UKAEA STEP RIG HALL PUBLIC CONSULTATION WELCOME AND FEEDBACK Welcome and Feedback Project Objectives
Over the next 6 months the UK Atomic Energy Authority (“UKAEA”) will bring forward planning As set out above, the fi rst of the major new development projects proposed to come forward applications for a number of major development projects at Culham Science Centre (“CSC”). The at CSC is a ‘Rig Hall’ associated with the STEP project. The Rig Hall will provide fl exible fi rst of the major projects proposed to come forward is known as the STEP Rig Hall. This Public research space comprising approximately 1,500m² of fl oor space, with clear heights internally Consultation provides more information about the proposals and gives members of the public an to accommodate two gantry cranes with lifting capacity of up to 50T. The proposals also feature opportunity to comment on the scheme. circa 147m² of offi ce accommodation including a control room and viewing gallery; circa 150m² of changing and welfare facilities for staff ; and a dedicated plant room. The Rig Hall will reach 30 The public consultation comprises a set of virtual exhibition boards covering various aspects of the metres at its peak to allow suffi cient clearance space for internal research and testing purposes. proposed development, including the design, layout, and more technical matters such as transport and sustainability. We hope that the content provides a useful summary of the proposals and will The project forms part of the UKAEA’s ongoing STEP programme and supplements its suite of assist with your understanding of the project. We look forward to receiving your comments. research facilities as it starts an exciting new chapter in the drive towards practical fusion energy.
We welcome your feedback on the information included in this consultation in one of the following ways:
• By visiting the website at: www.culham.org.uk/consultations and completing a feedback form Efficiency Identity & Showcase • By emailing your views via the feedback form to: [email protected] The Rig Hall will be both lean and The Rig Hall will be the fi rst major effi cient in terms of operational investment as part of the STEP • By posting your response to: usability for the occupying research programme with the building being team, and in its use of materials. used to demonstrate the capabilities of the programme. Culham Science Centre Consultation Carter Jonas Mayfi eld House 256 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7DE STEP Rig Hall
The public consultation period for the STEP Rig Hall project will commence on Monday 7th December and close on Friday 18th December.
It is the UKAEA’s intention to submit a formal application for planning permission to South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) in mid-late December 2020. The purpose of this consultation Flexibility Sustainability is therefore to invite early comments and to provide advance notice of the forthcoming submission. The Rig Hall will be an adaptable The Rig Hall will use responsible and As part of the planning application process you will also have the opportunity to provide a formal space to suit needs as research and effi cient building methodologies using development progresses. Building a ‘Be Lean, Clean, Green’ approach. response to the application through SODC’s public consultation process. concept - long life, loose fi t.
View of the proposed Rig Hall development from the UKAEA Site to the North East. CONTEXT AND CSC PROJECTS OVERVIEW
CSC is situated approximately 2.75 miles to the east of Abingdon, 4.5 miles north of Didcot and This proposal for a Rig Hall facility as part of the STEP programme is therefore the fi rst in a 5.5 miles south of Oxford. CSC’s origins lay in its former use as a naval airfi eld. In January 1960, series of fi ve major projects across the CSC site which the UKAEA will be consulting the local the UKAEA secured planning permission from Oxfordshire County Council for the development of community on over the next six months, and which will shape, expand and cement CSC as a long the site as a research establishment and from then it has grown to what you see today. term international science and technology business location. The location of the proposed Rig Hall project is shown on the plan below, edged in red. The remaining four major projects proposed The CSC forms a key part of Science Vale and the Oxfordshire Knowledge Spine and is one of to come forward are as follows and marked 1 - 4 on the same plan. It is the UKAEA’s intention to the largest employment centres in the county covering approximately 80 hectares. Employment consult on these projects separately when the proposals are at a more advanced stage prior to the levels at CSC have been stable and in excess of 2,000 for many years and, in recent years, with formal submission of planning applications to SODC. a growing community of commercial science and technology enterprises and the broadening of the UKAEA’s portfolio, have started to rise. CSC currently supports over 2,700 jobs and has policy 1. – OAS Phase 3 - An extension to the existing Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) building support for growth in the emerging South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035 which proposes to remove CSC from the Green Belt. 2. – UKAEA & STEP Offi ces - A purpose built offi ce development for UKAEA and STEP project staff
The growth seen at CSC builds on its stature as the world’s leading fusion energy research centre. 3. – CCDP Commercial Offi ces - Commercial offi ce space with an adjoining rig hall In the 2020 Budget the Chancellor stated: 4. – Main Gateway - A new gateway building at the site entrance.
