Intended for St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council

Document type Report

Date June 2017

PARKSIDE LINK ROAD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT SCOPING REPORT PARKSIDE LINK ROAD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT SCOPING REPORT

Status Final Revision A Date 15/06/2017 Made by Nigel Cossons Checked by Jeff Turner Approved by Steve Chewins Description EIA Scoping Report

Ref PLR-RAM-XX-ZZ-RP-EN-0001

Ramboll 2nd Floor, The Exchange St. John Street Chester CH1 1DA United Kingdom T +44(0)1244 311855 www.ramboll.co.uk

Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. PROJECT 9 3. ALTERNATIVES 11 4. CONSULTATIONS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 12 5. AIR QUALITY 13 6. CULTURAL HERITAGE 18 7. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS 28 8. ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION 40 9. GEOLOGY AND SOILS 48 10. MATERIALS 54 11. NOISE AND VIBRATION 61 12. PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES 64 13. ROAD DRAINAGE AND THE WATER ENVIRONMENT 76 14. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS 83

FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Parkside Link Road Location Plan Figure 1.2 Parkside Link Road Administrative Boundaries Figure 2.1 Red Line Boundary Figure 6.1 Cultural Heritage Features Figure 8.1 Internationally and Nationally Designated Sites Figure 8.2 Nationally and Locally Designated Sites Figure 12.1 Commuting Flows (within text refer to Section 12) Figure 12.2 Definitive PROW Map Figure 13.1 Key Watercourses

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview

1.1.1 Ramboll has been commissioned by Balfour Beatty Construction Services Limited (BBCSL), on behalf of St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council (SHMBC) to undertake a scoping study for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Parkside Link Road project (hereafter referred to as ‘the Scheme’).

1.1.2 The Scheme is located to the east of Newton-le-Willows and comprises a new road to link a proposed logistics development known as the ‘Parkside Development’, to the A49 road and the M6 motorway. In addition to this the Scheme will link the A49 and the M6 for through traffic.

1.2 Site Location and Description

1.2.1 The Scheme is centred on Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference (OSNGR) 360670E 394450N and is shown in Figure 1.1.

1.2.2 The proposed Scheme extends from the A49 in Newton-le-Willows to Junction 22 of the M6 motorway and is 3.1km in length. It joins, and partly follows the course of, the A573 Parkside Road across an existing motorway overbridge before turning south to join the A579 Winwick Lane from where it extends to the M6.

1.2.3 The proposed Scheme largely lies within the SHMBC administrative area, however, there is a small section of the Scheme that lies across land administered by Warrington Borough Council (WBC). In addition to the Scheme also lies close to land administered by Wigan Metropolitan Council (WMC). The administrative boundaries along the Scheme are shown overleaf on Figure 1.2.

1.2.4 The land along the Scheme comprises a combination of former industrial land, once occupied by Parkside Colliery, in the western part of the Scheme and agricultural land in the eastern part. The proposed Scheme crosses the M6 motorway on an existing bridge. The agricultural land is currently designated as green belt land.

1.2.5 To the north lies agricultural land crossed by the Manchester to Liverpool railway line (the Chat Moss Line) and the A580 East Lancashire Road. The closest settlement to the north is Golborne, around 2km from the proposed Scheme.

1.2.6 East of the proposed Scheme there is agricultural land with scattered farms and properties, the closest settlements being Croft, approximately 1.5km south east and Culcheth about 3km east. The city of Manchester lies around 23km east of the proposed Scheme.

1.2.7 To the south of the proposed Scheme lies further agricultural land within which is located the settlement of Hermitage Green, approximately 500m to the south and Winwick, approximately 1km south of the Scheme. Beyond this lies the M62 motorway, about 2km south of the proposed Scheme, and then, south of the motorway, the town of Warrington.

1.2.8 West of the proposed Scheme lies the A49 trunk road and the West Coast Mainline railway line (comprising the section between Winwick Junction and Golborne Junction). There are links between the West Coast Mainline and the line between Manchester and Liverpool. Beyond the road and railway line is the settlement of Newton-le-Willows whilst the town of St Helens lies approximately 6km west of the proposed Scheme. The city of Liverpool lies around 27km west of the proposed Scheme.

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1.2.9 The proposed Parkside Development lies on the land formerly occupied by the Parkside Colliery at the western end of the Scheme between the A49 and the M6 motorway. Following the decommissioning of Parkside Colliery in 1993 there has been significant interest from both the private and public sector in bringing the site forward for industrial use and an EIA Scoping Report was submitted for a proposed logistics development on this land in February 2017. The development is being undertaken by Parkside Regeneration LLP. Two phases are proposed for this development, with Phase 1 covering some 48ha and Phase 2 a further 49ha. It is anticipated that a planning application will be submitted for Phase 1 in Quarter 2 of 2017 with site enabling works commencing in late 2017 and development taking place between 2019 and 2021. The proposed Phase 1 development will be Use Class B8 with associated ancillary B1 office space, servicing and infrastructure. The latter will include car parking and pedestrian access together with works to create development platforms and provide noise mitigation, landscaping (including buffers) and drainage features. It will also include works to the existing spoil heaps and ecological mitigation measures.

1.2.10 The land to the east of the M6 motorway has also been identified in the SHMBC New Local Plan 2018 – 2033 as a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI). Completion of the proposed Parkside Development and the SRFI will bring new economic activity to the borough, with jobs created on site and across the Liverpool City Region. The site benefits from a strategic location adjacent to the M6 and M62 and is the only potential SRFI site in the region that has the potential to receive trains from all directions and to serve intermodal flows on West Coast Mainline and Chat Moss line. Consultation on the New Local Plan 2018 – 2033 was completed in January 2017 and the responses are now being considered by SHMBC as part of preparing the next stage of the Local Plan which will be made available for public comment later in 2017.

1.3 Planning Policy Review

Planning Context

1.3.1 As noted above the alignment of the proposed Scheme is primarily in land of SHMBC, but also passes through a small area of land within the WBC boundary, south of the M6 where it extends to the west from A573 Parkside Road. The eastern boundary of the Scheme lies close to WMC. Given its geographical setting a review of local planning policy for all three administrative areas as illustrated in Figure 1.2 has been undertaken.

Local Planning Policy

1.3.2 Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 states that all planning decisions must be made in conjunction with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council (SHMBC)

1.3.3 SHMBC shares an eastern boundary with WMC and a southern boundary with WBC. The former Parkside Colliery lies within SHMBC together with the land to the east of the M6 that the proposed Scheme crosses.

1.3.4 The SHMBC development plan comprises national guidance as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) together with the Council's local planning documents. The relevant local developments plan document for SHMBC is that of the Unitary Development Plan 1998 (Saved Policies) and the Core Strategy (adopted 2012).

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1.3.5 The Unitary Development Plan 1998 (Saved Policies) identifies the land proposed for the Scheme to be designated as Green Belt and for Landscape Renewal.

1.3.6 Policy S1 Green Belt states that the Green Belt will be maintained in order to check unrestricted sprawl, prevent neighbouring towns from merging and safeguarding the countryside from encroachment.

1.3.7 In addition to this Policy GB1 General Criteria for Development Control in the Green Belt states that planning permission for material changes of land use will only be permitted if there is no conflict with the purposes of Green Belt, the proposal maintains openness and contributes to the achievement of the objective of the Green Belt.

1.3.8 Policy ENV20 Landscape Renewal states new development is not normally permitted in a designated Landscape Renewal area if it would lead to further deterioration of the landscape.

1.3.9 Policy CAS 3.2 Development of a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at the Former Parkside Colliery in the Core Strategy is specific to the former Parkside Colliery and therefore considered relevant to the proposed Scheme. This policy states that development will be supported for the SRFI. However, Policy CAS 3.2 also states that there should be no adverse impacts on the Strategic Road Network. The surrounding local road network needs to accommodate traffic generated by the development without unacceptable impact on residential amenity and traffic flow. Furthermore, policy CAS 3.2 states that “…Subject to a SRFI being fully developed on site…. the Council will consider favourably a revision to the Green Belt boundary in the Allocations DPD and Proposals Map, or subsequent revision…”.

1.3.10 In December 2016 and January 2017 SHMBC undertook public consultation on the ‘Local Plan Preferred Options’. To support the emerging Local Plan SHMBC undertook a draft Green Belt Review (2016) which proposes to remove several sections of Green Belt, including the section of Green Belt that the proposed Scheme is routed through. This Green Belt review, along with the Local Plan, is currently under consideration. Adoption of the new Local Plan is expected late 2018.

Warrington Borough Council (WBC)

1.3.11 WBC shares a northern boundary with SHMBC and WMC. The WBC development plan comprises national guidance as set out in the NPPF together with the Council's local planning documents. The relevant local development plan document for WBC is the Local Plan Core Strategy (adopted July 2014). The Local Plan Core Strategy covers the plan period up to 2027 and sets out the overall approach to development in the Borough.

1.3.12 The following local planning policies in the Local Plan Core Strategy are considered relevant for the Scheme:

 Policy CS 5 Overall Spatial Strategy – Green Belt states that the Council will maintain the general extent of the Green Belt until 2032; and  Policy MP 5 Freight Transport states that “…freight related development will be supported where they achieve a reduction in road traffic kilometres through their location and /or where they reduce the impact of freight traffic on local or inappropriate routes…”. However, it also noted that proposals should demonstrate that there would be no adverse impact in terms of heavy good vehicles using residential roads, congesting central areas or creating unacceptable noise, noise, vibration, lighting, emissions, or other pollution.

1.3.13 WBC is currently working on a Local Plan Review. The Local Plan Review is in the early stages and although some consultation has been undertaken on the scope and content of the document, limited weight would be given at this time. As part of the Local Plan Review WBC undertook a

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Green Belt Assessment to assess how the Green Belt contributes to the five national purposes for Green Belt outlines in the NPPF.

1.3.14 The WBC Green Belt Assessment1 shows that the proposed Scheme is located in an area designated as Green Belt, as part of the examination of the Local Plan Review the Planning Inspector identified insufficient land to meet the housing need in accordance with the requirements of the NPPF. The WBC Green Belt Assessment was undertaken in 2016, and provides an assessment of how the current Green Belt in WBC contributes to the five purposes of Green Belt set out in national policy.

1.3.15 Section W172 of the Green Belt Assessment includes the proposed Scheme. Section W17 was overall assessed as contributing a ‘strong contribution’, the report concluded that:

“The GA has been judged to make a strong overall contribution to the Green Belt. Development of the GA would result in the merging of Warrington and Widnes and there are no durable boundaries between the GA and the urban area which could prevent unrestricted sprawl. The GA has a limited connection to the countryside along mostly durable boundaries, however it supports a strong degree of openness.”

Wigan Metropolitan Council (WMC)

1.3.16 WMC shares its southern boundary with WBC and its western boundary with SHMBC. The proposed Scheme is located close to, but outside the administrative boundary of WMC. On the south western boundary of the WMC administrative area the following designations have been identified:

 Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Highfield Moss;  Mineral Safeguarded Area; and  Green Belt.

1.3.17 The WMC development plan comprises national guidance as set out in the NPPF together with the Council's own local planning documents. The relevant local development plan document for WMC is the Local Plan Core Strategy (adopted 2013).

1.3.18 The following local planning policies in the Local Plan Core Strategy would be relevant for the Scheme:

 Policy CP 12 Wildlife Habitats and species states that protection for SSSI areas is of principle importance. Furthermore reasonable provisions should be made for wildlife habitats as part of new development; and  Policy CP 8 Green Belt and safeguarded land states that development will only be allowed in accordance with national planning policy.

1.3.19 WMC is currently working alongside other Local Planning Authorities in Greater Manchester to produce a new strategic plan for the city region, setting out future development until 2035. As part of this Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, WMC have stated that they will need to release some Green Belt land to allow for new development. No further work on a Green Belt review has been undertaken.

1 Arup (2016) Warrington Borough Council Green Belt Assessment Final Report 2 Green Belt Assessment Appendix F Drawing WGB-ARP-SW-DR-PL-0004 (Page 4 of 21)

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National Planning Policy

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

1.3.20 The NPPF, published in March 2012, sets out the Government’s strategic objectives for plan making and decision taking in England. The NPPF is purposefully positive, opportunity focused and pro-growth in seeking to facilitate development which would contribute to meeting the wider Government objectives.

1.3.21 The NPPF is underpinned by a presumption in favour of sustainable development and paragraph 6 identifies that, 'the policies in paragraphs 18-219, taken as a whole, constitute the Government's view of what sustainable development in England means in practice for the planning system'.

The Northern Powerhouse: One Agenda, One Economy, One North

1.3.22 In March 2015 the Transport for the North (TfN) Partnership Board unveiled its vision for the North with a report on the Northern Transport Strategy. This is a joint publication from Government, Northern City Regions and Local Enterprise Partnerships, working together with Highways England, Network Rail and HS2 setting out the ambitions for TfN.

1.3.23 The vision for the North is for a vibrant and growing economy, a magnet for inward investment, which capitalises on the strengths of the Northern cities, supported by state-of-the-art transport connections to clusters of thriving businesses.

1.3.24 To achieve this vision, there is a need for a package of measures and transformative transport interventions that promote better connections between people and jobs.

National Infrastructure Plan

1.3.25 The National Infrastructure Plan 2014 (NIP14) emphasises the role that high quality infrastructure plays in providing the opportunity to boost output, productivity, growth rates and competitiveness, as well as enhancing capacity to unlock economic potential in individual regions.

1.3.26 As part of the plan, the Government aims to:

 Increase road capacity;  Tackle congestion;  Support development;  Strengthen connectivity; and  Improve reliability and resilience, enabling improvements to productivity which is considered a vital element of the Government's Economic Plan.

1.3.27 To achieve this, the Government has established LEPs between local government and business in functional economic areas, giving them the opportunity to decide priorities for investment in roads, buildings and facilities in the area.

1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment

EIA is governed by the requirements of the EIA Directive (2014/52/EU amending Directive 2011/92/EU). This legislation sets out the criteria which define when EIA is required and what should be assessed. The amendments in the 2014 Directive have been transposed into UK law via the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017.

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1.4.1 The results of the EIA will be reported in an Environmental Statement (ES), to be submitted in support of a planning application which is currently planned for late 2017.

A screening exercise has been undertaken, however, this was undertaken through a meeting with SHMBC rather than a formal request. Feedback from this meeting was that it was the view of the SHMBC that an EIA would be required. On this basis, it is proposed that this formal request for a scoping opinion also includes formal confirmation that the Scheme is an EIA development under the Regulations. and, on this basis, there is no intention to seek a formal screening opinion.

Key Considerations in Determining the Need for an EIA

1.4.2 A scheme falls within Schedule I where it involves “Construction of motorways and express roads. Construction of a new road of four or more lanes, or realignment and /or widening of an existing road of two or more lanes, where such new road, or realigned and/ or widened section of road would be 10 km or more in a continuous length.”.

1.4.3 A scheme falls within Schedule II where “a project for constructing or improving a highway where the area of the completed works together with any area occupied during the period of construction or improvement by requisite apparatus, equipment, machinery, materials, plant, spoil heaps or other such facilities exceeds 1 hectare or where any such area is situated in whole or in part in a sensitive area.”.

1.4.4 The proposed scheme falls within Schedule II as the development will exceed 1 ha in size.

EIA Process

1.4.5 The overall EIA process will consist of:

 Undertaking an EIA to allow the preparation of an ES;  Consultations together with any publication and notification required in respect of an EIA development;  The examination of the ES by the planning authority to reach a reasoned conclusion on the significant effects of the proposed Scheme on the environment; and  The integration of that conclusion into the decision as to whether planning consent should be granted and whether monitoring measures need to be imposed.

1.4.6 As the project is a road scheme the EIA will be undertaken in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11 Environmental Assessment and associated guidance and advice notes.

Scoping

1.4.7 Scoping is a precursor to EIA to facilitate the process that will lead to the preparation of a comprehensive EIA as reported in an ES. The ES will record all significant beneficial and adverse, direct, indirect and cumulative environmental effects of the preferred option for the proposed scheme including effective and sustainable mitigation measures and identification of residual effects.

1.4.8 The objectives of this Scoping Report are to:

 Review readily available existing data, identify sensitive resources and receptors, and scope the work required for an EIA; and  Determine the appropriate level of effort that should be applied to the various environmental topics, in particular whether a Simple or Detailed assessment as defined in DMRB Vol. 11, Part 4, HA204/08 is required.

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1.4.9 The Scoping Report allows the ‘scoping out’ of environmental topics where little or no change to the existing situation will occur, thus leading to the preparation of a concise ES.

1.4.10 The scoping exercise has considered:

 Population and human health;  Biodiversity, in particular species and habitats protected under EU Directive;  Land, soil, water, air and climate; and  Materials assets, cultural heritage and the landscape.

1.4.11 Under the 2017 Regulations the scope is also required to consider the expected effects arising from the vulnerability of the project to risks of major accidents and/or disasters that are relevant to the proposed Scheme. The 2017 Regulations now also requires the ES to be based on the Scoping Opinion received from the Competent Authority.

Scoping Report Structure

1.4.12 Section 2 of the Scoping Report describes the proposed scheme. Section 3 describes the consideration of alternatives. Section 4 describes the consultation undertaken on the scope of the EIA prior to the submission of the Scoping Report and the consultation that will be carried out during the preparation of the EIA. Sections 5 to 14 identify key issues (including Cumulative Effects) relating to each of the environmental assessment topics; summarise the work undertaken to date; and present the proposed methodologies and approaches for the assessment of potential effects in the EIA.

Project Team

1.4.13 The EIA will be led by Ramboll supported by technical specialists drawn from within the company and from suitably competent sub-consultants. Ramboll are a member of IEMAs Quality Mark Scheme for EIA. Competent and appropriately qualified technical specialists in each topic area will undertake the assessment. The Project Team has been developed based on the headings used in the DMRB and will comprise:

ES Section based on DMRB Guidance Organisation Overall EIA coordination and preparation Ramboll Project and alternatives Ramboll Consultation and stakeholder engagement SHMBC/Ramboll Air Quality Ramboll Cultural Heritage TEP3 Landscape and Visual Effects TEP Ecology and Nature Conservation Ramboll/TEP Geology and Soils Ramboll Materials Ramboll Noise and Vibration Ramboll People and Communities Ramboll/Amion Road Drainage and the Water Environment Ramboll Cumulative effects Ramboll

Table 1.1 Project Team

3 The Environment Partnership

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1.5 Screening for Appropriate Assessment

1.5.1 A preliminary screening exercise has been undertaken to determine whether there is a likely requirement for an Appropriate Assessment to be undertaken in order to identify whether the proposed scheme is likely to have any significant effect on a Ramsar or Natura 2000 site. There are no internationally designated sites within 2km of the scheme and therefore it has been determined that Appropriate Assessment is not required. In addition, no Natura 2000 sites that are designated for bats are located within 20km of the Scheme.

1.5.2 The closest Natura 2000 sites to the Scheme are:

 Manchester Mosses Special Area of Conservation (SAC) – located at its closest point 5.4km km to the south east of the proposed Scheme; and  Rixton Clay Pits SAC – located 7.6km to the south east of the proposed Scheme.

1.5.3 Manchester Mosses SAC is designated principally for its raised bog habitat. Rixton Clay Pits SAC is designated as it supports great crested newts.

It is considered that the Scheme will have negligible effects on these designated sites given their proximity and distance. It is also considered suitable design measures and standard mitigation and best practice can be used to minimise and mitigate any potential effects impacts, both direct and indirect. On this basis it is considered that there is no requirement to coordinate procedures between the EIA and the Habitat and Birds Directives.

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2. PROJECT

2.1 The Proposed Scheme

2.1.1 The proposed Scheme will comprise 3.35km of single and dual carriageway road extending from the A49 at (OSNGR) 359490E 394670N to Junction 22 on the M6 motorway at around OSNGR 361350N 393900N.

2.1.2 The proposal and planning red line boundary is shown in Figure 2.1.The red line boundary shown above takes account of the proposed engineering and construction requirements as they are currently understood but does not include for all mitigation measures such as landscape planting. The red line boundary will be agreed before planning submission to include for any required mitigation measures.

2.1.3 The proposed Scheme comprises the following:

 1.4km of new single carriageway road extending eastwards from the A49 to the A573 Parkside Road;  1.3km of new single carriageway road east of the M6 linking the A573 Parkside Road to a new roundabout on the A579 Winwick Lane;  400m of new dual carriageway road extending westwards from the new roundabout to the M6 motorway at Junction 22;  250m of new single carriageway road extending eastwards from the new roundabout to tie in with the existing A579 Winwick Lane;  Reconfiguration of access to the properties on the south side of the A579 Winwick Road; and  Associated improvements to the slip roads at Junction 22.

2.1.4 From the A49 to the A579 Winwick Lane the proposed Scheme is single carriageway with a design speed of 40 miles per hour (mph). The section linking to the M6 motorway will be dual carriageway.

2.1.5 From the A49 eastwards to the A573 Parkside Road the proposed Scheme lies initially through the former Parkside Colliery for around 1km. This area of land is currently undeveloped following the closure of the colliery in 1993. The initial 750 metres lies across largely level land associated with the former colliery before passing into a cutting through a large mound of material, understood to have arisen from the development and working of the colliery. This section of the Scheme will be provided with junctions to access the proposed Parkside Development.

2.1.6 The junction with the A49 will be designed to accommodate all movements including Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) access from the northern and southern arms of the A49. There will be a new three arm signalised junction in broadly the same location as the existing access that served the former Parkside colliery. To cater for the signals and for right turning vehicles there will be a new dedicated left turn on the northern approach to the junction, there will also be a right turn ghost island south of the entrance to the proposed Scheme. New pedestrian refuge islands and crossing facilities will be provided north of the junction with the A49 and across the access. Minor widening of the A49 will be required to accommodate these changes.

2.1.7 From the former Parkside Colliery the proposed Scheme follows rising ground to the A573 Parkside Road where there will be a junction. From this point the proposed Scheme follows the existing A573 Parkside Road to cross the M6 motorway on an existing overbridge. The overbridge is understood to be capable of carrying the anticipated traffic loads associated with the proposed developments but would not be able to accommodate abnormal loads. Improvements to the overbridge are not proposed but the opportunity will be undertaken to carry out any necessary maintenance as part of the scheme. From the overbridge the Scheme drops

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northwards and diverges from the existing route of the A573 Parkside Road to a new roundabout, this involves a new section of road to link the bridge with the proposed roundabout. The total length of this section is 430m of which 250m is new construction.

