Environmental Statement Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary

M2 Junction 5 Improvements Environmental Statement Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary

June 2019

Status: A1 Approved - Published Document Ref: HE551521-ATK-EGN-RP-LM-000025 M2 Junction 5 Improvements Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary

Table of contents

Chapter Pages

1. Non-Technical Summary 4 2. The Scheme 5 3. Alternatives Considered 8 4. Assessment of Significance and Mitigation 9 5. Assessment of the likely significant effects 14 6. What happens next 27

Page 3 M2 Junction 5 Improvements M2 Junction 5 Improvements Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary

Introduction The Scheme

Highways England is proposing the M2 Junction 5 The full Environmental Statement comprises four The existing M2 Junction 5 is an at-grade roundabout Improvements Scheme in Kent to support the regional volumes in total, as follows: and is the main access point for people travelling Environmental constraints that have been and local economic development and housing growth. north-east to Sittingbourne, the Isle of Sheppey and the considered in the EIA and reported in Volume 1 These improvements will provide additional capacity at Port of Sheerness and south-west to Maidstone and more detail in the ES include: Environmental Statement main text setting out the each junction to smooth traffic ﬂow, improve journey surrounding villages. environmental assessment in chapters; ■■ The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding time reliability, and the safety of the M2 Junction 5 and Junction 5 has capacity constraints resulting in Natural Beauty (AONB) which the Scheme surrounding local road network for road users, and Volume 2 unsatisfactory network performance affecting the lies majorly in; support the development of housing and the creation Environmental Statement technical appendices; M2 east-west movements and A249 north-south of jobs. More information is included in the Statement ■■ Church Wood and Chestnut Wood Volume 3 movements between Sittingbourne and Maidstone, with of Reasons, which accompanies this application. Ancient Woodlands, located adjacent to Environmental Statement figures, including drawings, current traffic demands significantly exceeding capacity. the Scheme; Under Section 105B of the Highways Act 1980 photos and other illustrative material; and Junction 5 is also identified as one of the top 50 ■ Queendown Warren Site of Special (as amended) it has been determined that the Volume 4 national casualty locations on England’s major ‘A’ roads ■ Scientific Interest (SSSI) (located M2 Junction 5 Improvements Scheme should be the (this document) Environmental Statement Non-Technical and motorways. Additionally, people travelling to and approximately 2km from the Scheme), subject of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Summary. from the Maidstone area currently use rural roads to to identify the likely environmental effects, and their avoid the congested M2 Junction 5. This puts pressure North Downs Woodlands Special Area of significance. An EIA has been undertaken and reported Printed hard copies will be available to view until on the local road network, which is not suited to large Conservation (SAC), located approximately in an Environmental Statement (ES). 25th July 2019 at the following locations: volumes of traffic and results in increased safety risk. 7km from the Scheme and Wouldham to Detling Escarpment SSSI are located This booklet provides a non-technical summary of the Highways England, Bridge House, 1 Walnut Tree Close, The proposed Junction 5 improvements involve the adjacent to the Affected Road Network key findings. Its main purpose is to summarise the likely Guildford, Surrey, GU14LZ replacement of the existing Stockbury Roundabout (ARN) for the Scheme; significant effects of the proposals on the natural, built Monday to Friday (9.30am - 5pm) with a new grade-separated junction. and social environment reported in the Environmental ■■ One Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) Maidstone Borough Council, King Street, The Scheme has been designed to avoid key Statement. - Maidstone Borough AQMA within the Maidstone, ME15 6JQ environmental constraints as much as possible. Design air quality study area associated with the The proposed M2 Junction 5 Improvements Scheme Monday to Friday (8.30am - 5pm) measures include: avoidance of ancient woodland and M20/A249 junction; is referred to as the ‘Scheme’ throughout the Swale Borough Council, 38 - 42 High Street, veteran trees; and minimising the construction footprint Environmental Statement, including this Non-Technical Sheerness, ME12 1NL for earthworks. During detailed design, opportunities to ■■ Six Noise Important Areas (NIAs) in Summary. Monday to Friday (9.00am - 5pm) reduce and avoid residual environmental impacts will be proximity to the Scheme, which are areas developed further. identified as being subject to high levels of The Environmental Statement and supporting Kent County Council, County Hall, noise; documents can be viewed online at: Maidstone, ME14 1XQ The Scheme location and environmental constraints https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/ Monday to Friday (8.30am - 5pm) plan is shown on pages 10-13. ■■ Heritage assets including a Scheduled he/m2-junction-5-improvements/ Monument, Grade I, II* and II Listed Maidstone Library, James Whatman Way, Buildings, WWII air crash sites, Maidstone, ME14 1LQ one non-designated historical landscape, Monday to Wednesday and Friday (9am - 6pm), non-designated heritage assets and a find Thursday (9am - 8pm) and Saturday (9am - 5pm) spot nearby; Sittingbourne Library, Central Avenue, ■■ Chatham Land Front WWI defences; and Sittingbourne, ME10 4AH Monday to Wednesday and Friday (9am - 6pm), ■■ Flood Zone 1 and Source Protection Thursday (9am - 8pm) and Saturday (9am - 5pm) Zones.

Page 4 Page 5 M2 Junction 5 Improvements M2 Junction 5 Improvements Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary

The components of the Scheme are outlined below and land fronting this section of road and connection and shown on pages 12-13. to South Green Lane. The Honeycrock Hill junction with the A249 will be stopped up. The existing Stockbury Roundabout would remain at-grade and would be enlarged to accommodate The roundabout and the approaches will remain lit connections to the roundabout. The A249 mainline during operation. The new lighting design has taken into would flyover the Stockbury Roundabout, with the consideration careful design measures including the use approaches on embankments and retaining walls, of LEDs to ensure measures to avoid and/or minimise and with two single span bridges over the roundabout. light spill onto adjacent areas, particularly within the Kent Downs AONB area. Four new slip roads will be provided, three of which include dedicated left turn lanes at the roundabout The construction of the Scheme is expected to for the following turning movements: commence in 2020 and take up to 18 months to build. Site mobilisation will include ecological mitigation ■■ A249 southbound to M2 westbound; works, construction compounds and site clearance. ■■ A249 northbound to M2 eastbound; and Construction will take place between 07:00 - 17:00 ■■ M2 eastbound to A249 northbound. and extended to 19:30 in the summer. Overnight work will be required for any changes to traffic management The existing Maidstone Road connection with layouts and surfacing to slip roads and junctions where Stockbury Roundabout will be stopped up and a new traffic management is required to close or restrict lanes Maidstone Road link will be provided, connecting to to one lane. Oad Street to the north of the M2. An Outline Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) A new link road will be provided between Stockbury has been prepared and is included as part of the ES. Roundabout and Oad Street, with the new link road A Record of Environmental Actions and Commitments Looking towards the roundabout from the south west corner connecting into Oad Street near the existing junction of (REAC) is included within the OEMP which identifies Oad Street and the A249. The existing Oad Street and the environmental commitments made during A249 junction would be closed. Oad Street will remain the Preliminary Design to address the potential open for local access to properties but will not have environmental effects of the Scheme. The OEMP will direct access onto the A249 as currently exists. be developed into a full Construction Environment The existing southbound lanes of the A249 will be Management Plan (CEMP) during the detailed design retained south of the existing junction with Oad Street stage and will include further details on the construction and this will be converted into a two-way single methodology and programme. carriageway to provide continued access to properties

Looking towards the roundabout from Whipstakes Farm

Page 6 Page 7 M2 Junction 5 Improvements M2 Junction 5 Improvements Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary

Alternatives Considered Assessment of Significance and Mitigation

The Scheme has been through a thorough option capacity performance and impacts on Chestnut Ancient The EIA provides: selection and identification process (detailed in the Woodland. Option 12A Oad Street Alignment Route B ■■ A thorough assessment of the likely effects of the Chapter 3 of the ES Volume 1) based on a staged was selected as the preferred option to take to public Scheme on the environment; approach that begun in 2009. All options have been consultation in September and October 2017 as this assessed in terms of their technical feasibility, safety, option achieved the Scheme objectives, avoided the ■■ Consideration of mitigation measures and The following environmental topics have engineering, value for money and environmental need to remove Ancient Woodland and fell within the alternatives based on the potential environmental been assessed as part of this EIA: effects of the Scheme; and considerations. budget allocated for the Scheme. ■■ Air Quality; ■ Assessment of the cumulative effects of the During the option stage, twelve options were initially The response to consultation resulted in a revised ■ ■■ Noise and Vibration; reviewed. Of these twelve options, nine options were Option 12A being developed to address concerns, Scheme. ■■ Biodiversity; discounted, because they were considered unlikely to including those raised by the Kent Downs AONB, deliver significant positive effects in terms of relieving regarding the intrusive nature of the Oad Street Link The EIA considers both the indirect and direct effects ■■ Road Drainage and the Water congestion, reducing queuing and improving local alignment. Further feedback during public consultation of the Scheme. Direct effects are those caused by Environment; connectivity. This left three options, referred to as indicated strong support for the reconsideration of activities that are an integral part of the proposals ■■ Landscape and Visual; Option 4, 10 and 12. Additional options were also Option 4. As a result, a variant called Option 4H1, resulting in a change in environmental conditions, identified and referred to as Option 12A and Option the current Scheme, was developed and considered such as the removal of vegetation to build the road. ■■ Geology and Soils; 12A Oad Street Alignment Route B. All six options were to perform the best against the Scheme objectives. Indirect effects are those due to activities that affect ■■ Cultural Heritage; further reviewed and assessed and four of the options The preferred route announcement in May 2018. environmental conditions or the receptors, which in turn ■■ Materials and Waste, discounted from further consideration based on cost, affects other aspects of the environment or receptors, such as increased noise from construction activities. ■■ Population Health; Best practice guidance including established criteria ■■ Climate; and outlined in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges ■■ Cumulative effects. (DMRB) Volume 11 has been used to assess the significance of effects of the Scheme, which combines the magnitude of the impacts and the sensitivity of the receptors/resources. The significance criteria for environmental effects are defined in terms of the amount of change from the existing environment i.e. the baseline. Effects can range from neutral to very large and effects that are moderate, large or very large are considered significant. Environmental effects can Looking north from the west side of the A249 Looking east from Church Hill be adverse or beneficial. Within this document the significance of effects is described as significant or not significant. Where there are significant adverse effects, measures to avoid, reduce and where possible remedy these effects have been included within the assessment.

Looking south towards the M2 from Maidstone Road View looking south west from the Wormdale Hill Crossing

Page 8 Page 9 *# *# *# *# *# *# *# *#*#*#*#*#*# *# *# *# *# *#*#*# *#*#*# *# *#*# *#*#*# *# *#*#*# # * *# *# *# *# *#*#*# *# *# *# *# Y*#E*#W TREE *# C*#OTTAGE *# *#*# SW43 *#*#*# *# Yaugher *# *# WORMDALE *# *# *# Woods LWS CHESTNUT *# FARM HOUSE STREET *# FARMHOUSE #**##**#*#*#*##**# *# BARNS 50 YARDS *#*#*#*#*#*# SW43 # SOUTH OF WORMDALE THE THATCHED CHESLEY HOUSE * Yaugher *# FARM HOUSE *# COTTAGE Woods LWS NUNWELL *# *# THROGNALL FARMHOUSE *# *# *# SW45 BARN 20 YARDS # *#*# SW43 Yaugher *# YEW TREE *# *# *# *# Woods LWS Queendown M2 SOUTH WEST OF *# *# A249 COTTAGE *#*#*# *# *# *# Warren LWS NUNWELL FARMHOUSE *# *#*# COWSTEAD MAIDSTONE ROAD EYEHORNE *# *# HATCH *#*##* *# FARMHOUSE *#* *# Queendown *# Warren SSSI Purple THE OLDE Hill SSSI YEW TREE *# *# *# HOUSE *# *# CHURCH WOOD COTTAGE *# *# *# SW05 Highsted NETTLESTEAD *# *# Quarries LWS *#*# *# HOUSE *# *#*# *# HOAD HOUSE *#*# STOCKBURY *# MA51 Cox Street CHERRY TREES *# CHESTNUT WOOD *#*# *# THE OLD FORGE ROUNDABOUT # *# Valley Woods, *# *#**# *# *# Yalsted LW*#S BARN CIRCA 35 *# *#*# *# YARDS WEST OF *# PARSONAGE MA51 Cox Street PARSONAGE FARMHOUSE *# FARMHOUSE Valley Woods, *# *#*#*# Yalsted LWS *# *# MA35 *# Stockbury Wood LWS *# LITTLE PETT *# *# FARMHOUSE *# *#*# BARN 30 YARDS MA51 Cox Street SOUTH OF LITTLE *# Valley Woods, PETT FARMHOUSE *# *# *# Yalsted LWS *# *# MA46 Squirrel Wood, Stockbury *# MAGPIE HALL MA35 Stockbury Valley LWS SW04 Wood LWS *# *# *#*# *# *#*#*# Cromer's *#*# *#*# *#*# Wood LWS MA51 Cox Street *# *#*# *# *# # #*# *# Valley Woods, # *#* *#* *# Yalsted LWS * *# PARSONAGE *# FARMHOUSE *# *# MA51 Cox Street Valley *#*# Woods, Yalsted LWS

MA51 Cox Street Valley Woods, MA46 Squirrel MA21 Gorham YEW TREE *# Yalsted LWS Woods etc., Wood, Stockbury COTTAGE *# Valley LWS Bicknor LWS *#*# *# *# *#*# Kilometres *# 0 1 *# *#*# *# This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lea*#d to prosecution or civil proceedings. # CLIENT NAME: Highways England LICENCE NUMBER: 100030649 *#* All derived data downloads are made available and licensed under the Open Government Licence. Underlying datasets and base maps may include information from: Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database; Natural England © Crown copyright and database right 2017; Royal Mail data © Royal Mail copyright and database; National Statistics data © Crown copyright and database.