“We will invest over £900 million to ensure UK businesses are leading the way in high-
6 +3
6 +3
6 +3
6 +3
3 ' / 4
' potential technologies. This will involve commercialising nuclear fusion technology, off ering < + 4 ; + * X)
Y
3 potentially limitless clean energy, and supporting the government’s ambitious National Space = T G =3 H G
6 +3
T RU _ 6 ( G HGT
G HGT T G H G
Strategy and space innovation fund.” KJ [Y OY * ,( : 6
,( KY YN ([
T _RU T 6 HG G 6 +3 67(35LJ+DOO
3 6 = +3 4658:. 8 6 +3 5'* +3 6 : +3 ; 6 6 ) +3 6 + 3 * 6 + 6 . 3 3 4 : + + 58:.6 8 ' 3 5'* 6 6P + 3 6 +E3M 5 (XGSHRKY + 3P Y +EM HRK 6 6 OZ_ S 6 +3 +3 8 XY XG 3MP O\K ( +E OU J KG 4 ( 'X 58:. 85'* 6 T 3 _RU : 6 + 6 KY 9 YN 6 ([ +3
) Y *X X[H 9N J XK ZK GZ 9I
Y NK [Y ( GT ,( GH KY 6 YN +3 ([ 6Y +3
KY YN 85'* 2 ([ : 6 6 ) +3 *X
) *X
( Y HRK X S , / G XG 4 S ( H R K Y 6 +3
GT : 6 GH 6 +3 More recently, the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, has outlined a Ten Point Plan for Z ( 1 3G X 8 N G XZ S ' +G 6 H R 8 K ' Y ) - %
85'* 3
J 8
J K 5 X
6 6 ' +3 J X) * K * ' GT 5 * S H G * 8 [ Y 3 ^ Y '
G '
5
^ /4
8
*
8 ' *
' 5 1 '
5
< Y ' K 5
8
+ OV * 4 85'* 4 6 8 ,/ Z 4 [ ; I : 6 + KX K Z a Green Industrial Revolution in the UK, which includes investment in innovation to develop the 3 =( 6 +3 8 5
' ' ,/ [ Z 4 * I : 6 * 6 3 + ' < 5 - Y 85'* 5 8 -< * ' [ Z X) 5 I 6 * 6 6 +3 8 ,/ : 3 * 4 + ' 8 KX 5 6 K Z 3 3 8 5 Z + I [ =( < - ' : 6 * = * / 4, * HY NX[ ' 9 5
% 8
cutting-edge technologies needed to research new energy ambitions such as fusion. The Plan will
J 8 [ Z 5 I ./- Y . ='? (' 5 : 6 ,( K 66 2 YN 5$ ([ * $ ' ( ( $5 HY $ 1 [ , Y [ * Z 8 ( [H NX [ Z [ ' Y NX 9 ' I I N 9 / 6 Z K ,/ , : 6 : [ Z 6 4 4 I Z [ 8 Y 6 [ I Z : I 6 I [ ' * 6 : ) ' : : 6 ( 5 Z [ Z , 8 [ [ I I ( 1 Y Y 8 ,/ NK : 6 [ Z : 6 N ' 4 )UTZGOTKX 6GXQ [Y I K ( 6 6 : 6 Y 8 52$ 9 ' ' ( Y ) , NK < X) [Y - * ( ,/ ) 4 *DXr)C *X
= *
J
J
K ( X , X ) 6 * 9SP
J
be driven by other key investments set out over the past year, including the government’s £1billion K
S [ < Y
Y < 5( ' 72 ; 6 ' ^ ( 6+ 2 : * Z 3G ,1 N ' XZ ) ,/ 8 +G Z 8 I [ % 5 < *X) : 6 * 5( '
' 2 67 * 5 ; '* 8 85 ,/
4 )
6 X +3 = * < * X) =GRQ]G_
)
* )
X 81 X * /) 6' 4 * 8 $' 81 energy innovation fund to stay ahead of the latest technologies needed to reach new energy )' 52 - 6' 8 Z ' Z 3G 3G N ) - N XZ XZ +G * G X + ) 3 '
/4
8 ' 5 < ' ) + '* 4 * 5 - 8 * ; 1 X ) '8 ) ? + 6 ' 8 = ' 3
% 8 0 ) '
, N
, I
T J '
K
( X
' : J *
K
/ T X 5' O 8 ( G J
X
K
targets. * : S 6 +3 6 $ +3 <
9 8 K X \ < OI K 4 K 3 T = , Z /
) '* 8 - 85 '* 85
) *X /) [ Z I
6
: *
< T X
1 G
- )
H
G
Y
K N
Y GZ [ 3
N 8 ( Z GX Y + HRK 5 S XG ' ( J * J ) J X 1 * ) 8 X * ' 6 ) X) ZY *X * * 8 3G ' ' N XZ 5 =3 ) +G 8
) *X
+KY YN J 6 ([ 3 * ) + ' X * 5 6 / In January 2020, UK Government committed £222M to the UKAEA to undertake the conceptual 8 < 4, -< 96 8 < -6 - ,( ,(