2.1.8 From this roundabout the proposed Scheme extends southwards across relatively level land for 810m to the A579 Winwick Lane where there will be a further roundabout. It also extends northwards by 260m to tie in with the existing A573 Parkside Road.

2.1.9 To the point at which the Scheme meets the A579 Winwick Road it is single carriageway with turning lanes where required. However, from the roundabout on the A579 Winwick Road the road will be dual carriageway extending westwards for 300m to Junction 22 of the M6. In addition, in this section of the Scheme, there will be a 125m section of single lane carriageway to tie the roundabout into the existing A579 Winwick Lane, reconfiguration of the accesses to the properties on the south side of the A579 Winwick Lane and improvements to the existing accesses existing Junction 22 slip roads to provide more direct access to the motorway.

2.1.10 The Scheme does not cross any substantial watercourses though it does cross a small drain at the eastern boundary of the former Parkside Colliery site. This drain flows to the south and is thought to join a small watercourse, variously known as Hermitage Green Brook and Oswalds Brook, which is located 270m south of the proposed Scheme, this is the closest watercourse. This Brook flows westwards to converge with Newton Brook which in turn flows into Sankey Brook and ultimately the River Mersey. To the south of the proposed Scheme, east of the M6, the closest watercourse is a small unnamed brook immediately south of the A579 Winwick Lane close to Barrow Lane which flows south to join Cockshot Brook. At its closest point, the River Mersey lies around 5km south of the proposed Scheme.

2.1.11 Within the proposed Parkside Development the Scheme will be provided with a grass verge and shared cycle/pedestrian route. It is anticipated that there will be a footway/cycle way on the northern side of the Scheme with sections on the southern side to suit access requirements. There will also be a surface water drainage system with attenuation ponds. Outside of the proposed development area the road will be provided with shared cycle/pedestrian routes on both sides and surface water drainage swales.

2.1.12 It is anticipated that run off from the proposed road will be limited to greenfield run off rates plus climate change. To the west of the M6 motorway it is anticipated that the Scheme will be drained to Hermitage Green Brook/Oswalds Brook, any necessary attenuation to achieve the defined run off rates will be provided. East of the M6 motorway it is anticipated that the road will be drained to either Cockshot Brook or soakaways, subject to confirming that the ground is suitable for this purpose.

2.1.13 Exact requirements in terms of lighting have yet to be finalised but it is anticipated that the whole of the Scheme will be lit.

2.1.14 It is proposed to demolish the buildings at Rough Farm to allow for the construction of the dual carriageway section of road to the M6 motorway.

2.2 Programme

2.2.1 It is proposed that a planning application will be made to SHMBC and WBC in late 2017 with construction planned for Spring 2018. The scheme is currently scheduled for opening in 2020.

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3. ALTERNATIVES

3.1.1 A number of options have been considered by SHMBC in deriving the proposed Scheme. These have comprised alternative locations for the Scheme and will be discussed in more detail within the ES. An outline of the main alternatives studied as part of the developing the scheme will be included in the ES, this will include consideration of SHMBC and WBC local planning policies and the requirements of Highways England on the basis of:

 Do Nothing - assuming that the proposed Parkside Development and SRFI do not come forward for development;  Do Nothing - assuming that the proposed Parkside Development and the SRFI are developed but the Link Road is not constructed; and  Alternative routes - taking account of the proposed Parkside Development and the SRFI.

3.1.2 The ES will discuss the scheme evolution, the alternatives considered and the environmental effects associated with each option taken into account in developing the proposed Scheme.

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4. CONSULTATIONS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

4.1.1 It is proposed to undertake both formal and informal consultation with statutory and non- statutory consultees as part of the EIA process. Informal consultation has already been undertaken with several consultees and stakeholders to inform the project.

4.1.2 This Scoping Report will be submitted to SHMBC to request a formal Scoping Opinion in accordance with the EIA Regulations. In addition it will also be submitted to WBC to request a further Scoping Opinion as the project also passes through land within their administration. The EIA will be based on the combined consultation responses from both organisations.

4.1.3 Consultation has been held with the following organisations and individuals as part of developing this Scoping Report:

 WBC regarding the overall proposals for the scheme;  SHMBC landscape officer regarding the landscape assessment, including a site visit to review potential viewpoints;  Merseyside Environmental Assessment Service (MEAS) regarding the ecological assessment;  SHMBC contaminated land officer regarding the assessment for geology and soils; and  SHMBC and WBC scientific officers regarding the air quality assessment.

4.1.4 Statutory consultees that will be formally consulted as part of the process will include:

 SHMBC (and various offices and departments);  WBC (and various offices and departments);  WMC (and various offices and departments);  Development Control Archaeologists for Merseyside and Cheshire;  Natural England;  Environment Agency; and  Historic England.

4.1.5 As part pf assessing whether a formal Health Impact assessment is required consultation will be held with relevant organisations including, but not necessarily limited to:

 SHMBC Director of Public Health;  St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust;  Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust;  St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group; and  St Helens Health and Wellbeing Board.

4.1.6 A series of public information exhibitions are planned for the project and will be undertaken by SHMBC as part of the planning process.

4.1.7 The public information exhibitions provided a forum for the public to comment on the draft proposals. A website will also be set up to allow the public and other interested parties to record their views on the scheme.

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5. AIR QUALITY

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 The assessment of air quality and climate will follow the guidance set out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11, Section 3, Part 1 (HA 207/07) as well as Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance Note TG(16)4 and subsequent advice notes.

5.2 Study Area

5.2.1 For local air quality impacts, DMRB (HA207/07) provides the following guideline criteria for defining roads affected by a scheme:

 A change in road alignment of ≥ 5m; or  Change in daily traffic flows of ≥ 1000 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT); or  Change in Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) flows of ≥ 200 AADT; or  Change in daily average speed of ≥ 10 km/hr; or  Change in peak hour speed of ≥ 20 km/hr.

5.2.2 The study area is proposed to be limited to the proposed Scheme corridor itself as well as the surrounding roads that interact with the scheme, such as A579 Winwick Road, A573 Parkside Road, and Winwick Lane. The Newton-Le-Willows and Winwick localities also have the potential to be affected by the proposal, along with any Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in this area.

5.3 Existing Baseline Knowledge

Local Air Quality Management (LAQM)

5.3.1 SHMBC has declared four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) within the borough. Two AQMAs could potentially be affected by the proposed Scheme:

 Along the M6, covering its entire length through the Borough; and  High St, Newton located along the High Street in Newton Le Willows (A49) between the junctions of Ashton Road and Church Street.

5.3.2 WBC has three AQMAs within the borough. Two AQMAs could be affected by the proposed scheme:

 50m continuous strip on both sides of the M6, M62 and M56 motorway corridors; and  Wider town centre Warrington AQMA which covers the major trunk roads in Warrington, including Winwick Road, south of the M62.

5.3.3 WMC has one declared AQMA within its borough which is part of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority AQMA. Small areas along the A580 within this AQMA may be affected by the proposals.

5.3.4 All AQMAs detailed above have been designated due to exceedances of the NO2 annual mean National Air Quality Objective Level (NAQOL).

4 DEFRA. Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance, LAQM TG (16) (2016)

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Local Authority Monitoring

5.3.5 SHMBC and WBC have diffusion tube sites and automatic monitoring sites in the vicinity of the proposed Scheme. It is proposed that the sites in Table 5.1 will be used to inform the assessment.

Pollutant X OS Y OS Local Site Site Name Site Type Grid Grid Authority ID Ref Ref

NO and AN1 Linkway Roadside 2 350815 395260 PM10

AN2 Southworth Road Motorway NO2 360045 395643

AN3 High Street Roadside NO2 358975 395804

T1 170 Southworth Road Motorway NO2 360109 395661

T6 Parkside Suburban NO2 359530 394660

St Helens T7 160 Southworth Road Motorway NO2 360055 395638

T8 157 High Street Roadside NO2 358774 395880

T9 3 Waterworks Cottages Motorway/ Railway NO2 359915 395639

T10 160 Southworth Road Motorway NO2 360055 395638

T15 2 Parkside Cottages Motorway NO2 358220 397077

T23 19 High Street Roadside NO2 359147 395705

T31 160 Southworth Road Motorway NO2 360055 395638

DT1 WA08 Risley Moss Rural background NO2 366949 392004

DT6 WA111 M6 Manchester Road Roadside NO2 366102 389214

DT43 WA95 Winwick Road 1 Roadside NO2 360598 389820

DT44 WA96 Winwick Road 2 Roadside NO 360484 390416 Warrington 2

DT45 WA112 Winwick Road 3 Roadside NO2 360434 390968

DT46 WA97 Long Lane Roadside NO2 360647 390362

WA113 Harvey Court Sandy NO DT47 Roadside 2 360564 391127 Lane West

Table 5.1: Local Authority Monitoring Sites

5.3.6 The latest air quality reports published by SHMBC5 and WBC6 will also be utilised to inform the assessment.

5.3.7 Consultation has been held with the officers in SHMBC and WBC regarding the need for further baseline data collection for air quality. SHMBC have noted that no further monitoring is considered necessary but WBC has recommended that consideration be given to further monitoring in Winwick.

5.4 Value of Environmental Receptors and Resources

5.4.1 UK Air Quality Regulations make clear that any exceedances of the air quality objectives set for the protection of health should be assessed at locations which are situated outside buildings where members of the public are regularly present.

5 St Helens Council. LAQM Air Quality Annual Status Report 2016 (August 2016) 6 Warrington Borough Council. 2015 Updating and Screening Assessment for Warrington Borough Council (December 2015)

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5.4.2 Furthermore, LAQM technical guidance TG(16) states that the assessment of air quality should focus on locations where members of the public are likely to be exposed for a period of time appropriate to the averaging period of the objective. For example, air quality objectives with an annual mean averaging period apply at facades of residential properties, schools, hospitals, care homes. Hourly objectives apply where members of the public might reasonably be expected to spend one hour or more, for example, on busy shopping streets.

5.4.3 Residential properties within 200m of the proposed Scheme, the closest of which are A49 Mill Lane, Winwick Road, A573 Parkside Road, Barrow Lane, and A579 Winwick Lane are considered to be highly sensitive receptors. Other receptors include residential properties, health care facilities and schools adjacent to roads where significant changes in traffic are predicted.

5.4.4 Highfield Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located approximately 620m north east of the proposed Scheme. No roads which may have a change in traffic flow due to the proposed Scheme are within 200m of this designated site and therefore air quality impacts affecting this site can be scoped out in line with DMRB guidance.

5.4.5 Manchester Mosses SPA / SSSI are located approximately 5.5km south east. No roads which may have a change in traffic flow due to the proposed Scheme are within 200m of this designated site and therefore air quality impacts affecting this site can be scoped out in line with DMRB guidance.

5.5 Potential Effects

5.5.1 The proposed scheme has the potential to affect local air quality during both its construction and operational phases as a result of:

 Temporary dust and particulate matter emissions from construction activities, as well as emissions from construction vehicles; and  Emissions from vehicles due to changes in flows and speeds due to the operation of the proposed scheme, on both the scheme itself and on the local road network.

5.5.2 Reasonably foreseeable effects associated with the risks of major accidents and/or disasters relevant to air quality relate to road traffic accidents on either the proposed Scheme or the surrounding road network (in particular the M6 motorway) where vehicle fires could adversely affect air quality.

5.6 Proposed Methodology Including Significance Criteria

5.6.1 Following the guidance of the DMRB and taking into account the above screening predictions which show a low risk of exceedance of the air quality objectives for the protection of human health, it is considered that a Simple Level assessment is considered appropriate for the assessment of air quality impacts. The prediction of baseline and future air quality will, however, be undertaken using detailed dispersion modelling to allow the most recent vehicle emissions database to be utilised (Defra’s Emissions Factor Toolkit, v7).

5.6.2 The scope of the assessment will cover:

 Baseline air quality assessment;  Local air quality impacts on human health during operation;  Construction impacts; and  The risk of major accidents and/or disasters.

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5.6.3 The geographic scope of the assessment will be determined using the appropriate DMRB criteria and the most recent traffic data available, but is considered unlikely to extend beyond that described above.

5.6.4 Given the scale of the current estimates of traffic changes, regional air quality is scoped out of the assessment.

5.6.5 The methodology used to assess the impacts on Local Air Quality as a result of the proposed Scheme will follow current ‘best practice’ DMRB guidance as specified in Section 5.1.

5.6.6 For local air quality, pollutant concentrations at specific worst and typical case receptors will be modelled. The air quality baseline data and potential scheme impacts will be assessed in relation to the objectives for ambient air quality set out in the UK’s Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and EU Air Quality Directives. Pollutant concentrations in the 50m bands will be used to assess the overall change in the population’s exposure to pollution, as required by DMRB and webTAG.

5.6.7 Construction impacts, including construction vehicle traffic impacts, will be assessed qualitatively using the guidance produced by Institute for Air Quality Management (IAQM, 2016). The assessment will take into account the nature of construction activities, the proximity of receptors to these activities and their duration. Where appropriate, mitigation measures will be proposed. It is not considered necessary at this stage to undertake any quantitative assessment of traffic impacts during construction. This requirement will be kept under review throughout the next stage as more traffic data becomes available.

5.6.8 Operational impacts will be assessed quantitatively using the ADMS- Roads air quality dispersion model utilising tools available on Defra’s website7. The dispersion model outputs will require verification against pollutant concentrations monitored by the nearby Local Authorities.

5.6.9 The impacts of major accidents and/or disasters will be considered qualitatively and there will not be a quantitative assessment. Where appropriate mitigation measures will be considered.

5.6.10 In line with DMRB guidance, significance criteria are not applied to DMRB air quality assessments. It is left to the judgement of the air quality specialists to determine and justify the significance of the predicted impacts. For this assessment, the significance of the impacts will be assessed in relation to potential exceedance of the air quality objectives and the changes in overall exposure to pollution and guidance provided by Environmental Protection UK (EPUK) and the IAQM.

5.6.11 The assessment will examine the potential impacts of the operation of the scheme, focussing on the effects of changes in vehicle emissions on local roads. The dispersion modelling will be limited to the main pollutants of concern from vehicular emissions and brake wear and tear,

namely nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10).

5.6.12 Any required mitigation measures during operation will be identified and their impacts quantified.

5.6.13 A cumulative assessment of air quality impacts will consider cumulative impacts from other committed schemes through the inclusion of these schemes in the future year traffic models.

7 https://laqm.defra.gov.uk/review-and-assessment/tools/background-maps.html#NOXNO2calc

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5.6.14 The assessment of operational impacts will consider impacts during the opening year of the scheme and the design year. In both cases, the modelling will compare future air quality in a ‘Do Minimum’ scenario with the ‘Do Scheme’ scenario.

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6. CULTURAL HERITAGE

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 This aim of this section of the Scoping Report is to provide a preliminary description of the baseline historic environment of the proposed Scheme and adjacent areas that may be effected by the Scheme. It describes the proposed method of assessment for identifying likely significant environmental effects. The results of the assessment will be presented in the ES.

6.1.2 The historic environment includes all physical remains of past human activity (whether visible, buried or submerged, landscaped or planted or managed flora). Those aspects of the historic environment that hold value to this and future generations because of their historic, archaeological, architectural or artistic interest are called ‘heritage assets’. Some heritage assets are designated; these include World Heritage Sites, Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, Registered Parks and Gardens, Registered Battlefields, and Conservation Areas.

6.1.3 Effects on the historic environment and cultural heritage to be assessed include direct effects, and any indirect and cumulative effects. These effects could be permanent or temporary (short term, medium term or long term); beneficial or adverse; the assessment of effects will identify which is the case. The ES chapter will build upon the information described here. Where appropriate, mitigation measures proposed to reduce or remove any likely significant effects will be described and the likely residual impact will be assessed.

6.1.4 The statutory legislation most relevant to the Cultural Heritage ES chapter comprise:

 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act, 1979: It is a criminal offence to carry out any works on or adjacent to a Scheduled Monument without Scheduled Monument Consent. This Act makes no reference to the setting of Scheduled Monuments.

 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act, 1990: In considering whether to grant planning permission for development which affects a listed building or its setting, the decision maker shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting (Section 66). Special attention shall be paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of a conservation area (Section 72).

6.1.5 The NPPF includes, as one of its core planning principles, the need to “conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life to this and future generations” (Paragraph 17). Chapter 12 of the NPPF provides policy provisions for conserving and enhancing the historic environment. Policies relevant to this chapter are summarised below:

 Paragraph 128 of the NPPF directs that local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance.

 Paragraph 132 of the NPPF notes that the significance of a heritage asset can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the heritage asset, or development within its setting.

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 Paragraph 133 of the NPPF describes how applications that would lead to substantial harm to or total loss of significance of a designated heritage asset should be refused unless it can be demonstrated that the harm is necessary to achieve substantial public benefit. Paragraph 134 of the NPPF directs that less than substantial harm should also be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal.

 The glossary to the NPPF describes a heritage asset as “A building monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. Heritage asset includes designated heritage assets (a world heritage site, scheduled monument, listed building, protected wreck site, registered park and garden, registered battlefield, or conservation area) and assets identified by the local planning authority (including local listing)”.

 The glossary describes significance in relation to heritage policy as “The value of a heritage asset to this and future generations because of its heritage interest. That interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic. Significance derives not only from a heritage asset’s physical presence, but also from its setting”.

 The glossary describes the setting of a heritage asset as “the surroundings in which a heritage asset is experienced. Its extent is not fixed and may change as the asset and its surroundings evolve. Elements of a setting may make a positive or negative contribution to the significance of the asset, may affect the ability to appreciate that significance or may be neutral”.

6.1.6 Guidance notes and standards relevant to the historic environment that will be consulted in the production of the ES chapter comprise:

 Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), Volume 11, Section 3, Part 2 HA208/07 (2007);  Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Code of Conduct and Standard and Guidance documents;  English Heritage (2008), Conservation Principles; Policy and Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment;  Planning Practice Guidance on Conserving and enhancing the historic environment; and  Historic Environment Good Practice Planning Advice Notes 2 and 3 (Historic England, 2015).

6.2 Study Area

6.2.1 For the purposes of assessing the effects of the Scheme on known and potential historic environment assets information from two study areas will be assessed. The study areas are considered to be sufficient to determine the potential for direct effects on known heritage assets, effects on previously unidentified heritage assets, and effects on the heritage significance of assets resulting from development within their setting.

6.2.2 The assessment of the effects on the settings of designated heritage assets will utilise a 1km study area, the assessment of significance and impact on non-designated heritage assets will focus on a 500m corridor either side of the proposed Scheme.

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6.3 Existing Baseline Knowledge

6.3.1 Baseline conditions have been established using data from:

 The heritage list for England maintained by Historic England was consulted for designated heritage asset data;  Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment Parkside SRFI, Oxford Archaeology North, August 2004;  Online sources; Old-Maps, Heritage Gateway and MAGIC8 Map;  SHMBC and WBC websites for data on Conservation Areas and local listings; and  Aerial images from Google Earth.

6.3.2 The preliminary heritage assessment was undertaken by a full member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and in accordance with the CIfA Standard and Guidance for archaeological desk-based assessment (CIFA, 2017).

6.3.3 There are no world heritage sites, or registered parks and gardens within the 1km Study Area.

6.3.4 There are two scheduled monuments (SM) within the 1km Study Area, as shown in Figure 6.1:

 St Oswald’s Well (a SM and grade II listed building): The monument includes a stone well chamber supposedly on the spot where St Oswald was killed at the battle of Maserfelth. St Oswald's Well is well preserved most of the medieval fabric intact. The asset is to the west of the A573, its setting comprises the immediately surrounding agricultural land, which makes a positive contribution to the asset’s heritage significance; and Bowl Barrow west of Highfield Lane: The monument is a bowl barrow located on flat land west of Highfield Lane. It includes an oval-shaped earthen mound. Antiquarian investigation of the barrow in 1859 located fragments of funerary urns and cremated human bones. The asset is to the east of the A49, its setting comprises the immediately surrounding agricultural land, which makes a positive contribution to the asset’s heritage significance.

6.3.5 There are no grade I or grade II* listed buildings within the study area, however, the following grade II listed buildings have been noted within the 1km study area, as shown in Figure 6.1:

 Woodhead Farmhouse;  Barn to the north of Woodhead Farmhouse;  Huskisson Memorial on south side of Railway;  Barn to the east of Newton Park Farmhouse;  Newton Park Farmhouse;  Newton Viaduct, west of station;  Parish Stocks, Newton le Willows;  Church of St Peter, Newton le Willows;  Newton le Willows Station; and  Wall, Gates and Gate Piers to the front of Kenyon Hall.

6.3.6 There are a number of non-designated heritage assets within the study area, these predominantly date to the post medieval period and are of low (local) heritage significance.

8 MAGIC website www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/

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6.3.7 To the east of the M6 motorway, historic mapping indicates an area of regular post medieval enclosures, however this has since been lost and the historic landscape character is one of 20th century fields. Known assets include the extant locally listed buildings at Rough Farm and Oven Back Farm. This area has a moderate to high potential for the survival of heritage assets with archaeological interest, particularly assets of local significance dating to the post medieval period.

6.3.8 To the west of the M6 motorway, historic mapping and aerial photography confirm the extent of the former Parkside Colliery, an area that was extensively disturbed during the 20th century. The area of the former colliery has negligible potential for the survival of heritage assets with archaeological interest. Elsewhere, the study area to the west of the M6 has a moderate potential for the survival of heritage assets with archaeological interest, particularly assets of local or regional significance dating to the post medieval period, potentially including evidence associated with the Red Bank Battle Site (the reputed location of a battle of the English Civil War), and the site of a gallows. Previous archaeological field work in this area has demonstrated that a number of recorded cropmarks, potentially associated with prehistoric or medieval archaeology, are natural features.

6.3.9 There remains the potential for previously unrecorded archaeological remains to be uncovered, but there are effective mitigation measures which could be implemented if required.

6.4 Value of Environmental Receptors and Resources

6.4.1 The scheduled monuments and listed buildings referred to above are of national importance, and are therefore assets of high heritage significance. The non-designated heritage assets identified in the preliminary review of baseline conditions have regional or local heritage value, and therefore have low or moderate heritage significance. Assets that are no longer extant or have been demonstrated to have no evidential heritage value are of negligible or no heritage significance.

6.5 Potential Effects

6.5.1 The potential effects of the Scheme on the historic environment include:

 Physical effects on buried archaeology;  Physical effects on historic landscape character;  Effects on the setting of heritage assets; and  Indirect effects of noise, dust and vibration.

