Former Parkside Colliery, Newton-Le-Willows Parkside Regeneration LLP

Former Parkside Colliery, Newton-le-Willows Parkside Regeneration LLP

Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary

Revision C - 11 January 2018

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This Environmental Statement is prepared in associaon with:

Report Author ...... Jenny Ray

Report Date ...... 11 January 2018

Project Number ...... 3638

Document Reference ...... P0‐TP‐SPA‐RP‐P3638‐0023‐C

Contents

Introducon ...... 4

EIA Process ...... 4

Site Descripon ...... 6

Development Descripon ...... 8

Planning Policy Context ...... 10

Need ...... 12

Consideraon of Alternaves ...... 14

Preferred Opon—Design Evoluon ...... 16

Ground Condions and Contaminaon ...... 18

Traﬃc and Transport ...... 18

Drainage and Flood Risk ...... 20

Landscape and Visual Impact ...... 21

Ecology and Nature Conservaon ...... 24

Socio Economic ...... 26

Noise and Vibraon ...... 28

Air Quality and Dust ...... 28

Cultural Heritage and Archaeology ...... 30

Ulies ...... 31

Energy ...... 32

Waste ...... 33

Synergisc (interacon of Eﬀects) ...... 34

Cumulave Eﬀects ...... 38

Conclusion ...... 40

Introduction

This is the non-technical summary for an Environmental These include: Statement (ES) which has been prepared on behalf of  Direct, indirect or secondary effects Parkside Regeneration LLP to accompany an outline planning application for the redevelopment of the Former Parkside  Cumulative effects Colliery site with logistic/warehouse uses.  Short, medium or long term effects This document is a summary of the ES that has been submitted as part of the outline planning application with all  Permanent or temporary effects matters reserved, except for access, having regard to the  Positive or negative effects Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (as amended 2015). The The report also identifies any measures required to mitigate report describes the physical characteristics of the potential adverse impacts of the proposals within and around development, its land use requirements, an outline of the the application site. Full details can be found within the main alternatives considered and a description of the effects Environmental Statement. on the environment which are likely to be effected by the development. EIA Process

Identify Proposed Development

Scoping Submission

LPA 5 Week Review Period

Review Response & Prepare EIA Report

Identify Baseline

Predict Impact on Environment Feedback and consideration of alternatives / Update and amend masterplan for site Assess Significance of Impacts

