsar component sites.

In-combination: The Cheshire East Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2011 - 2026 and most recent Implementation Plan 2015 - 2019 aim to promote, publicise, improve and create new green infrastructure, accessible routes, and also support organised walks. These initiatives are Borough-wide and therefore would also increase accessibility to other areas and routes away from the Ramsar component sites. Population growth in adjacent administrative areas (e.g. Warrington, Trafford and Manchester) may result in a significant increase in visitor numbers to Tatton Meres. However, recreation around the meres is already controlled through the promotion of activities in designated areas (e.g. picnicking), a comprehensive network of footpaths, cycle paths and bridal

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 68

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? ways, strict regulations for fishing, sailing and horse riding, charging of entry fees and designated sailing and fishing areas on Tatton Meres; these restrictions and mechanisms for controlling visitor use of the site will ensure that increased recreational impacts do result in adverse effects on designated habitats and species.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 69

6.3.3 Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar Qualifying Features The Midland Mere and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar is designated under the following criteria:  Criterion 1 - The site comprises a diverse range of habitats from open water to raised bog.  Criterion 2 - The site supports a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands, including the nationally scarce Cowbane and Elongated Sedge. Also present are the nationally scarce bryophytes Dicranum affine and Sphagnum pulchrum.  Also supports an assemblage of invertebrates including several rare species. There are 16 species of British Red Data Book insect listed for this site including the following endangered species: the moth Glyphipteryx lathamella, the caddisfly Hagenella clathrata and the sawfly Trichiosoma vitellinae. Conservation Objectives Natural England does not have specific conservation objectives for Ramsar sites; however, the same objectives as those for SACs and SPAs can also be applied to Ramsar sites. Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the Favourable Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by maintaining or restoring;  The extent and distribution of qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species  The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats  The structure and function of the habitats of qualifying species  The supporting processes on which qualifying natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying species rely  The populations of qualifying species, and,  The distribution of qualifying species within the site. Environmental Conditions Sustaining Integrity of Site The Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar comprises 18 component sites in the north- west midlands of England and north-east Wales. The sites include open water bodies (meres), the majority of which are nutrient-rich with associated fringing habitats; reed swamps, fen, carr and damp pasture. Peat accumulation has resulted in nutrient poor peat bogs (mosses) forming in some sites in the fringes of meres or completely infilling basins. In a few cases the result is a floating quaking bog or schwingmoor. The wide range of resulting habitats support nationally important flora and fauna. The screening assessment identified the potential for significant effects on one component site; Oakhanger Moss due to its proximity to proposed development at Alsager. The site is vulnerable to changes in water levels and also water quality (particularly increased nutrients from agricultural run-off and discharges). The site also requires appropriate vegetation management to prevent encroachment by scrub. Likely Significant Effects The likely significant effects of the Local Plan Strategy, both alone and in-combination with other plans, on the integrity of the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar are described in Table 6-3.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 70

Table 6-3 Likely Significant Effects on the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? Criteria 1 - The site Changes in water There is the potential for adverse effects Changes in water quality/levels: No significant comprises a diverse quality on the Midland Meres and Mosses Policy SE 13 states that adverse effects. range of habitats from Changes in water Phase 2 Ramsar (component site developments will integrate open water to raised levels or table Oakhanger Moss SSSI) due to changes measures for sustainable water bog. Pollution (air) in water levels and/or quality, through management, including appropriate discharges, and surface and/or SuDS to manage surface water, Physical damage (due groundwater contamination, as a result and enhance and protect water Criteria 2 - Supports a to recreational of the development of the following quality. The policy also states that number of rare pressures) species of plants strategic sites at Alsager: new development should enhance associated with  CS 42: White Moss Quarry and protect water quality and wetlands, including the  CS 12: Twyfords and Cardway comply with the Water Framework nationally scarce  CS 13: Former Manchester Directive in ensuring that Cowbane and Metropolitan University Campus development does not cause a Elongated Sedge. Also  CS 14: Radway Green Brownfield deterioration in the status of inland present are the  CS 15: Radway Green Extension waters unless suitable mitigation measures are in place; and new nationally scarce  CS 43: Radway Green North development should also bryophytes Dicranum affine and Sphagnum incorporate water efficiency Site CS 42: White Moss Quarry will pulchrum. measures. provide around 350 new homes. This Also supports an The Local Plan Strategy recognises site is located approximately 500m to the importance of ensuring that assemblage of the east of Oakhanger Moss, separated invertebrates including development is adequately by the M6. Site CS 12 is located supported by appropriate several rare species. approximately 3km to the east of There are 16 species infrastructure, whether using Oakhanger Moss and will deliver around existing or through new provision. of British Red Data 550 new homes with retention of Policy IN1 states that Cheshire Book insect listed for existing office development. Site CS 13 East Council is working in this site including the will deliver around 400 new homes is partnership with infrastructure following endangered located approximately 1.3km to the providers and other delivery species: the moth north-east of Oakhanger Moss. The

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 71

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? Glyphipteryx Radway Green sites will provide 47 agencies to provide essential lathamella, the hectares of employment land and are infrastructure to deliver the Local caddisfly Hagenella located approximately 1km to the south- Plan, this includes both water clathrata and the east of Oakhanger Moss. supply and wastewater provision. sawfly Trichiosoma Strategic infrastructure vitellinae. (see map at Appendix E for the location requirements are set out in the of the strategic sites in relation to Local Plan Strategy and in the Oakhanger Moss). Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Infrastructure delivery will take place in a phased co-ordinated

manner guided by the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and any additional site specific requirements to support the Local Plan Strategy proposals. These will include mechanisms for the funding and delivery of all infrastructure required to support development and regeneration. The Infrastructure Delivery Plan will be kept under review and if necessary revised as and when required. With regards to wastewater treatment, the Local Infrastructure

Baseline Report and Delivery Plan identify the importance of ensuring that where new investment is required, development is phased through DPD policies and restrictions on planning permissions to enable the required infrastructure

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 72

East Council will continue to work closely with United Utilities in preparing its Local Plan to ensure identified sites can be catered for in terms of supporting waste water infrastructure. In addition, the Site Specific Principles of Development for

strategic CS 42, CS 12, CS 13, CS 14, CS 15 and CS 43 state that these sites will only be developed where it can be demonstrated that there is no adverse impact on the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase

2 Ramsar (Oakhanger Moss SSSI).

A Habitats Regulations Assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of the development of each of these sites on the features of special interest will be required, and will be expected to consider impacts on natural hydrological function,

pathways, groundwater and surface water, impact on recharge to groundwater and consequent impact on site, impact on water resources and water chemistry,

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 73

storage of oils and fuels). Where impacts cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation measures will be required to ensure no adverse effects on the integrity of the site.

Air Pollution:

Policies SD 1 and SD 2 state that Oakhanger Moss is located all development will be expected to approximately 130m to the west of the provide access to public transport M6. Although pollutant levels can be and public rights of way, provide expected to fall substantially at a high quality pedestrian and cycle distance of more than 50m from the facilities, and be located so as to source and can fall to background levels reduce the need to travel, at a distance of more than 200m especially by car. (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11); atmospheric All of the strategic sites include the deposition related to increased use of provision of improved and/or new the M6 and surrounding road network pedestrian and cycle links. due to new housing and employment Policies CO 1 and CO 2 aim for development and population growth, as sustainable travel and transport by detailed in the Local Plan Strategy, reducing the need to travel, could still adversely impact on the improving pedestrian and cyclist integrity of Oakhanger Moss. facilities, and improving public transport integration, facilities, service levels and reliability.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 74

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? These measures should minimise any increase in private car use. Policy SE 12 states that the Council will seek to ensure all development is located and designed so as not

to result in a harmful or cumulative impact upon air quality which would unacceptably affect the natural environment. Developers will be expected to minimise, and mitigate the effects of possible pollution arising from the development itself,

or as a result of the development (including additional traffic) during both the construction and the life of the development. Where adequate mitigation cannot be provided development will not normally be

permitted. Development should support improvements to air quality, not contradict the Air Quality Strategy or Air Quality Action Plan and seek to promote sustainable transport policies. However, the majority of new vehicles generally emit fewer

emissions than older vehicles as a result of carbon reduction technologies and in increase in demand for more fuel efficient and cost-effective means of car travel.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 75

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? This trend is likely to increase in the future, potentially offsetting the air pollution impacts of increased traffic on the M6 and surrounding roads.