6.5.2 During the construction of the Scheme, there is the potential for effects on previously known and as yet unknown buried archaeology within the extent of those areas within the Scheme where excavations and / or earthworks are proposed.

6.5.3 Historic landscape effects could also occur during construction. These principally comprise loss of character through hedgerow removal.

6.5.4 During construction and operation the Scheme has the potential to adversely affect the significance of heritage assets through the introduction of modern buildings and features within the setting of a heritage asset, where setting makes a positive contribution to the significance of the asset.

6.5.5 Major accidents and/or disasters will not result in any likely significant effects in the context of cultural heritage.

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6.6 Proposed Methodology Including Significance Criteria

6.6.1 A staged assessment will be undertaken to determine the likely significance of effects of the Scheme on the historic environment. This involves establishing the historic environment baseline to determine the importance of the known assets that may be affected (for the historic environment importance has the same meaning as “heritage significance”). Once the baseline is established, the extent of the effect of the Scheme (the “magnitude of effect”) on the heritage significance is assessed. By comparing the importance of the asset and the magnitude of change the overall significance of the effect will be determined.

Establishing Baseline Conditions

6.6.2 A more detailed desk-based assessment will be undertaken; the following sources will be consulted:

 National Heritage List for up to date information regarding nationally designated heritage assets;  National Monuments Record held by English Heritage;  Historic Environment Records (HER) held by Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service and Cheshire Archaeological Advisory Planning Service;  Ordnance Survey historic mapping sequence at 1:10,560 and 1:2500 scale, supplied by Landmark Group;  Modern vertical aerial photographs;  LiDAR data;  Defence of Britain archive held by Archaeological Data Services; and  Local Planning Authorities for conservation areas and any other relevant local heritage designations.

6.6.3 A walkover survey will also be undertaken. Field notes will be taken to record the land use, condition of known heritage assets, surface evidence for any previously unrecorded heritage assets, the topography and landscape character as an indicator of potential for buried archaeology, and any health and safety or methodological constraints to further site surveys.

6.6.4 A vantage point survey will also be undertaken to determine the contribution to significance made by the setting of designated heritage assets within the 1km area of search.

6.6.5 The need for, and scope of, any additional field surveys (for example, geophysical survey or trenched evaluation) will be determined on completion of the desk-based assessment and walk- over survey, in consultation with the relevant consultation body (MEAS and Cheshire Archaeological Advisory Planning Service (CAAPS)).

6.6.6 MEAS and CAAPS will also be consulted regarding the results of the assessment and the need for (and if necessary, the scope of) any additional field surveys or recording required to mitigate effects on heritage assets with archaeological interest within the proposed Scheme.

Sensitivity of Receptor

6.6.7 Understanding the importance of the heritage assets within the historic environment baseline data includes an assessment of the heritage values of the asset, and the contribution made by setting to those values. The importance of a heritage asset is described in terms of the value of the heritage asset because of its heritage interest (architectural, archaeological, artistic or historic) and is also described in relation to the asset’s heritage values (evidential, historical, communal, and aesthetic).

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6.6.8 For designated assets (Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens and Conservation Areas), the importance will be recorded as ‘high’ or ‘very high’ as these assets meet the national criteria for designation under the relevant legislation. Listed Buildings and Registered Parks and Gardens are graded (I, II* and II) according to relative significance.

6.6.9 The relative importance of each non-designated heritage asset within the historic environment baseline will also be determined to provide a framework for comparison. These categories do not reflect a definitive level of significance or value of a heritage asset, but a provisional one based on the asset’s heritage values to provide an analytical tool that can inform later stages of assessment and the development of appropriate mitigation, where needed. The degree of survival is also taken into account in determining receptor importance. Assets where there is likely to be very limited physical evidence because they have been destroyed or extensively damaged are of low or negligible heritage significance. Determining heritage significance is a professional judgment made with reference to Conservation Principles.

Receptor Description Importance

Internationally important resources and designated heritage assets of the Very High highest significance: Grade I and II* listed buildings, Grade I and II* (International) registered parks and gardens, scheduled monuments, World Heritage Sites, registered battlefields.

Nationally important resources: Grade II Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, High Grade II Registered Parks and Gardens, some scheduled monument (National) (particularly older designations with duel designation that are also grade II listed buildings).

Regionally important resources: Non-designated heritage assets and landscape Moderate features with high or moderate evidential, historical, aesthetic and/or (Regional) communal values.

Low Locally important resources: Non-designated heritage assets and landscape (local) features with low evidential, historical, aesthetic and/or communal values.

Assets with very low or no evidential, historical, aesthetic and/ or communal Negligible values, or where remains are known to have been significantly altered or (minor) destroyed.

Table 6.1 – Criteria for determining relative heritage significance

Magnitude of Effect

6.6.10 Assessing the effect of the Scheme in relation to the historic environment and cultural heritage baseline is a professional judgement considered in relation to the following criteria. This includes “Step 3” of the assessment of effects on the setting of heritage assets (Historic England, GPA Note 3, 2015) to determine whether, and to what degree, the heritage significance of an asset may be harmed or lost where the Scheme affects its setting, as well as the magnitude of any direct physical effects to the asset.

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6.6.11 Historic England states that setting is not a heritage asset, nor a heritage designation, its importance lies in what it contributes to the significance of a heritage asset. Significance can therefore only be harmed or lost if the significance of the asset is in some way derived from that part of the setting affected by the Scheme.

6.6.12 The descriptions of magnitude of effect, provided in the following table, relate to harm to or loss of significance of the asset and not, where development only affects its setting, the degree of change within that setting. This is a professional judgement made with reference to Historic England Good Practice Advice Note 2 and Planning Practice Guidance.

Magnitude Definition

Total loss or substantial harm to key elements of the heritage interest of the asset, or features or characteristics of the baseline (pre-development) conditions High such that post development character or composition or attributes of baseline will be fundamentally changed.

Partial loss or harm to one or more important elements or features or characteristics of the baseline (pre-development) conditions such that post Moderate development character or composition or attributes of baseline will be partially changed.

Minor loss. Change arising from the loss or alteration will be discernible but Low underlying character or composition or attributes of the baseline condition will be similar to pre-development circumstances or patterns.

No loss or alteration. Change not distinguishable or does not result in loss of Negligible heritage significance.

The exact location, extent or nature of the baseline receptor is not known and Unknown therefore the magnitude of change cannot be discerned.

Table 6.2 – Criteria for Determining Magnitude of Effect

Duration of Effect

6.6.13 The assessment will consider the likely duration of the effect, based on the following timescales:

 Short term 0 to 5 years including the construction period and on completion;  Medium term 5 to 15 years including mitigation establishment; and  Long term 15 + years including long term operation of the Scheme.

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Assessing Significance of Effect

6.6.14 A professional judgement is applied in determining the overall significance of effect within the broad categories identified by the below matrix. The assessment will take into account the relative heritage significance of the asset, the contribution made by setting to that significance, and the predicted magnitude of effect on that significance that would result from the Scheme. This determines the overall significance of effect.

Importance of Receptor Magnitude Very High High Moderate Low Negligible

Moderate or High High Moderate Negligible High Low

High or Moderate or Moderate or Low or Negligible or Moderate Moderate Low Low Negligible Neutral

Moderate or Low or Negligible or Low Neutral Low Low Negligible Neutral

Low or Low or Negligible or Neutral Neutral Negligible Negligible Negligible Neutral

Table 6.3 – Criteria for Determining Significance of Effect

6.6.15 The overall significance of effect will reflect national heritage policy, which makes a distinction between substantial and less than substantial harm (NPPF, paragraphs 132 - 134). For the purpose of this assessment, high adverse effects will be considered to be equivalent to substantial harm and as significant effects in EIA terms. The judgement will be guided by Planning Practice Guidance paragraph: 017 Reference ID: 18a-017-20140306 “How to assess if there is substantial harm”.

6.6.16 Effects of moderate significance are equivalent to less than substantial harm, but are significant effects in EIA terminology. Effects of low or negligible significance are less than substantial and also are not significant in EIA terms. Effects recorded as negligible or neutral are not significant.

6.6.17 The nature of an effect can be classified as adverse, negligible (or neutral), or beneficial:

 Adverse: Classifications of significance indicate disadvantageous or negative effects to an environmental receptor;  Negligible and Neutral: Classifications of significance indicate imperceptible effects to an environmental receptor; or  Beneficial: Classifications of significance indicate advantageous or positive effects to an environmental receptor.

6.6.18 Heritage significance can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the heritage asset or development within its setting. The former relates to any direct physical harm, including total or partial loss of the asset. Where the development only affects the setting of the asset, there is no direct physical harm but loss of or change to the asset’s setting can (where setting contributes to the significance of the asset) result in a reduced ability to experience and understand the asset’s heritage significance.

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6.6.19 The results of the historic environment assessment could result in the following cross discipline interactions, each of which will be assessed and considered in the ES as necessary and appropriate:

 Construction/Operational Noise and Vibration, and Transport – indirect effects resulting from construction activities will be determined in respect of heritage assets that could be sensitive to those effects resulting from increased traffic movement, noise, dust or vibration;  Geology and Soils – Site investigation works can provide useful information regarding ground conditions that assists in predicting the likely presence or absence of as yet unknown heritage assets with archaeological interest;.  Landscape and Visual Impact – landscape planting proposals can adversely affect buried archaeology and the assessment for EIA will ensure that areas of planting that form part of the application are assessed against historic environment baseline data. Also, the visualisations prepared to assist the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) that will form part of the Landscape and Visual Impact ES chapter can be useful in assessing effects on the settings of heritage assets. Planting proposed to soften landscape and visual impacts can, in some cases, reduce predicted effects in relation to the settings of heritage assets; and  Ecology – Intrusive archaeological field surveys (if required) could result in additional potential effects on biodiversity receptors. Any intrusive archaeological works would be reviewed by an ecologist to ensure that no adverse effects would occur during the preparation of EIA.

6.6.20 An assessment of likely significant cumulative effects will be undertaken for cumulative developments identified for the proposed Scheme (refer to Section 14) that could, in combination with the Scheme, affect historic environment receptors common to both proposals. The area of search for this assessment will be the proposed Scheme and a 1km buffer.

6.7 Proposed Mitigation and Residual Effects

6.7.1 Measures will be identified to minimise, avoid or mitigate any predicted adverse effects on the historic environment. Typically, mitigation measures for effects on heritage assets with archaeological interest include making a record of the heritage significance of the asset before the significance is harmed or lost.

6.7.2 The effect of the proposed Scheme on historic environment receptors will be assessed taking account of any mitigation measures and the residual effects will be described in the ES.

6.7.3 MEAS and CAAPS will be consulted regarding the scope of the proposed mitigation measures, which will be set out in an archaeological Written Scheme of Investigation.

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6.8 Proposed Assessments to be Scoped Out

6.8.1 The method of determining which heritage assets the Scheme could affect as a result of development within the assets’ setting is an iterative one based on the stepped approach outlined in the Historic England guidance, GPA 3 The Setting of Heritage Assets (Historic England, 2015). This advocates setting out ‘what matters and why’ in terms of providing a robust yet proportionate assessment of the likely effects of development. Consequently, the study area has been scoped to include only those assets where a significant effect could arise, and assets within the 1km study area could be scoped out from a more detailed assessment for one or more of the following reasons:

 The setting of the asset does not include the Scheme; or  That aspect of the asset’s setting that includes the Scheme does not contribute to the significance of the asset; and / or  The magnitude of change from baseline conditions would not be appreciable and a neutral significance of effect is predicted.

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7. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 The purpose of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) will be to identify potentially significant landscape and visual effects that are predicted to arise from the construction and operation of the proposed Scheme. The Scheme has the potential to give rise to effects on landscape character and visual amenity. Landscape effects derive from changes in the physical landscape which may give rise to changes in its important characteristics and thus its character, and how this is experienced. Visual effects relate to the changes that arise in the composition of available views as a result of changes to the landscape, to people’s responses to the changes, and to the overall effects with respect to visual amenity.

7.1.2 The assessment will be undertaken in accordance with current best practice guidelines as set out within:

 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA) 3rd edition (Landscape Institute/Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment, 2013); and  DMRB – Interim Advice Note 135/10 Landscape and Visual Effects (2010) (IAN 135/10).

7.1.3 GLVIA emphasises the distinction between landscape effects and visual effects and the Landscape Character and Visual Amenity chapter of the ES will deal with and clearly distinguish between the assessment of landscape effects, dealing with changes to the landscape as a resource, and the assessment of visual effects, dealing with changes in views and visual amenity.

7.2 Study Area

7.2.1 The study area for direct landscape effects will be 500m either side of the centre line of the proposed Scheme with assessment of the wider landscape context within which the project may influence landscape character. The landscape character of the wider corridor will be assessed up to 2km either side of the centre line of the proposed Scheme.

7.2.2 In addition, the visual effects will be established to show the area of land from which there could be a view of the proposed Scheme, especially a view of any vertical changes in height, above ground infrastructure (e.g. bridges) and traffic using the Scheme. The extent of likely views will be established through a computer generated Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) which will also be used to inform the selection of representative viewpoints in consultation with SHMBC, and where necessary WBC and WMC.

7.3 Existing Baseline Knowledge

Policy

7.3.1 The NPPF (Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied at a local level in development plans. The following sections have been considered in the preparation of this chapter and will be applicable to the landscape and visual assessment:

 Section 7: Requiring Good Design ;  Section 9: Protecting Green Belt Land; and  Section 11: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment.

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7.3.2 A desk-based study provided a review of Local Planning Policy relevant to the landscape and visual context of the PDS and the study area. The current planning policy designation for the PDS is provided by the St Helens Local Plan Core Strategy (CS) (SHMBC, 2012), whilst a number of policies have been saved from the superseded St Helens Unitary Development Plan (UDP) (SHMBC, 2013).

Landscape Character

7.3.3 The Study Area broadly comprises an area of large scale farmland and the land formerly occupied by Parkside Colliery (including the reclaimed spoil tip) bounded by the settlement of Newton-le- Willows to the north-west, Golborne to the north east and the village of Winwick to the south. The landscape is characterised by scattered farms and residential properties in a predominantly open landscape bisected by the M6 motorway corridor which runs both at grade and in cutting.

7.3.4 The Study Area does not include any Landscape Designations but lies within the existing Green Belt for both SHMBC and WBC.

7.3.5 The landscape character of the scheme area is described in the following documents at a national and local scale:

 National Character Area Profile 56: ‘Lancashire Coal Measures’;  National Character Area Profile 60: ‘Mersey Valley’;  St Helens Landscape Character Assessment: Highfield Moss (2 AM 4);  Wigan Landscape Character Area 1.A: ‘East Lancashire Road Corridor, Lowton Heath to Lately Common’; and  Warrington BC Landscape Character Areas. Type 1: Undulating Enclosed Farmland, 1c: Winwick, Culcheth, Glazebrook and Rixton.

7.3.6 At a national level, the landscape character of the area is split between Natural England’s National Character Area 56, Lancashire Coal Measures (NCA 56) and National Character Area Profile 60: Mersey Valley (NCA 60). The key characteristics of NCA 56 are the most closely aligned to the study area and are described as:

 Fragmented landscape created by a complex pattern of mining and industrial activity intermixed with housing; this is a densely populated area with a scattered settlement pattern;  Gentle hills and valleys run from the north-west to the south-east, creating a soft but varied topography;  The area is underlain by Coal Measures, which are buried under a patchy layer of glacial deposits, subsequently affected by a long history of mineral working;  Woodland cover is limited across most of the area (covering 9 per cent), except to the north- west of Wigan. Community woodlands have been established on many post-industrial sites, and bring multiple benefits, including for public access and nature conservation;  Some large tracts and isolated pockets of agricultural land remain within the urban fabric, principally used for permanent grassland or cereal production, although horse grazing and stabling are also common;  Field patterns are predominantly medium to large and rectangular, mostly resulting from 18th-century and later change, with field boundaries defined by poorly managed hedges or post-and-wire fencing;  Landscape within the Lancashire Coal Measures is a complex mosaic of farmland, scattered urban centres, industry, active mineral sites and derelict or reclaimed workings;  The area has an increasingly recognised strong cultural and industrial heritage, associated with heavy industry and mineral extraction – particularly south of Wigan – while the majority of the pits, spoil heaps and open cast sites have now been reclaimed and landscaped; and

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 The area is significantly influenced by transport and utilities infrastructure, with motorways, major roads and rail lines criss-crossing the landscape.

7.3.7 At a local level, the site is mainly classified as SHMBC Landscape Character Type 2: Agricultural Moss in the Highfield Moss (AM4) Character Area. The key characteristics are described as:

 Flat open agricultural land with limited changes in elevation of 40-45m AOD over wide areas;  Open views to surrounding landscape (especially to the north – Billinge Hill and in the distance The Pennines) to a variety of urban, fringe and rural landscapes;  Strong horizontal composition provides foreshortening of views and can make it difficult to judge distance;  Large scale, regular field pattern is emphasised where the smaller scale historical field pattern has been amalgamated. Landscape typically lacks historical vegetated field boundaries of hedgerows and woodland belts due to the poorly drained moss;  Drainage ditches often form field boundaries, emphasising openness of landscape, interspersed with remnant lines of some hedgerow and shelterbelt field boundaries;  The dark brown and black cultivated soils of the mosses have a light texture suited to growing vegetable crops and contrast markedly with the lighter coloured soils and grassland on adjacent undulating slopes;  Undeveloped moss areas infrequently located within agricultural land – provides contrast of character with rugged texture and muted colours contrasting with uniform colour and smooth texture of arable landscape;  Open unwooded landscape character with a lack of dominant woodland blocks. Where present small blocks of woodland are set within the field pattern and can frame and enclose views;  Internal areas of the mosses are generally accessible by footpath or track which typically run along the field boundaries or along the historical straight roads; and  The area is largely uninhabited, with individual farms and small clusters of settlement located on dry sites on the edge of the moss landscape at the transition with neighbouring character types.

7.3.8 It is acknowledged that the study area includes Landscape Character Areas in both the WMC and WBC Landscape Character Assessments and a short section of the Scheme will cross the WBC LCA Type 1: Undulating Enclosed Farmland, 1c: Winwick, Culcheth, Glazebrook and Rixton.

7.3.9 The interface between these character areas will be considered as part of the baseline assessment.

Visual

7.3.10 The Study Area is visually contained by the existing built form of settlements and the presence of some intervening vegetation although this mainly comprises roadside planting and tree planting around scattered farms or residential properties. The majority of views are local across short distances and distant views are limited although the foothills of the Pennine Range are occasionally glimpsed across open farmland.

7.3.11 The visual receptors for the LVIA will be determined through a combination of site surveys and a computer generated ZTV.

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7.3.12 Sensitive visual receptors are broadly expected to comprise the following:

 All residential dwellings within 500m of the centre line of the road;  Residential dwellings in settlements within 2km of the centre line of the road including Newton-le-Willows, Lowton, Winwick and Golborne where potential views have been verified through site survey;  Scattered farmsteads within the Study Area with open views across farmland;  The Public Right of Way (PRoW) network; and  Road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, on existing local roads within the Study Area.

7.3.13 A site familiarisation visit was undertaken on 10th April 2017, with the Landscape Officer from SHMBC. The weather was fine and dry and a series of preliminary key viewpoints were identified as potential locations for photomontages to inform the Visual Impact Assessment. The key viewpoints that were identified comprise:

Description Representing 1 View north from Hermitage Green Lane. Local road, scattered residential properties, PRoW. 2 View west from the A573 Parkside Road Local road users – car users, pedestrians, cyclists. overbridge. 3 View east from the A573 Parkside Road Local road users – car users, pedestrians, cyclists. overbridge. 4 View from the A573 Parkside Road Local road users – car users, cyclists, pedestrians between the M6 motorway and Parkside including users of nearby PRoW. Farm9. 5 View from the A579 Winwick Lane at Oven Local road users, scattered residential properties, Back Farm. PRoW. 6 Distant view to be determined from a Distant views across the existing post-industrial computer generated ZTV. landscape..

Table 7.1 – Key Viewpoints

7.4 Value of Environmental Receptors and Resources

7.4.1 An evaluation of Landscape sensitivity was carried out for SHMBC in 2006 as part of the Landscape Character Assessment. The evaluation classified the landscape as having low (to medium) sensitivity on the basis that disturbance from the former Parkside colliery site and features such as the M6, pylons and railways significantly detracted from, and fragmented, the rural character.

7.4.2 This assessment of sensitivity has been superseded by the guidance contained in GLVIA and IAN135/10 and an assessment of the landscape value of the study area will be carried out as part of the LVIA baseline. The assessment of value will be used to judge the landscape resource’s sensitivity to change as part of the LVIA for the Scheme.

7.4.3 Visual receptors are expected to range from high to low sensitivity with the highest sensitivity being attributed to the PRoW network and residential properties.

9 Although Parkside Farm is marked on Ordnance Survey maps for the area of the proposed Scheme it is understood that this is now a series of residential properties and no longer a farm.

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7.5 Potential Effects

7.5.1 There is the potential for some degree of adverse effect on landscape character and visual amenity as a result of the construction of the proposed Scheme.

7.5.2 Potential effects reported will include construction and operation periods and will identify effects at year of opening and after fifteen years.

7.5.3 The nature and scale of the proposed Scheme may have effects on land cover, landscape / townscape character, landscape / townscape quality and views. In order to determine whether these effects are likely to be significant and should therefore be included within the LVIA scope, these elements have been examined further:

 Land cover - the proposed scheme will result in a substantial change in land cover, the removal of farmland and creation of a new pattern of land cover and land use through the construction and post-construction phases;  Landscape and townscape character – the proposed Scheme will be of a different character and the LVIA will need to consider the nature of changes in the character of the study area, both in the context of the site and its immediate surroundings, and the wider landscape and townscape character;  Landscape and townscape quality - as is the case for landscape / townscape character, the proposed Scheme has the potential to affect the quality of the landscape on and in the vicinity of the proposed Scheme through the removal of landscape features and the introduction of new elements; and  Sensitive views – when compared to the prevailing baseline, the proposed scheme will change the views of the Scheme corridor from some locations. The extent of change, and its significance on sensitive receptors will be assessed within the ES Chapter.

7.5.4 Major accidents and/or disasters will not result in any likely significant effects in the context of landscape and visual impacts.