Consider mitigation

Prepare / Finalise Environmental Statement

Introduction

Le: Locaon Plan

Below: Indicave Masterplan

Site Description

The Application Site is located within the North West replace the Core Strategy once adopted. of England, within the local authority area of St Helens. The character of the areas to the west and northwest is The local authority areas of Warrington and Wigan are urban and to the south and east, more rural and open. located to the south and north respectively, with Properties on Winwick Road are beyond the western Warrington Borough abutting the southern and eastern boundary of the Application Site. To the north is the boundaries of the application site itself. The site is wider Former Parkside Colliery site. Beyond the within the Liverpool City Region. southern and eastern boundaries of the Application Site The Application Site is to the east of the settlement of are agricultural fields and a number of scattered Newton-le-Willows, which together with Earlestown properties, including the small settlement of Hermitage are identified in the St Helens Local Plan Core Strategy Green. (October 2012), as a second order settlement, behind Newton Park Farm and its associated buildings are set the main settlement of St Helens. within the wider Former Parkside Colliery area, but The Application Site is part of the wider Former outside of the Applicant’s landownership. This farm Parkside Colliery site. abuts the northern boundary of the Application Site. There are two Grade 11 Listed Buildings within The West Coast Mainline Railway runs in a northeast- Newton Park Farm (Newton Park Farm House and southwest direction to the north-western boundary of Barn). the Application Site. The Liverpool to Manchester Railway Line (also known as the Chat Moss Line) is to Access to the Application Site is from the A49 Winwick the north of the Former Parkside Colliery. This railway Road to the west of the Site, via an existing access road line runs in an east-west direction with Newton-le- that served the colliery when it was in use. As such, Willows Station nearby to the northwest. there is an existing wide access point with Winwick Road and a surfaced access road into the Application The M6 Motorway runs in a northwest-southeasterly Site. This access road runs in an east-west direction direction to the east of the Application Site and wider across the Application Site and also provides access to Former Parkside Colliery site. Junction 22 of the M6 the primary substation, which is located to the centre Motorway is to the south east of the Application Site. of the Former Parkside Colliery site, and within the South of this, the M6 Motorway connects with the M62 Application Site. The primary substation is in operation Motorway at Junction 21a of the M6 Motorway and and connects to a series of pylons and overhead cables Junction 10 of the M62 Motorway. The M62 Motorway to the south and east of the substation that runs east-west, approximately 2.5km (1.5 miles) to the subsequently run in north-easterly and southerly south of the Application Site. The A49 Winwick Road directions, crossing part of the Application Site to the runs north-south to the west of the Application Site, south and east. providing access to Newton-le-Willows to the north and the M62 Motorway to the south, at Junction 9. The Application Site itself includes part of the former pit yard site and other land associated with the colliery, The Application Site is approximately 47.90 hectares including part of the spoil heap. The Site is (118.36 acres) in extent and is currently vacant. It predominantly rough grassland (semi-improved formed part of the Lancashire Coalfield although the grassland, some of which is classed as poor) with some colliery use ceased when the pit closed in 1993. scattered trees and areas of woodland. There are areas The Application Site is currently within the Green Belt, of hardstanding that were associated with the Former which surrounds the settlement of Newton-le-Willows Parkside Colliery site. To the southern boundary is a and Earlestown. It is however safeguarded within the belt of trees and a watercourse known as Oswalds Core Strategy as a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange Brook. (SRFI) and is identified as an Employment Allocation (to be removed from Green Belt) in the emerging Local Plan (Preferred Options, December 2016), which will

Above Le: Naonal Context; Above Right: Regional Context; Boom: Local Context

Development Description

The Phase 1 Planning Application proposals are the first commencement (i.e. 46m from the rear boundaries). In phase of a comprehensive development of the Former the north this will mean a bund height from Parkside Colliery site to help to meet the current short commencement to crest of approximately 8.4m, term logistics need for the St Helens area. halfway down the boundary of approximately 11m and in the south 11.9m. The Phase 1 Planning Application will be an Outline Planning Application as described below: The general extent and eastern flank of the Spoil Heap, located to the east of Plot C, will also be retained and The outline application (all matters reserved except for enhanced with planting to create a landscape and visual means of access) comprises the construction of up to buffer to the east of the Application Site with ecological 92,900 m2 (gross internal) of employment floorspace (Use benefits. The western flank of the Spoil Heap will be the Class B8 with ancillary B1(a) offices) and associated subject of selective excavation to form development servicing and infrastructure including car parking and vehicle platforms and will then be the subject of additional and pedestrian circulation and alteration of existing access planting. road into site including works to existing A49 junction, noise mitigation, earthworks to create development platforms and The B8 uses will consist of a series of buildings accessed bunds, landscaping including buffers, works to existing spoil from the Internal Site Access Road through the heap, creation of drainage features, substations and Application Site. ecological works. The Planning Application is to be made in outline and as All matters, except for the Means of Access are such indicative details are provided to show how the reserved for consideration at a later date. site could be developed. However, through scheme evolution, a number of Parameters have been fixed, and The Proposed Development will be accessed from the form the basis of the Environmental Assessments. A49 Winwick Road at the point of the existing access These Parameters will be controlled by a suitably to the Application Site. The access with Winwick Road worded planning condition on any future planning will be in the form of a traffic-lit T-Junction. The permission and all reserved matters submissions will Primary Internal Access Road will run east/west into have to adhere to the Parameters that are agreed as the Application Site and Secondary Internal Access part of the outline permission. The Parameters set the Roads will extend from this to serve each of the maximum parameters for the Proposed Development, employment units, including access up to the northern and as such, set the basis for the environmental boundary of the Application Site which in time, will assessment. These are as follows: provide access to the future Phase 2 Development (the Phase 2 Development is not the subject of this planning  Development Cells (including uses, building application, but is anticipated to include a further phase heights and finished floor levels) of logistic/warehouse development to be accessed via  Green Infrastructure: the future proposed Parkside Link Road connecting to the M6 Motorway to the east).  Drainage Landscape buffers and bunds will be created around the  Utility Corridors and Easements edges of the Site (as mitigation to protect existing  Access and Circulation residential amenities and visual amenity) to the  Noise southern, western and northern boundaries (to the south of Plots A/B and C; to the west of Plots A/B and  Safeguarded Rail Area D; and to the north of Plot D). Landscaped bunding on the western boundary will commence as a natural 1:3 slope from a point of 10m from the rear fence of gardens of properties on the A49. Once implemented, the bund will ‘crest’ at a distance of some 36m from its