In addition, the Site Specific

Principles of Development for strategic sites CS 42, CS 12, CS 13, CS 14, CS 15 and CS 43 state that these sites will only be developed where it can be demonstrated that there is no adverse impact on the Midland

Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar (Oakhanger Moss SSSI). A Habitats Regulations Assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of the development of each of these sites on the features of special interest will be required, and will be expected to consider impacts from changes to air quality from construction and 'end use' traffic emissions resulting in potential for increased nitrogen deposition. Where impacts cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation measures

will be required to ensure no adverse effects on the integrity of the site.

Physical damage (due to

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 76

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? recreational pressures): The development of strategic sites CS Policies SC1, SC2 and SE 6 aim to 42: White Moss Quarry, CS 12: strengthen the contribution that Twyfords and Cardway and CS 13: open space, sport, leisure and Former Manchester Metropolitan recreation facilities make to University Campus may result in Cheshire East's Green increased recreational impacts on Infrastructure network by protecting Oakhanger Moss SSSI. There is a and enhancing existing, and public footpath to the north of the site, providing new, open spaces and but none within the site itself. recreational facilities. This will reduce the potential for increased recreational pressure on the Policies EG 4, SC 1 and SC 3 have the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase potential to have impacts on the Midland 2 Ramsar. Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar related to the development of tourism, Policy SD 2 outlines principles for and the provision of leisure, recreation development which includes the and community facilities which could expectation that all residential result in increased recreational development will provide open pressures on Oakhanger Moss. space, of an extent, quality, design However, such development and and location appropriate to the provision would also increase development and the local accessibility to other areas of open and community. In addition, it is outlined green space in the Borough away from that the development of strategic the Ramsar component site. sites CS 42: White Moss Quarry, CS 12: Twyfords and Cardway and CS 13: Former Manchester Metropolitan University Campus will

provide additional open space

including sports and leisure

facilities. This provision of additional open space and

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 77

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? recreational facilities will reduce the potential for increased recreational pressure on the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar. In addition, the Site Specific Principles of Development for strategic sites CS 42, CS 12 and CS 13, state that these sites will only be developed where it can be demonstrated that there is no adverse impact on the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar (Oakhanger Moss SSSI). A Habitats Regulations Assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of

the development of each of the

sites on the features of special interest will be required and will be expected to consider changes in recreational pressures and impacts of increased foot traffic on sensitive habitats and species. Where impacts cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation measures will be required to ensure no adverse effects on the integrity of In-combination: the site. Potential changes in air quality resulting from an increase in development In-combination: outlined in Local Plans of neighbouring The Local Plans/Core Strategies of authorities could have in-combination neighbouring local authorities

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 78

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Strategy Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse alone and in-combination Effect on Site Integrity? effects on Oakhanger Moss. Potential include objectives, aims and effects will largely arise from an increase policies to reduce the need to travel in traffic with more significant effects by means such as improving the resulting from the potential increased provision of public transport and use of the M6. Increases in the locating development close to deposition of pollutants such as nitrogen areas with well established public dioxide and particulates may have transport. adverse effects upon the wide range of Any increase in the use of public habitats (especially the raised bog) transport is likely to be immediately making up the site. offset (at least once over and more likely several times over) by an The Cheshire East Rights of Way overall reduction of vehicles on the Improvement Plan 2011 - 2026 and road network. most recent Implementation Plan 2015 - 2019 aim to promote, publicise, improve General: and create new green infrastructure, Policy SE 3 aims to protect and accessible routes, and also support enhance areas of high biodiversity organised walks. These initiatives are value. Development proposals Borough-wide and therefore would also which are likely to have a increase accessibility to other areas and significance adverse impact on a routes away from the Ramsar Ramsar site will not be permitted component site. except in the very limited and rare . circumstances set out in the Policy.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 79

6.3.4 Rostherne Mere Ramsar Qualifying Features The Rostherne Mere Ramsar is designated under the following criteria:  Criterion 1 - Rostherne Mere is one of the deepest and largest of the meres of the Shropshire-Cheshire Plain. Its shoreline is fringed with common reed Phragmites australis.  Noteworthy Birds: - Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo carbo - Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris stellaris - Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Conservation Objectives Natural England does not have specific conservation objectives for Ramsar sites; however, the same objectives as those for SACs and SPAs can also be applied to Ramsar sites. Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the Favourable Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by maintaining or restoring;  The extent and distribution of qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species  The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats  The structure and function of the habitats of qualifying species  The supporting processes on which qualifying natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying species rely  The populations of qualifying species, and,  The distribution of qualifying species within the site. Environmental Conditions Sustaining Integrity of Site Rostherne Mere is vulnerable to changes in water quality (particularly increased nutrients from agricultural run-off and discharges). The site also requires appropriate vegetation management to control invasive non-native species such as Elodea sp and Himalayan Balsam. Likely Significant Effects The likely significant effects of the Local Plan Strategy, both alone and in-combination with other plans, on the integrity of Rostherne Mere Ramsar are described in Table 6-4.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 80

Table 6-4 Likely Significant Effects on Rostherne Mere Ramsar Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in- Effect on Site combination Integrity? Criteria 1 - Rostherne Changes in water There is the potential for adverse Changes in water quality/levels: No significant Mere is one of the quality effects on Rostherne Mere Ramsar Policy SE 13 states that developments will adverse effects. deepest and largest of Changes in water due to changes in water levels integrate measures for sustainable water the meres of the levels or table and/or quality, through discharges, management, including appropriate SuDS Shropshire-Cheshire Physical damage (due and surface and/or groundwater to manage surface water, and enhance Plain. Its shoreline is to recreational contamination from the and protect water quality. The policy also fringed with common pressures) development of strategic sites: states that new development should reed Phragmites enhance and protect water quality and Disturbance  CS 18: North West Knutsford australis.  CS 53: (Safeguarded) Land comply with the Water Framework south of Tabley Road, Directive in ensuring that development Noteworthy Birds: Knutsford does not cause a deterioration in the status of inland waters unless suitable - Great Cormorant  CS 33: (Safeguarded) Land mitigation measures are in place; and new Phalacrocorax carbo north of Tabley Road, development should also incorporate carbo Knutsford water efficiency measures. - Great Bittern The Local Plan Strategy recognises the Botaurus stellaris Site CS 18: North West Knutsford is importance of ensuring that development stellaris located less than 500m upstream of is adequately supported by appropriate Rostherne Brook which flows into - Water Rail Rallus infrastructure, whether using existing or Rostherne Mere (see map at aquaticus through new provision. Appendix E). This site will have a phased provision of around 500 Policy IN1 states that Cheshire East

new homes and a business park. Council is working in partnership with infrastructure providers and other delivery It should be noted that the agencies to provide essential safeguarded sites are not allocated infrastructure to deliver the Local Plan, for development at the present time this includes both water supply and and policies relating to wastewater provision. Strategic development in the open infrastructure requirements are set out in countryside will apply. These sites the Local Plan Strategy and in the have been identified to meet

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 81

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in- Effect on Site combination Integrity? longer-term development needs Infrastructure Delivery Plan. stretching well beyond the period of Infrastructure delivery will take place in a the Local Plan. Planning permission phased co-ordinated manner guided by for the permanent development of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and any ‘Safeguarded Land’ will only be additional site specific requirements to granted following a Local Plan support the Local Plan Strategy review which proposes the proposals. These will include mechanisms development. Any such review will for the funding and delivery of all need to take account of the infrastructure required to support development needs arising at that development and regeneration. The time and the availability of other Infrastructure Delivery Plan will be kept sources of land available at that under review and if necessary revised as point. and when required. With regards to wastewater treatment, the (see map at Appendix E for the Local Infrastructure Baseline Report and location of the strategic sites in Delivery Plan identifies the importance of relation to Rostherne Mere). ensuring that where new investment is required, development is phased through DPD policies and restrictions on planning permissions to enable the required

infrastructure to be provided in advance of schemes being completed. Developers will be expected to meet connection costs. Cheshire East Council will continue to work closely with United Utilities in preparing its Local Plan to ensure identified sites can be catered for in terms of supporting waste water infrastructure.