Description Drawing Suitability Status Project Title LEGEND ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Date M2 Junction 5 Scheme Boundary Important Hedgerows Waterbodies *# Listed Buildings Grade I FOR INFORMATION S2 Epsom Gateway Drawing Title *# Description Ashley Avenue Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Roadside Nature Reserves Flood Zone 3 Listed Buildings Grade II* Epsom Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Date Surrey FIGURE 2.1 Scheduled Monuments Archaeological Constraint Zone Flood Zone 2 *# Listed Buildings Grade II KT18 5AL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS PLAN M2 Junction 5 Improvements M2 Junction 5 Improvements Description Tel: +44 (0) 1372 726140 Ancient Woodland Area of High Landscape Value (AHLV) River Network Public Rights of Way (PRoW) Fax: +44 (0) 1372 740055 Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Date Copyright © Atkins Limited (2019) www.atkinsglobal.com Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) Important Areas for Noise Source Protection Zones Footpath Description Client Drawing Number Historic Landfill Sites Air Quality Management Areas SPZ 1 - Inner Zone Bridleway Project Originator Volume Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Date HE551521 - ATK - EGN SPZ 2 - Outer Protection Zone Byway Kent Downs Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) Description XX - GS - GI - 000001 FOR INFORMATION Location Type Role Number SPZ 3 - Total Catchment Byway Open To All Traffic (BOAT) Conservation Areas Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Date Original Scale Project Sheet: Rev: Environmental Constraints Plan S2 P02 JV R AR LW HC 29/08/18 Size: A3 1:25,000 Ref. No: --- 1 of 1 P02 *# *# *# *# *# *# *# *#*#*#*#*#*# *# *# *# *# *#*#*# *#**#*# *# *#**# *#*#*# *# *#*#*# *# *# *# *# # *# *# *#*#*#* *#*# Y*#E*#W TREE C*#O*#TTAGE *# *# *#*# SW43 *# Yaugher *# *#*#*# *# WORMDALE *# Woods LWS CHESTNUT *# *# FARM HOUSE *# *# *# STREET *# BARNS 50 YARDS *# FARMHOUSE #* *##**#*#*#**#*#*# *# *#*#*#*#*#*#* SW43 *# *# *# SOUTH OF WORMDALE THE THATCHED CHESLEY HOUSE *# FARM HOUSE *# Yaugher *#*#*#*#*#*#*# *# COTTAGE *# Woods LWS *# *#*# THROGNALL #**#*# NUNWELL *#**# # *# *#*# * FARMHOUSE *# *# *#*#*# *# *# *#*#*# # * *# *# *# *# S*#W45 BARN 20 YARDS *# SW43 Yaugher *#*##* *# YEW TREE *# *#*# *# *# Queendown SOUTH WEST OF *# *# *# *# W*#o*#ods LWS *# M2 A249 COTTAGE *# *# Y*#*#E*#W TREE *# Warren LWS NUNWELL FARMHOUSE *#*#*# *# *# COTTAGE *# *# *#*# *# *#*# COWSTEAD MAIDSTONE ROAD EYEHORNE HATCH *# SW43 *#*#*# *# *#*# *# Yaugher *# *# FARMHOUSE #* *# WORMDALE *# *# *# * Woods LWS CHESTNUT *# *# Queendown *# FARM HOUSE STREET *# *# FARMHOUSE #**##**##*#**##**# Warren SSSI *# BARNS 50 YARDS *#*#*#*#*#*# SW43 *# SOUTH OF WORMDALE THE THATCHED Purple CHESLEY HOUSE FARM HOUSE Yaugher *# *# COTTAGE THE OLDE Hill SSSI Woods LWS NUNWELL YEW TREE HOUSE*# *# *# *# *# *# THROGNALL COTTAGE *# *# FARMHOUSE *# CHURCH WOOD *# SW05 Highsted NETTLESTEAD *# *# *#*# *# *# Quarries LWS SW4*#5*# BARN*# 20 YARDS HOUSE # *#*# SW43 Yaugher *# *# YEW TREE *# *# *# *# *# Woods LWS Queendown M2 SOUTH WEST OF *# *# *# A249 COTTAGE *#*#*# HOAD H*#OUSE *# *# Warren LWS NUN*#WELL FARMHOUSE STOCKBURY # *#*# *#*#*# MA51 Cox Street *# CHERRY TREES *# CHESTNUT WOOD * *#*# COWSTEAD THE OLD FORGE ROUNDABOMUATIDSTONE ROAD EYEHORNE *# *# Valley Woods, *# *# *# *# HATCH *#*#*# *# *#*# Yalsted LWS BARN CIRC*#A 35 FARMHOUSE *# *# *# *# *#*# *# *# *#* Queendown YARDS WEST OF PARSONAGE *# *#* *# PARSONAGE FARMHOUSE # MA51 CoxW Sartrene St SSI **# FARMHOUSE Purple Valley Woods, *# THE OLDE *# Hill SSSI Yalsted LWS YEW TREE *# *#*# # HOUSE * *#*# COTTAGE *# *# *# CHURCH WOOD *# SW05 Highsted MA35 NETTLESTEAD *# *# *#*# *# *# Quarries LWS *# *# Stockbury *# HOUSE *# *# *# Wood LW*#S HOAD HLOIUTSTELE PETT *##*# CHERRY TREES *# *# STOCKBURY * *#*# MA51 Cox Street CHESTNUTB WAOROND 30 YARDS *# *# *# *# THE OLD FORGE ROUNDABOUT FARMHOUSE *# Valley Woods, *# SOUTH OF LITTLE *# *# *#*#*# Y*#alsted LWS BARN CIRCA 35 *# *# *# MA51 Cox Street *# *#*# PETT FARMHOUSE *# Valley WoodYsA, RDS WEST OF PARSONAGE *# PARSONAGE FARMHOUSE *# *# *# MA51 Cox Street Yalsted LWS *# FARMHOUSE *# Valley Woods, *# *# Yalsted LWS *#*# *# *# MA46 Squirrel *# *# *# MA35 Wood, Stockbury MAGPIE HALL MA35 StockbuStroyckbury Valley LWS *# SW04 Wood LWSWood LWS *# LITTLE PETT *# *# *# *#*# Cromer's *# *# FARMHOUSE *# *# *# *# Wood LWS *# BARN 30 YARDS *#*# *# *# #*# *# MMA511 C Coox xS tSreterteet *# * *# *# SOUTH OF LITTLE *# *#*## VValllleeyy W Wooodosd, s, *# *# *# * *# PETT FARMHOUSE *# *#*# *#*# *# Yaalslstetde dLW LSWS *# *# PARSONAGE *# *# FA*#RMHOUSE MA46 Squirrel *# # Wood, Stockbury *# MAGPIE HALL * MA51 Cox Street Valley MA35 Stockbury Valley LWS SW04 Wood LWS # *# *# *#*#Cromer's Woods, Yalsted LWS **# *# *#*#*# *#*# *#*# *#*# Wood LWS MA51 Cox Street *# *#*# *# MA21*# Gorham *# *#*# *# MA51 Cox Street Valley Woods, *# *# *#*# Val*#ley Woods, Yalsted LWS Woods etc., PARSONAGE MA46 Squirrel *# FARMHOUSE YEW TREE # Yalsted LWS Bicknor LWS * Wood, Stockbury *# *# COTTAGE MA51 Cox Street Valley Valley LWS *#*# *# *# Woods, Yalsted LWS *#*#*# *# Kilometres # MA51 Cox Street * 0 1 *# Valley Woods, MA46 Squirrel MA21 Gorham YEW TREE *# Yalsted LWS Woods etc., *# *#*# Wood, Stockbury COTTAGE *# This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © CroVwna Clloepyyr igLhWt. USnauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lea*#d to prosecuBtioinc okr ncivo*#il rp rLocWeedSings. *#*# *# CLIENT NAME: Highways England LICENCE NUMBER: 100030649 *# *# *# All derived data downloads are made available and licensed under the Open Government Licence. Underlying datasets and base maps may include information from: Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database; Natural England © Crown copyright and database right 2017; Royal Mail data © Royal Mail copyright and database; National Statistics data © Crown copyright and database. *# *# Kilometres *# 0Page 10 1 Description Drawing Suitability Status Project Title Page 11 LEGEND *# *#*# ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME *# This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lea*#d to prosecution or civil proceedings. *# Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Date FOR INFORMATION S2 M2 Junction 5 CLIENT NAME: HSighcwahyse Enmglaned LBICEoNuCEn NUdMaBErRy: 100030649 Important Hedgerows Waterbodies *# Listed Buildings Grade I *# All derived data downloads are made available and licensed under the Open Government Licence. Underlying datasets and base maps may include information from: Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database; Natural England © Crown copyright and database right 2017; Royal Mail data © Royal Mail copyright and database; National Statistics data © Crown copyright and database. Epsom Gateway Drawing Title Description DescriptioDnrawing Suitability Status Project Title Ashley Avenue LEGEND Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Roadside Nature Reserves Flood Zone 3 *# Listed Buildings Grade II* ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMEpEsom Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised IssuSe tDaattues RevisionFORDra wInNFOCRhecMked ATRIeOvieNwed AuthorisedS2Issue Date M2 Junction 5 Surrey Scheme Boundary Important Hedgerows Waterbodies *# Listed Buildings Grade I KT18 5AL FIGURE 2.1 Scheduled Monuments Archaeological Constraint Zone Flood Zone 2 *# Listed Buildings Grade II Epsom Gateway Drawing Title *# Description Description Ashley Avenue ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS PLAN Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Roadside Nature Reserves Flood Zone 3 Listed Buildings Grade II* Epsom Tel: +44 (0) 1372 726140 Public Rights of Way (PRoW) Surrey Fax: +44 (0) 1372 740055 Ancient Woodland Area of High Landscape Value (AHLV) River Network Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Date FIGURE 2.1 Scheduled Monuments Archaeological Constraint Zone Flood Zone 2 *# Listed Buildings Grade II Status Revision Drawn Checked KTR18e v5iAewL ed Authorised Issue Date ECNoVpIyRriOghNt M© EANtkiTnAs LLi mCiOtedN (S2T01R9A) INTS PwLwAwN.atkinsglobal.com Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) Important Areas for Noise Source Protection Zones FooDtepscraiptiotnh Tel: +44 (0) 1372 726140 Ancient Woodland Area of High Landscape Value (AHLV) River Network Public Rights of Way (PRoW) Description Fax: +44 (0) 1372 740055 Client Drawing Number Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Date SPZ 1 - Inner ZFooontpeath Bridleway Copyright © Atkins Limited (2019) www.atkinsglobal.com Project Originator Volume LoHciaslt Worilidcl iLfea Snitdefsi l(lL SWitSe)s Important AreasA fiorr QNouiaselity ManagementS Aourercaes Protection Zones Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Date Description Client Drawing Number HE551521 - ATK - EGN Historic Landfill Sites Air Quality Management Areas SPZ 1 - Inner Zone SPZ 2 - Outer BPrirdoletewcaytion Zone Byway Project Originator Volume Kent Downs Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised IssuDe eDsatceription HE551521 - ATK - EGN XX - GS - GI - 000001 SPZ 2 - Outer Protection Zone Byway FOR INFORMATION Location Type Role Number Kent Downs Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) Description XX - GS - GI - 000001 SPZ 3 - Total Catchment Byway Open To All Traffic (BOAT) Original Scale Project Sheet: Rev: Conservation Areas FOR INFORMATION Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Date Location Type Role Number SPZ 3 - Total Catchment Byway Open To All Traffic (BOAT) S2 P02 JV R LW HC 29/08/18 Size: A3 1:25,000 Ref. No: --- 1 of 1 P02 Conservation Areas Status Revision Drawn Checked Reviewed Authorised Issue Date AR Original Scale Project Sheet: Rev: S2 P02 JV R AR LW HC 29/08/18 Size: A3 1:25,000 Ref. No: --- 1 of 1 P02 Scheme Key 8. New infiltration basin established and planting 1. Existing A249 will be slightly realigned to 9. Oad Street widened the north 10. New ecological pond M2 Junction 5 Improvements 2. Existing junction of South Green Lane and 11. New flyover for theM2 A249 Junction with two5 Improvements single span Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary the A249 will be closed and connected to the Environmentalbridges Statement: over the Volume roundabout 4 - Non-Technical Summary access road 12. Stockbury Roundabout would remain at-grade M2 Junction 5 3. Existing southbound lanes of the A249 will be and would be enlarged to accommodate retained and converted to a two-way single connections to the roundabout