Development Description

Parameter Plans — Top Le: Green Infrastructure Plan; Middle: Development Cells; Boom Le Drainage

Planning Policy Context

Section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Act 2004, In line with the planning history of the Site at that time, states that applications should be determined in which included a live planning application at the time of accordance with the development plan unless material commencement of the Core Strategy, Parkside and land considerations indicate otherwise. to the east of the M6 was identified as a strategic location for an SRFI based on the proximity to the M6/ The statutory Development Plan for the consideration M62 and the Liverpool-Manchester and West Coast of this application comprises: Mainline Railways. That application was withdrawn and  St Helens Core Strategy (CS), October 2012 the proposals have not been delivered. As indicated  St Helens Unitary Development Plan 1998 (Saved below, there is an emerging Policy approach that seeks Policies) to reserve the opportunity for such a facility to the east of the M6 (in this location), but outside of the Former  Joint Merseyside and Halton Waste Local Plan Parkside Colliery Site except for a potential rail (WLP) July 2013 reversing leg. The Site is identified in the statutory Green Belt which Parkside is referenced throughout the Core Strategy covers a significant proportion of land in the adopted including through Policy CAS 3.2 and Table 6.2 which Unitary Development Plan (UDP) (see Proposals Map indicates that with Parkside, the distribution of extract below). economic development would be skewed in spatial terms to Newton-le-Willows & Earlestown, and without Parkside, it would mean just 6% of economic development would be provided here. This position has changed markedly in the light of the new evidence base, but the importance of Parkside to Newton and St Helens remains high. Policy CAS 3.2 of the Core Strategy identifies Parkside as a strategic location for a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange. The policy is criteria-based and reflects a planning application that was submitted for this use, but subsequently withdrawn.

In the Core Strategy, the Site is identified as a Major Development Site on the Key Diagram (see plan to the right).

Above Le: Unitary Development Plan (UDP) Proposals Map extract; Above Right: Core Strategy Key Diagram