In addition, the Site Specific Principles of Development for Site CS 18 state that this site will only be developed where it can be

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 82

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in- Effect on Site combination Integrity? demonstrated that there is no adverse impact on Rostherne Mere Ramsar. A Habitat Regulations Assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of the development of this site on the features of

special interest will be required, and will be expected to consider impacts on natural hydrological function, pathways, groundwater and surface water, impact on recharge to groundwater and consequent impact on site, impact on water resources and water chemistry, impacts on nutrient

status and also risks from pollution during construction (e.g., spillages or minor pollution incidents and the storage of oils and fuels). Where impacts cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation measures will be required to ensure no adverse

effects on the integrity of the site.

The development of strategic site Physical damage (due to recreational CS 18: North West Knutsford could pressures): have recreational impacts on Policies SC1, SC2 and SE 6 aim to Rostherne Mere Ramsar due to strengthen the contribution that open increased visitors. space, sport, leisure and recreation Public access to Rostherne Mere is facilities make to Cheshire East's Green currently limited to permit holders, Infrastructure network by protecting and which focus visitor access on the enhancing existing, and providing new, Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological open spaces and recreational facilities. Society (CAWOS) observatory, This will reduce the potential for increased along with some escorted walks. recreational pressure on Rostherne Mere

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 83

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in- Effect on Site combination Integrity? There is a concessionary path Ramsar. through part of the site which gives views of the mere and woodland, Policy SD 2 outlines principles for but much of the site is not development which includes the accessible to the general public. expectation that all residential These restrictions and mechanisms development will provide open space, of for controlling visitor use of the site an extent, quality, design and location will ensure that increased appropriate to the development and the recreational impacts do result in local community. In addition, it is outlined adverse effects on designated that the development of site CS 18: North habitats and species. West Knutsford will provide open space and sports and leisure facilities. This Policies EG 4, SC 1 and SC 3 have provision of additional open space and the potential to have impacts on recreational facilities will reduce the Rostherne Mere Ramsar related to potential for increased recreational the development of tourism, and pressure on Rostherne Mere Ramsar. the provision of leisure, recreation and community facilities which General: could result in increased Policy SE 3 within the Cheshire East recreational pressures on Local Plan Strategy aims to protect and Rostherne Mere Ramsar. However, enhance areas of high biodiversity value. such development and provision Development proposals which are likely to would also increase accessibility to have a significance adverse impact on a other areas of open and green Ramsar site will not be permitted except space in the Borough away from in the very limited and rare circumstances the Ramsar site. set out in the Policy.

In-combination: The Safeguarded sites in Knutsford are The Cheshire East Rights of Way not allocated for development at the Improvement Plan 2011 - 2026 and present time. Any future development of most recent Implementation Plan

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 84

Qualifying Feature Identified Hazards Adverse Effect of Local Plan Avoidance/Mitigation Measures Significant Adverse Strategy alone and in- Effect on Site combination Integrity? 2015 - 2019 aim to promote, these sites will require a Habitats publicise, improve and create new Regulations Assessment and these sites green infrastructure, accessible will only be developed where it can be routes, and also support organised demonstrated that there is no adverse walks. These initiatives are impact on Rostherne Mere Ramsar. Borough-wide and therefore would also increase accessibility to other areas and routes away from the Ramsar site.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 85

7 Conclusions

Regulation 102 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) (the ‘Habitats Regulations’) states that if a land-use plan is “(a) is likely to have a significant effect on a European site or a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects); and (b) is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site” then the plan-making authority must “…make an appropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of that site’s conservation objectives” before the plan is given effect. The process by which Regulation 102 is met is known as Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA). It is accepted best-practice for the HRA of strategic planning documents to be run as an iterative process alongside the plan development, with the emerging policies and sites proposed for development continually assessed for their possible effects on European sites and modified or abandoned (as necessary) to ensure that the subsequently adopted plan is not likely to result in significant effects on any European sites, either alone or ‘in combination’ with other plans. HRA has been undertaken throughout the development of the Cheshire East Local Plan and has informed key stages and assessment work, including the selection of sites proposed for development. This report details the HRA at the 'Main Modifications' stage of the examination of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy, informed by the outcomes of the hearing sessions and Inspector's views on Further Modifications Needed to the Local Plan Strategy (Proposed Changes). This HRA supersedes the HRA undertaken in 2014 and consolidates all work undertaken since the submission of the Local Plan Strategy. The most likely effects of the Local Plan Strategy on European Sites are related to pressures from new development including water abstraction, changes to surface and ground water levels/quality (surface run-off, pollution events), air pollution and increased recreational pressures arising from new housing developments and increased tourism. The Screening Assessment determined that the Local Plan Strategy is not likely to have significant effects, either alone or in-combination with other plans on the following European Sites:  South Pennine Moors SAC  Rixton Clay Pits SAC  Brown Moss SAC  Manchester Mosses SAC  Oak Mere SAC  Fenn's, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney Mosses SAC  Peak District Dales SAC  River Dee and Bala Lake SAC  Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA  Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar  Dee Estuary SAC, SPA and Ramsar  Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar Potential significant effects as a result of changes in water levels and/or quality, through discharges, and surface and/or groundwater contamination, and recreational pressures were identified for the following sites:  West Midlands Mosses SAC  Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar  Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar  Rostherne Mere Ramsar The Assessment identified that the existing policies and provisions in the Cheshire East Council Local Plan Strategy and other plans, along with the Site Specific Principles of Development identified for strategic sites, in relation to sustainable water management, provision of appropriate infrastructure, sustainable travel and transport, provision and protection of open space, sport, leisure and recreation facilities and pollution control, (provisions inserted following HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 86

consultation with Natural England) will ensure that the Local Plan will have no adverse effects on these European Sites.