7.5.5 The summary of the potential significant landscape and visual effects of the Scheme proposals is provided in the table below:

Likely to be Envisaged Receptor importance significant and Effect magnitude of / sensitivity included in the change EIA scope

Changes in land cover Low/Medium/High Moderate- High Yes - included

Changes in landscape Low/Medium/High Moderate Yes - included features

Changes to landscape Low/Medium Moderate - High Yes - included character

Changes in landscape Low/Medium/High Moderate Yes - included and townscape quality

Changes in sensitive Ranging from Low/Medium/High Yes - included views Negligible - High

Table 7.2 – Summary of Potential Effects of Scheme Proposals

7.5.6 The predicted effects of road lighting on the landscape and views will be assessed as part of the LVIA subject to consultation with SHMBC and WBC.

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7.6 Proposed Methodology Including Significance Criteria

7.6.1 The methodology to be used for the assessment will be based on guidance set out in IAN 135/10 Landscape and Visual Effects Assessment, which is applicable to the reporting of environmental assessment of highways and replaces DMRB Volume 11 Section 3 Part 5. General guidance will be taken from GLVIA and the assessment will be undertaken by Chartered Members of the Landscape Institute.

7.6.2 The methodology ensures that a comprehensive description and evaluation of the baseline landscape character and visual amenity is available for the assessment process. It considers effects in relation to:

 Landscape character and resources, including effects on the aesthetic values of the landscape caused by changes in the elements, characteristics, character and qualities of the landscape;  Designated landscapes, historic gardens and designed landscapes, and recreational interests; and  Visual amenity - including effects upon potential viewers and viewing groups caused by changes in the appearance of the landscape as a result of the Scheme.

7.6.3 Landscape characteristics are considered to be of importance in their own right and are valued for their intrinsic qualities irrespective of whether they are seen by people. Impacts on visual amenity are effects as perceived by people and are therefore clearly distinguished from, although closely linked to, impacts on landscape character and resources. Landscape and visual assessments are therefore separate, linked processes.

7.6.4 The sensitivity of the landscape to accommodate change will be considered and whether mitigation would address any of the potential negative effects arising from the proposed Scheme. Analysis of the visible physical landscape (e.g. landform, vegetation etc.) and visible spatial components (e.g. scale, key views) at the baseline stage of the LVIA will help identify broad site constraints and opportunities to be developed within the Scheme.

7.6.5 Recommendations for landscape mitigation to prevent or reduce predicted significant adverse impacts and enhancements will help to refine the design. The assessment will identify any significant residual effects, i.e. those effects which cannot practicably be further reduced through mitigation.

7.6.6 IAN 135/10 provides a methodology for the consideration of significance of identified effects in accordance with the principles set out in DMRB Volume 11, Section 2. Potential impacts will be identified and the magnitude of these assessed. Evaluation of the significance of the landscape and visual effects of the project will be deduced from assessing the sensitivity of the landscape and visual receptors against the magnitude of impact, taking into account mitigation.

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7.6.7 The magnitude of impact (which could be either adverse or beneficial) will be estimated on the basis of expert professional judgement. In assessing the magnitude of any landscape impact due regard is given to the scale, nature and duration of the impact. Indicative criteria for guidance are given in Table 7.3 below.

Magnitude of Impact Definition Major Total loss or major change to key element of the landscape resource to the extent that there is a fundamental change to landscape character. A permanent or long term impact. i.e. introduction of elements considered to be totally uncharacteristic when set within the attributes of the receiving landscape. Moderate Partial loss or change to key elements, features or characteristics of the landscape resource to the extent that there is a partial change to landscape character. A long term impact that can be partially mitigated to reduce the impact i.e. introduction of elements that may be prominent but may not necessarily be considered to be substantially uncharacteristic when set within the attributes of the receiving landscape. Minor Minor loss or change to key elements, features or characteristics of the landscape resource to the extent that there may be some slight perception of change to landscape character. Short term effect that in part can be reversed through appropriate mitigation. Negligible Very minor loss or change to elements, features or characteristics of the landscape resource and there would be no fundamental change to landscape character. A short term reversible impact. No Change No noticeable loss, damage or alteration to character or features or elements.

Table 7.3 – Magnitude of Landscape Impacts

7.6.8 Typical descriptors of landscape sensitivity are given in Table 7.4.

Sensitivity Category Typical Descriptors of Sensitivity High Of high quality with distinctive elements and features making a positive contribution to character and sense of place. Likely to be designated. Areas of special recognised value through use, perception or historic and cultural associations. Likely to contain features and elements that are rare and could not be replaced. Low capacity to accommodate change. Moderate Comprised of common place element and features creating generally unremarkable charter but with some sense of place. Locally designated or their value may be expressed through non statutory local publications. Containing some features of value through use, perception or historic and cultural associations. Likely to contain some features and elements that could not be replaced. Medium capacity to accommodate change. Low Comprised of some features and elements that are discordant or in decline, resulting in indistinct character with little or no sense of place. Not designated. Likely to contain few if any features and elements that could not be replaced. High capacity to accommodate change.

Table 7.4 – Typical Descriptors of Landscape Sensitivity

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7.6.9 Typical descriptors of the significance of effect are given in Table 7.5.

Significance Category Typical Descriptors of Effect Large Adverse The project would:  Be at considerable variance with the character (including quality and value) of the landscape;  Degrade or diminish the integrity of a range of characteristic features and elements; and  Damage a sense of place. Moderate Adverse The project would:  Conflict with the character (including quality and value) of the landscape;  Have an adverse impact on characteristic features and elements; and  Diminish a sense of place. Slight Adverse The project would:  Not fit the character (including quality and value) of the landscape;  Be at variance with characteristic features and elements; and  Detract from a sense of place. Neutral The project would:  Maintain the character (including quality and value) of the landscape;  Blend with characteristic features and elements; and  Enable a sense of place to be retained. Slight Beneficial The project would:  Compliment the character (including quality and value) of the landscape;  Maintain or enhance characteristic features and elements; and  Enable some sense of place to be restored. Moderate Beneficial The project would:  Improve the character (including quality and value) of the landscape;  Enable the restoration of characteristic features and elements partially lost or diminished as a result of changes from inappropriate management or development; and  Enable a sense of place to be restored. Large Beneficial The project would:  Enhance the character (including quality and value) of the landscape;  Enable the restoration of characteristic features and elements lost as a result of changes from inappropriate management or development; and  Enable a sense of place to be restored.

Table 7.5 – Typical Descriptors of Significance of Effects

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7.6.10 The sensitivity of visual receptors is categorised on a three point scale ranging between high, medium and low as set out in Table 7.6.

Sensitivity Receptors High Viewers with proprietary/high interest in their everyday visual environment and/or with prolonged and regular viewing opportunities. Such receptors would include:  Residential properties;  Users of PRoW or other recreational trails e.g. National Trails; and  Users of outdoor recreational facilities whose attention or interest is focused on the landscape i.e. Country Parks, National Trust or other access land. Medium Viewers with moderate interest in their environment, and discontinuous and/or irregular viewing periods. Such receptors would include:  Users engaged in outdoor sport or recreation other than appreciation of the landscape (i.e., hunting, shooting, golf, water-based activities);  Outdoor workers; and  Schools and other institutional buildings, and their outdoor areas. Low Viewers with a passing interest in their surroundings and momentary viewing periods. Such receptors include:  Drivers/travellers and/or passengers of moving vehicles including trains and  People at their place of work, including agricultural workers, road users or those already impacted by intrusive features.

Table 7.6 – Sensitivity of Visual Receptors

7.6.11 The scale by which magnitude of the visual impacts is judged is set out in Table 7.7.

Magnitude of Impact Definition Major The project, or a part of it, would become the dominant feature or focal point of the view. Moderate The project, or a part of it, would form a noticeable feature or element of the view which is readily apparent to the receptor.. Minor The project, or a part of it, would be perceptible but not alter the overall balance of features and elements that comprise the existing view. Negligible Only a small part of the project would be discernible, or it is at such a distance that it would form a barely noticeable feature or element of the view. No Change No part of the project, or work or activity associated with it, is discernible.

Table 7.7 – Magnitude of Visual Impact and Typical Descriptors

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7.6.12 In summary the assessment will follow the following process:

Landscape

 Baseline; including an assessment of the value of the landscape, both of character areas and features and elements;  Assess sensitivity of landscape with reference to its capacity to accommodate change arising from the project;  Assess magnitude of impacts on landscape; features, elements and character, with reference to: scheme design, including bridges, approach roads and embankments, scale of change, nature of change;  Develop mitigation to reduce potential adverse effects;  Evaluate significance of landscape effects; and  Report residual landscape effects.

Visual

 Baseline; identification of visual receptors and their sensitivity to change which in turn will then be used to identify:- o Key viewpoints in which to carry out more detailed assessments; o Residential properties affected by the proposal; and o PROW affected by the proposal.  Consultation with the statutory bodies and key stakeholders will be carried out at this time to help identify and agree viewpoints that are most characteristics of the area;  Assess magnitude of visual impacts with reference to scheme design, including bridges, approach roads and embankments, scale of change, nature of change;  Develop mitigation to reduce potential adverse effects;  Evaluate significance of visual effects; and  Report residual visual effects for each receptor.

7.6.13 Landscape effects will be assessed by comparing the predicted effects of the scheme with the situation if the project were not to proceed (i.e. the ‘Do Minimum’), using the following scenarios:

 On a winters day during construction when mitigation will be restricted;  In the winter of the year of opening (to represent a maximum effect situation), taking account of the completed project and the traffic using it; and  In the summer of the fifteenth year after project opening, taking account of the completed project and the traffic using it.

7.6.14 Visual effects will be assessed using the following scenarios:

 During the construction period, assuming a maximum visibility or maximum perceived change situation (i.e. when construction activity is at its peak for any given view);  A winter’s day in the year that the project would open to traffic or be fully operational. This is usually a reflection of the operationally non-fully mitigated/maximum visibility scenario; and  A summer’s day in the fifteenth year after opening. This is usually a reflection of the near fully mitigated scenario under normal conditions.

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Intra-relationship of Effects

7.6.15 An assessment of the intra-relationship of effects with other topic areas will be undertaken. Topic areas likely to have relevance to Landscape and Visual Amenity will include Transport and Accessibility, Nature Conservation, People and Communities, Road Drainage and the Water Environment, and the mitigation measures arising from them including sustainable urban drainage and attenuation measures.

Inter-relationship of Effects

7.6.16 An assessment of likely significant cumulative effects will be undertaken with a list of schemes relevant to landscape and visual amenity, to be agreed in advance with the Local Planning Authority (refer to Section 14). The landscape and visual assessment will consider the potential cumulative landscape effects arising from the interaction of the proposed Scheme and other major or similar development proposals in the vicinity.

7.6.17 Cumulative effects are defined in a broad generic sense as ‘impacts that result from incremental changes caused by other past, present or reasonably foreseeable actions together with the project’ (Hyder, 1997:710). Paragraph 7.3 of GLVIA considers the definition of cumulative effects as addressed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH11) which is now widely used. This defines:

 Cumulative effects as ‘the additional changes caused by a proposed development in conjunction with other similar developments or as the combined effect of a set of developments, taken together’ (SNH, 2012:4);  Cumulative landscape effects, as effects that ‘can impact on either the physical fabric or character of the landscape, or any special values attached to it’ (SNH, 2012:10); and  Cumulative visual effects as effects that can be caused by combined visibility, which ‘occurs where the observer is able to see two or more developments from one viewpoint’ and/or sequential effects which ‘occur when the observer has to move to another viewpoint to see different developments’ (SNH, 2012:11).

7.6.18 Mitigation will comprise three categories:

 Primary measures, developed through the iterative design process, which will be embedded into the Scheme design;  Standard construction and operational management practices for avoiding and reducing environmental effects; and  Secondary measures, designed to address any residual adverse effects remaining after primary measures and standard construction practices have been incorporated into the design of the Scheme.

7.6.19 Where there is potential for landscape and visual effects, these will be avoided or reduced through careful planning, siting and design of the Scheme. Where adverse effects may arise, landscaping will be incorporated in the form of structural planting and areas of landscaping in order to reduce or offset any significant adverse effects that may be anticipated as a result of the operation of the Scheme. Other mitigation measures may include the creation of false cuttings or mounding and the careful design and location of any roadside infrastructure. The structural

10 Hyder Consulting (1999) Guidelines for the assessment of Indirect and Cumulative Impacts as well as Impact Interactions, Report for EC DG XI Environment, Nuclear Safety and Civil Protection NE80328/D1/3, Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities. 11 Scottish Natural Heritage (2012) Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Development.

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planting will be designed to broadly mitigate for any adverse local views and also to enhance the local landscape character. Proposed mitigation measures will be designed to ensure that they do not have adverse consequences for other topic areas, such as ecology, and the intra-relationship of effects will be considered.

7.6.20 The Landscape and Visual Assessment will consider the effect of proposed mitigation on completion and after 15 years in order to assess the likely residual effects of the Proposed Scheme.

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8. NATURE CONSERVATION

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1 This Chapter describes the scope and methodology adopted for the assessment of impacts and effects on ecological features. It describes the existing ecological baseline of the proposed Scheme and its relevant surrounding area. It additionally summarises the potential ecological impacts that could arise as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed site and/or summarises additional survey work required to enable potential impacts to be identified. The assessment methodology proposed to be undertaken is also described.

8.1.2 The assessment will follow the guidance in DMRB Volume 11, Section 3, Part 4 Ecology and Nature Conservation and IAN 130/10 Ecology and Nature Conservation: Criteria for Impact Assessment and subsequent advice notes. The guidance provided in the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom12 will also be used in the assessment.

8.2 Study Area

8.2.1 The study area for the ecology scoping exercise was 10km for internationally designated sites and 2km for other designated sites and habitats whilst the field survey carried out for context in this assessment was limited to the route extents and a 500m buffer (although parts of the buffer in the north-west and south-east of the scheme were not accessed).

8.2.2 The study area for the Nature Conservation chapter of the EIA will be 2km from the scheme with the exception of bats for which records from 5km will be sought, and designated sites, for which 5km will be the study area.

8.3 Existing Baseline Knowledge

Designated Sites

8.3.1 There are ten statutory or non-statutory designated sites located within 2km of the Scheme area and an additional two sites outside of 2km but within 5km13. All identified sites are shown on Figures 8.1 and 8.2 at the end of this report.

Internationally and Nationally Designated Sites

8.3.2 There are two internationally designated sites within 10km of the Scheme. The closest internationally designated site to the proposed Scheme is the Manchester Mosses Special Area of Conservation (SAC). There are three separate areas designated as Manchester Mosses SAC, the closest to the Scheme being approximately 5.4km to the south east.

8.3.3 The next closest internationally designated site is at Rixton Clay Pits, which comprises two separate areas under the same SAC designation, the closest of which is approximately 7.6km to the south east of the Scheme at the closest point.

12 http://www.cieem.net/data/files/Publications/EcIA_Guidelines_Terrestrial_Freshwater_and_Coastal_Jan_2016.pdf [accessed 24/04/2017] 13 www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/MagicMap.aspx [accessed 19/4/17]

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8.3.4 The closest national statutory designated site to the Scheme is Highfield Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), located approximately 620m north of the proposed Scheme. This site is designated for mixed valley mire and unimproved acid grassland. Risley Moss SSSI (also a Local Nature Reserve (LNR)) is located approximately 5km south east of the proposed Scheme. Several other SSSI designated areas (some also designated as LNRs) are present in the wider area outside of 5km.

Locally Designated Sites

8.3.5 There are two Local Nature Reserves (LNR) within 5km of the Scheme, namely Colliers Moss Common LNR, approximately 4.4km west of the Scheme, and Pennington Flash LNR, approximately 4.6km north east of the Scheme. Several other LNR designated areas are present in the wider area outside of 5km.

8.3.6 In addition, previous studies14 carried out in the vicinity have noted the presence of six non- statutory locally designated wildlife sites located within 2km of the Scheme. Of these Gallows Croft Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and Newton Brook LWS are close to the proposed Scheme.

Habitats

8.3.7 There are no ancient woodlands in the study area, although there are two blocks of woodland shown on the Magic Map as deciduous woodland from the Priority Habitat Inventory. There are no other priority habitats mapped on the Magic website within the Study Area.

8.3.8 The Arboricultural Impact Assessment notes that there are no Tree Preservation Orders or veteran trees in the study area15.

Survey Information

8.3.9 A number of ecological surveys have been carried out to inform an ES Scoping report on the adjacent development site at the former Parkside Colliery; some of the Parkside Colliery site forms part of the proposed Scheme. These studies were carried out by Arup during 2014 and 2015 and the ES Scoping Submission was made in February 2017. The surveys consisted of the following:

 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, 2014;  Badger Report, 2014;  Bat Report, 2015;  Breeding Bird Report, 2015;  Invertebrate Report, 2015;  Amphibian Report, 2015; and  Reptile Report, 2015.

8.3.10 The bat surveys found 34 individual trees and five groups of trees within the study area had features with some potential to support roosting bats and activity during the dawn emergence and dawn re-entry surveys that were carried out was generally low with mainly common pipistrelle but also soprano pipistrelle, noctule and Mysotis sp. bats recorded. Bat activity was found to be generally low during the bat transect surveys. Overall, the bat surveys found that most of the former Parkside Colliery area was accessed by bats but in relatively low numbers.

14 Spawforths (2017) Former Parkside Colliery, Newton-le-Willows Environmental Impact Scoping Report 15 TEP Arboricultural Impact Assessment

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8.3.11 36 bird species were recorded breeding on the former Parkside Colliery site during 2015. Of these, seven were Red List species and nine were Amber List species. Of the Red or Amber listed bird species, yellowhammer, reed bunting, house sparrow, dunnock, bullfinch, starling and song thrush are also Species of Principal Importance which are subject to the provisions of Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006. A barn owl, listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 was observed over the site, but was not thought to be breeding on the site.

8.3.12 The invertebrate surveys found two species of importance on site, namely the water beetle Helochares lividus and the cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae).

8.3.13 Amphibian surveys of the site in 2004 and 2015 identified smooth newt, common frog and common toad across 12 surveyed waterbodies. No statutory protection is offered for any of these species though it should be noted that common toad is classified as a Priority Species within the former UK BAP and are now included in Section 41: Species of Principal Importance in England under the NERC Act 2006. The specially protected great crested newt (GCN) was not recorded in the surveys carried out.

8.3.14 No reptiles were identified over the course of the reptile survey programme on the former Parkside Colliery site and no badger signs were identified in this fieldwork either.

8.3.15 Planning applications were made in 2006 and 2009 for land including the Parkside Colliery, but also land east of the M6 including the proposed Scheme alignment; although survey data from these applications is out of date, they provide useful context. An additional Preliminary Ecological Appraisal survey and report was carried out in 2016 to assess impacts of proposed road junctions associated with the former Parkside Colliery development. This report made a number of recommendations for how any proposed works should be carried out.

8.3.16 In addition to the studies carried out on the adjacent former Parkside Colliery, an Extended Phase 1 habitat survey of the proposed Scheme was carried out by Carl Bailey (Ramboll, Senior Environmental Consultant MCIWEM) on the 12th and 18th April 2017. The area surveyed was based on a 500m buffer from the centreline of the proposed Scheme.

8.3.17 The Ramboll 2017 survey found that the majority of the area was dominated by arable fields which were generally intensively managed with a wheat or cereal crop, well maintained narrow field margins sometimes with hedges on the margins. There was little grassland in the survey area, with this habitat mainly at the former Parkside Colliery site; some of this habitat was noted to be succeeding to become ruderal dominated. The former colliery also had areas of scrub and woodland. Small areas of woodland and scrub were present in other parts of the area. The invasive weeds Japanese knotweed (one location) and Himalayan balsam (two locations) were noted in the survey area.

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8.3.18 Where access could be obtained ponds were inspected in the Ramboll 2017 survey to determine if their conditions had changed from those reported in the previous studies and in general the ponds were found to be in similar condition to previous reports. Several areas of ephemeral water that had previously been reported in the former colliery were not apparent in the 2017 survey.

8.3.19 In addition to presenting the results of the Phase 1 Habitat Survey, detailed Phase 2 surveys will be undertaken for protected species. The scope of further surveys has been the subject of consultation with MEAS, in particular in relation to amphibians and bats16 and it is proposed that these will comprise:

 Great crested newt;  Reptiles;  Badger;  Water Vole and Otter (where the design affects wet ditches or watercourses);  Bat Activity and Roost Potential (particularly if buildings or trees with roosting potential are affected);  Invertebrates; and  Breeding Birds and barn owl.

8.4 Potential Effects

8.4.1 The construction and operation of the proposed scheme may result in both construction and operation impacts that will require investigation in the ES. The key potential impacts that may occur are:

 Land take/habitat loss with potential related impacts on the following species due to habitat loss and disturbance:  Impacts on bats;  Impacts on birds;  Impacts on amphibians including great crested newt;  Impacts on reptiles;  Impacts on mammals;  Impacts on invertebrates;  Habitat fragmentation due to the construction of barriers to connectivity such as roads;  Increased noise/vibration and visual disturbance on local species populations;  Impacts on nationally and locally designated sites of nature conservation importance in the vicinity, particularly the nearby Highfield Moss SSSI and local sites such as Gallows Croft;  Increased light emissions potentially causing impacts on local bat and bird populations;  Pollution effects on habitats and species in the area; and  Impacts on local habitats and species populations from decreased air quality/increased dust deposition.

8.4.2 Further potential impacts and recommendations may be identified following the completion of the recommended Phase 2 ecological surveys described above as well as following the acquisition of further desk data and consultations.

8.4.3 In addition to the potential impacts envisaged above, the construction and operation of other development in the local and wider area may result in cumulative impacts which will be given consideration in the assessment once further details are available.

16 Christine Bennett MEAS pers. comm. 2nd May 2017

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8.4.4 In addition to identifying impacts of the construction and operation of the proposed scheme, opportunities for positive impacts through ecological enhancement will be sought. A number of notable species have been recorded in the wider area (and potentially on site) and any enhancement measures implemented will recognise their presence.

8.4.5 Major accidents and/or disasters have the potential to result in likely significant effects on nature conservation, for example, a major fuel or oil spillage reaching watercourse could adversely impact on aquatic ecosystems. .

8.5 Proposed Methodology Including Significance Criteria

Data Collection

8.5.1 The Environmental Statement will be informed by ecological information derived from field surveys and desk study, as well as consultation with key stakeholders.

8.5.2 A desk study will be carried out to obtain ecological records (protected, biodiversity action plan and notable species) and information on locally designated sites from the local biodiversity records centre.

8.5.3 An Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey has been carried out to classify and evaluate the habitats present on the alignment of the road and a 500m wide corridor around it with some exceptions where access could not be gained in the north-west and south-east of this area. The habitat survey will be completed, presented and used to inform the assessment and to determine whether any further habitat or species surveys should be carried out to enable the baseline ecological conditions to be established.