CHURCH LANE carriageway to provide access to properties 56.7m B GREEN LANE 13. New link road to connect Stockbury Roundabout Cromas along the A249 and connection with South Wood P o (TRACK) and Oad Street nd Green Lane 14. Exiting Maidstone Road connection to the 4. Access to Honeycrock Hill closed M2 roundabout will be closed WORMDALE HILL 5. Existing junction with the A249 and KH85 15. New Maidstone link Road to connect with Oad Street will be closed Cranbrook Wood

60. Oad Street 0m G o Cours lf Motte and Bailey 6. Demolition of the Gate House and replaced e ZR71 16. New access provided to Bowl Reed property with a infiltration basin M2 TO GILLINGHAM (WB) SITTING BOURNE CHURCH WOOD AND MILTON REGIS GOLF

ANCIENT WOODLAND 17. Exiting laybySittingbourne closed CLUB and Milton Regis 7. New slip road Golf Club 6 2.8 m

6 7.4 Golf Course m ZR71 GOLF COURSE 12 7 Car Par k

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This map is based on Ordnance Survey material with the PF 16 permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller SKT of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. Scale 1:2500 Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and Stonefield may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Highways PF England 100018928, 2018. 50m 0m 50m 100m 150m Chestnut Wood

BORDEN HILL Key Veteran Tree Survey Drainage Existing Environmental Key Highways

LE 1.1 Amenity Grassland (EFE) LE 5.1 Individual Trees (EFA / EFD) Catagory A Tree / Group SKT SKT Proposed Trench Soakaway Existing Vegetation Existing Highway Boundary LE 1.2 Grassland With Bulbs (EFE) LE 6.1 Waterbodies And Associated Plants (EFD / EFE) Catagory B Tree / Group Grade I Listed Building Proposed Highway Fence Line DIU DIU Proposed Unlined Ditch Proposed Inﬁltration Pond LE 1.3.1 Species-rich Grassland - Chalk Mixture (EFD) LE 6.2 Banks And Ditches (EFD / EFE) Catagory C Tree / Group Grade Ii Listed Building Fence Line

SWU SWU Proposed Swale Unlined Ditch TF Temporary Fence Line LE 1.3.2 Species-rich Grassland- Hedgerow Wildflowers (EFD) Translocated Hedgerow Catagory U Tree / Group Noise Important Areas RW Proposed Retaining Wall LE 2.1 Woodland (EFA / EFB / EFD) Archeological Constraints - 20m Buffer Proposed Filter Drain Scheduled Monuments Root Protection Area LE 2.1.1 Woodland And Le 1.3.3 Species Rich Grassland - Footpath Existing Buildings Woodland Understorey (EFA / EFB / EFD) Proposed Infiltration Pond Byway Open To All Traffic(Boat) Proposed Earthwork Slope LE 2.6 Shrubs And Le 1.3.4 Species Rich Grassland - Marginals (EFB / EFE) NMU Structures Bridleway Extent Of Main Works LE 2.8 Scrub And Le 1.3.5 Chalk Meadow Grass Mix (EFB / EFD) Public Right Of Way Ecological Pond Proposed Bridge Flood Zone Boundary LE 4.2 Native Species Hedgerow (EFB) Existing Bridge LE 4.3 Native Species Hedgerow (EFA / EFD) Known Asbestos In Soil Re-routed Public Right Of Way General LE 4.3.1 Native Species Hedge - Bund (EFA / EFF) Proposed Scheme Boundary Proposed Tree External Pathways LE 4.4 Native Hedgerow With Trees (EFA / EFB / EFD)