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 87

Appendices A Location of European Sites within and adjacent to Cheshire East (Further Detail in Appendix B)

± Manchester Mosses SAC South Pennine Moors SAC and Peak District Moors (South Pennine Morrs Phase 1) SPA Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar

Manchester Mosses SAC Manchester Mosses SAC Rixton Clay Pits SAC

Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar Rostherne Mere Ramsar Handforth Poynton Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar Wilmslow Knutsford The Dee Estuary SPA, SAC and Ramsar Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar South Pennine Moors SAC and Peak District Moors (South Pennine Morrs Phase 1) SPA

Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar Macclesfield

West Midland Mosses SAC Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar Peak District Dales SAC Middlewich Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar Oak Mere SAC Congleton

Sandbach River Dee and Bala Lake SAC Peak District Dales SAC Crewe Alsager

Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar Nantwich Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar Peak District Dales SAC Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar West Midland Mosses SAC Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar

Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar

Brown Moss SAC Towns

Fenn's, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney Mosses SAC Cheshire East Boundary Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2 Ramsar Special Protection Area (SPA) Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) Ramsar

0 4.75 9.5 19 Kilometres Contains Ordnance Survey Data (c) Crown Copyright and Database Right 2016

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 88

B Details of European Sites within and adjacent to Cheshire East European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) West Midlands Standing waters Natural dystrophic lakes and Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Mosses SAC (sensitive to ponds; Acid peat-stained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Site Area 184.18ha acidification) lakes and ponds site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Water pollution

Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by - Hydrological changes Component SSSI : Transition mires and maintaining or restoring; Bogs and wet - Air pollution Abbots Moss SSSI, quaking bogs; Very wet - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural Chartley Moss SSSI, habitats - Inappropriate scrub mires often identified by an habitats Clarepool Moss control unstable `quaking` surface - The structure and function (including typical SSSI, Wybunbury - Game management: Moss SSSI species) of qualifying natural habitats, and pheasant rearing - The supporting processes on which qualifying - Forestry and woodland natural habitats rely. management South Pennine Bogs and wet Blanket bogs Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Moors SAC habitats Transition mires and or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Site Area quaking bogs site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Hydrological changes 64983.13ha Fens and wet Northern Atlantic wet heaths Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by - Managed rotational habitats with Erica tetralix maintaining or restoring; burning - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural - Low breeding success/ habitats Dry heathland European dry heaths poor recruitment - The structure and function (including typical habitats - Inappropriate species) of qualifying natural habitats, and management practices - The supporting processes on which qualifying Dry woodlands and Old sessile oak woods with natural habitats rely. - Public scrub Ilex and Blechnum in the Access/Disturbance British Isles - Air Pollution - Wildfire/ arson - Vehicles

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 89

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) - Overgrazing - Forestry and woodland management - Changes in species distribution - Disease - Undergrazing - Invasive species Rixton Clay Pits Amphibia Great Crested Newt Triturus Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and SAC cristatus or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Site Area 13.99ha site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Direct impact from 3rd Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by party maintaining or restoring; - The extent and distribution of the habitats of qualifying species - The structure and function of the habitats of qualifying species - The supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely - The populations of qualifying species, and, - The distribution of qualifying species within the site. Brown Moss SAC Vascular plants of Floating Water Plantain Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Site Area 32.03ha aquatic habitats Luronium natans or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Hydrological changes Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by - Water pollution maintaining or restoring; - Invasive species - The extent and distribution of the habitats of - Siltation qualifying species

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 90

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) - The structure and function of the habitats of - Air pollution qualifying species - The supporting processes on which the habitats of qualifying species rely - The populations of qualifying species, and, - The distribution of qualifying species within the site. Manchester Bogs and wet Degraded raised bogs still Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Mosses SAC habitats capable of natural or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Site Area 172.81ha regeneration. site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Hydrological changes Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by - Air pollution Component SSSI: maintaining or restoring; Astley and Bedford - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural Mosses SSSI, habitats Holcroft Moss SSSI, Risley Moss SSSI - The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats, and - The supporting processes on which qualifying natural habitats rely. Oak Mere SAC Standing waters Oligotrophic waters Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Site Area 68.82ha (sensitive to containing very few minerals or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: acidification) of sandy plains site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Water pollution (Littorelletalia uniflorae). Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by - Invasive species maintaining or restoring; - Hydrological changes - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural Bogs and wet Transition mires and - Air pollution habitats quaking bogs. habitats - The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats, and - The supporting processes on which qualifying

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 91

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) natural habitats rely. Fenn's, Whixall, Bogs and wet Active raised bogs Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Bettisfield, Wem habitats Degraded raised bogs still or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: and Cadney capable of natural site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Inappropriate water Mosses SAC regeneration. Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by levels Site Area 949.2ha maintaining or restoring; - Water pollution - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural - Air pollution habitats - Inappropriate scrub - The structure and function (including typical control species) of qualifying natural habitats, and - Overgrazing - The supporting processes on which qualifying - Peat extraction natural habitats rely. - Invasive species Peak District Dales Fens and wet Alkaline fens Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and SAC habitats or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Site Area 2326.33ha Dry woodlands and Tilio-Acerion forests of site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Inappropriate scrub scrub slopes, screes and ravines Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by control maintaining or restoring; - Fertiliser use - The extent and distribution of the habitats of Dry grassland Calaminarian grasslands of - Water pollution qualifying species the Violetalia calaminariae - Inappropriate weirs, - The structure and function of the habitats of Semi-natural dry grasslands dams and other structures qualifying species and scrubland facies: on - Overgrazing/ - The supporting processes on which the habitats calcareous substrates of qualifying species rely Undergrazing (Festuco-Brometalia) - The populations of qualifying species, and, - Inappropriate water levels Dry heathland European dry heaths - The distribution of qualifying species within the site. - Disease habitats - Climate change Calcareous and calcshist Upland - Air pollution screes of the montane to

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 92

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) alpine levels (Thlaspietea - Vehicles rotundifolii) - Forestry and woodland Calcareous rocky slopes management with chasmophytic - Direct impact from 3rd vegetation party

- Public

White-clawed (or Atlantic access/disturbance Non-migratory fish stream) crayfish and invertebrates of Austropotamobius pallipes rivers Brook Lamprey Lampetra

planeri

Bullhead Cottus gobio River Dee and Bala Riverine habitats Water courses of plain to Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Lake SAC and running waters montane levels with the or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Site Area 1308.93ha Ranunculion fluitantis and site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Reduction in water Callitricho-Batrachion Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by quality vegetation maintaining or restoring; - Changes to quantity - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural and patterns of water flow Vascular plants of Floating Water Plantain habitats and habitats of qualifying species - Excessive water aquatic habitats Luronium natans - The structure and function (including typical abstraction

species) of qualifying natural habitats - Over fishing Anadromous fish Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar - The structure and function of the habitats of - Introduction of non- Sea Lamprey Petromyzon qualifying species native species marinus - The supporting processes on which qualifying

River Lamprey Lampetra natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying

fluviatilis species rely

- The populations of qualifying species, and, Non-migratory fish Bullhead Cottus gobio and invertebrates of Brook Lamprey Lampetra - The distribution of qualifying species within the

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 93

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) rivers planeri site.

Mammals of riverine Otter Lutra lutra habitats Dee Estuary SAC Coastal habitats Embryonic shifting dunes Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Site Area or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: 15805.89 ha Fixed coastal dunes with site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Public access/ Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by herbaceous vegetation (grey disturbance maintaining or restoring; dunes) - Changes in species - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural distribution

habitats and habitats of qualifying species - Invasive species Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila - The structure and function (including typical - Climate change species) of qualifying natural habitats arenaria (white dunes) - Coastal squeeze - The structure and function of the habitats of - Inappropriate scrub qualifying species Annual vegetation of drift control - The supporting processes on which qualifying lines - Water pollution natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying - Fisheries Coastal habitats species rely Humid dune slacks - Inappropriate coastal (sensitive to - The populations of qualifying species, and, management abstraction) - The distribution of qualifying species within the Vegetated sea cliffs of the - Overgrazing site. Atlantic and Baltic coasts - Direct impact from 3rd

party

- Marine litter Estuarine and Estuaries - Predation intertidal habitats - Marine consents and

Mudflats and sandflats not permits

covered by seawater at low - Wildfire/arson

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 94

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) tide - Air pollution - Transportation and Atlantic salt meadows service corridors (Glauco-Puccinellietalia - Physical modification maritimae)

Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand

Petal wort (Petalophyllum Mosses and ralfsii) liverworts

Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon Anadromous fish marinus)