Identification of Valued Ecological Receptors

8.5.4 It is impractical and inappropriate for an assessment of the ecological effects of a development to consider every species and habitat that may be affected. Instead, it focuses on ‘valued ecological receptors’ (VER). VERs are species and habitats present within the zone of influence of the proposed Scheme that are of sufficiently high value that an effect upon them as a result of the proposed Scheme could be considered to be significant.

8.5.5 The value of sites, populations of species, species assemblages and habitats will be evaluated with reference to: their importance in terms of ‘biodiversity conservation’ value (which relates to the need to conserve representative areas of different habitats and the genetic diversity of species populations); and their legal status.

8.5.6 In line with section 4.1 of the CIEEM guidelines, the assessment will only consider effects on ‘Important Ecological Features’ as defined in Effects on ‘Other Ecological Receptors’ will not be considered in the assessment as effects to these receptors would not be considered to result in significant impacts (because issues material to the planning decision would not apply).

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Receptor Description

Important Ecological  Designated sites; Features  Country biodiversity list: Habitats and species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity: England and Wales;  UK BAP priority habitats and priority species*;  Local BAP priority habitats and priority species; and  Red listed, rare or legally protected species. *The UK BAP lists have been superseded by the country biodiversity lists but are still considered a useful reference source. Other Ecological Features Any habitats or species not listed in the categories above.

Table 8.1: Important/Other Ecological Features

Identification and Characterisation of Potential Impacts

8.5.7 The potential ecological impacts arising from the Scheme are identified and characterised taking into consideration the following parameters:

 Positive or negative – whether the effect will result in net loss or degradation of a VER or whether it will enhance or improve it;  Magnitude – the size or intensity of the effect measured in relevant terms, e.g. number of individuals lost or gained, area of habitat lost or created, or the degree of change to existing conditions (e.g. noise or lighting levels);  Extent – the spatial scope of the effect, for example the physical area affected or the geographical pattern of the effect;  Duration – the length of time over which the effect occurs;  Reversibility – the extent to which effects are reversible either spontaneously or through active mitigation; and  Timing and frequency – consideration of the timing of events in relation to ecological change, some effects may be of greater significance if they take place at certain times of year (e.g. breeding season). The extent to which an effect is repeated may also be of importance.

Assessment Criteria

8.5.8 The significance of effects will be assessed with reference to the ecological structure and function of the feature in question, for instance the fragility/stability of an ecosystem and it’s connectivity to other features or available resources (territory/foraging habitat) for species.

8.5.9 The assessment will only describe those characteristics relevant to the ecological effect. For example, the timing of when a habitat is destroyed may not be relevant to the assessment of the effect on that habitat. However, it may be relevant for assessing the impact to the species that occur within the habitat (e.g. roosting bats/breeding birds).

8.5.10 Table 8.2 relates the CIEEM guidelines proposed above to be used in the EcIA to the terminology of the ES; notably ‘magnitude’ in the ecology chapter will refer to the size or amount of an impact in quantitative terms (see 8.5.7).

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Magnitude of Impact Description High The proposed Scheme would cause a major change to existing environmental conditions. The impact would give weight to a judgement or undermine or support conservation objectives. Medium The proposed Scheme would cause a noticeable change to existing environmental conditions but would not give weight to a judgement or undermine or support conservation objectives. Low The proposed Scheme would cause a small change to existing environmental conditions but would not affect conservation objectives. Negligible The proposed Scheme would cause no discernible change to existing environmental conditions and would not affect conservation objectives.

Table 8.2: Relationship of Magnitude to Effect - Ecology Significance Criteria

8.5.11 A significant effect is an effect that either enhances or undermines the conservation objectives of an ecological feature or would give weight to a judgement. Conservation objectives may be specific (e.g. for a designated site), or broad (e.g. national conservation policy).

8.5.12 In accordance with CIEEM guidance, each impact will be assessed as having a significant effect or not having a significant effect upon each important ecological feature qualified with reference to the appropriate geographic scale, which may be based on the importance of the affected feature.

8.5.13 An effect on an Important Ecological Feature that affects the integrity of the resource or enhances/undermines conservation objectives will be considered significant and as such will be described as a significant effect.

8.5.14 Table 8.3 presents the significance ‘matrix’ for the assessment of ecological effects. This assessment has used the approach defined in the CIEEM guidelines (and outlined above) to determine whether effects are significant. The manner in which magnitude in DMRB terminology will be related to effects on integrity is set out in Table 8.3 below for consistency with non- ecological assessment methods within this ES.

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Receptor Sensitivity/ Impact Magnitude Importance High Medium Low Negligible

International importance Significant No significant effect effect at the international level

National importance Significant No significant effect effect at the

national level

Regional importance Significant No significant effect effect at the regional level

Metropolitan importance Significant No significant effect effect at the metropolitan level

Local importance Significant No significant effect effect at the local level

Table 8.3: Significance Matrix for Ecology

8.5.15 The output of the assessment will be an ecology chapter that will make recommendations for mitigation measures to address any significant effects and measures for enhancement of biodiversity. Following consideration of mitigation an assessment of residual significant effects will be made. The chapter will include a clear statement of the limitations of the baseline studies and assessment made.

8.5.16 Liaison with MEAS will also take place in regard to potential mitigation measures proposed.

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9. GEOLOGY AND SOILS

9.1 Introduction

9.1.1 This section of the Scoping Report outlines the methods to be used to assess the impacts on ‘Geology and Soils’ associated with the construction and operation of the scheme in accordance with the updated DMRB Volume 11, Section 3, Part 11. The existing baseline information and potential environmental effects are also described. Effects on agricultural soils are considered under Section 12 People and Communities.

9.2 Study Area

9.2.1 The Geology and Soils section, will include the contaminated land assessment, and will consider the potential impacts on and off site, within 250m of the proposed alignment (‘study corridor’). Guidance contained within R&D Publication 66 (‘Guidance for the Safe Development of Housing on Land Affected by Contamination’ EA/NHBC, 2008) states that off site features within an area up to 250m from the site boundary should typically be considered within the hazard identification stage of site assessment.

9.3 Existing Baseline Knowledge

Historical Site Uses

9.3.1 Historically, the area east of the M6 has remained largely agricultural land with a number of farms on or very close to the proposed scheme.

9.3.2 The area west of the M6 was largely agricultural land with a number of ponds and marshy areas until Parkside Colliery was shown in early to mid-1960s. Numerous railway sidings were located to east of the former colliery buildings and were orientated north-south extending beneath the proposed Scheme. An electrical substation is still present on the south side of the former colliery, adjacent to the proposed Scheme. The majority of structures associated with the former colliery appear to have been located to the north of the Scheme.

9.3.3 The area between the former colliery and the M6 has remained agricultural land.

Ground Conditions

9.3.4 Published information provided by the British Geological Survey indicates the natural stratigraphic sequence comprises glacial deposits overlying bedrock. The glacial strata comprises glaciofluvial deposits and glacial till present in the area east of the former colliery. Glacial till is also shown in parts of the area east of the M6.

9.3.5 The bedrock comprises largely Triassic Sandstones associated with the Chester Pebble Beds and Kinnerton Formation. Mudstones, siltstones and sandstones associated with the Carboniferous Pennine Middle Coal Measures Formation are present in the area of the former Parkside Colliery. Permian Collyhurst Sandstone and Manchester Marls Formation (mudstones) are located to the east of the former colliery and beneath the M6.

9.3.6 Extensive areas of made ground are located in the area of the former Parkside Colliery. Large colliery spoil mounds / heaps are located on the east side of the former colliery.

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9.3.7 There are two faults which trend north-south through the Scheme area, the East Pemberton Fault and Bryn Crop Fault both of which cross through the former Parkside Colliery towards the western end of the proposed Scheme.

Ground Workings and Mining

9.3.8 The Coal Authority website indicates the proposed Scheme is located in a Coal Mining Reporting Area and shows two mine entry shafts at the former Parkside Colliery. However, the Scheme is not indicated as being located in a Development High Risk Area, the nearest such area is approximately 700m to the west.

9.3.9 The Coal Mining Report (February 2004) provided in the Waterman Civils Initial Assessment of Ground Conditions (July 2006) report indicates part of the Scheme is located within the likely zone of influence on the surface of workings in six coal seams at 440m to 830m depth, with the last date of working being 1986. The Coal Authority indicates that ground movement from the past coal workings should have ceased by now.

9.3.10 The Coal Mining Report also indicates there are two mine entries associated with the former Parkside Colliery to the north of the Scheme area and that these have been filled and capped by British Coal with the cap incorporating a gas vent.

9.3.11 Satellite images (from Google Maps and Bing Maps) indicate surface ground workings approximately 600m south east of the A579 Winwick Lane, these appear to be associated with the Southworth Quarry landfill site which is also recorded as an authorised landfill site (see 9.3.15 below). The WBC Local Plan Waste and Minerals Core Strategy Background Paper (May 2012) indicates Southworth Quarry has planning permission for sandstone extraction to produce rock aggregate until 2030.

Aquifers

9.3.12 The Environment Agency provides the following aquifer classifications for the site area:

 Chester Pebble Bed Formation, Kinnerton Sandstone and Collyhurst Sandstone – Principal aquifer, this underlies the majority of the Scheme;  Pennine Middle Coal Measures Formation and Glaciofluvial deposits – Secondary A aquifer;  Manchester Marl – Secondary B aquifer; and  Glacial Till – Secondary (undifferentiated) aquifer.

The majority of the proposed scheme is located in Zone 3 (total catchment) groundwater abstraction source protection zones with the exception of the area nearest to the former Parkside Colliery. A Zone 2 (outer zone) groundwater abstraction source protection zone is shown on, or very close the western end of the Scheme.

Landfills

9.3.13 The Environment Agency website shows two historical landfills and one authorised landfill within 500m of the proposed Scheme.

9.3.14 Newton Brook is a historical landfill is located approximately 150m west of the proposed Scheme and is indicated as having received waste from December 1961 to December 1971. Barrow Pit is also a historical landfill which is located to the south east of Winwick Lane. This landfill accepted inert and industrial waste and is indicated as having first received waste in October 1968 but no end date is indicated.

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9.3.15 Southworth Quarry Landfill is an existing authorised landfill located approximately 600m to the south east of the A579 Winwick Lane and is indicated as being licensed to Gaskell Bros Ltd for non-biodegradeable wastes. The access road for this site is located off Winwick Lane although the area of filling is located approximately 600m to the south east of Winwick Lane. The Environment Agency website indicates the license status for this landfill site as ‘closure’. However, the WBC Waste and Minerals Core Strategy Background Paper (May 2012) indicates that planning permission exists for aggregate recycling and restoration of the site with inert materials until 2030.

Contaminated Land

9.3.16 Existing information for the proposed scheme area indicates that the former Parkside Colliery which occupied much of the land to the west of the M6 included various land uses with the potential to give rise to soil and / or groundwater contamination such as railway sidings, a slurry pit and infilled ponds. Previous ground investigation in this area in 2006 by Geotechnics on behalf of Waterman Civils encountered extensive areas of made ground comprising colliery spoil with demolition rubble also present. Boreholes located on the spoil heap to the east of the former colliery encountered 15.9m to 16.9m of made ground comprising largely sandy, gravelly clay with mudstone / siltstone gravels with coal fines also noted. An electrical substation is located on the south side of the former colliery buildings, close to the proposed Scheme.

9.3.17 The potential for contamination in the area to the east of the M6 is considered to be limited as this area mainly comprises agricultural land, although there is still a possibility of encountering made ground / fill associated with infilled ponds or farm activities.

9.3.18 A number of landfills have also been identified in the surrounding area which could have given rise to leachate and / or gas. Gas could also be associated with the former mine workings although the two former shafts are vented.

9.3.19 As noted above ground investigation was undertaken in 2006 by Geotechnics on behalf of Waterman Civils which focussed on the former Parkside Colliery. Only localised evidence of possible contamination was identified in the made ground associated with ‘possible slight hydrocarbon odours’ (TP8 and TP23) and ‘strong hydrocarbon odours’ (TP23). TP23 was located approximately 85m north of the proposed Scheme, in an area previously occupied by buildings associated with the former colliery.

9.3.20 A limited number of soil samples were tested during the 2006 investigation for a number of potential soil contaminants (largely metals and petroleum hydrocarbons). The results obtained do not indicate that soil contamination is widespread particularly in the area of the proposed Scheme.

9.3.21 Three groundwater samples were obtained from trial pits and scheduled for a limited range of contaminants including pH, sulphate and petroleum hydrocarbons. The results showed locally elevated sulphate with petroleum hydrocarbons below the lower detection limit. However, as the samples were obtained from trial pits they may not be representative of groundwater quality.

9.3.22 No ground investigation information is available for the area to the east of the former Parkside Colliery (near to Wood Head) or east of the M6. However, historical plans indicate these areas have comprised largely agricultural land use.

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9.4 Value of Environmental Receptors and Resources

9.4.1 The significance of a project effect is a function of the environmental value (or sensitivity) of an environmental receptor and the magnitude of the potential change (impact). In order to determine the significance of an environmental effect, a value must be assigned to the appropriate receptors.

9.4.2 The following potential receptors are considered appropriate for preliminary consideration:

 Underlying bedrock geology and superficial deposits;  Groundwater resources;  Surface water bodies River Mersey;  Built environment;  Residents and users adjacent to the Scheme; and  Construction and maintenance workers.

9.4.3 Potential ecological receptors have not been included in this chapter.

9.5 Potential Effects

9.5.1 The potential effects upon the Geology and Soil quality within the study corridor would manifest itself as a result of the construction and subsequent operation of the scheme. The assessment of the current status of the site with respect to land contamination will be a key aim of the baseline assessment which will include the assessment of potential risk to receptors including residents and users of land adjacent to the study corridor and ground and surface waters, and the establishment of any remedial requirements.

9.5.2 Other potential effects include:

 The aggressivity of the ground conditions constraining the design of the scheme;  Soil erosion risks – sediment load to surface water bodies (if contaminated this could be a potentially more significant negative effect);  The potential for local subsistence due to unstable slopes, mine workings, natural cavities or ‘weak’ soil deposits;  Increased hardstanding cover, compacted soils and reduction in vegetation could lead to a reduction in infiltration and increase in surface water runoff;  Creation of new migratory pathways between potentially contaminated soils and the underlying aquifers through ground disturbance such as the installation of foundation piles;  Introduction of potential contaminating materials, e.g. inappropriate storage and use of fuels, etc. which may impact soil or water resources;  Generation of waste soils requiring suitable classification and disposal;  Health of construction workers arising from contact with potential contaminants within the Made Ground and historical landfill or inappropriate procedures and working methods; and  Potentially contaminated surface water runoff from the proposed scheme may discharge to surface water bodies or groundwater resources.

9.5.3 Major accidents and/or disasters will not result in any likely significant effects in the context of geology and soils.

9.5.4 These impacts have been assessed prior to the consideration of appropriate mitigation. Where such mitigation is considered standard practice, it will be assumed to be embedded in the design which will be subject to the Geology and Soil impact assessment.

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9.6 Proposed Methodology Including Significance Criteria

9.6.1 This assessment will be undertaken in general accordance with the guidance presented in:

 Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11, Section 2, Part 5 Assessment and Management of Environmental Effects, August 2008; and  Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11, Section 3, Part 11 Geology and Soils.

9.6.2 As well as identifying the attribute importance of geology and soils and the significance of the potential effects upon them, there is also a requirement to establish the potential for land contamination within the scheme corridor.

Potential Land Contamination

9.6.3 Baseline studies will be completed to establish the ‘geo-environmental’ setting and establish the ground conditions within the study corridor with particular emphasis on the value of the geology present, the presence of any historical land uses, any history of ground instability and the presence of any significant aquifer resources.

9.6.4 The baseline assessment will utilise a Phase I or “Desk Study” investigation, which will collate and review the available published and publicly accessible background data to establish the ground conditions. The Desk Study will also include a review of the available historical maps and records relating to the use of the study corridor with a view to determining the likelihood of any historic contamination being present prior to development. The Desk Study will include a Conceptual Site Model (CSM), which would drive intrusive investigation works to refine the CSM.

9.6.5 The assessment method for identifying significant effects from land contamination will be undertaken in line with CLR11. The CSM is reviewed to establish the presence of any ’contaminant linkages’, put simply, in order for a potential risk to be identified, a source of risk, a receptor and a pathway between the two need to be identified. In order to assess the potential impact of each of the identified potential contaminant linkages, they will be ‘ranked’ according to both the probability and severity of any likely impact. This approach is based on guidance presented in CIRIA Document C552 ‘Contaminated Land Risk Assessment - A Guide to Good Practice 2001’.

9.6.6 For each of the contaminant linkages, an estimate will be made of:

 The potential severity of the risk; and  The likelihood of the risk occurring.

9.6.7 Table 9.1 presents the classification of the severity of the risk.

Risk Severity Description Severe Acute risks to human health; and/or Major pollution of controlled waters (watercourses or groundwater) Medium Chronic (long term) risk to human health; and/or Pollution of sensitive controlled waters (surface waters or aquifers) Minor Requirement for protective equipment during site works to mitigate health effects; and/or Damage to non-sensitive ecosystems or species

Table 9.1 – Contaminant Linkage Severity of Risk Classification

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9.6.8 The probability of the risk occurring is classified according to criteria given in Table 9.2.

Likelihood Description High Likelihood Contaminant linkage may be present, and risk is almost certain to occur in the long term, or there is evidence of harm to the receptor. Likely Contaminant linkage may be present, and it is probable that the risk will occur over the long term. Low Likelihood Contaminant linkage may be present and there is a possibility of the risk occurring, although there is no certainty that it will do so. Unlikely Contaminant linkage may be present but the circumstance under which harm would occur are improbable.

Table 9.2 – Probability of Risk

9.6.9 Once the severity and probability have been determined for a contaminant linkage, an overall evaluation of the level of risk is produced, as presented in Table 9.3:

Likelihood Severe Medium Minor High Likelihood Very High Risk High Risk Moderate/Low Risk Likely High Risk Moderate Risk Low Risk Low Likelihood Moderate Risk Moderate/Low Risk Very Low Risk

Probability Unlikely Moderate/Low Risk Low Risk Very Low Risk

Table 9.3 – Evaluation of Level of Risk

Value/Sensitivity of Receptors and Resource

9.6.10 Environmental values/sensitivity are assigned to receptors and resources in accordance with the principles established in Volume 11, Section 2, Part 5 of DMRB. Consideration must also be given to the potential for any post-construction environmental effects, caused by remobilisation of contamination within the ground following disturbance during the construction process.

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10. MATERIALS

10.1 Introduction

10.1.1 Section 3, Part 6 of DMRB Volume 11 requires the assessment of materials. Interim Advice Note (IAN) 153/11 provides further guidance on the environmental assessment of material resources.

10.1.2 The assessment of materials should consider the use of material resources and the generation and management of waste. It does not include the direct energy use associated with operation of the network. Material resources include the materials and construction products required for implementation of the project, both raw materials and manufactured items.

10.2 Study Area

10.2.1 Many material resources will originate off site e.g. construction products. Some will arise on site during construction such as excavated soil and rock or recycled elements of existing roads.

10.2.2 Some impacts will occur off site or possibly outside of the UK. This includes the depletion of non- renewable resources, production of waste at the point of extraction of minerals or during the manufacturing process and transport. As these stages of the process are likely to have been subject to an environmental assessment, they will fall outside of the scope of this assessment. The assessment will concentrate on the impacts and effects resulting from the use of those materials within the proposed scheme.

10.2.3 On this basis, the study area for the materials assessment will comprise the proposed Scheme itself as well as the immediate surrounding roads that interact with the scheme. Consideration will also be given to the need to extend to a wider area to cover waste disposal or recycling facilities.

10.3 Existing Baseline Knowledge

10.3.1 The project will inevitably result in surplus material which will need to be disposed of as waste. This usually arises from two sources as follows:

 Existing site materials e.g. concrete from demolition of existing structures and excavation of material from earthworks; and  Materials brought on to the site but not used for its intended purpose e.g. damaged goods, off cuts and ‘over ordered’ materials.

Local Population

10.3.2 There are residential areas present along the A49 at the western end of the Scheme including the settlement of Newton-le-Willows. To the south west lies the settlement of Winwick whilst to the north east lies Golborne. These areas could be affected by vehicle movements bringing materials to site and taking waste away.

Environment

10.3.3 Potentially sensitive environmental receptors which could be affected in the vicinity of the site comprise:

 Surface watercourses – such as Hermitage Green Brook / Oswald’s Brook; and  Groundwater – Principal Aquifer underlying the site.

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Waste Management Resources

10.3.4 The most recent statistics on UK waste cover the period 2010 to 201517, key points include:

 The UK generated 202.8 million tonnes of total waste in 2014. Over half of this (59.4 per cent) was generated by construction, demolition and excavation, with households responsible for a further 13.7 per cent  UK generation of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste was 27.7 million tonnes. This has fallen from 32.8 million tonnes in 2012;  The recovery rate from non-hazardous construction and demolition waste18 in the UK in 2014 was 89.9 per cent. There is an EU target for the UK to recover at least 70 per cent of this type of waste by 2020;  Of the 209.0 million tonnes of all waste that entered final treatment in the UK in 2014, 44.5% was recovered (including recycling and energy recovery). The proportion that went to landfill was 23.1 per cent.

10.3.5 There are a number of landfill and recycling facilities within 5km of the proposed Scheme including19:

Site Location Status Southworth Quarry 600m south Closure – may be accepting materials for capping Landfill and closure Risley Landfill 5km east Effective – able to accept wide range of wastes, also recycling and remediation of contaminated soils Lyme & Wood Pits 3km north-west Effective - waste landfilling Integrated Waste Management Facility

Table 10.1 – Landfill and Recycling Centres within 5km

10.3.6 The closest hazardous waste landfill site to the proposed Scheme is located at Whitemoss Landfill close to Junction 4 of the M58, approximately 16km to the north-west.

10.3.7 Commercial waste disposal is largely handled by private companies and all businesses must make their own arrangements for disposal. All wastes must be carried by legally authorised waste carriers and a Trade Waste agreement must be in place with the carrier. It is a legal requirement to keep a copy of all documentation for two years. Businesses have a duty to:

 Keep waste to a minimum by doing everything reasonable to prevent, reuse, recycle or recover waste (in that order);  Sort and store waste safely and securely;  Complete waste transfer notes for each load of waste that leaves the businesses premises (or site);  Check any waste carrier is properly registered; and  Not allow any waste carrier to dispose of waste illegally.