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Assessment of the likely significant effects Noise and Vibration Air Quality What is the existing environment like? Summary of construction assessment: With the implementation of suitable mitigation, What is the existing environment like? Summary of construction assessment: There are 119 residential properties within 600m of the Scheme. The nearest noise sensitive residential residual effects are unlikely to be significant. There is one Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) - There will be no significant adverse effects receptors include the Gate House, Whipstakes Farm, an area where national air quality objectives have been with the implementation of suitable mitigation The Coach House, Vale Cottages, Vale House, breached - within the air quality study area that could measures. Threeways and Woolpit Ash. Further dwellings are be affected by changes in traffic with the Scheme. located along Maidstone Road. Two non-residential What are the effects during operation? This AQMA is within the Borough of Maidstone and has noise sensitive receptors, Milton Regis Golf Club and been declared for exceedances of the annual average In the opening year of the Scheme, a minor increase in What are the effects during operation? St Mary Church Magdalene Church are also located nitrogen dioxide (NO2) objective. The AQMA covers near the Scheme. There are a number of Defra Noise noise level at one property (along Maidstone Road) is major roads in the borough, including the A249 north predicted due to road traffic. Minor to major decreases The air quality assessment has concluded that there Important Areas (NIAs), which are areas that have been of the junction with the M20 which is affected by the in noise are expected at 21 properties, including at two is not expected to be any exceedances of the NO identified as being subject to high levels of noise are scheme. Air quality monitoring data shows that thereare 2 NIA. All remaining properties will experience no change annual mean objective at the human health receptors located near the Scheme. The dominant noise source exceedances of the national annual mean air quality influencing the noise climate in the area consists of road or a negligible change in noise levels. in the opening year (with or without the Scheme). objective for NO2 within the study area at roadside sites. traffic noise from A249 and M2. With the scheme in place there would be six properties Four receptors are expected to have a small increase PM10 concentrations are below the objectives. There are in NO concentrations with the Scheme and all other with minor reductions in noise by the long term, no sections of Pollution Climate Mapping (PCM) links in 2 receptors are expected to experience an imperceptible including two NIA. Long term changes in noise at all the study area which exceed the annual mean NO2 EU What are the effects during change or small decrease in NO2 concentrations, with otherreceptors would not be perceptible. There would limit value for the 2015 reference year. one having a very large decrease due to the realignment construction? be no perceptible change in noise at any noise sensitive of the A249. There are not expected to be any receptors in the long term without the Scheme. Construction and demolition activities as well as exceedances of the PM10 objectives with the Scheme. What are the effects during construction vehicles on the road network can give rise Significant noise effects are not predicted for the Kent construction? The Scheme is expected to result in an increase in NOx to increases in noise levels if not effectively managed Downs AONB area. No properties are predicted to have concentrations at the Wouldham to Detling Escarpment and this can affect nearby receptors. The construction impacts from airborne vibration with the Scheme. During construction, there is the potential for increased Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which overlaps assessment has identified that without mitigation, areas emissions of dust at receptors within 200m of the with the North Downs Woodlands SAC SSSI, although represented by Threeways, Vale Cottages, The Studios, Scheme. However, with the application of appropriate changes in nitrogen deposition rates are expected to be Whipstakes Farm and Sandina could be significantly mitigation outlined in the Outline Environmental less than 0.1 kg/N/ha/year. affected by construction noise levels. It is expected Management Plan (OEMP) (Environmental Statement that all activities undertaken at night would exceed the Volume 2 Appendix B) including: regular water-spraying night time thresholds even with mitigation in place. Summary of operational assessment: and sweeping of unpaved roads; using wheel washes The frequency of these impacts can be reduced, if The Scheme will not have a significant adverse for vehicles; sheeting vehicles leaving site; and enforcing night time construction works are limited to essential effect on any noise sensitive receptors. speed limits. It is considered significant adverse effects works only. Mitigation measures including good practice A significant beneficial effect is expected at Summary of operational assessment: at nearby receptors would be unlikely. measures in the Outline Environmental Management a small number of properties, including two Additional traffic from construction vehicles is The Scheme is not expected to have a Plan (OEMP) (Environmental Statement Volume 2 Noise Important Areas (NIA). No significant considered unlikely to affect air quality, given that the significant adverse effect on human health or Appendix A) as well as following the methods outlined noise effects are predicted for the Kent Downs numbers of additional HGVs a day does not meet the ecological receptors with regards to air quality. in the Traffic Management Plan will reduce impacts from AONB. criteria for assessment. noise. Considerate working hours as well as frequent and open communications with stakeholders will also help to reduce the residual impact of construction noise and vibration.

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What are the effects during operation? groundwater and water pollution during construction. Biodiversity Temporary habitat loss will affect bats, breeding and During operation, the replacement habitats that will be wintering birds, hazel dormouse and reptiles, which are created as part of the Scheme will become established What is the existing environment like? present within the Scheme area. The Scheme also has Summary of construction assessment: providing enhancement and an increase in the total potential to cause the spread of the non-native invasive ■■ A slight adverse temporary effect will area (and quality) of habitats present. All newly created plant species cotoneaster. There are no statutory sites designated for nature occur on Honeycrock Hill RNR and habitats, installed nest boxes, and the hazel dormice conservation within the Scheme. Queendown Warren The Scheme has been designed to avoid the loss of Church Hill, Stockbury RNR due to the population will be monitored as part of the Habitat Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), North Downs ancient woodland and veteran trees, and minimise loss of small areas of habitat. This habitat Management Plan and Landscape and Ecology Woodlands Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and habitat loss as far as possible. Mitigation measures will will be translocated; however, it will take Management Plan. Wouldham to Detling Escarpment SSSI are located comprise of pollution prevention methods, protection of time to establish following translocation Sensitive lighting has been designed to minimise adjacent to the ARN for the Scheme. There are two designated sites and retained notable habitats through (anticipated within 1 - 2 years) and will light spill onto adjacent vegetation, including ancient non-statutory sites designated for nature conservation construction exclusion fencing, pre-construction require further time to settle and fully woodland, the veteran tree and other habitats located within the Scheme area: Honeycrock Hill planting, habitat translocation (i.e. orchid colonies and establish, as well as ongoing management immediately surrounding the road network that are Roadside Nature Reserve (RNR) and Church Hill, ‘important’ hedgerows), and habitat creation in the thereafter. associated with the Scheme. Stockbury RNR. Church Wood Ancient Woodland form of nest boxes, brash piles and reptile refugia. ■■ A slight adverse temporary effect will (AW), Chestnut Wood AW and one veteran oak tree All habitats to be temporarily and permanently cleared occur on habitats, including broad- are located adjacent to the Scheme. The Scheme for the Scheme and assigned for environmental leaved semi-natural woodland, plantation and immediately adjacent land comprises notable mitigation will be reinstated after construction and woodland, hedgerows and standing water habitats including hedgerows, traditional orchard, planted with new native species of local provenance until translocated hedgerows, grassland lowland mixed deciduous woodland, lowland beech including woodland, scrub, species-rich grassland and and new planting become established. Summary of operational assessment: and yew woodland, lowland calcareous grassland as hedgerows. Habitat creation will ultimately contribute Habitat creation is anticipated to result in well as other habitats including ponds, scrub, poor to an overall increase in the total area of ecologically ■■ A slight beneficial permanent effect will slight beneficial effects once the vegetation semi-improved grassland, tall ruderal, species poor valuable terrestrial habitats within the Scheme area. occur on habitats, hazel dormice and is established. hedgerows, arable farmland and amenity grassland. breeding and wintering birds due to the Pre-construction surveys will be carried out for notable The Scheme and immediately adjacent land support ■■ A moderate adverse temporary effect will new habitats created for the Scheme. and invasive plants, badgers and bats as a final notable and protected species comprising of man occur on the population of hazel dormice precaution prior to construction. A European Protected ■■ There will be no significant effects on orchid colonies, roosting, foraging and commuting due to habitat loss and disturbance. Species Licence will be obtained from Natural England designated sites, ancient woodland, the bats, hazel dormice, notable birds, reptiles (common Once the new habitats are established, for works affecting hazel dormice. Where appropriate, veteran tree, bats, reptiles, and terrestrial species), and terrestrial invertebrates. The non-native the Scheme is anticipated to result in vegetation clearance will be conducted under a invertebrates. invasive plant species cotoneaster is also present beneficial effects due to an increase in Precautionary Method of Working to avoid harm to within the Scheme area. total woodland area and enhanced habitat individual hazel dormouse and other protected species connectivity. such as reptiles and nesting birds. What are the effects during ■■ There will be no significant effects on other designated sites, ancient woodland, the construction? veteran tree, bats, reptiles, breeding and wintering birds, terrestrial invertebrates During construction there will be some direct loss of and invasive non-native plant species due habitat within Honeycrock Hill RNR and Church Hill, to the avoidance and mitigation measures Stockbury RNR. There will be no direct loss of habitat incorporated into the Scheme. from Chestnut Wood AW or Church Wood AW, and no direct impact on the veteran tree. The Scheme requires temporary and permanent habitat loss from woodland, scrub, semi-improved grassland, arable land, hedgerows, dry ditches, and ponds. There may be indirect impacts (i.e. habitat degradation) caused by pollution to Honeycrock Hill RNR, Church Hill, Stockbury RNR and other retained habitats, resulting from increased dust during construction and