River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) Peak District Moors Birds of uplands Merlin Falco columbarius Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and (South Pennine Birds of lowland wet Breeding: 2.3% of the or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Moors Phase 1) grasslands breeding population in Great site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild - Hydrological changes SPA Birds of farmland Britain (Count as at 1990 Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring; - Managed rotational Site Area Birds of coastal and 1998) - The extent and distribution of the habitats of the burning 45270.52ha habitats qualifying features - Low breeding success/ Birds of estuarine European Golden Plover - The structure and function of the habitats of the poor recruitment qualifying features habitats Pluvialis apricaria - Inappropriate - The supporting processes on which the habitats Breeding: 1.9% of the management practices breeding population in Great of the qualifying features rely - Public Britain (Count, as at 1990 - The population of each of the qualifying and 1998) features, and, Access/Disturbance

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 95

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) - The distribution of the qualifying features within - Air Pollution Short-eared Owl Asio the site. - Wildfire/ arson flammeus - Vehicles Breeding: 2.2% of the - Overgrazing breeding population in great - Forestry and woodland Britain (Count, as at 1990 management and 1998) - Changes in species distribution

- Disease Peregrine Falcon Falco - Undergrazing peregrinus - Invasive species Not formally listed at the time of designation, but subsequently identified as a qualifying feature

Dunlin Calidris alpina Not formally listed at the time of designation, but subsequently identified as a qualifying feature Mersey Estuary Birds of uplands European Golden Plover Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and SPA Birds of lowland wet Pluvialis apricaria or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Site Area 5023.25ha grasslands Over winter: 1.2% of the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild - Changes in species Birds of lowland wintering population in Great Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring; distribution freshwaters and Britain (5 year peak mean - The extent and distribution of the habitats of the - Invasive species their margins 1991/2 - 1995/6) qualifying features - Public access/ Birds of farmland - The structure and function of the habitats of the disturbance Birds of coastal Common Redshank Tringa qualifying features

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 96

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) habitats totanus - The supporting processes on which the habitats Birds of estuarine On passage: 2.0% of the of the qualifying features rely habitats Eastern Atlantic - wintering - The population of each of the qualifying population (5 year peak features, and, mean, 1987-1991) - The distribution of the qualifying features within Over winter: 3.1% of the the site. wintering Eastern Atlantic - wintering population (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6)

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula On passage: 2.9% of the Europe/Northern Africa - wintering population (Count, as at 1989)

Dunlin Calidris alpina Over winter: 3.2% of the wintering Northern Siberia/Europe/Western Africa population (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6)

Northern Pintail Anas acuta Over winter: 4.6% of the wintering Northwestern Europe population (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6)

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 97

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings)

Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Over winter: 1.7% of the wintering Northwestern Europe population (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6)

Eurasian Teal Anas crecca Over winter: 2.9% of the wintering Northwestern Europe population (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6)

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa islandica Over winter: 1.6% of the population (5-year peak mean 1993/94–1997/98) Dee Estuary SPA Birds of lowland wet Little Tern Sterna albifrons Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Site Area grassland Breeding: 2.9% of the GB or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: 14291.56ha Birds of lowland breeding population site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild - Public access/ freshwaters and (5 year peak mean 1995- Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring; disturbance their margins 1999) - The extent and distribution of the habitats of the - Changes in species Birds of farmland qualifying features distribution Birds of coastal Common Tern Sterna - The structure and function of the habitats of the - Invasive species habitats hirundo qualifying features - Climate change

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 98

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) Birds of estuarine Breeding: 3.2% of the - The supporting processes on which the habitats - Coastal squeeze habitats population in Great Britain of the qualifying features rely - Inappropriate scrub Birds of open sea (5 year peak mean 1995- - The population of each of the qualifying control and offshore rocks 1999) features, and, - Water pollution - The distribution of the qualifying features within - Fisheries Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa the site. - Inappropriate coastal lapponica management Wintering: 2.2% of the GB - Overgrazing population - Direct impact from 3rd (5 year peak mean 1994/95- party 1998/99) - Marine litter - Predation Sandwich Tern Sterna - Marine consents and sandvicensis permits On passage: 2.3% of the - Wildfire/arson population in Great Britain - Air pollution (5 year peak mean 1995- - Transportation and 1999) service corridors

- Physical modification Pintail Anas acuta Over winter: 9.0% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95- 1998/99)

Teal Anas crecca Over winter:1.3% of the population

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 99

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) (5 year peak mean 1994/95- 1998/99)

Dunlin Calidris alpina alpina Over winter: 2% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95- 1998/99)

Knot Calidris canutus Over winter: 3.5% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95- 1998/99)

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Over winter: 2.5% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95- 1998/99)

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Over winter:2.5% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95- 1998/99)

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 100

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings)

Curlew Numenius arquata Over winter:1.1% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95- 1998/99)

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Over winter: 1.1% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95- 1998/99)

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Over winter: 2.6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95- 1998/99)

Redshank Tringa totanus Over winter: 3.5% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95- 1998/99) On passage: 5.9% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95-

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 101

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) 1998/99)

In the non-breeding season the area regularly supports: 120726 waterfowl (5year peak mean 1994/95- 1998/99)

Mersey Narrows Birds of lowland wet Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and and North Wirral grasslands lapponica or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Foreshore SPA Birds of lowland Over winter: 5.5% of the GB site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild - Public access/ Site Area 2078.41ha freshwaters and population Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring; disturbance their margins (5-year peak mean 2004/05 - The extent and distribution of the habitats of the - Changes in species Birds of farmland - 2008/09) qualifying features distribution Birds of coastal - The structure and function of the habitats of the - Invasive species habitats Little Gull Hydrocoloeus qualifying features - Climate change Birds of estuarine minutus - The supporting processes on which the habitats - Coastal squeeze of the qualifying features rely habitats On passage: 213 individuals - Inappropriate scrub Birds of open sea (no national population - The population of each of the qualifying control features, and, and offshore rocks estimate) - Water pollution - The distribution of the qualifying features within - Fisheries the site. Common Tern Sterna - Inappropriate coastal

hirundo management Breeding: 1.8% of the GB - Overgrazing population (2005-2009) - Direct impact from 3rd On passage: 1,475 party individuals (no national - Marine litter population estimate)

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 102

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) - Predation Knot Calidris canutus - Marine consents and Over winter: 2.4% W Europe permits /Waddensea/Britain/Ireland - Wildfire/arson population - Air pollution (5 year peak mean (2004/05 - Transportation and - 2008/09) service corridors

- Physical modification An internationally important assemblage of birds: in the non-breeding season the area regularly supports: 32,366 individual waterbirds (five year peak mean 2004/05 - 2008/09) Midland Meres and n/a Ramsar Convention Criteria: Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained The site is vulnerable to: Mosses Phase 1 or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the - Eutrophication Ramsar Criteria 1 - The site site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Introduction of non- Site Area 510.88ha comprises a diverse range Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by native plant species of habitats from open water maintaining or restoring; Component SSSI: to raised bog. - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural Bagmere SSSI, habitats and habitats of qualifying species Berrington Pool, Shropshire SSSI, Criteria 2 - Supports a - The structure and function (including typical Betley Mere SSSI, number of rare species of species) of qualifying natural habitats Bomere, Shomere plants associated with - The structure and function of the habitats of and Betton Pools wetlands including five qualifying species SSSI, Brown Moss SSSI, Chartley Moss nationally scarce species - The supporting processes on which qualifying SSSI, Clarepool together with an natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying Moss SSSI, assemblage of rare wetland species rely invertebrates (three

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 103

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) Fenemere SSSI, endangered insects and five - The populations of qualifying species, and, Flaxmere Moss other British Red Data Book - The distribution of qualifying species within the SSSI, Hatch Mere species of invertebrates). site. SSSI, Marton Pool, Chirbury SSSI, Quoisley Meres Noteworthy flora: SSSI, Tatton Meres - Six-stamened Waterwort SSSI, The Mere, Elatine hexandra Mere SSSI, White Mere SSSI, - Needle Spike-rush Wybunbury Moss Eleocharis acicularis SSSI - Cowbane Cicuta virosa - Marsh Fern Thelypteris palustris - Elongated Sedge Carex elongata