17 UK Statistics on Waste (2016) DEFRA www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/593040/UK_statsonwaste_statsnotice_Dec2016_FINALv2_2.p df accessed 18.04.17 18 Excludes excavation waste. 19 maps.environmentagency.gov.uk accessed 18.04.17

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10.3.8 Where hazardous waste is involved then extra duties apply. In this case the site will be a waste producer in which case duties comprise:

 Classify waste to check if it’s hazardous;  Separate and store hazardous waste safely;  Use an authorised businesses to collect, recycle or dispose of hazardous waste;  Check that waste carriers are registered and waste sites have environmental permits; and  Fill in the necessary consignment notes and keep records (known as a ‘register’) for 3 years of waste produced or stored.

10.3.9 Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MWRA) manage household and domestic waste on behalf of the Merseyside and Halton Waste Partnership, which includes SHMBC. The Resources Merseyside 2011 – 2041 Plan sets out the strategic route map to deliver sustainable waste management on Merseyside and to move towards greater resource efficiency. A waste composition analysis was prepared by MRWA for 2015/2016 which focusses on household and domestic waste. This includes specific data on the SHMBC area. However, it should be noted that the local authority is not responsible for the removal of commercial waste and although MWRA does offer a trade waste recycling scheme for business, industrial and commercial waste this is unlikely to be suitable for waste from the project. This is because of the likely volume of waste involved and the location of the MRWA Trade Waste Recycling Centres at Bidston on the Wirral and at Huyton and Old Swan in Liverpool.

10.3.10 Potential materials use and waste arisings associated with the project that can be foreseen at this stage comprise:

Project Activity Material use and Potential waste Comments potential to generate arisings and potential significant effects to generate significant effects Site remediation Limited material use in Possible contaminated Available information remediation unless materials on former suggests extensive techniques like colliery site. contamination is not likely stabilisation are adopted. to be present. It may be possible to re-use materials in construction. Site preparation Limited materials use in Possible surplus of topsoil Surplus topsoil likely to be site preparation. from site strip. suitable for re-use or recycling. Clearance of vegetation Green waste is likely to be and trees giving rise to suitable for re- green waste use/recycling. Removal of existing Older tarmac products have tarmac surfaces, for the potential to give rise to example, in the former hazardous waste. colliery, at Parkside Road across the M6, at Winwick Lane and on M6 slip roads at Junction 22. Earthworks Materials use could Current assessments Surplus materials may involve imported fill but conclude there is likely to require disposal if they current calculations be a surplus of excavated cannot be recycled or re- suggest a surplus of fill. materials. used on site. Demolition Limited materials use in Demolition of Rough Farm This could include asbestos demolition. will give rise to small arising from old farm

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amounts of waste. buildings. Site construction Use of existing bridge Use of existing bridge -- across M6 will significantly across M6 will significantly reduce material use. reduce waste arisings. Aggregates for road sub Potential for waste -- base and construction. associated with over Tarmac road surfacing ordering of materials, off -- Materials associated with cuts etc The use of the existing road construction and bridge means that there is bridge maintenance no requirement for major including fencing, kerbs, construction works which drainage pipework, will reduce materials use ducting, chambers, and waste. lighting, concrete etc. Storage on site of fuels, Fuel and lubricants may be lubricants etc. stored on site and could give rise to pollution. Operation and Tarmac road surfacing. Periodic resurfacing giving Resurfacing is unlikely to maintenance of rise to waste tarmac. give rise to tarmac with the asset hazardous properties if this is removed during construction.

Table 10.2 – Potential material use and waste arisings

10.3.11 Construction and demolition waste is classified under a variety of waste codes; the following are likely to apply to wastes arising from the proposed Scheme:

Waste Type Waste Status Waste Code Other construction materials containing asbestos Hazardous 17-06-05* Concrete Non-hazardous 17-01-01 Bricks Non-hazardous 17-01-02 Tiles and ceramics Non-hazardous 17-01-03 Concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics (alone or in mixtures) Hazardous 17-01-06* containing hazardous substances Concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics in mixtures, containing no Non-hazardous 17-01-07 hazardous substances Wood - untreated Non-hazardous 17-02-01 Treated wood, glass, plastic (alone or in mixtures) containing Hazardous 17-02-04* hazardous substances Bituminous mixtures containing coal tar Hazardous 17-03-01* Other bituminous mixtures Non-hazardous 17-03-02 Coal tar and tarred products Hazardous 17-03-03* Mixed metals Non-hazardous 17-04-07 Soil and stones containing hazardous substances Hazardous 17-05-03* Other soil and stones Non-hazardous 17-05-04 Un-used or un-set cement Hazardous 17-09-03*

Table 10.3 – Potential Applicable Waste Codes

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10.4 Value of Environmental Receptors and Resources

10.4.1 An assessment will be undertaken to identify how the use of materials conforms to high level strategy targets outlined in the following policy documents (but not limited to):

 EU Waste Framework Directive 2008;  EU Landfill Directive 1999;  Control of Pollution Act 1974;  Environmental Protection Act 1990;  Environment Act 1995;  Finance Act and Landfill Tax Regulations 1996;  Landfill Regulations 2002;  The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012;  Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005;  National Planning Policy Framework 2012;  Waste Prevention Programme for England 2013; and  SHMBC Waste Policies.

10.4.2 The resources and receptors potentially affected by materials management for the proposed Scheme include receptors at locations relevant to the assessment of impacts on human health and sensitive environmental receptors. Use of landfill void space is also considered to be a receptor.

10.4.3 UK Waste Regulations make clear the need to properly manage all wastes and emphasise the need to consider waste reduction, re-use and recycling before disposal.

10.5 Potential Effects

10.5.1 The proposed scheme has the potential to affect materials during both its construction and operational phases as a result of:

 Effects on local population due to vehicle movements delivering and handling materials and waste leading to increase in pollution, for example, vehicle emissions affecting air quality, dust from stockpiles or increased noise and vibration;  Disturbance and delays to local population associated with vehicle movements delivering materials and removing waste;  Environmental effects from pollution arising from waste and materials storage, for example, run off from stockpiles affecting watercourses and groundwater resources;  Effects on waste management infrastructure, for example, use of landfill volume or potential effects of large volumes of waste entering the local waste recycling system; and  Compliance with relevant waste management policies and strategies, both local and national and including those of Highways England.

10.5.2 Major accidents and/or disasters will not result in any likely significant effects in the context of materials.

10.6 Proposed Methodology Including Significance Criteria

10.6.1 The guidance in IAN 153/11 discusses the need for scoping and then potential for Simple and Detailed assessments. The guidance notes that for projects over £300,000 in value it is assumed that the potential exists for impacts and effects to take place and that an assessment of materials should be undertaken to at least the Simple level of assessment. The £300,000 threshold stems from the Site Waste Management Plan Regulations (2008) which are now rescinded; however, it

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remains best practice to develop a Site Waste Management Plan. The project will have a value over £300,000 and therefore under IAN 153/11 will require assessment.

10.6.2 Consideration of environmental impacts associated with the extraction of raw materials and the manufacture of products is outside the scope of the assessment since these stages of a product or materials life cycle are likely to have already been subject to environmental assessment.

10.6.3 Detailed assessments are required for complex capital maintenance, improvement and large new construction projects. A Detailed assessment approach will be adopted based on an initial Simple Assessment this is discussed in greater detail below.

10.6.4 The Simple assessment will assemble data and information that is readily available to address the potential effects identified in this Scoping assessment and to understand the likely environmental effects. It will be a qualitative exercise with a scope to identify:

 The materials required for the Project and, where information is available, the quantities;  The anticipated waste arisings from the Project, and where information is available, the quantities and type, for example, whether hazardous waste is present;  The impacts that will arise from the issues identified in the Scoping exercise;  The results of any consultation; and  A conclusion of whether the Simple assessment has proved sufficient or whether a Detailed assessment is required.

10.6.5 Data gathering will typically be from existing publicly available information and consultation with key bodies such as the Environment Agency, the local authorities (SHMBC, WBC, WC) and any overarching waste management bodies such as MRWA.

10.6.6 The following baseline information will be utilised:

 Information about the construction techniques and methods and the materials to be used;  Review of statutory information such as relevant legislation and statutory targets that may influence materials resource use and waste management;  Review of high level strategy and policy targets and statements including SHMBC, WBC and Highways England which may influence materials resource use and waste management; and  An assessment of available waste management infrastructure including the type and location of waste management facilities and the identified capacities for the waste that is forecast to be produced.

10.6.7 For the Detailed assessment the Simple assessment will be extended to cover:

 The types and quantities of materials required for the Project;  Details of the source/origin of materials, site won materials to replace virgin materials and materials from secondary/recycled sources or virgin/non-renewable sources;  Cut/fill balance;  Types and quantities of forecast waste arisings from the Project including any hazardous wastes;  Surplus materials and waste;  Waste that requires storage prior to re-use or disposal; and  Waste requiring treatment and/or disposal off site.

10.6.8 The impacts from issues identified in relation to materials and waste will be assessed and a conclusion will be drawn on the magnitude and nature of the impacts.

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10.6.9 Consideration will be given to construction and operational impacts. No specific significance criteria are defined in the guidance and, therefore, the assessment will identify whether the impacts are positive or negative, permanent or temporary and direct or indirect. Permanent impacts are likely to be significant in terms of their effects. The quantities of materials to be used and the waste forecasts will be used to identify the magnitude for change.

10.6.10 The assessment will examine the potential impacts of both the construction and the operation of the proposed Scheme focussing on the effects of materials used for construction, wastes that are generated and how the wastes will be managed. Where materials have to travel to or leave the site (for either recycling or disposal) consideration will be given to vehicle movements and to the loss of landfill capacity. Liaison will be maintained with relevant specialists to assess the need for any more detailed assessment of air quality or noise and vibration depending on traffic movements.

10.6.11 Waste disposal will be assessed in the context of the available landfill capacity in the area and waste management strategies, targets and objectives, both locally and nationally. It is possible to achieve high levels of materials recycling with construction and demolition wastes and this will be taken into account when assessing the proposed approach to waste management.

10.6.12 Any required mitigation measures during construction and operation will be identified and their impacts quantified.

10.6.13 A cumulative assessment of materials impacts will consider the effects on this aspect from other committed schemes.

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11. NOISE AND VIBRATION

11.1 Introduction

11.1.1 This section sets out the methodology for the assessment of noise and vibration effects. This section describes the current baseline conditions, and requirements for baseline noise monitoring. The assessment of construction noise and vibration will be undertaken in accordance with BS5228:2009+A1:2014. The assessment of operational noise will be assessed in accordance with DMRB Volume 11, Section 3, Part 7 (HD 213/11), Revision 1. The assessment will consider the potential noise and vibration impacts both during daytime and during night-time.

11.2 Study Area

11.2.1 The study area, based on DMRB methodology, will be 600m from the centre line of the proposed Scheme. The assessment will include any roads within this buffer that are likely to be affected by any changes in traffic flows.

11.3 Existing Baseline Knowledge

11.3.1 Baseline noise conditions would need to be determined to:

 Establish the noise level criteria for construction noise;  Allow comparison with predicted noise due to road traffic, at receptors where road traffic noise does not dominate the current ambient conditions, and therefore existing ambient noise cannot be predicted;  Verify the noise emissions from the motorway and validate the noise level predictions; and  Allow assessment of operational noise during night-time.

11.3.2 It is expected that the ambient noise at the nearest noise sensitive receptors will be dominated by road traffic noise on the M6 Motorway and on the A49 Winwick Road. Measurements of baseline noise were carried out at a number of receptors surrounding the proposed Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment in 2006. The measurement results are however considered to be out-of-date, as the noise emissions on the motorway are likely to have changed since 2006 due to issues such as the potential for road resurfacing having taken place, deterioration of the road surface conditions and changes in traffic conditions such as traffic flow or mean speeds.

11.3.3 A new baseline noise survey will be carried at the noise sensitive receptors, which are located in proximity to the proposed road links. Measurements at seven receptors are proposed with the locations to be agreed with the SHMBC/WBC.

11.4 Value of Environmental Receptors and Resources

11.4.1 Noise sensitive receptors that have the greatest potential for significant noise and vibration impacts are those receptors located away from the major roads, or other existing sources of noise, and located in close proximity to the proposed Scheme.

11.4.2 The sensitive receptors in the assessment of noise and vibration will consider residential properties only. No hospitals or schools have been identified within the study area.

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11.5 Potential Effects

11.5.1 During construction of the proposed Scheme noise and vibration could arise from earthworks, road planning, spreading fill, compaction and movement of heavy goods vehicles.

11.5.2 During operation of the proposed Scheme noise impacts could arise from an increase in road traffic amount or changes to the character of the flow, such as changes in road traffic speed. There is also a potential for changes to noise emissions due to changes in road layout. For example, a new road junction alters the traffic pattern, such as noise due to acceleration and braking of vehicles, compared to steady noise emissions of with a constant traffic speed.

11.5.3 Major accidents and/or disasters will not result in any effects in the context of noise and vibration.

11.6 Proposed Methodology Including Significance Criteria

11.6.1 The assessment will be prepared in line with the principles described in the NPPF, which sets out the legislative framework in relation to noise in England.

11.6.2 A baseline noise survey will be undertaken to establish the existing noise climate representative of the noise sensitive receptors. It is proposed that the baseline noise monitoring consists of a mixture of attended short-term measurements and unattended long-term measurements. Attended measurements during daytime will provide a subjective description of the dominant noise sources. Unattended long-term measurements will provide baseline data for night-time periods. The short-term survey would be carried out in accordance with the shortened measurement procedure of CRTN, to obtain samples of noise in three consecutive hours between 10:00 and 17:00. The long-term survey would be carried out for at least 3 working days. The monitoring would be carried out outside of school holidays.

11.6.3 The methodology will be discussed and agreed with SHMBC and WBC prior to commencement of the baseline survey. Noise monitoring will be conducted in suitable weather conditions, by suitably qualified personnel using Class I Sound Level Meters (SLMs).

11.6.4 The likely noise & vibration impacts arising from the construction phase of the scheme will be assessed in accordance with BS5228 -1&2 (2009+A1 2014). This standard provides a methodology for the assessment and control of noise from construction operations. The standard contains detailed information on noise reduction measures and promotes the ‘best practicable means’ (BPM) approach to control noise and minimise associated impacts on local residents. The significance of impacts during the construction phase will be assessed based on the ‘ABC’ method. Mitigation measures including BPM will be recommended, as required.

11.6.5 Calculations of road traffic noise will be carried out at receptors within a study area for:

 Baseline conditions in the opening year;  With-scheme conditions in the opening year; and  With-scheme conditions in the future, 15 years from the opening.

11.6.6 Comparison of noise changes will be made in the short-term, the opening year, and in the long- term, 15 years after scheme opening. The calculations will be facilitated by proprietary software for noise propagation calculations, CadnaA. The software facilitates the principles of CRTN, published by the Department of Transport (DfT) in 1988. This prediction method requires a good understanding of the traffic flows, percentage heavy vehicles (HVs) and traffic speeds amongst other factors. Traffic data will be provided by the traffic modelling for the proposed Scheme together with information from SHMBC and WBC.

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11.6.7 The quantification and assessment of the potential noise and vibration impacts of the proposed scheme will be assessed by a combination of site surveys, desktop studies, consultations and predictions. The assessment for the operation phase of the scheme will be based upon the ‘detailed assessment methodology set out in Chapter 3 and Annex 1 of DMRB. The effects of flow pattern around junctions will however not be considered in the assessment, as the CRTN prediction method and DMRB guidance assumes engine and braking noise will be offset by lower speeds.

11.6.8 The overall magnitude of short term and long term operational impacts will be reported using the classifications in Table 11.1 and 11.2. Both tables report magnitudes of impact for both increased and decreased traffic volumes.

Noise Change La10, 18hr Magnitude of Impact 0 No Change 0.1 – 0.9 Negligible 1 – 2.9 Minor 3 – 4.9 Moderate 5+ Major

Table 11.1 – Classification of Magnitude of Operational Noise Impacts in the Short Term

Noise Change La10, 18hr Magnitude of Impact 0 No Change 0.1 – 2.9 Negligible 3 – 4.9 Minor 5 – 9.9 Moderate 10+ Major

Table 11.2 – Classification of Magnitude of Operational Noise Impacts in the Long Term

11.6.9 The increases and decreases in noise levels will then be judged according the sensitivity of receptors along the Scheme.

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12. PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES

12.1 Introduction

12.1.1 This section sets out the methodology for assessing the impact on:

 Vehicle users;  Existing community and local private assets; and  Land Use.

12.1.2 It also describes the existing baseline information and potential likely effects. The assessment will be undertaken in accordance with parts of DMRB Volume 11, Section 3, Parts 6, 8 and 9.

12.1.3 The proposed Scheme is also expected to open up new employment land, generating a range of socio-economic effects including increased employment and economic output (defined in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA). Therefore, as a complement to the People & Communities section, a socio-economic impact assessment will also be undertaken. The scope and methodology adopted for the assessment of socio-economic impacts is described within this section.

12.2 Study Area

12.2.1 The impact of the proposals on the baseline land uses and community effects will be considered at three geographic levels:

 The proposed Scheme itself;  Within a 1km buffer zone from the proposed Scheme centre line; and  For the socio-economic assessment within the Boroughs of St Helens, Warrington and Wigan and the Liverpool City Region.

12.2.2 The scope of the assessment will be as set out in Parts 6, 8 and 9 of Section 3 of DMRB Volume 11 together with the assessment of socio-economic impacts described below.

12.2.3 Land Use will cover the following:

 Private Property;  Land Used by the Community;  Development Land; and  Agricultural Land.

12.2.4 Effects on the community will consider the presence and location of key community facilities and any changes in the ability of local people to reach these facilities by non-motorised methods. General community effects including on community facilities of importance or significance will be considered within 1km of the Scheme but the boundary of the study area may be extended for facilities of particular importance or significance that serve vulnerable members and/or a high proportion of the community.

12.2.5 The assessment of effects on pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists (known as Non- Motorised Users (NMUs)) will consider the impact of the scheme on local journeys made by people on the local public rights of way network. The study area for the assessment of impact on pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians is within 1km of the Scheme.

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12.2.6 The effects on vehicle travellers using the local road network will also be assessed. There are two elements to the assessment of vehicle travellers:

 View from the road; and  Driver stress.

12.2.7 The study area that will be considered for views from the road will be equivalent to that proposed in the Landscape Chapter (see Section 7). There is no specific study area for driver stress. Socio-Economics

12.2.8 The Parkside Development and the SRFI which the proposed scheme will facilitate the development of is located within St Helens but close to the boundaries with Wigan and Warrington. Based on existing commuting patterns, and taking account of potential receptors, the area of impact is expected to principally extend to these three boroughs. The wider area of impact, in terms of the contribution to wider strategic socio-economic objectives, will be the Liverpool City Region, as shown in Figure 12.1 below.

Figure 12.1: Commuting flows, source: ONS Census 2011

12.3 Existing Baseline Knowledge

12.3.1 The study area consists of two main land uses. To the west of the M6 land use comprises the land previously occupied by Parkside Colliery together with a small area of agricultural land. The colliery closed in 1993 and the land has been cleared but it has not been redeveloped since. On the Natural England North West Region Agricultural Land Classification map20 the agricultural land east of the M6 is classified as Grade 3 ‘Good to Moderate’. East of the M6 land use is dominated by agricultural land generally shown as Grade 3 ‘Good to Moderate’ on the Agricultural Land Classification map although the section where the proposed scheme is located is shown as ‘other land primarily in non-agricultural use’. Recent site inspections suggest this land is in agricultural use.

20 Natural England (2010) Agricultural Land Classification map North West Region (ALC002).

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12.3.2 There are scattered residential properties and farms close to the Scheme together with the small hamlet of Hermitage Green, about 400m south of the proposed Scheme. More substantial settlements lie in the vicinity of the scheme, the settlements of Croft to the east, Winwick to the south and Newton-le-Willows to the west which all lie outside the 1km buffer but within 2km of the scheme.

12.3.3 The proposed scheme will involve the demolition of Rough Farm comprising Rough Cottage and associated outbuildings, at the southern end of the Scheme on the A579 Winwick Lane. In addition, the scheme will sever a small area of land associated with Woodhead Farm which will remain to the north of the proposed Scheme.

12.3.4 Based on a review of Ordnance Survey maps and online sources no PROW cross the scheme itself. This has been confirmed when compared against the ‘working copy’ of the definitive PROW map obtained from SHMBC, as shown in Figure 12.2. There is potential for PROW number 608 to be used temporarily through the construction phase of the Scheme. The PROW maybe subject to temporary diversion but this will be confirmed as part of the ES.

Figure 12.2: Definitive PROW Map, source: SHMBC

12.3.5 No bridleways are thought to be located in close proximity to the proposed Scheme but this will be confirmed as part of the ES. It is understood that the former Parkside Colliery site is used by the public but that there is no public right of way and this land is under private ownership.

12.3.6 There are no key community facilities, such as schools or hospitals, within close proximity to the scheme. Within the 1km buffer Red Bank Community Home, a secure children’s unit, is located close to the western end of the scheme in Newton-le-Willows but confirmation is required as to whether this is still in use. Community facilities outside the 1km buffer but within 2km of the proposed scheme include Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows and Hollins Park

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Hospital at Winwick. A number of schools and colleges are located in Newton-le-Willows and there is a primary School at Croft. Although all of these facilities are outside the 1km buffer they will be considered if necessary.

Socio-Economic Assessment

12.3.7 The economic activity and employment rates within St Helens are above those for the Liverpool City Region as a whole. However, the Borough still has a relatively high proportion of workless households (20.9% compared to a national average of 15.3%). Job density, as measured by the ratio of total jobs to population aged 16-64, within the borough is also below the regional and national averages (0.61 compared to a North West ratio of 0.79 and Great Britain ratio of 0.83).

12.3.8 The level of employment within the STMBC area has remained relatively static over the last five years, compared to growth at the City Region level.

12.3.9 With regard to deprivation, St Helens is ranked within the 20% most deprived areas in England in terms of the Indices of Deprivation 2015. There are particularly high levels of deprivation relating to income, employment and health. Under the employment domain, the borough is ranked amongst the 5% most deprived areas in the country.