,( 8 J / , 5 4 < J * ' - X) * ,( '* * 85 8 ,/ X ) 1 4 * KY 8 N KY YN ' U YN ([ 6 ,( ([ 8 ,/ ' 4 ) J ,( ,( 8 N J XZ 5 +G Z 3G X) ' * < * - * ,( * * /) 3 ' ' 5 8 ,( 5 6 ,( 8 8 design of a prototype fusion plant known as the ‘Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production’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is an ambitious programme run by the UKAEA to accelerate the delivery of sustainable )X) * ) YN /3 < ([ ( ( 8 1 [YNKY 8 [ + ' Y 6 6 N 8 K ,( 6 Y +3 5 ' 8 KY 5 * ,( YN Z ([ , 3G ' ( N - XZ +G * ,( = ( N * Y , [Y ' ( NK ( 5 [Y 8 Y 1 ( NK 8 [Y ' ( 6 ) 8 *X ,( 8 ' ,( 5 ) ' * ' < 1 ,( ( ( * , 8 , X KY ' ) N 6 [Y 6 fusion energy. The spherical tokamak is a promising type of compact fusion machine, which ( 8 +3 6 3 ( ' + : 0 ) 2 ,(
,( =3
3 ,( = YN ,( [ Y ( NK [Y ,( ( ( , ,( 1 )
8 *X (
' 6 1
( 8 8 , < '
' ( J - 6 ) , 8 /) ' ) ,( -< > * ,( 6 ' 3 85 + KY ,( YN has been under development since the 1980s. The investment will enable development of a ([
3 '
/4 , ( ' 1 8 6 6
< ' -< +) +3 5 ,
+ 6 J ^ /) 4 8 9
)'
;
+
*
= 6
+3
.
* 6 5' J +3 8 81 6' conceptual design for the plant by 2024, in collaboration with partners from industry and academia. '8 ) 81 ' , 6 ( '8 ) ( 6 9J [ +) Y N K Y
6 J +) 9
3 8 5 ' * ?
6 +) 6 Eventually, STEP off ers the realistic prospect of constructing a prototype plant which produces net 3 + 9J0 '* 85 ? /) ' = ,( 3 8 ' ,
HY ,( X[ 8 /) 9N < 5 ' * ?
1 '8 6 5 energy, targeting 2040. , 8 ^ ' 6 ) ) + *J 9J * = < J - 81 6' 8 6 ' 6Y +) +3 ) 9J
6 +) *J 9J /)
? ' = J 1 9 3 ) 6 +) 8 /) ' KY YN ' 8 ([ )J , : 8 + : ,( + /3 8 + 6
,( 6Y +3
1 * ' 5 8 1 '8 6 6 '8 -< +3 ) ) *X
) *X
1 '8 6 6 +3 8 )'
-< 3 '
/4
4 ' 8
,( < + 4 ; +
J
8
,(
([YNKY
5
,
^
*
5
=
,
Y ^
K
N
Y
[
(
J
K
X
*
Y [
=
K ( Y Y
N , K
Y X
[ 6
( S
[
O J
J ( K
, 3
KY K
YN 6
([
,( K X
[
Y
Y
K
X
6
S
[
O
J
K
3
8
K
J 6
K (
X K KX ] U] U ,R R KJ , (
X ]K ,RU J (K
6K 3KJO[S 6XKYY[XK
X HK -< GS )N X HK [S 6XKYY[XK GS 6K 3KJO )N Y 6XKYY[XK -< 3KJO[S J 9 ( 85'* ' =* : *54 ; (/4 - KJ XU[ZK 5 '
Y[S 8
'Y 9 6
J
K
6 HERITAGE
DIA / Fabrik / MCB Image
Culham Science Centre is located in an area where there are a number of important heritage assets, such as Nuneham House and its surrounding parkland, as well as other listed buildings Nuneham House and the Scheduled Ancient Monument at ‘Wittenham Clumps’. As such, new proposals on this site have the potential to impact on views to, from and of these heritage assets. We have therefore worked in partnership with respected heritage consultants Donald Insall Associates to make sure that the new building does not have any harmful impact on these heritage assets by spoiling key views of them. Donald Insall Associates have carried out a comprehensive survey of the surrounding heritage assets (listed buildings, ancient monuments, historic parkland and conservation areas) and considered what elements contribute to the signifi cance of their setting. Nuneham Courtenay Park This has enabled the design team to locate and orient the new building to make sure that it intrudes as little as possible.