Noteworthy fauna: - Caddisfly Hagenella clathrata - Cranefly Limnophila fasciata - Spider Carorita limnaea - Rove Beetle Lathrobium rufipenne - Reed Beetle Donacia aquatica - Cranefly Prionocera pubescens - Cranefly Gonomyia

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 104

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) abbreviata - Spider Sitticus floricola Midland Meres and n/a Ramsar Convention Criteria: Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained The site is vulnerable to: Mosses Phase 2 or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the - Eutrophication Ramsar Criteria 1 - The site site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Introduction of non- Site Area 1588.24ha comprises a diverse range Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by native plant species of habitats from open water maintaining or restoring; Component SSSI: - Pollution from to raised bog. - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural pesticides, agricultural Abbots Moss SSSI, habitats and habitats of qualifying species Aqualate Mere run-off SSSI, Black Firs & Criteria 2 - Supports a - The structure and function (including typical Cranberry Bog number of rare species of species) of qualifying natural habitats SSSI, Brownheath plants associated with - The structure and function of the habitats of Moss SSSI, Chapel wetlands, including the qualifying species Mere SSSI, Cole Mere SSSI, Cop nationally scarce Cowbane - The supporting processes on which qualifying Mere SSSI, Fenn's, Cicuta virosa and, natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying Whixall, Bettisfield, Elongated Sedge Carex species rely Wem & Cadney elongata. Also present are - The populations of qualifying species, and, Mosses SSSI, the nationally scarce - The distribution of qualifying species within the Hencott Pool SSSI, bryophytes Dicranum affine site. Linmer Moss SSSI, and Sphagnum pulchrum. Morton Pool and Also supports an Pasture SSSI, Oak Mere SSSI, assemblage of invertebrates Oakhanger Moss including several rare SSSI, Oss Mere species. There are 16 SSSI, Sweat Mere species of British Red Data and Crose Mere Book insect listed for this SSSI site including the following endangered species: the moth Glyphipteryx

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 105

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) lathamella, the caddisfly Hagenella clathrata and the sawfly Trichiosoma vitellinae.

Noteworthy flora: - Narrow Small-reed Calamagrostis stricta - Elongated Sedge Carex elongata - Cowbane Cicuta virosa - Marsh Fern Thelypteris palustris - Golden Bog-moss Sphagnum pulchrum - Undulate Dicranum Moss Dicranum undulatum

Noteworthy Birds: - Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata - Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo carbo - Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris stellaris - Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 106

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) Noteworthy invertebrates: - True fly Limnophila heterogyna - True fly Atylotus plebeius - Caddisfly Hagenella clathrata - Cranefly Limnophila fasciata - Spider Carorita limnaea - Micro-moth Glyphipteryx lathamella - Sawfly Trichiosoma vitellinae - Moth Eilema sericea - Sawfly Brachythops wuesteneii - Pachinematus xanthocarpos - Spider Sittcus floricola - Moth Lampronia fuscatella - Horse fly Hybomitra lurida Rostherne Mere n/a Ramsar Convention Criteria: Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Ramsar or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Site Area 79.76ha Criteria 1 - Rostherne Mere site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Eutrophication is one of the deepest and Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by - Introduction of non- largest of the meres of the maintaining or restoring; native plant species Shropshire-Cheshire Plain. - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural Its shoreline is fringed with habitats and habitats of qualifying species

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 107

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) common reed Phragmites - The structure and function (including typical australis. species) of qualifying natural habitats - The structure and function of the habitats of Noteworthy Birds: qualifying species - Great Cormorant - The supporting processes on which qualifying Phalacrocorax carbo carbo natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying - Great Bittern Botaurus species rely stellaris stellaris - The populations of qualifying species, and, - Water Rail Rallus - The distribution of qualifying species within the aquaticus site. Mersey Estuary n/a Ramsar Convention Criteria: Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Ramsar or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Site Area 5023.35ha Criteria 5 - Assemblages of site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Changes in species international importance: Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by distribution maintaining or restoring; Species with peak counts in - Invasive species winter: 89576 waterfowl (5 - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural - Public access/ year peak mean 1998/99- habitats and habitats of qualifying species disturbance 2002/2003) - The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats Criteria 6 - - The structure and function of the habitats of species/populations qualifying species occurring at levels of - The supporting processes on which qualifying international importance. natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying Qualifying species rely Species/populations (as - The populations of qualifying species, and, identified at designation): - The distribution of qualifying species within the Species with peak counts in site. spring/autumn:

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 108

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) Common Shelduck - 12676 individuals, representing an average of 4.2% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3).

Black-tailed Godwit - 2011 individuals, representing an average of 5.7% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3).

Common Redshank - 6651 individuals, representing an average of 2.6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3).

Species with peak counts in winter: Eurasian Teal - 10613 individuals, representing an average of 2.6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3).

Northern Pintail - 565 individuals, representing an average of 2% of the GB

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 109

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3).

Dunlin - 48364 individuals, representing an average of 3.6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9- 2002/3).

Noteworthy birds: - Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula - Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata arquata - Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus - Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia - Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Dee Estuary n/a Ramsar Convention Criteria: Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and Ramsar or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Site Area Criterion 1 - Extensive site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Public access/ 14302.02ha intertidal mud and sand flats Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by disturbance (20 km by 9 km) with large maintaining or restoring; - Changes in species expanses of saltmarsh - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural distribution towards the head of the habitats and habitats of qualifying species - Invasive species estuary. Habitats Directive - The structure and function (including typical - Climate change Annex I features present on

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 110

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) the SAC include: species) of qualifying natural habitats - Coastal squeeze H1130 Estuaries - The structure and function of the habitats of - Inappropriate scrub H1140 Mudflats and qualifying species control sandflats not covered by - The supporting processes on which qualifying - Water pollution seawater at low tide natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying - Fisheries H1210 Annual vegetation of species rely - Inappropriate coastal drift lines - The populations of qualifying species, and, management H1230 Vegetated sea cliffs - The distribution of qualifying species within the - Overgrazing of the Atlantic and Baltic site. - Direct impact from 3rd coasts party H1310 Salicornia and other - Marine litter annuals colonising mud and - Predation sand - Marine consents and H1330 Atlantic salt permits meadows (Glauco- Puccinellietalia maritimae) - Wildfire/arson H2110 Embryonic shifting - Air pollution dunes - Transportation and H2120 Shifting dunes along service corridors the shoreline with (“white - Physical modification dunes”) Ammophila arenaria H2130 Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”) H2190 Humid dune slacks

Criterion 2 - it supports breeding colonies of the vulnerable Natterjack Toad,

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 111

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) Epidalea calamita

Criterion 5 - Assemblages of international importance: Species with peak counts in winter: Non-breeding season regularly supports 120,726 individual waterbirds (5 year peak mean 1994/5 - 1998/9). Criterion 6 - species/populations occurring at levels of international importance: Qualifying Species/populations (as identified at designation): Species with peak counts in spring/autumn: Redshank Tringa totanus 8,795 individuals, representing an average of 5.9% of the Eastern Atlantic population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Species with peak counts in winter:

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 112

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) Teal Anas crecca NW Europe 5,251 individuals, representing an average of 1.3% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna NW Europe 7,725 individuals, representing an average of 2.6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Europe & W Africa 22,677 individuals, representing an average of 2.5% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Curlew Numenius arquata Europe/NW Africa 3,899 individuals, representing an average of 1.1% of the Europe population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Pintail Anas acuta NW

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 113

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) Europe 5,407 individuals, representing an average of 9.0% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Grey plover Pluvialis squatarola E Atlantic 1,643 individuals, representing an average of 1.1% of the GB population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Dunlin Calidris alpina alpina Europe (breeding) 27,769 individuals, representing an average of 2.0% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa islandica Iceland (breeding) 1,747 individuals, representing an average of 2.5% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica W European