12.4 Value of Environmental Receptors and Resources

12.4.1 Several landholdings will be directly affected by the proposed scheme. Effects could potentially be loss of agricultural land, loss of buildings through demolition, severance of land, loss of businesses and change to or loss of access. Other properties immediately adjacent to the proposed scheme will be affected by changes in traffic flows and, potentially, other factors such as air quality and noise although in some cases there could be a reduction in the effects associated with these issues.

12.4.2 As noted above the buildings at Rough Farm will need to be demolished. Several of the buildings at this location are locally listed for their heritage value and this will need to be taken into account when assessing the potential impacts.

12.4.3 Although it is understood that there is no public right of access to the former Parkside Colliery it is understood that it is used by the public and so is likely to be of some value to the local community.

12.4.4 The proposed scheme has the ability to release development land associated with the proposed Parkside Development and SRFI and this is a key objective of the project.

12.4.5 Although there are no key community facilities within the 1km buffer of the site there are a number within 2km of the proposed scheme. Effects on these are likely to be limited but this will be reviewed as part of the assessment.

Socio Economic Assessment

12.4.6 By facilitating the opening up of new employment land, a number of groups could be affected by the Scheme. These are expected to include:

 Workers within St Helens and the wider travel to work area;  Unemployed residents within St Helens and the wider travel to work area;  Businesses and suppliers; and  Local facilities and services.

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12.4.7 Receptor criteria will be utilised within the socio-economic assessment to determine the environmental value of each identified receptor. This will range from negligible to very high, informed by an assessment of each receptors socio-economic value.

12.5 Potential Effects

12.5.1 There will be a permanent loss of agricultural land associated with the footprint of the proposed scheme and a temporary loss of land associated with compounds, working areas and haul routes. There is the possibility of severance of land associated with Woodhead Farm.

12.5.2 There are no key community facilities within the 1km buffer although there are a number of schools and two hospitals within 2km of the proposed scheme. Based on the information available at this stage it is considered unlikely that there will be impacts significant effects on these local community assets in terms of access to and use of key facilities.

12.5.3 Notwithstanding this there are a number of local communities in the vicinity of the scheme including Newton-le-Willows, Winwick, Croft and Golthorne which although outside the 1km buffer could be affected by changes in traffic flows.

12.5.4 New provisions for pedestrians and cyclists will be designed into the scheme.

12.5.5 The proposed scheme has the ability to release development land associated with the proposed Parkside Development and SRFI and this is a key objective of the project.

12.5.6 The receptors considered in the assessment of effects on all travellers are the various road users including NMUs (cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians, and vehicle travellers).

12.5.7 Potential effects on human health could arise directly as a result of changes in, for example, air quality, noise and vibration and from accidents. Indirect effects could arise from issues such disturbance, economic improvements flowing from the Scheme and effects such as closure of public rights of way or bridleways which alter people’s ability to follow healthy pursuits.

12.5.8 Major accidents and/or disasters could result in likely significant effects in the context of people and communities, for example, a major accident resulting in a fire could affect human health.

12.5.9 Effects on vehicle travellers predicted during construction may include delays and local diversions, but these would be of a short term nature. To reduce driver frustration and uncertainty relating to the route being followed appropriate signage would be installed informing vehicle travellers of the proposed scheme, diversions and that delays due to works would be probable.

12.5.10 Influencing the three main components of driver stress (frustration, fear of potential accidents, and uncertainty relating to the route being followed) are factors such as road layout and geometry, surface riding characteristics, junction frequency, and speed and flow per lane. Taken together, these factors can induce in drivers the feelings of discomfort, annoyance, frustration or fear culminating in physical and emotional tension that detracts from the value and safety of a journey. The scheme may increase driver fear to some extent because it may increase traffic speeds. However, this increased perception of danger is likely to be more than offset in most cases by the superior design standards to which a new scheme will be built.

12.5.11 Frustration may be caused by a driver’s inability to travel at a constant speed due to the volume of traffic and slow moving vehicles, which in turn leads to unreliable journey times which further increases stress. Although not a key objective of the proposed scheme improvements in

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journey times would reduce frustration through use of existing routes (without diversions) and good forward visibility.

12.5.12 Reduced fear of potential accidents would be due to improved road standards including increase sight distances and controlled access on to the carriageway.

12.5.13 Route uncertainty is caused primarily by signing that is inadequate for the individual's purposes. Good design and layout of signs eliminates this cause of stress from new road schemes. However, as the scheme is broadly similar to the existing orientation, views will be considered, and forward visibility and signage would be improved, it is considered that this component of driver stress would likely also decrease in the long term.

Socio-Economics

12.5.14 It is anticipated that the proposed scheme will result in a range of socio-economic impacts both directly and indirectly through the opening up of new employment land. The likely socio- economic impacts of the Scheme are expected to include the following:

 Temporary employment generated as a result of the Scheme construction works;  Facilitation of long-term employment opportunities through opening up the Parkside Site for development;  Increase in economic output (GVA) – associated with both the increase in temporary and long-term employment opportunities;  Increase in business rate revenue generated due to facilitating the creation of new employment floorspace;  Creation of training and apprenticeship opportunities;  Effect on local labour market, specifically in terms of the facilitation of new employment opportunities for local residents within St Helens;  Commuting and migration impacts resulting from the facilitation of long-term employment opportunities;  Effects on local facilities and services, such as schools, healthcare facilities and accommodation, from the increase in local workforce; and  Wider socio-economic impacts – this will include those impacts, which although difficult to quantify, are important in understanding the overall socio-economic effect of the Scheme. For example, consideration will be given to wider impacts such as image and perceptions of the local area and catalytic regeneration effects.

12.6 Proposed Methodology Including Significance Criteria

12.6.1 Discussions with landowners and consultation with local communities will be undertaken by SHMBC. This will inform the assessment of the impact of land take and on any private and commercial interests and local communities and community facilities. This will also include the loss of use of the land at the Parkside Colliery, although there is no right of public access to this land.

12.6.2 A review will be undertaken of the extent of demolition required at Rough Farm but at this stage it is anticipated that all of the structures will need to be cleared. The effects of the loss of this property will be considered in the assessment. Any compensation due to owners or occupiers will be considered as part of the economic appraisal. Consideration of issues such as heritage effects or loss of buildings in the landscape and the effects on business will be included. The assessment will consider any loss of other private property such as gardens, garages or parking spaces.

12.6.3 Loss of land used by the Community will be assessed by identifying in conjunction with the local authority and through public consultation land used by the Community, the amount of land lost

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and the usage of the land. The assessment will consider whether there are any cultural associations with the land. If public open space has to be taken then the need for exchange land will be considered in the assessment.

12.6.4 Effects on development land will be considered by considering the effects of the proposed schemes land take on any sites covered by the Local Authority land use planning designations. It will also consider any areas of future development that could be adversely effected, for example, proposed residential developments. A staged approach will be adopted to review local planning authority plans, policy statements and other documents relating to the proposed scheme and study area, identify potential land take and assess how local authority land designations might be affected.

12.6.5 An assessment will be made of the area of agricultural land lost and its quality, in particular whether the land can be considered ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land. The assessment will consider land take, the type of agriculture/husbandry and the effects of severance. Any impacts on farmers as residents or business people will be assessed following the methods used to assess effects on other residents or businesses affected by the scheme.

12.6.6 The quality of agricultural land will be assessed against the classification system published under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales21. The scope of the agricultural assessment will cover:

 Type of husbandry/agriculture;  Value and amount of land that the proposed scheme is likely to take including land no longer viable by virtue of severance;  Likely impacts of severance arising from the scheme; and  Likely impacts of any major accommodation works for access, drainage or water supply.

12.6.7 A staged approach to the agricultural assessment will be adopted as follows:

 Stage 1 – assessment based on Agricultural Land Classification maps and consultation with Local Authority and Natural England;  Stage 2 – identify the value of the agricultural land in particular if it falls into grade 1, 2 or 3a and, if necessary, assess land use, boundaries and potential for farm severance; and  Stage 3 – calculate the agricultural land take for the scheme and the grades involved, assess the need for mitigation measures and undertake detailed assessment of farm viability.

12.6.8 Effects on NMUs will be assessed by establishing local travel patterns including identification of PROW and key community or other important facilities and their catchments taking account of their level of use, use by vulnerable groups, importance and availability of alternative facilities. Origin/destination surveys are not considered to be necessary but this will be kept under review. Changes in predicted journey lengths will be assessed together with any changes in amenities and any potential community severance. Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups.

12.6.9 The assessment of driver stress will consider frustration, fear of potential accidents and uncertainty relating to route finding. The assessment of views from the road will be derived from the landscape and visual assessment. The assessment of driver stress will consider factors and effects concerning driver stress including congestion, sight distances, traffic speeds, the likelihood of encountering pedestrians, level of lighting, road width and quality of surfacing and route certainty.

21 MAFF (1988) Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales

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12.6.10 Magnitude of impact will be measured on a five-point scale according to example criteria set out in Table 12.1.

Magnitude of Impact Definition Major Loss of resource and/or quality and integrity of resource; severe damage to key characteristics, features or elements (Adverse). Moderate Loss of resource, but not adversely affecting the integrity; partial loss of/damage to key characteristics, features or elements (Adverse). Minor Some measurable change in attributes, quality or vulnerability; minor loss of, or alteration to, one (maybe more) key characteristics, features or elements (Adverse). Negligible Very minor loss or detrimental alteration to one or more characteristics, features or elements (Adverse). No Change No loss or alteration of characteristics, features or elements; no observable in either direction.

Table 12.1 – Magnitude of People and Community Impacts

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12.6.11 The measures will inform an assessment on the significance of effects of the scheme on community and private assets as set out in Table 12.2.

Category Description of Effects Very Large The proposed scheme would result in an adverse effect due to the damaging impact and loss of property/land that is of international or national or regional importance or rarity. A serious change in a site or feature of district importance may also be included. Large These beneficial or adverse effects are considered to be very important considerations and are likely to be material in the decision-making process. Moderate These beneficial or adverse effects may be important, but are not likely to be key decision making factors. The cumulative effects of such issues may become a decision making issue if leading to an increase in the overall adverse effect due to the loss of land uses of local importance. Slight The beneficial or adverse effects may be raised as local issues. They are unlikely to be critical in the decision making process, but are important in enhancing the subsequent design of the project. Neutral No effects predicted or those identified are beneath the levels of perception, within normal bounds of variation or within the margin of forecasting error.

Table 12.2 – Significance Criteria of People and Community Effects

12.6.12 Table 12.3 sets out for the significance of the identified effects is judged when taking into account the magnitude of the impact and the sensitivity of the receptor.

Magnitude of Impact No Change Negligible Minor Moderate Major Very High Neutral Slight Moderate or Large or Very Very Large Large Large High Neutral Slight Slight or Moderate or Large or Very Moderate Large Large Medium Neutral Neutral or Slight Moderate Moderate or Slight Large Low Neutral Neutral or Neutral or Slight Slight or Slight Slight Moderate Negligible Neutral Neutral Neutral or Neutral or Slight

Environmental Value (Sensitivity) Slight Slight

Table 12.3 – Significance of Effect Criteria Descriptors

12.6.13 In addition to considering the significance of effects the assessment will also define the effects as either direct or indirect according to the following criteria.

 Direct impact – where the proposed scheme would directly impinge on the land or business in question (e.g. demolition of buildings, loss of some or all of the associated land);  Indirect impact – where the scheme option would pass in close proximity, or directly adjacent to the receptors being considered, or the possible scheme would encroach on the land uses over a wider area (e.g. Countryside Stewardship Scheme land).  No impact – scheme option would not impact upon land.

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Socio Economic Assessment

12.6.14 Prior to considering the socio-economic effects, it will be necessary to establish a clear understanding of baseline socio-economic conditions within the geographical areas relevant to the proposed scheme. The socio-economic baseline analysis will focus on the areas of SHMBC as well as WBC and WMC. Trends in the change over time of key socio-economic indicators will be analysed compared to those for the Liverpool City Region area, the North West and nationally.

12.6.15 The socio-economic assessment will detail local socio-economic conditions, including a full analysis of the following issues:

 Employment (economic activity rate and sectoral employment analysis);  Local labour market (resident employment by occupation, resident earnings and qualifications);  Commuting patterns;  Unemployment and worklessness; and  Deprivation.

12.6.16 The approach that will be adopted will comprise the following:

 A review of the strategic policy context to provide an outline of the relevant national and sub- national / local social and economic objectives of the area;  Identification of the impact area, in relation to each potential socio-economic impact, for the assessment of the Scheme;  A desktop review of all publicly available information on current socio-economic and labour market conditions in the study area to establish the baseline using accepted Government sources, such as the Census and Office for National Statistics (ONS) data;  Assessment of likely significant socio-economic effects of the Scheme, based on environmental value and magnitude of impact;  Recommendation of mitigation measures where necessary;  Assessment of the significance of residual effects assuming the mitigation measures are implemented; and  Identification of likely significant cumulative effects with respect to other consented schemes in the local area.

12.6.17 Qualitative and quantitative assessments will be undertaken using assessment methodologies from published guidance, including the Homes and Communities Agency's (HCA's) Additionality Guide and Employment Densities Guide, and professional judgement.

12.6.18 Key to understating the socio-economic effects of the proposed scheme will be determining its net additional impact or 'additionality'. This is the extent to which activity takes place at all, on a larger scale, earlier or within a specific designated area or target group as a result of the intervention. In order to assess the additionality of the Proposed Development, the following factors will be considered:

 Leakage – the proportion of outputs that benefit those outside of the area of impact;  Displacement – the proportion of outputs accounted for by reduced outputs elsewhere in the area of impact. Displacement may occur in both the factor and product markets;  Multiplier effects – further economic activity associated with additional local income and local supplier purchases; and  Deadweight – outputs which would have occurred without the Scheme. This is referred to as the reference case.

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12.6.19 The above approach to assessing the additional impact of a project is consistent with central Government guidance for physical development projects, including the recently published Appraisal Guide (2016) by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

12.6.20 The treatment of significance within the socio-economic assessment will provide an indication of the likely magnitude, category, type, nature and duration of potential effects, as follows:

 Magnitude: ‘Major’, ‘Moderate’, ‘Minor’, ‘Negligible’, ‘No Change’  Category (beneficial or adverse): ‘Very Large’, ‘Large’, ‘Moderate’, ‘Slight’, ‘Neutral’  Nature: ‘Direct’ or ’Indirect’  Duration: ‘Short-term’, ‘Medium-term’ or ‘Long-term)

12.6.21 Table 12.4 sets out how the significance of the identified effects is judged when taking into account the magnitude of the impact and the sensitivity of the receptor.

Magnitude of Impact No Change Negligible Minor Moderate Major Very High Neutral Slight Moderate or Large or Very Very Large Large Large High Neutral Slight Slight or Moderate or Large or Very Moderate Large Large Medium Neutral Neutral or Slight Moderate Moderate or Slight Large Low Neutral Neutral or Neutral or Slight Slight or Slight Slight Moderate Negligible Neutral Neutral Neutral or Neutral or Slight

Environmental Value (Sensitivity) Slight Slight

Table 12.4 – Significance of Effect Criteria Descriptors

Health Impact Assessment

12.6.22 The potential effects on human health will principally be assessed under relevant disciplines such as air quality and noise and vibration. As noted above a screening exercise will be undertaken to determine whether a specific Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is required. However, it should be acknowledged that EIA and HIA are separate processes. HIA is defined as a ‘combination of procedures, methods and tools that systematically judges the potential, and sometimes unintended, effects of a policy, plan, programme or project on both the health of a population and the distribution of those effects within the population. HIA identifies appropriate actions to manage those effects’22.

12.6.23 The DMRB does not include any specific guidance on HIA; if such an assessment is deemed to be necessary then this will be undertaken in accordance with current best practice guidance including the Merseyside Guidelines for Health Impact Assessment23 and other relevant guidance. The screening process will involve consultation with relevant local health organisations and bodies including, but not necessarily limited to, the following:

 St Helens MBC Director of Public Health;  St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust;  Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust;  St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group; and  St Helens Health and Wellbeing Board.

22 Cave,B. Fothergill,J., Pyper, R. Gibson, G. and Saunders, P. (2017) Health in Environmental Impact Assessment: A Primer for a Proportionate Approach. Ben Cave Associates Ltd, IEMA and the Faculty of Public Health. Lincoln, England. Available at www.iema.net 23 Scott-Samuel, A., Birley,M., Arden,.K. (2001) The Merseyside Guidelines for Health Impact Assessment Second Edition May 2001

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12.6.24 Regardless of whether a formal HIA is required for the Scheme, the relevant parts of the five key principles that underpin the coverage of population and human health within HIA will be considered as part of the design and assessment. These are:

 Comprehensive approach to health - Physical, mental and social wellbeing is determined by a broad range of factors from all sectors of society. Consideration of these wider determinants of health and their inter-relationships should inform the assessment of population and human health;  Proportionate - The assessment should be proportionate. The scoping of population and human health issues into EIA should focus on whether the potential impacts are likely to be significant. Where they are found likely to be significant, effort should focus on identifying and gaining commitment to avoiding or reducing any adverse effects and to enhancing beneficial effects;  Consistency - The assessment, its process and conclusions, should be in accordance with up- to-date policy, guidance and scientific consensus, acknowledging any tensions introduced by emerging evidence. The assessment should show awareness of good practice in previous impact assessments of population and human health (including stand-alone HIA). However, consistency does not imply blind adherence to guidance and precedence at the expense of local context and/or the need for innovation.  Equity - The distribution of health impacts across the population should be considered, paying specific attention to vulnerable groups. Where impacts that are unfair and avoidable are identified appropriate measures should be included to avoid, reduce or improve health, and other, outcomes for affected groups.  Reasonableness - An objective assessment should be undertaken based on evidence and on sound judgment. The assessment process should follow an acceptable, explicit logic path and retain common sense in applying relevant guidance. Divergence from accepted practice should be explained.

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13. ROAD DRAINAGE AND THE WATER ENVIRONMENT

13.1 Introduction

13.1.1 This section sets out the assessment methodology to be used to assess the potential effects on road drainage and the surrounding water environment. It also describes the existing baseline information and potential likely effects of the scheme. The assessment of road drainage and the water environment will comprise a qualitative assessment undertaken in accordance with DMRB Volume 11, Section 3, Part 10 (HD 45/09).

13.2 Study Area

13.2.1 The spatial scope of this assessment will encompass surface water features surrounding the proposed Scheme and features within 1 km of the proposed Scheme. This section will also cover the potential impacts of flood risk to the Scheme and to people and property elsewhere as a result of the Scheme.

13.2.2 It should be noted that areas that may be affected by increased flood risk or pollutants transported downstream could be greater than 1km from the proposed Scheme. The areas that could be significantly affected by development of the Scheme in terms of flood risk and pollution are therefore based on judgement of appropriately qualified professionals.

13.2.3 This section will not cover hydrogeology. Potential impacts to groundwater resources and groundwater quality will be addressed in Section 9 Soils and Geology.

13.3 Existing Baseline Knowledge

13.3.1 The topography and hydrological setting of the site indicates that the site area sits astride two watershed catchments, broadly divided into the eastern half the site, to the east of the M6, and the western part of the site, to the west of the M6. The eastern catchment comprises Cockshot Brook and its associated tributaries, and the western catchment comprises Newton Brook and its associated tributaries. These catchments are described in greater detail below. The locations of these watercourses are shown in Figure 13.1. In addition to these catchment areas, formal drainage infrastructure currently serves the existing highway network within the site.

Cockshot Brook Catchment

13.3.2 Ordnance Survey mapping shows an unnamed drainage ditch, including some culverted sections, beginning approximately 500m north of the Manchester-Liverpool railway line. This is shown to flow broadly southeast to join with Cockshot Brook approximately 400m east of the A579. A second unnamed drainage ditch is shown to begin immediately east of Parkside Road (A573), adjacent to Barrow Lane, and flow towards the east to also join with Cockshot Brook at the same location.

13.3.3 During the site walkover ponds were also noted close to the start of the second tributary of Cockshot Brook, adjacent to the properties of A579 Winwick Lane.

13.3.4 Cockshot Brook flows in a broadly south direction and joins with Spittle Brook, close to Junction 21A of the M6 and approximately 2.5km south of the site.

13.3.5 Further ponds have been noted within the wider landscape, which may relate to former quarries or to farmland and are not connected to watercourses.

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Newton Brook Catchment

13.3.6 A small watercourse is shown rising to the south of the proposed Scheme, west of the M6. Ordnance Survey mapping shows this beginning close to Hermitage Green, situated off A573 Parkside Road, however, due to dense vegetation this could not be traced as far as the proposed Scheme alignment during the Ramboll 2017 ecological survey (discussed in Section 8). This watercourse is variously known as Hermitage Green Brook and Oswalds Brook. It is understood to be an Environment Agency Main River. The brook flows broadly towards the west, passing beneath the A49 and joining with Newton Brook approximately 20m west of the A49. A second tributary of approximately 300m in length joins Hermitage Green Brook/Oswalds Brook in the south eastern corner of the former Parkside colliery site. This was found to be dry during the Ramboll 2017 ecological survey and appears to date from the construction of the adjacent former colliery spoil heap. The ecological survey also noted that the lower parts of the Hermitage Green Brook/Oswalds Brook were largely dry at the time of survey, but with mud and wetland vegetation indicative of ephemeral flows.

13.3.7 The Ramboll 2017 ecological survey identified a network of ponds situated adjacent to Hermitage Green Brook/Oswalds Brook. The ponds appeared to form part of a disused and derelict drainage system relating to drainage of the former Parkside Colliery.

13.3.8 The watercourses and ponds detailed above showed visible signs of pollution from material leaching from the former colliery site, comprising a ferrous/orange deposit, apparent hydrocarbon sheen in slow flowing parts of the Brook, and a milky appearance to the ponds. Material leaching from the colliery soil heap was observed at several locations on the ground adjacent to the brook and at outflow pipes discharging to the ponds discussed in 13.3.7 above.

13.3.9 In the wider Newton Brook catchment Millingford Brook is situated approximately 800m to the north of the Manchester-Liverpool railway line at its closest point and flows in a broadly north- west direction. Two series of drainage ditches containing some culverted sections join with Millingford Brook approximately 800m and 1.1km north of the railway line respectively.

13.3.10 Millingford Brook joins with Newton Brook approximately 900m northwest of the Manchester- Liverpool railway line. A third watercourse, Ellam's Brook, also joins with Newton Brook at the same location. From here, Newton Brook flows in a broadly north-south direction, passing though Newton-le-Willows and joining with Sankey Brook approximately 1.8km southwest of where Hermitage Green Brook joins with Newton Brook.