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Remnant orchards appear as dilapidated features Road Drainage and the Landscape and Visual within the landscape, creating a sense of neglect. Water Environment Further detraction is found in the equestrian facilities, What is the existing environment like? whereby additional loss of internal field boundaries is Summary of construction assessment: encountered due to their replacement by a proliferation What is the existing environment like? There will be no significant effects, with the The existing junction is largely screened by mature of post and wire fencing and other non-vegetative boundary treatments, particularly north of the The key water environment features near the Scheme implementation of mitigation measures on roadside vegetation, with the existing M2 viaduct a M2 Viaduct. include: surface water, flood risk, groundwater and noticeable feature in the local landscape. It lies partly WFD compliance. within the Kent Downs AONB which is renowned for its Overall, this is a study area that retains a strong rural ■ There are no Main Rivers with the Scheme; ■ special characteristics, including: dramatic landform, character and feel, particularly to the south-southwest ■■ The Scheme is within Flood Zone 1 (low ﬂood panoramic and long-ranging views, rich habitats, of the Scheme, but is eroded as it continues towards risk), however there are areas where surface water tranquillity, remoteness and built heritage. the M2 Viaduct and beyond, where land uses have flooding has occurred; What are the effects during operation? The study area features mixed geology, typical of the become more intensive and less traditional, and the management of the landscape less sympathetic. ■■ An attenuation pond which forms part of the During operation, roads are designed to drain freely to North Downs dip slope, with chalk found on higher existing surface water management system for the prevent build-up of standing water to avoid flooding. ground, and head and clay-with-flints on the lower highway network and a small artificial pond with no Pollutants from contaminants built up on the road and lying slopes. The landform of the dip slope limits views What are the effects during ecological value; accidental spillages can lead to pollution incidents to areas within the valley and resultantly towards the construction? existing A249, which is situated within the base of a ■■ The Scheme area underlain by the North Kent and contamination of road runoff into surface and dip slope valley. Swale Chalk groundwater body Water Framework groundwater bodies. The design of the drainage Construction effects associated with the Scheme Directive (WFD); system will comply with all current standards and The vegetation pattern of the study area is varied, include: vegetation clearance, building of structures SuDS best practice techniques including ensuring all to the southwest of the Scheme, about the vicinity and significant earth movements which would lead to a ■■ Principal Aquifer and a Secondary A Aquifer proposed infiltration basins and soakaway features are of Honeycrock Hill, agricultural fields are of a small- dynamic and disruptive character to the local landscape underlay the Scheme; and located outside of SPZ1. This will provide mitigation medium irregular size, which allows for a sense of time during the works. Vegetation clearance associated with ■■ Groundwater Source Protection Zone (SPZ) for both water quality and attenuation and ensure that depth, views towards the A249 are apparent from these the Construction Phase would lead to increased visibility 1, 2 and 3. contaminants are treated before reaching the surface fields, however, the rural lanes are densely vegetated towards the Scheme and will exacerbate the impacts and groundwater bodies and reduce flood risk. by hedgerows and hedgerow trees, which limits views of the construction works. Construction effects would What are the effects during into the fields towards the A249. Elsewhere, agricultural be largely temporary, in part reversible and intermittent fields within the study area are often larger in scale, throughout the Construction Phase. construction? particularly north of the M2 viaduct, this is in association with the intensification of agricultural land, which has Temporary impacts during construction have the led to the loss of historic, internal field boundaries, potential to affect the water environment through Summary of operational assessment: creating open views in these parts. There are areas of the excavation and deposition of materials, spillage small-medium sized fields, isolated ancient woodlands, There will be no significant effects, with the of contaminating liquids (i.e. fuels) and runoff from often adjacent to hedgerows, woodland shaws and implementation of mitigation measures on construction sites. Mitigation measures include (but grassland, which provide important ecological corridors. not limited to) undertaking works using best practice surface water, flood risk, groundwater and with regard to Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs), WFD compliance. Mature vegetation associated with the major road bunding of areas where contaminated water is stored, corridors provides important visual screening and helps ensuring no discharge to groundwater within SPZ1 to lessen the impacts of the M2, and visually encloses and appropriate piling methods followed. the A249. To the south of the M2 views from agricultural fields are often more open towards the A249 due to fragmentation of tree belts, however, the landform is such that views are limited as the landform foreshortens views towards the base of the valley.

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not impact upon the wider extent of the Kent Downs Identified potential pre-existing geological stability AONB and design measures have been employed to hazards that will be considered as part of the Scheme reduce the long-term visual and landscape impacts design include: resulting from the Scheme in its immediate context. Summary of construction assessment: ■■ Ground dissolution, where chalk is close the Summary of construction assessment: surface; ■■ There will be significant adverse effects on ■■ There are no anticipated significant effects the following landscape character areas: ■■ Landslides, associated with embankments within with the implementation of mitigation Bicknor: Mid Kent Downs, Chatham the Scheme; measures with regards to land Outskirts: Mid Kent Downs, Hucking Dry ■■ Running sands near the M2 and roundabout; and contamination, geomorphology and Valleys, Newington Arable Farmlands and Summary of operational assessment: ground stability. ■■ Subsistence hazards in the north-east section of Tunstall Farmlands, due to the loss of ■■ At Operation year 15, it is anticipated the Scheme. ■■ With design and mitigation measures, a established vegetation and opening up of that mitigation planting will have reached number of identified land contamination views towards the Scheme. Sources of potential contamination identified within the relative maturation and there will be impacts are considered to be beneficial study area include Made Ground of unknown physical ■■ Significant adverse effects due to loss of no significant residual effects on the to receptors. and chemical quality throughout the study area, vehicle screening vegetation opening up views of landscape character areas; and emissions, active commercial and light industrial land ■■ No significant effects are anticipated to the existing and new infrastructure on the ■■ There will be a residual significant effect uses;’ historical land uses, tanks and unclassified agricultural holdings. Although some residents along the Maidstone Road at upon the residential receptor Whipstakes waste storage/ burning on private properties. BMV land will be lost permanently, this is Danaway; residential properties along Oad Farm along Oad Street. well below Natural England’s threshold Street: Milton Bungalow, Bowl Reed and Receptors to potential contamination and ground of significance. Whipstakes Farm; residential properties stability risks include residents and workers, ancient immediately adjacent to the A249: woodland, BMV land and existing infrastructure Vale Cottages, The Coach House, Vale and services. House, Hillside Farm, Hinecom, Sandina, Geology and Soils Valley View Farm and White House; and What are the effects during operation? residential receptors in proximity to the What are the effects during What is the existing environment like? During operation, it is unlikely that new pathways will vantage point overlooking the M2 viaduct construction? be created however accidents and incidents have at Norton Green; users of Public Rights The condition of soils across the Scheme and study the potential to create new sources. To minimise of Way: KH81, ZR70, KH85, KH80 and Construction activities (such as piling, dust generation area is deep and loamy textured and well drained contamination, accidents and incidents will be ZR71; transport receptors travelling along or groundwater control activities) have the potential to close to the surface, but often having slowly permeable minimised by good practice measures outlines in the Oad Street; and outdoor employment introduce new pathways for the migration of existing subsoil. The soils respond well to field drainage. Grade Outline Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) receptors adjacent to the A249. contamination. New receptors (such as workers in new 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land confined spaces i.e. manholes) may also be introduced (Environmental Statement Volume 2 Appendix A). is present in the study area. during construction. Construction activities and site Across the Scheme, Made Ground is expected to clearance has the potential to increase soil erosion and be present, including under the M2 and A249 and ground instability. Permanent loss of agricultural land What are the effects during operation? associated embankments. Infilling of depressions, will occur for the Scheme. ponds, World War I trenches, old pits and quarries is Views of the Scheme opened up during construction Mitigation measures include the completion of also expected to have occurred. Embankments are Summary of operational assessment: would remain until the proposed mitigation planting has appropriate risk assessment and method statements known to have been formed from materials generated matured. The Scheme will have led to the diversification prior to construction. These will include appropriate ■■ No significant residual impacts with from cuttings made during previous improvement of landscape elements within the soft estate of the dust suppression measures, groundwater and surface regards to land contamination and works. development, strengthening and enhancing fragmented water management methods, stockpile management geomorphology and ground stability field boundaries and other fragmented landscape The bedrock consists of localised sandstone (beneath measures, limits of the duration of earthworks and soil are expected post-construction of elements. The Stockbury Flyover will have been the slip roads of the M2), with chalk underling the exposure and will follow pollution control measures. the Scheme. sensitively design using local, natural stone to respond remainder of the study area. The bedrock is designated ■■ No significant effects are anticipated to to the sensitive setting of the Kent Downs AONB. as a Principal aquifer. SPZ 1, 2 and 3 are present agricultural holdings. Although a significant local impact to the AONB is across the Scheme and study area. anticipated at Operation Year 1, the Scheme would