SITE
JET CSC
1946 2003 2018
Aerial Shots of RNAS Culham
Diagram illustrating the location of the Nuneham House and Nuneham Courtenay Park SITE AND SURROUNDINGS
The site of the proposed development extends to some 1.65 hectares and is located close to the north eastern boundary of CSC. The site is bound to the north by the science centre perimeter access road (Thame Lane). The eastern and southern site boundaries are formed by additional internal access roads. The western boundary is bound by 1.5 to 2-storey industrial buildings and electricity transformers.
Planning Policy
SODC is in the late stages of preparing a new local plan which is expected to be adopted by the end of this year. Under South Oxfordshire’s new Local Plan (‘the Local Plan’), Policy STRAT8 proposes to remove CSC from the Green Belt and support the intensifi cation of its uses, in recognition of the contribution that the site makes as a science and technical employment site, therefore warranting development and investment. Subject to the adoption of the Local Plan, the removal of the site from the Green Belt would mean that the proposed development would not be considered ‘inappropriate’ and ‘Very Special Circumstances’ would not need to be demonstrated.
However, prior to the adoption of the Local Plan, CSC is identifi ed as being within the Green Belt. To develop in the Green Belt, proposals must demonstrate ‘Very Special Circumstances’, and these must outweigh any harm to the Green Belt by way of ‘inappropriateness’. Site in wider context to Abingdon and Didcot
The UKAEA maintains that the “Very Special Circumstances” that justify the proposed
6 +3
6 +3
6 development of the STEP Rig Hall are as follows: +3 6 +3
3 ' / 4 ° ' < + 4 ; + * X)
Y
3 =
T G 3 H = G °
6 +3
• Signifi cant investment in fusion technology by the UK Government: The STEP project is one U T R 6_ ° ( G HGT
° G HGT T G H G °
J Y K Y [ * O ° ,( : 6
° ,( KY YN ([
T of two major government investment programmes to facilitate development in fusion energy HG G ° 6 +3 67(35LJ+DOO
3 6 = +3 4658:.°8 6 +3 5'* +3 6 : +3 ; 6 6 ) ° +3 ° 6 + 3 * 6 + 6 . 3 3 4 : + + 58:.6 °8 ' 3 5'* 6 6P + 3 6 +E3M 5 (XGSHRKY + 3P Y +EM HRK 6 6 OZ_ S 6 +3 +3 8 XY XG 3P O\K ( +EM OU J KG 4 ( 'X 58:.°85'* T 6 RU 6 +3 6_ : Y 9 N K 6 [Y +3 °( ° ) Y *X X[H 9N J° XK ZK GZ research and development. The government has committed £222 million to the UKAEA for the 9I Y NK [Y ( GT ,( GH ° KY 6 YN +3 ([ 6Y +3
KY YN 85'*°2 ([ : 6 6 ) +3 *X
) *X
( Y HRK X S , / G XG conceptual design of a prototype fusion plant (the STEP project), and a further £184 million for S ( 4 H R K Y 6 +3
GT : 6 GH ° 6 +3 ° Z ( 1 3G X 8 N° G XZ S ' +G °6 H R 8 K ' Y ) - %
85'*°3
J 8
J K 5 X
6 6 ° ° ' +3 J ) * X ° the Fusion Foundations programme at CSC, enabling the UKAEA to transform CSC, expand K * ' * GT 5 S H G * 8 [ ° ° Y 3 ^ Y '
G ' °
5
°
^
° /4
8 * °
° 8 ' *
' 5 1 '
5
< Y ' K 5
8
+ OV * 4 85'*°4 6 8
° ° ,/ Z 4 I [ ; ° : 6 + X ZK 3K =( 6 +3 8 5 ' ' ,/ Z 4 I [ * ° ° : 6 * ° 6 3 + ' < 5 - 85'* the successful OAS training programme, increase collaboration across industry, and improve % 8 J 8 [ Z 5 I ./- ° ° Y .°='? (' 5 : 6 ,( K 66 2 YN 5$ ([ * $ ' ( ( ° $5 HY $ 1 [ , Y [ * Z 8 ( H NX Z [ Y X[ 9 [ I ' 9N ' I ° N ° ° / 6° : 6 [ Z 6 K ,/ , : Z ° 4 4 I Z [ 8 Y 6° [ I Z ° : I 6° I [ ' * 6° : ° ) ' : :6 ( 5 ° Z [ Z , 8 [ [ I I ( 1 Y ° equipment and capabilities across site. Investment in innovation to develop the cutting-edge Y K ° Z 6 8 ,/ N : 6 [ : N ° ' 4 )UTZGOTKX°6GXQ [Y I K ( 6 6 6° Y ° 5 9 : '8 2$' ° ( Y ) , NK < X ) [Y - * ( ,/ ) 4 *DXr)C *X = * J ° ° J K ( X , ) *X 96P ° S J K S [ < Y Y (< ' 5 72 ° ;6 ' ^ +( ° 6 2 : * GZ ,1 °3 ' XZN ) / 8 +G technologies needed to research new energy ambitions such as fusion, is one of the 