Flood Risk

13.3.11 The Environment Agency indicative floodplain maps show the entire site area to be situated in Flood zone 1, at low risk of tidal and fluvial flooding. Large parts of Newton-Le-Willows to the northwest of the site area are at high risk of fluvial flooding from Newton Brook, but this does not extend within the site area.

13.3.12 The EA surface water flood maps show the Hermitage Green Brook/Oswalds Brook channel and also very small parts of the site area to be susceptible to surface water flooding.

13.3.13 A detailed assessment of potential water environment receptors and flood risk will be undertaken as part of the EIA.

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13.4 Value of Environmental Receptors and Resources

13.4.1 All surface water bodies and watercourses are defined as Controlled Waters under the Water Resources Act 1991 and protected under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), and therefore considered to be sensitive receptors.

13.4.2 It is likely, given the visible signs of pollution observed and the brooks location immediately adjacent to a former colliery, that water quality within Hermitage Green Brook/Oswalds Brook is compromised to some degree by the existing environmental context. The watercourse and associated tributary were therefore considered to be of limited ecological, economic and amenity value within the vicinity of the proposed development. However, given the legislative context described above they would still be considered as sensitive receptors in an ES chapter.

13.4.3 Sensitive receptors with regards to flood risk will largely comprise local industry and adjacent residential development. Consideration will also need to be given to site occupants during the construction process of the proposed Scheme.

13.5 Proposed Drainage Strategy

13.5.1 The proposed drainage strategy for the development is currently in progress; however the general principles are as follows. Surface water will be discharged via a combination of gullies and swales to a combination of the existing highways drainage network, Cockshot Brook, Newton Brook and infiltration basins. Surface water runoff off site from new sections of highway will be restricted to no greater than greenfield rates plus climate change.

13.6 Potential Effects

13.6.1 The scheme has the potential to effect the water environment during construction and operation.

13.6.2 Potential impacts to surface water features, existing highways infrastructure and flood risk during construction could arise from:

 Polluted surface water runoff consisting of high sediment load, chemicals, and hydrocarbons from construction vehicles, plant and high risk activities that may migrate or be discharged to surface water features;  Increased pollution to surface waters from existing sources as a result of disturbance to soils and colliery spoil materials during construction and consequential effects on downstream receptors;  Increased rates and volumes of surface water runoff resulting from intense rainfall combined with compacted soils and reduced vegetation, which could lead to an increase in flood risk; and  Damage to the integrity of water features associated with construction works in close proximity or above watercourses and drainage ditches.

13.6.3 Potential impacts to surface water features, existing highways infrastructure and flood risk during operation could arise from:

 Polluted surface water runoff consisting of silts and hydrocarbons from the proposed scheme (including an assessment of the potential increase in traffic flow) that may migrate or be discharged to surface water;  Increased pollution to surface waters from existing sources as a result of long term disturbance to soils and colliery spoil materials and consequential effects on downstream receptors;

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 Increased rates and volumes of surface water runoff from an increase in impermeable area and/or changes to the existing drainage regime leading to a potential increase in flood risk;  Flood risk to the proposed scheme and to people and property elsewhere as a result of construction within areas identified to be at flood risk; and  Impact to the natural flow of watercourses and flood waters within identified fluvial flood extents, caused by the construction of the Scheme and re-profiling of current land forms, leading to a potential increase in flood risk.

13.6.4 Major accidents and/or disasters could result in likely significant effects on water quality, for example, a major fuel or oil spillage reaching watercourse could adversely impact surface water quality. .

13.6.5 Impacts will be assessed over the expected lifetime of the proposed Scheme, taking into consideration the potential effects of climate change.

13.6.6 Note that these impacts have been assessed prior to the consideration of appropriate mitigation.

13.7 Proposed Methodology Including Significance Criteria

13.7.1 The approach that will be adopted for this assessment comprises:

 Review of international, national and local legislation, policies and guidelines in relation to water resources, water quality and flood risk. This shall include a review of the requirements of the Water Framework Directive;  Establish baseline conditions on and around the site through discussions with Warrington Borough Council and design team, literature review, consultation with relevant authorities (namely the Environment Agency), Envirocheck report, review of any existing water quality monitoring data (if available) and site walkover;  Identify sensitive receptors and likely key issues;  Identify risks to water resources, water quality and flood risk from the proposed Scheme and hence the likely impacts, magnitude of change and significance of impact during both the construction and operational phases;  Develop mitigation strategies through consultation with Warrington Borough Council, design team and relevant authorities;  Identify opportunities for enhancement of water quality and water management through design and mitigation; and  Identify residual effects and cumulative impacts.

13.7.2 The method of assessment and reporting of significant effects will be undertaken and based on HD 45/09 guidance. The DMRB promotes the following approach:

 Estimation of the importance of the attribute;  Estimation of the magnitude of the impact; and  Assessment of the significance of the impact based on the importance of the attribute and magnitude of the impact.

13.7.3 The importance of the attribute is considered in terms of indicators, such as quality scale, rarity and substitutability. The following criteria have been developed following the general guidance of HD 45/09 as set out below.

Importance Criteria Example Very High Attribute with a high Water body of very good chemical or biological quality, i.e. quality and rarity, Water Framework Directive (WFD) regional or national Class ‘High’.

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Importance Criteria Example scale and limited Site protected/designed under EC or UK habitat legislation potential for Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection substitution. Area (SPA), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Water Protection Zone (WPZ), Ramsar site, species protected by EC legislation. EC designated Salmonid fishery. A source used for public or local potable water supply. Water body of high amenity value, including areas of bathing and where water emersion sports are regularly practised. Floodplain or defence protecting more than 100 residential properties from flooding. Areas which are highly vulnerable to flooding. With reference to NPPF, these can include essential infrastructure, emergency services and basement dwellings. High Attribute with a high Water body of good chemical and biological quality, i.e. quality and rarity, local WFD Class ‘Good’ Species protected under EC or UK habitat scale and limited legislation potential for EC designated Cyprinid fishery. substitution. Attribute A source used for domestic non-potable water supply. with a medium quality Water body of a moderate amenity value including public and rarity, regional or parks, boating, non-contact water sports, popular footpaths national scale and adjacent to watercourses, or watercourses running through limited potential for housing developments/town centres. substitution. Floodplain or defence protecting between 1 and 100 residential properties or industrial premises from flooding. Areas which are more vulnerable to flooding. With reference to NPPF, these can include hospitals, residential units, educational facilities and waste management sites. Medium Attribute with a Water body of fair chemical or biological quality, i.e. WFD medium quality and Class ‘Moderate’. rarity, local scale and A source used for agricultural or industrial use. limited potential for Water body of particular local social/cultural/educational substitution. Attribute interest. Water body of low amenity value with only casual with a low quality and access, e.g. along a road or bridge in a rural area. rarity, regional or Floodplain or defence protecting 10 or fewer industrial national scale and properties from flooding. limited potential for Areas which are less vulnerable to flooding. substitution With reference to NPPF, these can include retail, commercial and general industrial units, agricultural/forestry sites and water/sewage treatment plants. Low Attribute with a low Water of poor or bad chemical or biological quality, i.e. WFD quality and rarity, local Class ‘Poor’. scale and limited Low sensitivity aquatic ecosystem. potential for A source with no known potable or non-potable use. substitution. Water body of no amenity value, seldom used for amenity purposes, in a remote or inaccessible area. Floodplain with limited constraints and a low probability of flooding of residential and industrial properties. Areas which are considered to be water compatible. With reference to NPPF, these can include flood control infrastructure, docks/marinas, pumping stations and recreational/landscape areas. Negligible Attribute has very low Drainage ditches or land drains with no known value as an

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Importance Criteria Example quality and rarity on aquatic ecosystem. local scale. Land not within a floodplain and provides no flood defence benefit.

Table 13.1 - Criteria for Assessing the Value of Environmental Receptors

13.7.4 The criteria for assessing the magnitude of a potential effect are summarised in Table 13.2 below, as developed from HD 45/09. Not all effects are adverse and there is the potential for beneficial effects, for example a significant reduction in AADT reducing risks to water quality.

Magnitude Criteria Example Major Adverse Results in loss of Loss or extensive change to a fishery/designated nature attribute and/or quality conservation site. and integrity of the Change to the environmental status/classification of a water attribute. feature, including water quality classification. Changes to site resulting in an increase in discharge/runoff of >75% with flood/sewerage exceedances potential. Increase in peak flood level (1% annual probability event) >100mm Loss of flood storage areas. Moderate Results in effect on Partial loss or change to a fishery/designated nature Adverse integrity of attribute, conservation site. Loss in the productivity of a fishery. or loss of part of Pollution of a receiving waterbody, but insufficient to attribute. change the environmental status/classification, including water quality classification. Changes to site resulting in an increase in discharge/runoff of >50% with flood/sewerage exceedance potential. Increase in peak flood level (1% annual probability event) > 50mm. Minor Adverse Results in some Potential low risk of some pollution to a surface water body, measurable change in but insufficient to cause loss in quality, fishery productivity attribute’s quality or or biodiversity. vulnerability. Changes to site resulting in an increase in discharge/runoff of > 25% with flood/sewerage exceedance potential. Increase in peak flood level (1% annual probability event) > 10mm. Negligible Results in effect on The proposed scheme is unlikely to affect the integrity of Adverse attribute, but of the water environment. insufficient magnitude Negligible change in peak flood level (1% annual probability to affect the use of event) < 10mm. integrity. No Change No observable impacts No adverse or beneficial change to the integrity of the water or effects. environment. No change in peak flood level. Negligible Results in effect on The proposed scheme is unlikely to positively affect the Beneficial attribute, but of integrity of the water environment. insufficient magnitude Negligible decrease in peak flood level (1% annual to affect the use of probability event) <10mm. integrity. Minor Beneficial Results in some Potential for slight reduction in pollution to a surface water beneficial effect on body, but insufficient to cause noticeable benefit in quality, attribute or a reduced fishery productivity or biodiversity. risk of negative effect Changes to site resulting in a decrease in discharge/runoff occurring. > 25%.

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Magnitude Criteria Example Reduction in peak flood level (1% annual probability event) > 10mm.

Moderate Results in moderate Moderate improvement to a fishery/designated nature Beneficial improvement of conservation site. Potential increase in the productivity of a attribute quality. fishery. Reduced pollution of a receiving water body, but insufficient to change the environmental status/classification, including water quality classification. Changes to site resulting in a decrease in discharge/runoff > 50%. Reduction in peak flood level (1% annual probability event) > 50mm. Major Beneficial Results in major Significant improvement to a fishery/designated nature improvement of conservation site. attribute quality Removal of existing polluting discharge, or removing the likelihood of polluting discharges occurring. Change to the environmental status/classification of a water feature, including water quality classification. Changes to site resulting in a decrease in discharge/runoff of > 75%. Reduction in peak flood level (1% annual probability event) > 100mm.

Table 13.2 - Criteria for Assessing the Potential Magnitude of an Effect

13.7.5 The overall significance of potential impacts considers both the magnitude of the effect against the value of the receptor, as demonstrated below.

Magnitude of Impact No Change Negligible Minor Moderate Major Very High Neutral Slight Moderate Large Very Large High Neutral Slight Slight Moderate Large Medium Neutral Neutral Slight Slight Moderate Low Neutral Neutral Neutral Slight Slight Negligible Neutral Neutral Neutral or Neutral Slight

Importance of the of Importance Attribute Slight

Table 13.3 - Criteria for Assessing Significance of Effect

13.7.6 In addition to Table 13.3, the overall significance of an effect is also assessed with regards to the likelihood of the effect, the potential use of mitigation, and any legal obligations. A detailed review of relevant planning policy and legislation will be undertaken in the assessment to assess compliance with the proposed Scheme and recommended mitigation.

13.7.7 Following the impact assessment process, further mitigation measures will be outlined to minimise any significant adverse effects upon the water environment. Any residual effects following these measures will be detailed.

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14. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

14.1.1 In accordance with legislation the DMRB Volume 11, Section 2 Part 5: Assessment and Management of Environmental Effects (HA205/08) requires that Cumulative Effects are assessed as part of the assessment process.

14.2 Methodology

14.2.1 The DMRB identifies two types of cumulative impact in environmental assessment:

 Cumulative effects from a single scheme (acknowledging the outcomes of each of the environmental topics assessed for the proposed scheme); and  Cumulative effects from different schemes (assessed in combination with the scheme in question).

14.2.2 The approach to identify the likely cumulative effects arising from the proposed scheme and its interaction with other schemes will be based upon guidance contained within DMRB. However, this guidance will be adapted in order to make it relevant to each environmental topic being considered as part of the assessment.

14.3 Study Area

14.3.1 DMRB guidance on the assessment of cumulative effects requires that the spatial boundary of the receptor/resource with potential to be affected directly or indirectly is considered. The study area will be set for each individual topic in line with DMRB Guidance. In setting the study area consideration will be given to schemes that:

 Will be occurring at times prior to or during construction of the proposed scheme;  Are ‘in proximity’ to the proposed scheme; or  Are considered likely to result in environmental effects which could act in synergy with effects arising from the proposed scheme.

14.3.2 Although the construction programmes of individual projects may not necessarily overlap, cumulative effects could still occur due to residual effects continuing after a project is operational, for example as a result of maintenance works.

14.3.3 In order to carry out the assessment it will be necessary to define the location and timing of nearby potential developments. In effect, the ‘study area’ will encompass all schemes which are ‘committed’ including (but not necessarily limited to):

 Trunk Road projects which have been confirmed (i.e. gone through the statutory processes) in proximity to the scheme; and  Development projects with valid planning permissions as granted by the Local Planning Authority, and for which statutory EIA is a requirement or a non-statutory EIA has been undertaken.

14.3.4 Although the assessment will primarily include developments that are likely to occur and have some form of planning/land use approval, speculative developments will also be mentioned, specifically when their approval is fairly certain and if they are likely to have significant impacts.

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14.4 Identification of Cumulative Effects Receptors

14.4.1 Receptors are defined as a resource or user group that may experience a cumulative effect. The receptors considered within each cumulative effect assessment will be dependent on the environmental topic under consideration.

14.5 Data Collection

14.5.1 The main source of data for the cumulative effects assessment will be the outcomes and information obtained from the individual environmental topic assessments. The assessment of cumulative effects arising from the proposed scheme in combination with other schemes will primarily constitute a desk-top study of planning documents broadly covering the location of schemes (if any are identified) considered relevant to the assessment.

14.5.2 Liaison will be undertaken with the Local Planning Authority, SHMBC, as well as others such as WBC and WMB, to determine whether other schemes in the vicinity of the proposed scheme should be taken into consideration.

14.5.3 The focus of the desk-top study will be the collection of information relating to the background of relevant projects, their expected timelines and likely environmental impacts.

14.6 Assessment of the Potential for Cumulative Effects

Construction Phase

14.6.1 Receptors most at risk from cumulative effects, during scheme construction, are those in close proximity to construction activities. Cumulative effects arising from construction phase activities are likely to relate to visual intrusion, dust, noise and vibration.

14.6.2 The severity of cumulative effects would be dependent upon:

 The type of works being undertaken;  The duration of the works;  The distance between the works and their respective proximity to the receptor;  The sensitivity of the receptor; and  The visible presence of the works.

14.6.3 Temporary land-take required for ancillary works such as compounds, diversions or working space and material storage would also have environmental impacts.

14.6.4 Indirect cumulative effects as a result of construction can also occur. To avoid disruptions to traffic flow caused by construction works, drivers sometimes choose to travel on surrounding roads, known as ‘rat-running’. This can affect traffic flows on roads not directly affected by the construction works. Rat-running can result in reduced air quality, increased noise, reduced amenity etc. Rat-running is a common concern at a local level although by, for example, effective traffic management or night-time working then it may be possible to reduce the risk of rat-running.

85 Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report

Operational Phase

14.6.5 The prediction and evaluation of cumulative effects is not straightforward as the interaction between schemes is potentially complex and subject to change if projects are delayed or postponed. Contributing to the complexity is the variations in the geographical proximity of other schemes.

14.6.6 Furthermore, the significance of individual scheme impacts on each receptor will play a role in the overall importance of the effect; highly likely to be at least as significant as the most important contributory environmental impact. Therefore cumulative effects are considered according to the frequency of impacts upon receptors in the identified locality, as well as the significance of the impacts on each receptor.

14.6.7 For example, the majority of developments are likely to affect transport movements to a certain degree. A multitude of developments occurring at the same time would adversely affect local travellers to a degree greater than the disruption caused by one scheme alone. By contrast, a string of developments one after another would result in a prolonged period of disruption to travellers, although the location of the developments would play an important role in the significance of the effect.

14.6.8 Ecologically, habitats close to the proposed scheme are commonly subjected to cumulative effects; possibly experiencing a combination of edge effects, light and noise pollution and reduced air quality as a result of the same development. If another development is occurring at the same time then significance of the effects experienced by the habitat would be increased.

14.6.9 Overall, cumulative effects are anticipated to diminish in the longer term. As local residents or receptors become accustomed to post-construction conditions the impact may become measurably less significant (for example the recovery of ecological areas after the effects of multiple schemes), or may be perceived to be less significant, for example, acclimatisation to noise levels.

14.7 Potential Developments to be considered

14.7.1 The potential developments to be considered in the cumulative effects assessment will be agreed with the Local Planning Authority, SHMBC, but will also take account of projects in the administrative areas of WBC and, if necessary, WMC. As noted above the focus will be on trunk road projects that have been confirmed and projects with valid planning permissions but consideration will also be given to the proposed Parkside Development (for which a planning application is anticipated before the ES would be submitted), the Phase 2 development of the former Parkside Colliery, the proposed SRFI to the east of the M6 motorway and, where appropriate, allocations in the SHMBC new local plan.

86 Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report

14.7.2 At this stage the following developments have been identified in the Scoping Report for the proposed Parkside Development and these will be considered in reviewing the cumulative assessments for the ES:

Application Reference Development Outline P/2015/0493 Land East of Mill Lane, Park and ride scheme and bus interchange with expanded car Newton-le-Willows. park, pick up/drop off point and facilities for taxis. P/2003/1461 Vulcan Works, Wargrave Development including residential, live/work, local centre, Road, Newton-le-Willows. recreation area, sports club and open space. P/2014/0627 Deacon Trading Estate, Residential development comprising the construction of 324 Earle St, Newton-le-Willows. dwellings, public open space and associated works. P/2015/0571 Land North of Penny Hybrid application for full application for B8 warehousing, Lane and West of M6 Motorway, ancillary office space, parking and landscaping and outline Haydock. application for B8 warehousing, ancillary office space, parking and landscaping. P/2015/0843/FUL Fishwicks Industrial Distribution warehouse and associated service yard and external Estate, Kilbuck Lane, Haydock. works. P/2016/0608 Land at Florida Farm, Hybrid application for full application for new access to A580 East North Slag Lane, Haydock. Lancashire Road, internal access roads, development platforms and landscaping and outline application for commercial/industrial buildings and associated infrastructure. P/2016/0742/FUL Land West of Residential development for 142 dwellings and associated access, Common Road, Newton-le-Willows. landscaping and open access works. Table 14.1 Developments identified in Scoping Report for proposed Parkside Development for Cumulative Assessment

Legend

Proposed Scheme !_N

Figure Title Scheme Location Plan

Project Name Parkside Link Road

Project Number Figure No. 1620003486 1.1 Date Prepared By June 2017 JB Scale Issue 1:50,000 @A4 1 Client St Helens MBC

0 1.25 2.5 Kilometers

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data © Crown copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Licence number 100040631 Key Local Authority Boundaries !_N Wigan Metropolitan Council

St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council

Figure Title Local Authority Boundaries

Project Name Parkside Link Road

Project Number Figure No. Warrington Borough Council 1620003486 1.2 Date Prepared By June 2017 EM Scale Issue 1:25,000 @A4 1 Client St Helens MBC

0 0.5 1 Kilometers

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data © Crown copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Licence number 100040631 Key Proposed Scheme !_N Red Line Boundary

Figure Title Red Line Boundary

Project Name Parkside Link Road

Project Number Figure No. 1620003486 2.1 Date Prepared By June 2017 EM Scale Issue 1:15,000 @A4 1 Client St Helens MBC

0 0.4 0.8 Kilometers

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data © Crown copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Licence number 100040631 Key 1343262 Proposed Scheme N !_ 1km Buffer 1253103 Listed Buildings

1075930 1198958 Grade

1198937 Grade I Listed 1343246 1075928 1283630 1343245 Building 1283597 1075900 Grade II* Listed 1068477 Building 1283575 1343248 Grade II Listed Building

1198973 Scheduled Monument 1356218 1075931

Figure Title 1075899 Cultural HeritageFeatures 1075898 1343263 Project Name Parkside Link Road

Project Number Figure No. 1620003486 6.1 Date Prepared By

1230792 June 2017 EM 1231049 Scale Issue 1392451 1230789 1278317 1278279 1278427 1:25,000 @A4 1 1230791 1278428 Client 1392456 St Helens MBC 1376813 1278426

0 0.5 1 Kilometers

1278503 Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data © Crown copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Licence number 100040631 Key

Proposed Scheme N !_ 5km Buffer Special Areas of Conservation

Note: No SPAs, Ramsar Sites, pSACs, pSPAs, pRamsar Sites are present within 5km (or the extents of this map).

Figure Title Internationally Designated Sites of Nature Conservation

Project Name Parkside Link Road

Project Number Figure No. 1620003486 8.1 Date Prepared By June 2017 EM Scale Issue 1:75,000 @A4 1 Client St Helens MBC

0 1 2 Kilometers

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data © Crown copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Licence number 100040631 Key

Proposed Scheme N !_ 2km Buffer SSSI

Local Nature Reserve

Approximate location " of Local Wildlife Site within 2km LWS59

LWS73 LWS71

LWS89 LWS LWS103LWS97 Figure Title LWS93 Nationally and Locally Designated Sites

Project Name APAS31 Parkside Link Road

Project Number Figure No. 1620003486 8.2 Date Prepared By June 2017 EM Scale Issue 1:50,000 @A4 1 Client St Helens MBC

0 1 2 Kilometers

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data © Crown copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Licence number 100040631 Legend

Proposed Scheme N !_ Main River

Figure Title Main Rivers

Project Name Parkside Link Road

Project Number Figure No. 1620003486 13.1 Date Prepared By June 2017 JB Scale Issue 1:20,000 @A4 1 Client St Helens MBC

0 0.5 1 Kilometers

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data © Crown copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Licence number 100040631