Planning Policy Context

The location has been identified on the basis that there is B8) outside of the Green Belt. The Application Site is potential for access to both the M6 and M62 Motorways and identified as Parkside West with an overall area of also rail links provided by the Chat Moss Line and the approximately 79.57 Ha of which c.12.1 Ha is taken up WCML. by a spoil heap and 5.5 Ha is given to facilitate a future Other relevant considerations are the National Planning potential rail connection to be used in conjunction with Policy Framework (The Framework) and National Planning a SRFI to be located to the east of the M6. This follows Practice Guidance (PPG) as well as St Helen’s emerging Local on from the Core Strategy designation at this location. Plan. This Planning Application is for a first phase of Following adoption of the Core Strategy, the Council employment development at Parkside in line with this commenced work on a more detailed Site Allocations emerging Local Plan approach. Provision has also been document. However, following a review of evidence to made within the application to ensure that the inform the emerging Local Plan, it became clear that the development does not prejudice the delivery of a future employment land requirement was substantially greater SRFI. than the previous evidence identified (174-214 Ha), and The emerging Local Plan document represents a as such the Council resolved in November 2015 to relatively early stage in the plan-making process and commence a brand new Local Plan for St Helens. The therefore it is acknowledged that the weight that may New Local Plan for St. Helens 2018-2033 is currently at be afforded to the Local Plan is diminished at this time. Preferred Options stage which was consulted on in However, the evidence base that has informed it is December 2016-January 2017. It is understood that the highly material as it fits in with other research and next stage of consultation may be due in late 2017. evidence being presented at the City Region and Within the emerging Local Plan, Parkside is identified as national levels. This includes both the economic land a new employment allocation (ref. EA9) (Use Class B2/ requirements and a Green Belt Review.

Emerging Local Plan extract (Preferred Opons, November 2016)

The Need

There is a significant history to the Site which supports global economic downturn, the application was formally the need for its redevelopment and regeneration for withdrawn. employment uses and this is summarised below. The need The Site was then formally purchased by Parkside for the development of the Site can be categorised into Regeneration LLP in 2015 with a clear remit to progress development needs, regeneration needs and delivery employment development of the Site. needs. Together these needs justify the Site’s redevelopment as an employment development. Development Need Site History The Application is made in the context of a considerable shift in economic evidence that is informing the emerging The Application Site has been subject to a history of Local Plan for St Helens. There are various initiatives that planning applications relating to the Former Parkside are underway in the City Region and across the Northern Colliery. Following closure of the colliery in 1993, there Powerhouse, that recognise the importance of the has been a range of planning applications for a range of employment and logistics sector. The Northern significant development proposals. Powerhouse logistics strategy predicts that the logistics The colliery was opened in 1959. In 1955, permission was sector will grow by 83% between 2013 and 2035. sought for a new colliery. The application was subject to a The Liverpool City Region Growth Plan 2014 & 2016 public inquiry and permission was granted in 1956. The seeks the creation of over 100,000 additional jobs in the Minister of Housing and Local Government stated in his Liverpool City Region by 2040 with a net increase of decision letter that, “a requirement to clear the site 20,000 businesses across the same period. It identifies a eventually and restore it to agriculture would not be justified, in need to close the wealth gap as well as business and skills view of the probably heavy cost of the operation, and its gaps. It highlights the importance of Superport and uncertain value at so distant a future date”. This confirms Liverpool2 as catalysts for growth. that there are no restorative conditions in respect of the colliery. It was inferred that the quantity of coal present Parkside was identified as a ‘Category 1’ site that is key to was such that it was not expected that the colliery would the delivery of a Logistics Hub project. close for some considerable time. The Economic Development Evidence Base Paper (EEBP) In 1957 works commenced and the shafts were completed identifies the growing needs of the Port of Liverpool in in 1959. In 1960 permissions were granted for the tipping their study ‘Liverpool City Region SuperPort: An Analysis of material. of the Supply of, and Demand for, Distribution Space within the Liverpool City Region’. It examines the factors There were two planning applications made in 1997 by that will drive demand for Port related employment land British Coal as part of a proposal for employment and premises. development on the former colliery, part of which was to be occupied by a distribution warehouse to be operated Some 851.54 ha of land in 69 sites of greater than 5 ha by Wm Morrisons supermarkets. However Morrisons each was identified in the Study, with a 100 ha site at withdrew their element of the application as a facility was Parkside identified as a key site within this total. Of the 69 found elsewhere and as the application was ‘called in’. relevant sites identified in the Study, 12 are considered to Following this, British Coal sought to sell the Site. be high quality immediately available sites covering 233 ha Railtrack progressed a scheme for a rail freight facility of land. Parkside was identified as a ‘Category 1’ site that comprising 168,000 sqm of warehouse distribution units. is key to the delivery of a Logistics Hub project. There is a This proved ultimately unsuccessful, but was followed by a significant need for new employment floorspace more significant application by Astral (subsequently taken particularly for logistics in the UK. It is a significant over by Prologis) for a strategic rail freight interchange of growth sector. There is a significant need for logistics up to 715,000 sqm of rail served warehouse and floorspace to serve the North West and Liverpool City distribution buildings. This application formed the basis Region. for a designation in the St Helens Core Strategy in respect It has been established that there is a need for significant of this Site. However, before the Core Strategy could be economic growth in St Helens to address demand in the adopted, due to adverse market conditions during the City Region and also economic disadvantage in the