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archaeological remains and identify areas where Cultural Heritage impact to significant archaeology could be designed Materials and Waste out if possible. What is the existing environment like? What is the existing environment like? Summary of construction assessment: Significant effects on the waste infrastructure Potential historic resources within the Scheme study The materials and waste assessment considers the capacity will occur due to large quantities of area include: effects the Scheme will have on the capacity of the earthworks and minimal quantities of re-used / local / regional waste infrastructure (e.g recycling recycled material assets. ■■ One Scheduled Monuments, the Ringwork and Summary of construction assessment: facilities) and the availability of aggregate materials Baileys at Church Farm within Scheme boundary;

■■ A significant effect on two non- within the region. ■■ Six Listed Buildings: Church of St. Mary Magdalene designated heritage assets (multi-period The baseline for materials and waste includes: (Grade I), four gravestones and tombs within the archaeological sites) will occur from the What are the effects during operation? churchyard (Grade II) and Church Farmhouse and construction of the northbound A249 slip, ■■ The materials assets baseline - sourced from cottage (Grade II); the South-East of England regional baseline and the Oad Street link; and During operation, only small quantities of materials which identifies the main construction materials. ■■ 18 non-designated heritage assets; will be used and waste generated will be minimal. ■■ No significant effects are anticipated The regional sales of aggregate (the main material ■■ Eight non-designated historic landscape types; on all other heritage assets with the to be used on the Scheme) is estimated to be implementation of mitigation measures. ■■ Pre-historic activity: sizeable flint assemblage dating 13,000,000 tonnes per annum; and from the Mesolithic to Neolithic or Early Bronze Age ■■ The waste infrastructure baseline - sourced from periods , and two areas of smelting activity of Iron the Kent Waste Needs Assessment, which Age or early Roman date which included evidence identifies the capacity of waste infrastructure for an What are the effects during operation? Summary of operational assessment: of technological development towards more area. Kent has the capacity to manage 5,983,247 effective smelting techniques; and Operational assessment was scoped out due During operation, no additional direct physical impacts tonnes of construction, demolition and excavation to the minimal impact it was estimated to have. ■■ Presence of the World War I Chatham Land Front on buried archaeology are anticipated, as any impacts waste per annum. Defence lines comprising trench systems, battery will have been either designed out, leaving assets positions and strongpoints. preserved in situ or mitigated through archaeological What are the effects during excavation and recording prior to construction. construction? What are the effects during The setting of heritage assets may be impacted due Population and Human Health construction? to increased road infrastructure however, mitigation During construction the Scheme has the potential to measures including vegetation screening and careful impact the market and availability of material assets and What is the existing environment like? A significant effect on two non-designated heritage design will reduce any impacts. total available waste infrastructure capacity. The impact assets (multi-period archaeological sites) will occur on the material assets markets would be due to the Private dwellings and community facilities are found in from partial removal during the construction of the use of construction materials and the impact on waste the main settlement of Sittingbourne and the smaller northbound A249 slip, and the Oad Street link. infrastructure capacity would be due to the generation local villages and areas of Danaway, Stockbury, Borden, There is high potential for encountering both known of waste. Significant effects are anticipated on the Oad Street, Newington and South Green. The closest and unknown heritage assets and buried archaeological waste infrastructure capacity due to large quantities private residential dwellings to the Scheme include remains during construction. Temporary setting impacts Summary of operational assessment: of earthworks and minimal quantities of re-used / The Gate House, Coach House, Vale Cottages, recycled material assets. (The suitability of excavated are also likely from construction. No significant effects are anticipated with the Vale House, Threeways, Woolpit Ash and Whipstakes for re-use within the Scheme will not be known until Farm. Community land and facilities including St Mary An archaeological mitigation strategy will be prepared implementation of mitigation measures. the detailed design stage). Design improvement Magdalene Church, Sittingbourne and Milton Regis that includes archaeological excavation, targeted ideas including; reducing cut and fill material from Golf Club, Outdoor Pursuits and Quad Nation centre watching briefs, monitoring of geotechnical works and the highway realignment and reducing cutting along at Wormdale Farm are located near the Scheme. archaeological monitoring and sampling. The mitigation embankments have helped decrease material use and would ensure preservation by record of the known waste generation. Further mitigation measures include heritage assets and would enable identification and best practice waste management, not overordering preservation by record of any previous unrecorded materials, reusing materials and training staff.