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 114

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) (wintering) 1,150 individuals, representing an average of 1.2% of the Europe population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Redshank Tringa totanus Eastern Atlantic 5,293 individuals representing an average of 3.5% Eastern Atlantic population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99) Mersey Narrows n/a Ramsar Convention Criteria: Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained Identified threats and and North Wirral or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the pressures are: Foreshore Ramsar Criterion 4 - the site site contributes to achieving the Favourable - Public access/ Site Area 2708.41ha regularly supports plant Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by disturbance and/or animal species at a maintaining or restoring; - Changes in species critical stage in their life - The extent and distribution of qualifying natural distribution cycles, or provides refuge habitats and habitats of qualifying species - Invasive species during adverse conditions: - The structure and function (including typical - Climate change species) of qualifying natural habitats During 2004/05 - 2008/09 - Coastal squeeze the Mersey Narrows and - The structure and function of the habitats of - Inappropriate scrub North Wirral Foreshore qualifying species control Ramsar site supported - The supporting processes on which qualifying - Water pollution important numbers of non- natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying breeding little gulls and species rely - Fisheries common terns. - The populations of qualifying species, and, - Inappropriate coastal management - The distribution of qualifying species within the Criterion 5 - the site - Overgrazing

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 115

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) regularly supports 20,000 or site. - Direct impact from 3rd more waterbirds: party During the winters 2004/05 - - Marine litter 2008/09, the Mersey - Predation Narrows and North Wirral - Marine consents and Foreshore Ramsar site permits supported an average peak - Wildfire/arson of 32,402 individual waterbirds. - Air pollution - Transportation and service corridors Criterion 6 - species /populations occurring at - Physical modification levels of international importance: Qualifying Species/populations (as identified at designation): Species with peak counts in winter:

Knot Calidris canutus W Europe/Waddensea /Britain/Ireland (non- breeding) 10,655 individuals representing 2.4% of the population (5 year peak mean (2004/05 – 2008/09)

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica W Europe/NW

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 116

European Site Qualifying Feature Qualifying Feature Conservation Objectives Threats and Pressures (Broad Habitat/ Species Groupings) Africa (non-breeding) 3,344 individuals representing 2.8% of the population (5 year peak mean (2004/05 – 2008/09)

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus (non- breeding) 213 individuals No national population estimate (5 year peak mean 2004/05 – 2008/09)

Common Tern Sterna hirundo (non-breeding) 1,475 individuals. No national population estimate (5 year peak mean 2004 – 2008)

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 117

C Other Relevant Plans Document Summary of content, objectives Potential in-combination effects on and targets (taken from Cheshire European Sites East Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal: Scoping Report, 2012). Updates where necessary - Jan 2017 Cheshire Means This document outlines the purpose This strategy could potentially have Business and objectives of the Cheshire and adverse in-combination effects if new Warrington Local Economic housing sites are located in close Partnership. The vision of the proximity to European sites. This partnership is "“To make Cheshire could result in increased disturbance and Warrington quite simply the (i.e. noise, visual) or physical damage best place to do business in the (i.e. vandalism, trampling). United Kingdom. We will provide the ideal environment for businesses to grow: access to the right skills; supportive and efficient public services; effective infrastructure and utilities; and a beautiful part of the country for people to enjoy.” The purpose of the partnership is to set the policies and oversee the delivery of private sector-led functions, these are: Facilitating growth through the provision of housing and employment sites, utilities, infrastructure and a planning application support service. Assisting investment in and development of new and growing businesses through business support of targeted sectors, incubation facilities, signposting best practice in start up, innovation, managing growth and exporting, including connecting business with government. Providing the skills and local intelligence needed by new and growing businesses to accelerate their growth and to provide the information to Local Authorities so they can shape their services to meet business needs. Promoting Cheshire and Warrington as a great place to live, work, study and visit. Supporting the transition to a low carbon economy by identifying and promoting the opportunities it creates for our businesses. Cheshire Sub- This document sets out a Sub- This strategy could potentially have Regional Regional Housing Strategy for adverse in-combination effects if it Housing Cheshire. It describes how the proposes residential developments in Strategy strategy has been developed and is close proximity to European sites. HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 118

Document Summary of content, objectives Potential in-combination effects on and targets (taken from Cheshire European Sites East Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal: Scoping Report, 2012). Updates where necessary - Jan 2017 intended to: This could result in increased  Provide a framework for the disturbance (i.e. noise, visual) or future of housing in Cheshire physical damage (i.e. vandalism, and identify sub-regional trampling). priorities.  Show the crucial roles played by partnerships in delivering and improving housing and housing services in the sub- region.  Illustrate the links between this strategy and other key national and regional policies and strategies. Corporate Plan The Corporate Plan consists of six The outcomes of the Corporate Plan 2016 to 2020 - outcomes that demonstrate how are compatible with those of the Local Cheshire East Cheshire East Council will put the Plan Strategy and are unlikely to Council residents of Cheshire East first in result in in-combination effects. the way that services are provided. Outcome numbers 1-5 focus on activities directly affecting residents and local businesses. Outcome number 6 focuses on maximising value for money in the way the Council operates. Cheshire East This Local Transport Plan is a The Local Plan Strategy supports Local Transport strategic plan for the development schemes outlined within the Plan and of transport within Cheshire East Transport Plan and is therefore Implementation over the period 2011 to 2026, unlikely to result in in-combination Plans outlining how transport will effects. contribute to and support the longer-term aspirations of the borough. The plan for implementation of the Transport Plan is set out in the Cheshire East Local Transport: Implementation Plan Cheshire East The Cheshire East Rights of Way The aim of this plan is to maintain Rights of Way Improvement Plan was developed and improve the provision of green Improvement to assess: the extent to which the infrastructure within the county, the Plan 2011-2026 local rights of way network meets connectivity of the network, the and the present and future needs of the provision for cyclists and horse riders Implementation public; the opportunities provided and the network’s accessibility for all Plan 2015 - by the local rights of way network users, including those with a 2019 for exercise and other forms of disability. Improvements to, and open-air recreation and the expansion of, the Rights of Way enjoyment of the Local Authority's network, if located in close proximity area; and the accessibility of local to European sites, could result in in- rights of way for blind or partially combination effects through sighted persons and others with increased visitor numbers which may mobility problems. result in adverse impacts such as The plan also contains a statement disturbance (i.e. noise, visual) or of the actions that the authority physical damage (i.e. vandalism, HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 119

Document Summary of content, objectives Potential in-combination effects on and targets (taken from Cheshire European Sites East Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal: Scoping Report, 2012). Updates where necessary - Jan 2017 proposes to take for the trampling). However, these initiatives management of local rights of way, are Borough-wide and therefore and for securing an improved would also increase accessibility to network of local rights of way. other areas and routes away from European sites. Cheshire East This Housing Strategy sets out The objectives of the Housing Housing Cheshire East's long term housing Strategy are compatible with those of Strategy: Moving vision for the Borough. the Local Plan Strategy and are Forward 2011 to The housing vision of the document unlikely to result in in-combination 2016 is that housing supports the effects. creation of balanced and sustainable communities, where all residents can achieve independent living in good quality, affordable homes that are appropriate to their needs. Local Air Quality This strategy outlines high level, This Strategy and Action Plan aims to Strategy for broad commitments across the improve air quality across the County Cheshire East Council aimed at improving air and identifies specific areas where Council and quality. poor air quality is to be addressed. In Action Plan general the Local Plan Strategy is The Action Plan outlines measures compatible with this Strategy and to make sure that air quality work Action Plan as it aims to reduce travel undertaken within the Borough is by improving connectivity, public coordinated at a strategic level. The transport and green infrastructure, current action plan addresses poor which should reduce traffic air quality in the following areas: emissions. This strategy may M6 Cranage; West Road, therefore reduce the impact of Congleton; A34 to A54, Rood Lane, atmospheric deposition on European Congleton; A534 Hospital Street, sites. Nantwich; A34 Lower Heath, Congleton; A5022/A534, Sandbach; and A556 Chester Road, Mere. The Action Plan focuses on these areas and the impact of nitrogen dioxide from transportation sources. Cheshire East A visitor economy strategy for The ambition of the Strategy is Visitor Economy Cheshire East was first adopted in focussed around maximising growth Strategy 2016- February 2011 to cover a five year of the visitor economy whilst ensuring 2020 period. This has now been updated greater prosperity across the widest for the period 2016-20, providing an number of communities and approach to maintaining growth. It encouraging participation that will sets out the Council’s aspirations to lead to greater wellbeing for both continue to enhance and grow residents and visitors. This includes Cheshire East's visitor economy for developing a distinctive rural tourism the benefit of the current residents, offering. its future residents and its visitors. Promotion of the countryside as part of the visitor economy by this strategy and the Local Plan Strategy could therefore result in adverse in- combination effects on nearby European sites as a result of HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 120