The Need borough. It has also been established that to achieve this, have wider environmental benefits that can only be given the significant proportion of the borough being in realized through the Site’s redevelopment. Green Belt, and lack of available sites to deliver this, there There is also a wider regeneration need for the Borough. is a need to release land in Green Belt. St Helens suffers from high levels of deprivation, with the Parkside has already been identified as a development site Borough ranked within the 20% most deprived areas in for large scale logistics in the Core Strategy Policy CAS3.2 England in terms of the overall rank of deprivation. There as part of a rail freight interchange. The Council has are particularly high levels of deprivation in terms of identified that the SRFI may now go on the eastern side of income, employment and health. The Proposed the M6 with an area of the colliery safeguarded for a Development will help address the employment levels reversing rail leg only. within the Borough by creating 716 net additional FTE (full time equivalent) jobs within St Helens. This would It should be noted that the Policy context for economic represent a noticeable boost to the economy. In addition, development has changed with the significant uplift in many of the jobs would be accessible to new entrants to employment land requirement (SuperPort and Parkside the labour market and those who are currently projects) to benefit St Helens. The Core Strategy unemployed. The Proposed Development will therefore minimum need of c. 37 ha of employment land is have a significantly beneficial impact on the local labour considered to be superseded by the latest evidence base market, and have regeneration benefits. which projects that St Helens would have an employment land requirement of 177-214ha between 2012 and 2037. Delivery Need This regional, sub-regional and St Helen’s wide need for To realise this need and the benefits the development will employment sites is considered to be a significant factor in bring, there is a need for these Proposals to be delivered showing the need for this Site to come forward for now. This is supported by the local policy context (SHC employment uses. Core Strategy, October 2012) and emerging local policy Regeneration Need context (SHC Local Plan) and its evidence base. The Site has been vacant since the colliery closed. Despite The delivery of the Site will bring direct and indirect more recent proposals and planning applications to employment opportunities, in the short-term for redevelop the Site and wider colliery site and bring it back construction and, as the Site is developed, longer-term into use for employment-related uses, the economic employment opportunities. In turn the Proposals will also decline has meant that these proposals have not come to lead to in-ward investment and confidence in the market, fruition and the colliery has not been redeveloped and bringing about further investment and development remains vacant. opportunities. This is all of direct benefit to the Borough and its regeneration. The site is in a sustainable location, on the edge of Newton-le-Willows and also close to the Strategic Highway Network (M6 and M62 Motorways), providing easy access to the north, south, east and west of England. The Proposals will bring back into use a significant area of previously developed land, regenerating it, addressing the remaining hotspots of contamination and also providing new areas of landscaping and new and enhanced ecological habitats. It will also be subject of a management agreement for longer term maintenance. The Site is currently inaccessible, however the Proposals will provide pedestrian and cycle circulation, including a permissive route from the access road, around Units A/B and C. There is therefore a clear regeneration need that will also