10-points , [ Z 8 I ° % 5 ° < *X) : 6 * 5( ' ' 72 * 6 ° 5 ; ° '* 8 85 ,/ 4 ) 6 X +3 = < * * X ) =GRQ]G_ ° ) * ) X 81 X * /) 6' 4 * 8° $' 81 )' 52 - 6' 8° Z ' Z 3G 3G N° ) - N° XZ XZ +G * G X + ) 3 ' /4 ° in the Government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution in the UK, announced in 8 ' 5 < ) ' ° + '* 4 * 5 - ° 8 ° * ; 1 X ) 8 ) ? + ' ' °6 = 8 ° ' 3 % 8 0 ) ' , N , I T J ' ° K ( X ° ° ' : J * ° K ' / T X 5 O ° 8 ( G J X K : * S [ 6 Y $ +3 6 Y +3 ' < ° ^ ° 9 8 K X \ ° ° < November 2020, with £1bn having been invested by Government into an energy innovation OI K 4 K 3 T = , Z / ) *° ' °8 - 85 '* 85 6Y +3 X ) /) Z * I [ ° : 6 * < T X - G ) H G Y K N Y GZ [ 3 N° 8 ( XZ +G KY 5 HR XGS fund. The CSC’s international signifi cance as a centre of excellence for science and technology ' ( J * ° J ° X ) 1 J * ) 8 X * ' 6 ) ° X) ° ZY *X * * 8 3G ' ' ZN° 5 =3 ) +GX 8 ) *X KY +YN 6 (°[ J +3 * ) ' X * 5 6 / 8 < 4, -< 96 8 < ( -6 - , ,( ,( 8 J / , 5 4 < J * ' - X) ( * *° , is clear and the major forthcoming projects, of which STEP Rig Hall is one, will continue to play ' * 85 ° 8 ° , / X ) 1 4 * KY 8 N KY YN ' U YN ([ 6 ,( ([ 8° ,/ ' 4 ) J ,( ( , 8 N J XZ 5 +G Z 3G X ) ' * < - * ,( * ° *° * ° /) 3 ' ' 5 8 ,( 5 6 ,( 8 8 +3 ' 5 / * 4 ' 1° ° * 8 -< ' HY ' 9 ° 6 NX[ ° ° 9 * 8 6Y < ' =3 ' 3 5 KY ) + + Z 8 YN 3G ([ 4 ZN° +GX ; ,( an important role in delivering fusion for decades to come. Y ° K YN + * [ ' X) ( Y 5 * =3 X) 3 8 ° * )2 2° / 6 * ° ) 81 *X * ' 2 °6 8 + ' ° 68 ) 6 - = KY +3 N -< [Y ' ( ? Y JO : 6 -< ,( < -< < 9 9 HY , * X[ ( . 9N 6 °= 9 8 5 Y ' [H NX T * 9 G Y H ° H G NX[ ° @ 9 , ( ° 3 '* = 85 ,( ; ° ,( * ,( ' < ,( 5 - 8 ( , [ ° Y * N ) K ' ,( *X 5 Y 8 ( , °) 6 ( 1 +3 , Y 8 < H ' ,( 6 - ( NX[ ? +3 , YN 9 °6 ([ 8 ' ' = ) ° ( ( =3 , ,( [ 3 , Y 8 ( N ( K Y ' 9 Z , Y K 8 3G N , 1 N° Y :5 8 XZ [ / +G ( /9 ' °: 6Y < °6 * +3 • CSC is an established part of the southern Oxfordshire cluster of education, science, and 8 ,( ' )' 85 ,( X ) /) ( * , ,( GT N GH [Y ° ( 6 , +3 ( 1 ,( ) ,( ' ,( , ( Y , 8 ( NK ( , ) [Y : ( X ) ° ( [ * 1 ,( ° Y N 8 8 KY ' + 6 , 8 8° ( : ,( ' + ) ' )*X ) YN /3 < ([ ° ( ( 8 1 [YNKY 8 [ + ' Y 6 6 N 8 K ,( 6 Y +3 5 ' 8 Y * K 5 technology, now known as Science Vale Oxford, and has established a broader high technology ,( [YN Z ( ° , 3G ' ( N° - XZ +G * ,( = ° ° ( N * Y , [Y ' ( NK 6 ( 5 ° [Y +3 8 Y 81 ( YNK ' ([ °6 X ) 8 * ,( 8 ' ,( 5 ) ' * ' ° 1° ,( < ( ( * , 8 , X KY ' ) N Y °6 6 ( [ 3 6 8 + +3 ( ' : 0 ) ,( ,( =3 3 ,( = YN business base. ,( ([ KY N [Y ,( ( ( ° , ,( 1 ) 8 *X ( ' ° 6 1 ° ( 8 8 , < ' J - ' ( 6 ) , 8° /) ' ) ,( -< °> * ,( 6 ' 3 85 + KY ,( YN ([ 3 ' /4 , ( ° 6Y +3 ' 1° 8 6 6 < ' -< +) +3 5 , + °6 J ^ /) 4 8 9 ' ) ° ; + ° * = 6 ° +3 . ° * 6 ' J +3 5 ° 8 81 6' 8° )' 81 ' , 6 ( ° ° '8 ° ) ( 6 9J [ +) Y N • The policy support provided by the adopted South Oxfordshire Core Strategy, in particular Policy K Y 6 J +) 9 8 5 ' * ° ? 6 +) 6 3 + 9J0 *° OZ_ KXY ' O\ 5 OU J KG 8 ( 'X ? /) ' CSEM3, permitted a ‘whole site’ approach and the redevelopment and intensifi cation of the = ° ,( 3 6 8 +3 ' , ° HY ,( X[ 8 /) 9N < 5 ' * ° ? 1° '8 6 5 ° , 8 ^ ' 6 ) ° ) + *J 9J ° * = ° CSC. -< ° J 1 '8 °6 8 Y 6 ' 6 +) +3 ) 9J 6 +) *J 9J /) ? ' = J ° 1 9 3 ) 6 +) 8 /) ' KY YN ' 8 ([ )J , : ° 8 + : ,( + /3 8 + 6 ,( 6Y +3 1 ° * ' 5 8 1° '8 6 6 • The emerging South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035 is at an advanced stage and supports the ° -< +3 '8 ) ) *X 1 '8 X ) 6 * 5 ° , 8 ^ ' ) ° ° ) * *X = 1 -< 8 ° ' Y 6 ,( 6 ° +3 '8 J ) ,( ) removal of CSC from the Green Belt and the intensifi cation of its uses under Policy STRAT6 *X 6Y +3 J -< 1 3 '8 °6 ' 8 /4 ,( ' ) ° ' 8 ,( < + (Green Belt) and STRAT8 (Culham Science Centre). Subject to modifi cations, the Local Plan is 4 ; 9NX[HY + ,( J 8 ,(° expected to be found sound and adopted in late 2020/early 2021. °([YNKY 5 , ^ ° ° * 5 = , ^ Y ° K N ° Y [ ( ° J ° K X * Y ° [ = K ( Y Y N , K ° Y X [ 6 ° ( ° S [ O ° J J ( K , 3 ° KY K YN 6 ([ ° ° ( K , X [ Y Y K X 6 ° S [ O J K 3 ° 8 ° K J 6 K ( ° X K KX ] U] U ,R R KJ , ( X ]K ,RU J (K On the basis of these considerations, it is demonstrated that ‘Very Special Circumstances’ for 6K°3KJO[S°6XKYY[XK X HK -< GS )N X HK [S°6XKYY[XK GS 6K°3KJO )N Y XK -< °3KJO[S°6XKYY[ J 9 ( °85'*°' =* : *54 ; (/4 - KJ°XU[ZK 5 ' Y[S 8 'Y 9 6 J ° K 6 development in the Green Belt exist to support the development proposed. Site Location View 1 : Across Site 1 2 3 Views View 2 : J19 Looking West View 3 : Taken from road parallel to site, looking East. THE PROPOSAL Project Brief Site Analysis The UKAEA have invested in the future of clean energy technology at the Culham Science Centre. The industry-leading research undertaken at Culham requires a move into the prototyping stage, therefore a mock up facility is required. This “Rig Hall” is the fi rst large on-site mock up facility to be built for this purpose. Construction of this will facilitate a greater understanding in the build- ability of such a facility. The Rig Hall building is composed of three constituent parts, the higher and lower Rig Halls together create the space to facilitate the large cranage requirements for erection and assembly of the components. The combined rig hall is supported by the ancillary accommodation which houses the control facilities, offi ces, showers and changing facilities for the building. The building is, by necessity, of a large height and scale. This has been mitigated where possible by using the existing topography and landscape to mask its size. The tallest element is located at the lowest end of the site, and the building in plan tucks itself into the existing mature woodland Site Topography and around the existing bund. This will be further assisted by future planting to the site within the landscaping strategy. Site Organisation E Existing Vegetation Sun Path Landscape Proposed Ancillary Offi ce Service Yard Proposed Rig Hall Existing Mound Service Yard Access Services Building Organisation Elevations Rig Hall Ancillary Offi ce External Plant Southern Site Section Level 01 Meeting / Breakout Offi ce Circulation Core Ground Plant Rig Hall Level Offi ce Back of House Circulation Rig Hall Northern Site Section Core External Plant 32m JET Height Comparison Diagram Western Site Section LANDSCAPE Introduction The Chartered Landscape Architects “fabrik” are currently preparing a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (in accordance with the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’) of the proposed Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) Rig Hall site, in order to consider the likely physical and visual impacts arising as a result of the proposed development and as part of the iterative design process. Key Representative Views Landscape Design The extent to which the site is currently visible is based on grading of degrees of visibility. It is The Site currently comprises grassland. It is bound by mature tree-belt and scrub to the west; determined from a visual inspection of the Site from roads, Public Rights of Way and properties. intermittent tree-belt and hedgerow (with security fence beyond) to the north; open grassland area The range of views are broadly defi ned by a digital zone of visibility associated with a 30m to the east; and workshops and storage facilities to the south. The Site lies within an established building, the initial desk study and the previous assessment work, and in consideration of the landscape framework on two sides. tallest existing building within