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Several rural enterprises and local businesses are also What are the effects during located within the core study area. Several Public Rights construction? of Way (PRoW) and footways run through the core study area allowing pedestrians and others travelling Emissions are produced from the production of between the nearby villages to cross the M2, A249 and Summary of construction assessment: Summary of operational assessment: materials to be used in construction and those emitted onsite through construction activities (for example other local roads in the area. Four bus stops are located ■■ Demolition of The Gate House and ■■ There will be significant beneficial effects along the A249. permanent land take at Bowl Reed on 2 NIAs, private residential dwellings from emissions from diesel-fuelled construction plant). Mitigation measures including exploring potential low The health of residents in Swale and Medway is will result in significant adverse effects. at Stockbury Valley, NMU using the carbon solutions (including technologies, materials generally worse than the England average and the However, this effect is considered a local improved route for pedestrians and others and products) to minimise resource consumption and profile for the area indicates higher unemployment rates factor and small scale only so does not at Honeycrock Hill and families with re-using and / or refurbish existing assets to reduce and low incomes. Most of the views of the Scheme are constitute an overall significant adverse children and adolescents and people who the extent of new construction. restricted by woodland and vegetation adjacent to the effect on private residential properties in are physically or mentally disadvantaged. the core study area as a whole, in an area With regard to vulnerability of the Scheme to M2 and A249. The M2 carries high volumes of traffic ■■ No significant effects are predicted for which comprises 3,912 households. at peak times which can cause disruption and delays private residential dwellings, community climate change, construction is not expected to be sufficiently far into the future for the climate to change to the surrounding road network, particularly when ■■ No significant adverse effects are land and facilities, the local economy and emergency closures and lane closures are imposed predicted for any other population employment, development land, rural so significantly that construction related impacts which contributes to increased driver stress. receptor types and/or health determinants. enterprises and human health. would be different to those expected in the current climate. Climate change would therefore not intensify What are the effects during construction related impacts and accordingly no significant construction effects are identified. However, construction? mitigation measures including best practice drainage What are the effects during operation? The demolition of The Gate House and permanent Climate design and pollution prevention measures and dust land take required at Bowl Reed will result in significant pollution measures will minimise the impacts from adverse effects on these private residential dwellings. There will be significant beneficial noise effects at two climate change. The climate chapter is presented in two separate However, this effect is considered as a local factor and Noise Important Areas (NIA’s) and residential dwellings sub-chapters: small scale only, in a core study area that comprises at Stockbury Valley in the long and short term due to the change in the road alignment which will move the 3,912 households. Therefore, it does not constitute an ■■ Effects of the Scheme on Climate; and overall significant adverse effect on private residential source of noise away from these locations and noise ■■ Vulnerability of the Scheme to Climate Change. dwellings in the core study area as a whole. mitigation measures incorporated into the design. Summary of construction assessment: Temporary disruption effects are predicted for local Significant beneficial amenity effects are predicted for businesses and vehicle travellers from increased traffic NMU using the improved route for pedestrians and What is the existing environment like? ■■ There will be no significant effects on congestion and/or delays during construction and for others along Honeycrock Hill to Church Wood, following climate from emissions; and the stopping up of Honeycrock Hill and diversion/ For effects on climate, the condition of the existing NMU from increased journey times, however these ■■ No significant effects of climate change on extension of PRoW KH85 to Honeycrock Hill. environment is based on the quantity of emissions effects are not considered to be significant. the Scheme. that are generated by the existing road users in terms Significant beneficial effects are also predicted for Mitigation measures will help reduce the effects from of greenhouse gases. For vulnerability of the Scheme families with children and adolescents and people construction. This includes minimising permanent to climate change, the baseline includes the current who are physically or mentally disadvantaged through land take, ensuring access is retained where possible climatological conditions, as well as the projected reduced risk of injuries associated with improvements What are the effects during operation? to private residential dwellings, community land and climate changes for the area. The current climate in to NMU routes, improved safety and access to facilities, and local businesses; notifying NMU and Kent is one of relatively mild winters and warm summers local services. Emissions are produced from road users and operational vehicle travellers of changes to routes; providing clear and the long-term average monthly rainfall is lower than energy use (e.g. lighting). Although the Scheme signage; reducing public transport disruption; and No significant operational effects are predicted the UK average. Going forward it is projected that, on will produce emissions, it may cause a reduction in ongoing community engagement. for private residential dwellings, community land average, the study area is likely to experience hotter emissions compared to not building the Scheme which With suitable mitigation measures in place, no and facilities, the local economy and employment, and drier summers and warmer and drier winters. would in turn result in improvements in effects on significant effects are predicted to occur on the local development land, rural enterprises and human health. Alongside these changes in the average conditions, climate. Mitigation includes designing the Scheme to economy and employment, development land, rural Mitigation proposed includes screen planting to reduce it is likely that climate change will increase the frequency minimise emissions by incorporating non-motorised user enterprises, and human health. the impact from changes in views and the use of low and severity of extreme weather events, such as heavy (NMU) routes to encourage less car use and use of low noise road surfacing. rainfall, storms and heatwaves. energy lighting and traffic management systems.

Page 24 Page 25 M2 Junction 5 Improvements M2 Junction 5 Improvements Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement: Volume 4 - Non-Technical Summary

UK climate projections for the 2050s consider that Scheme) and cumulative effects (the cumulation of What happens next average mean temperatures are likely to increase effects on a receptor from the Scheme in tandem with throughout the year leading to warmer winters effects from other developments planned or under and decreases in mean snowfall rates. Increased construction within the Scheme’s study area). The Compulsory Purchase Orders and Side temperatures are likely to result in a reduction in the The baseline for each environmental topic is described Summary of construction assessment: Roads Orders have been made and published by Highways England and have been submitted to cost and frequency of winter road maintenance and above in the previous sections. The following proposed ■■ No significant in-combination or cumulative the Secretary of State for confirmation. The Line improved driver safety. The increased risk of heat waves developments have been shortlisted in the Cumulative effects were identified during the Order has been prepared in draft and submitted could lead to increased deformation and rutting of Effects Assessment: construction phase. road surfaces as well as expansion joints and cracking to the Secretary of State for making. ■■ Land at Wises Farm - Construction of 595 in concrete pavements and thermal expansion in dwellings including schools, retail stores and Until 25th July 2019, any objection or bridges. There are potential risks to staff welfare due to recreation facilities - distance from site 2.7km; representation can be made to the Orders, increased need for night-time working. Higher rainfall in writing, to: is also predicted which can lead to flooding which can ■■ Manor Farm - Construction of 50 dwellings - What are the effects during operation? damage roads and pavements and reduce safety. It is distance from site 2.9km The Secretary of State for Transport In-combination effects National Transport Casework Team uncertain about the impacts of storms in the future, but ■ Land at Woodgate Lane - Removal of existing ■ Department for Transport increased storms would cause widespread damage builders’ yard and construction of 11 new dwellings No in-combination effects are anticipated during the Tyneside House to signs/signals and roadside vegetation as well as including access road; - distance from site 0.1km; operational phase of the Scheme and the overall Skinnerburn Road increased accumulation of debris on roads. and significance is assessed as being neutral. Newcastle Business Park Mitigation measures include best practice bridge and ■■ Builders Yard - Change of use for 3 buildings - Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7AR road construction techniques (including designing for distance from site 0.2km. Cumulative effects or by email to: [email protected] changes in windspeeds), use of appropriate materials, Beneficial effects on population and human health may monitoring of infrastructure, appropriate use of drainage occur for the ‘Land at Wises Farm’ and ‘Manor Farm’ stating the title of the Scheme and, if relevant, systems and landscaping to reduce impacts from What are the effects during developments which will provide, cumulatively with the grounds of objection. climate change. construction? the Scheme, new housing and additional community Following the expiration of the representation infrastructure. Conversely both developments will have period, the Secretary of State will decide whether In-combination effects effects, on the rural landscape due to expanding the the Orders should be confirmed, with or without urban edge of Sittingbourne however mitigation planting During construction, residents at Bowl Reed will modifications. If objections are received, the will lessen the effects once established. The overall experience a slight adverse effect resulting from the Secretary of State will consider whether an effect is neutral. permanent loss of land combined with a reduction in inquiry is to be held before they make their Summary of operational assessment: visual amenity. decision, which in the event of an inquiry ■■ There will be no significant effects on will be after consideration of the inspector’s No other in-combination effects have been identified climate from emissions; and report and recommendations. during construction. ■■ No significant effects from climate change on the Scheme. Cumulative effects Summary of operational assessment: Land at Wises Lane and Manor Farm developments ■■ No significant in-combination or could potentially have a significant cumulative effect due cumulative effects were identified during to construction traffic along the A249 causing visual the operational phase. Assessment of Cumulative disturbance and disrupting tranquillity in a sensitive Effects landscape. However, this is dependent on construction schedules overlapping with the Scheme. What is the existing environment like?

The cumulative effects assessment considers both the in-combination effects the combined environmental effects identified within the different environmental assessments, on the same receptor, caused by the

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