Consideration of Alternatives

As part of the consideration of the alternatives, the was given to any allocated employment sites remaining most appropriate location and the consideration of sites in the adopted UDP 1998 (Unitary Development Plan) for the Proposed Development have been considered. that are over 3.8ha in area, including residential sites. This is addressed fully within the Alternative Sites The residential sites were however discounted due to Assessment (Appendix 13 of the ES Part 1 Report) and their unsuitable location and irregular shape. Sites with summarised in the Alternative Sites Assessment sub- permission for employment development and sites that section below. have been promoted and are identified in the emerging Local Plan are also considered. A list of sites is A series of alternatives associated with scheme design identified in the Council Economic Evidence Base Paper have also been considered as part of the evolution of 2015 (EEBP) and these are included in the assessment. the Proposed Development. These are as follows and are also summarised below: The assessment went through three stages to assess the 25 sites identified. The first looked at whether they  Do nothing met the minimum requirements for logistics  Preferred Option development (i.e. accessibility and connectivity and  Preferred Option - Scheme Evolution relationship to sensitive uses); the second stage considered the site’s suitability for the development;

and the third assessed the sites against the ‘purposes’ of Alternative Site Assessment Green Belt (with any sites not in the Green Belt, The Application Site is designated as Green Belt. In line meeting all the ‘purposes’). with National Policy and the adopted Development Plan This demonstrated that the Phase 1 Development Site requirements, development that is identified as being is the most appropriate site in overall planning and ‘inappropriate’ in Green Belt should not be approved regeneration terms and as such the Proposed except in ‘very special circumstances’. The case for Development should be directed here and not ‘very special circumstances’ is set out as part of the elsewhere. Furthermore, no other site will deliver the planning justification within the Planning Statement. regenerative benefits and the long awaited delivery of The Alternative Sites Assessment report considers development at the Former Parkside Colliery. whether there are potential alternative sites that could Do Nothing accommodate the proposed development in whole or in part. This is not in itself a ‘test’ of national Green To ‘do nothing’ with the Site would mean that the Site Belt policy, but where there is a lack of alternatives to would remain as existing and therefore a vacant, under- accommodate a development, this may form a part of used former colliery site that is inaccessible (except for the case for development. authorized access). The hot spots of contamination would also not be remediated. Whilst the existing SHC has acknowledged through published ‘needs’ vegetation and Site levels would therefore be retained, studies as part of the evidence base for its emerging and the Site remain undisturbed, the ‘do nothing’ would Local Plan that to meet development needs in St not realise the significant economic, social and Helens, particularly through large scale developments, environmental benefits that the Site’s redevelopment there will be a need to use land that is currently in would bring. This includes the job creation and inward Green Belt. investment that such development brings (such as The Alternative Site Assessment therefore considers during the three year build period 283 gross jobs, £73.5 whether there are any sites that are deliverable to meet million of constructed related expenditure and £12.9 the scale of needs accommodated within the Phase 1 million per annum of GVA; and during operation 1,327 Development Proposals. gross full time equivalent jobs, £74.4 million per annum In assessing potential alternative sites, consideration GVA and approx. £2.2 million of business rates revenue per annum).