the site, the Joint European Torus (JET) building, which stands at approximately 30m. This information will be key in the analysis of the proposal. Currently, with the The landscape and visual strategy is to extend the structure planting along the northern edge of exception of views in close proximity to the site, the site is predominantly obscured from view due the site. The key landscape design principles include: to intervening built form, vegetation or a combination of both. GREEN BELT WAY / THAMES LANE - Retaining the English Oak tree to the north of the Site; - Extending the existing tree-belt along the northern boundary of the Site with a newGREEN BELT25m WAY / wideTHAMES LANE native planting belt; WORKSHOPS & STORAGE FACILITIES - Proposing individual trees within the amenity grass area to the north of the site, near the site JET entrance and the car park to mark the entrance; WORKSHOPS & STORAGE FACILITIES - Proposing long grassland or wild-fl ower meadow around the proposed built form, JETwith low maintenance regime as part of the proposed ecological enhancements; - Proposing ornamental shrub planting along the edge of the access road adjacent to the bund; - Tarmac paving to the pedestrian area and the maintenance access; - Block pavers to the vehicular areas. The materials can be permeable in order to tie in with the wider drainage strategy if required; LEGEND x LOCATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC APPLICATION SITE BOUNDARY VIEWPOINT CULHAM SCIENCE CENTRE BOUNDARY LOCATION OF ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTOMONTAGE 183/1 171/16 183/4 183/5 171/16 GREEN BELT WAY / THAMES LANE 171/16 183/4 WORKSHOPS & STORAGE FACILITIES JET 171/10 ABINGDON ROAD Landscape Strategy (fabrik) Key Views JET BUILDING PROPOSED STEP RIG HALL BUILDING Key Representative Viewpoint from Local Landscape (fabrik) ARBORICULTURE & ECOLOGY Arboriculture The trees within the site were surveyed in accordance with BS5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction to Construction – Recommendations. Overall the site is largely clear of trees with an existing wooded area along the boundary to the Northwest. Most trees on site are self- sown and have been assessed as being of low quality, with the exception of a single oak tree and two groups of trees with a higher collective value. All are proposed for retention and will be protected during the construction process. Ecology The site was subject to a desk based study and Preliminary Ecological Appraisal in October 2020. The habitats on site comprised semi-improved grassland, scrub, tall ruderal, scattered trees and semi-natural broadleaved woodland. Habitats ranged from low to moderate ecological value and no evidence of protected species, other than badger, was recorded within the site. No further surveys were recommended, however, a Biodiversity Off setting Calculation has been undertaken. The Biodiversity Off setting Calculation using the fi nal Landscape Plans will seek to achieve an overall net gain in biodiversity through the provision of woodland creation and grassland enhancement. TRANSPORT & PARKING The proposed STEP Rig Hall building is a research hall and testing facility, with ancillary offi ce and meeting space. The proposed STEP Rig Hall facility is to be used by existing staff at Culham Science Centre – a 3DYHG$UHDIRU&OHDQLQJDQG0DLQWHQDQFH$FFHVV small number are to be based within the building (c. 10) and others, already on-site, will visit to 3RVLEOH%LQ:DVWH6WRUH observe or complete experiments. The building will not generate any additional employee trips during the weekday AM and PM peak hours. Other trips to the facility will be by visitors, or for deliveries and servicing purposes – low in number 'HOLYHU\ 