Document Summary of content, objectives Potential in-combination effects on and targets (taken from Cheshire European Sites East Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal: Scoping Report, 2012). Updates where necessary - Jan 2017 increased visitor pressure. For example, the Tatton/Knutsford/ Jodrell area is identified as a key hub for developing the visitor economy and being located in close proximity to Rostherne Mere Ramsar and Tatton Meres SSSI (part of the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar) may suffer from increased visitor pressure. This strategic framework however, does recognise that the protection and enhancement of the County’s natural assets, such as the Meres and Mosses is a fundamental requirement in defining the quality of experience that visitors seek. Cheshire This Plan provides planning advice Both the Local Plan Strategy and the Replacement on where mineral development can Minerals Plan identify the need for Minerals Local take place. It covers both Cheshire Cheshire East to provide an adequate Plan 1999 East and Cheshire West & Chester and steady supply of minerals in Boroughs. Together, these support of sustainable economic Boroughs contain a variety of growth. minerals including salt, construction The Local Plan Strategy has sand and silica sand which are recognised that, for all mineral important to the regional and extraction, it is essential that workings national economy. do not give rise to any unacceptable A philosophy of sustainable adverse impacts on the natural development underpins the environment and therefore detailed Cheshire Replacement Minerals policies will be brought forward Local Plan. This philosophy looks through the Site Allocations and at conserving the County’s Development Policies Document environment and natural resources setting out criteria against which all for the benefit of future generations. mineral related planning proposals The Plan proposes that future will be assessed, consistent with working of salt, silica sand and national policy and guidance. sand and gravel should come from limited areas of the County and that detailed policies will minimise the impact of all mineral working by enabling rigorous monitoring of site operations and ensuring a positive restoration of sites on set timescales for both phasing and completion. Cheshire This Replacement Waste Local The Cheshire East Local Plan Replacement Plan attempts to achieve a more Strategy states that to achieve the Waste Local sustainable approach to waste sustainable management of waste in Plan 2007 management within Cheshire. The Cheshire East, the Council will Plan aims to fulfil this purpose in prepare a Waste Development Plan two ways: Document (DPD) consistent with a) by establishing policies against national waste planning policy. Policy which planning applications for the will be set by the Waste DPD to HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 121

Document Summary of content, objectives Potential in-combination effects on and targets (taken from Cheshire European Sites East Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal: Scoping Report, 2012). Updates where necessary - Jan 2017 development of waste management ensure that the environment is facilities will be assessed. protected through the prevention or b) by identifying sites which are reduction of the adverse impacts of considered suitable ‘in principle’ for the generation and management of a waste management use in order waste. to enable the development of an adequate network of waste management facilities. Saved Policies Saved policies are planning policies The saved policies of these Local from the from local plans that remain part of Plans are compatible with those of Congleton the statutory development plan for the Local Plan Strategy and are Borough Local Cheshire East and can still be used unlikely to result in in-combination Plan, Borough of in determining planning effects. Crewe and applications. Nantwich Local Currently, these Local Plans have Plan and saved policies that apply within part Macclesfield of the Cheshire East area. Local Plan Saved policies in these documents will continue to be used until they are replaced by new policies in the Cheshire East Local Plan. The United This plan describes in detail United United Utilities is the principal water Utilities Final Utilities' assessment of the provider for Cheshire East and such Water available water supplies and the provision is covered by the Integrated Resources demand for water by their Resource Zone which serves 6.7 Management customers over the 2015-2040 million people in South Cumbria, Plan 2015 period. The plan also sets out their Lancashire, Greater Manchester, proposed strategy for water Merseyside and most of Cheshire. resources and demand Development of new housing and management to ensure they have employment land within Cheshire adequate water supplies to serve East, as outlined in the Local Plan their customers. Strategy, could lead to increased demand for water. Increased levels of abstraction could significantly affect the levels of flow in the River Dee and hence result in significant effects on qualifying features. The United Utilities Final Water Resources Management Plan 2015 provides a comprehensive statement of their water supply and water demand forecasts over the period to 2040. It also describes the resulting supply-demand balances and the actions they propose to take as part of their preferred strategy to achieve water supply reliability standards for their customers. The Plan states that the water available for use in the Integrated Resource Zone is expected to reduce by about 22 Ml/d between 2015/16 and 2019/20. However, no supply deficit is forecast for the Integrated Resource Zone, a HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 122

Document Summary of content, objectives Potential in-combination effects on and targets (taken from Cheshire European Sites East Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal: Scoping Report, 2012). Updates where necessary - Jan 2017 surplus of over 90 Ml/d is maintained throughout the planning period. The Weaver and This Strategy sets out how water Development of new housing and Dane Catchment resources are managed by the employment land within Cheshire Abstraction Environment Agency in the Weaver East, as outlined in the Local Plan Management and Dane area. It provides Strategy, could lead to increased Strategy information about where water is demand for water abstractions. (CAMS) available for further abstraction and However, as stated in the CAM, the an indication of how reliable a new Environment Agency has assessed abstraction licence may be. the effects of existing abstraction licences and will assess all new applications to make sure they are not impacting on internationally important nature conservation sites. The Dee This Strategy sets out how water Development of new housing and Catchment resources are managed by the employment land within Cheshire Abstraction Environment Agency in the Dee East, as outlined in the Local Plan Management catchment. It provides information Strategy, could lead to increased Strategy about how much and where water demand for water abstractions. (CAMS) is available for further abstraction. The River Dee is an important resource for public water supply and used to supply the homes of more than two million people. Because of the over-riding need to protect this supply, more water is not available for abstraction from the River Dee (or its tributaries) upstream of Chester Weir, when the river is being regulated. Some additional water may be available during wetter periods, but abstractors would be required to stop taking water as soon as the river flow dropped again. The Environment Agency may also have to place special conditions on any new licences granted to safeguard the wildlife and conservation interest of the River Dee. Local Plans and These documents contain the There is the potential for adverse in- Core Strategies development plan for the relevant combination effects, particularly in of adjacent adjacent area. They will specify a boundary areas. If projects (i.e. Authorities vision, objectives and policies for developments, infrastructure (Cheshire West each area. construction) proposed in the Local and Chester; Plan Strategy are located in relatively Peak District to close proximity to those proposed National Park, by the Local Plans and Core High Peak; Strategies of neighbouring Manchester; authorities, adverse effects may arise Newcastle- if there are cross-boundary or nearby under-Lyme; European sites. Stockport; Shropshire; HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 123

HRA Consultation Report Jan 2017_Final 124

D Strategic Sites Screening Assessment Designated Qualifying Strategic Sites Likely Significant Effects? Site Feature