Consideration of Alternatives

To ‘do nothing’ would also not make effective and forward both regeneration and derelict land benefits. efficient use of a sustainably located site that has a long The compliance of the development proposals has been established intention for re-development. It would also considered with the Policy requirements of both the not bring the ecological benefits, new landscaping, long- Core Strategy and the Joint Waste Plan and it has been term management and authorized access for pedestrians concluded that the only non-compliance is in respect of and cyclists. certain aspects of Policy CAS 3.2. In this regard however it is considered that this non-compliance does not Preferred Option—Compliance with the render the application proposals non-compliant as a Development Plan whole with the Development Plan as the Proposed The application proposals which seek to provide Development supports the general thrust of the Policy employment development through regeneration of a requirements to deliver employment and regeneration. former colliery site (formerly a significant source of local The emerging Local Plan reserves the opportunity for an employment) which includes derelict land, goes to the SRFI on land to the east of the M6. This is considered to heart of the development plan approach of the need for be a very long term option which currently has no growth and regeneration of St Helens. The proposals developer backing or no deliverable scheme. The do not prejudice the delivery of the SRFI in this general Proposed Development does not however prejudice this location as referred to in Policy CAS 3.2 of the SHC future potential as it reserves the rail reversing leg as set Core Strategy (2012); however this policy is considered out above. to be out of date. Whilst the Proposed Development is not rail-linked, evidence put together by consultants for The preferred option will enable all the socio economic the Council as well as work undertaken on behalf of the benefits identified in the ‘do nothing’ scenario to be applicant has demonstrated that the dimensions of the realised throughout the temporary construction phase former colliery are not optimal for delivery of an SRFI of and long-term operational phases of the Proposed a medium or large scale. Part of the Site has however Development. These benefits are significant. been safeguarded for a rail reversing leg (as controlled As is shown through this ES, whilst the development will through the Parameter Plans) to allow multi-directional have impacts on the environment, some of which are travel on the rail network, although the bulk of the SRFI adverse, their significance will be managed and where facility should be provided on the eastern side of the M6 possible reduced through suitable mitigation and Motorway. balanced by the significant benefits that the proposals The application site is part brownfield, part greenfield will bring. land and therefore the application proposals bring

Preferred Option—Design Evolution

Following the confirmation of the preferred use for the does not require any engineering. site, the proposals have evolved, with consideration of  The need to attenuate noise egress from the site the technical constraints and environmental impacts during the operational phase has also been a key being key to the design evolution. The Development factor in influencing the proposed bunding within the team is a long established team who has worked closely Site. Through iterative use and assessment of together to ensure the Proposed Development takes detailed SoundPLAN noise models, the location and full account of all the specific technical issues and site height of these bunds have been refined to provide constraints and opportunities. This has also been effective mitigation. This has led to the current heavily influenced by the Environmental Assessment as bunding proposals. well as community and stakeholder engagement.  The orientation of units and the location of loading Consideration of the PLR has also been key in the bay / service yards has also been considered carefully design evolution and has required the need to work in order to minimise noise impact at sensitive closely with SHC and the PLR Development team to receptors. ensure the proposals fully align.  The retention of the woodland in the southern part In summary, the evolution of the design has taken of the Site (including Gallows Croft LWS) and the account of the following: grassland/scrub mound in the eastern part of the  Consideration of the emerging Local Plan and its Site. evidence base, including the need to safeguard land  Consideration of the drainage strategy for the Site for a reversing rail leg associated with the potential meant that an additional water body could be for a future SRFI on the eastern side of the M6 incorporated for ecological mitigation in order to Motorway. create habitats of nature conservation importance.  Embracing the concept of maximizing material re-use  Initially the site access was designed as a standard on site. The Proposals have included developing a roundabout with three arms. A signalised junction ‘cut and fill’ model that allows for 100 % of suitable has however been decided as the preferred option materials to be re-used on the site. as this will provide slower speeds around the access  The retention of the general extent of the existing junction as well as designated right turning phases in spoil heap which has benefits for visual screening and and out of the Site. retention of ecological habitat. Further planting will  More traditional drainage methods were considered have benefits for ecological habitats and the visual but the inclusion of proposed Sustainable Urban impact of the Proposed Development. Drainage Systems (SuDS) will achieve higher levels of  The consideration of finished floor levels in order to water quality and treatment for stormwater. accommodate the material on the Site. In  The existing foul/waste discharge consents to the combination with this the overall height of the Brook system were considered but have been proposed units has had to be carefully considered to designed out and replaced with connections to the ensure the impact in visual and amenity terms is local sewer authorities waste assets which improve managed in combination with the bund heights the water quality of the Brook. required to aid the screening of the Proposed  The Landscape proposals seek to mitigate the loss of Development. existing habitats by, where possible, removing the  This proposed bunding to the Site boundaries has need for level changes. This allows for the retention also been considered in terms of its height and of mature existing trees as well as self-seeded trees optimum location to ensure it provides suitable on the eastern mound. mitigation in terms of visual amenity and noise. This  The location of existing HV pylons and overhead has also necessitated the need to consider the cables, and the future access and easements of these construction of the bund and as such the has influenced the scheme design. requirement to create a 1:3 gradient slope which