9HKLFOH$UHD and frequency and generally outside of peak hours. Any access for particularly large or abnormal 6HUYLFH loads will be very occasional and will be managed on an individual basis. No material impact to the local highway is expected. ([WHUQDO3ODQW 'HOLYHU\ 0DLQ 9HKLFOH$UHD The main highway and transport considerations, which have infl uenced the proposed design, are: (QWUDQFH • Provision of high-quality access and on-site facilities to support use of sustainable modes of travel and BREEAM accreditation. • Provision of suitable operational access/delivery/servicing arrangements, including adequate 6WDII$PHQLW\$UHD turning areas. • Provision of parking adjacent to the building – for cycles, disabled badge holders, a limited number of visitor/ delivery vehicles – along with a summary of the emerging site-wide parking strategy. Bicycle and car parking provisions SUSTAINABILITY Main Sustainability Targets In line with the UKAEA sustainability ambitions, the current Local Plan and UK Government’s Climate Change Commitments, the new Rig Hall building will be designed with the aim to: • Achieve at least 35% reduction in carbon emissions during operations; • Reduce the embodied carbon emissions; Below is the summary of the main design principles being followed in delivering a high- performance building. The key environmental drivers are to reduce the energy demand and carbon emissions associated with the building. The aim is to balance the energy consumption with providing a comfortable environment that has good indoor air quality. That is one of the main design challenges for a high-performance building and the use of Dynamic Energy Modelling aids this assessment by assisitng the desiging out of these problems. Sustainability Building Methodology Sustainable building Minimise Identify Low & Zero Carbon Passive design energy Internal comfort Monitoring characteristics Technologies (LZC) demand Passive Design Measures In order to deliver a high-effi cient building, the fi rst aim of the energy strategy should be to reduce its energy demand. This is called a ‘fabric fi rst’ approach which engages passive measures and an effi cient building envelope prior to considering systems optimisation to satisfy the demand. These fundamental concepts are always engaged from the very early stages of the design to maximise the energy effi ciency of the development and to minimise its carbon footprint. Orientation Building fabric External shading Window-to-Wall Daylight and Thermal performance Ratio (WWR) comfort N Renewable and Low Carbon Technologies To refl ect the rapid decarbonisation of the grid and minimise the reliance on fossil fuels, the heat pump system has been considered the most carbon effi cient and cost eff ective solution. ASHP system is proposed to provide simultaneous heating and cooling to all offi ce areas and heating only to the workshop area. Furthermore, the feasibility of installing a photo-voltaic array to generate electricity will be analysed, taking into account the available roof space above the offi ce. Low energy lighting with occupancy controls together with energy effi cient equipment will be specifi ed as an essential feature of a commercial building design to reduce its energy consumptions and carbon emissions. Embodied Carbon Undertaking a Life Cycle Assessment is a key requirement under BREEAM to measure the environmental impact (including embodied carbon) over the full life cycle of the building. In a very effi cient building, embodied carbon represents a high proportion of its whole-life carbon emissions. Avoiding the use of materials with high carbon intensity and adopting the circular economy principles are fundamental to ensure the sustainability of a new development.