Preferred Option—Design Evolution

Indicave Masterplan

Ground Conditions and Contamination

The Ground Conditions and Contamination ES and mitigated by using good construction practice Technical Paper has been prepared by Cundall and together with formal controls detailed in a Remediation summarises the likely impacts, their significance of effect Strategy document. These controls include dust to the environment, proposed mitigation and the management & control, the use of PPE for site staff residual effect in relation to Ground Conditions and together with appropriate hygiene and welfare Contamination. procedures, and, putting in place procedures to prevent contamination impacting the Principal Aquifer and Risks are predominantly limited to the construction Oswald Brook – including bunding and sealing any phase and therefore will be transient. These include stockpiles of contaminated soils to prevent run off. exposure of site workers and neighbours to the site to dust which might be contaminated, exposure of site Risks following construction will be largely mitigated in workers to contaminated soil while working, and, design – i.e. the risk of leachate generation and contact exposure of neighbours to the site to contaminated for site users / ecology will largely be prevented by the dust from lorries as they leave site, and, the risk of new buildings, roadways and car parks which will break contamination reaching the Oswald Brook. the pollutant linkage. In other areas of the site – generally soft landscaping areas - the risk of leachate Risks post construction are likely to be much more generation and contact for site users / ecology will be limited, and these include exposure of the site workers prevented by the use of a ‘clean cover’ layer which will to soils with contamination that have been re-used create a suitable growing medium for plants, and break during earthworks, and, the risks of contamination the pollutant linkage pathway to site users, the reaching the Oswald Brook and Principal Aquifer underlying Principal Aquifer, and, other ecological beneath the western half of the site. receptors. Risks during the construction phase can be managed

Traffic and Transport

The Traffic and Transport ES Technical Paper has been ly linked to the additional traffic which will be added to prepared by Curtins Limited (Curtins). the road network as a result of the development proposals. Curtins has been commissioned to provide the traffic and transportation advice for the development of the The likely traffic impacts can be divided into the follow- Former Parkside Colliery at Newton-le-Willows by ing categories: Langtree.  Driver Delay The Technical Paper outlines how the traffic and  Pedestrian Delay and Amenity transport effects have been considered, relying in part upon the separate Transport Assessment (TA) and Trav-  Fear and Intimidation el Plan (TP) reports which Curtins has produced in or-  Severance der to accompany the planning application. Those re-  Accidents ports are appended to this Paper. Whilst the proposed development is being built, there Likely impacts, significance of effect, mitigation and resid- will be a number of construction vehicles arriving on the ual. site each day. The amount of traffic this will create has The impacts being examined within this Paper are direct- been predicted to be less than the amount of traffic cre-

Traffic and Transport ated by the development when it is completed and oc- tion 9 at Winwick up to the traffic signal junction at cupied by various businesses. Hollins Lane, is a section of road and junctions which have been identified to require mitigation. The completed development has therefore been the focus of the assessment with regard to the likely im- The mitigation takes the form of a combination of impacts listed above. provements to the layout of the road, with widening to create extra traffic lanes and improvements to how the The “Driver Delay” impact is the only category where traffic signals are controlled. the development traffic is predicted to have an impact which would require proposals to reduce the impact to Following the delivery of these highway improvements a level that is considered be acceptable. The proposals (the mitigation) the likely traffic impacts are considered which reduce the impact are referred to as to be within acceptable levels and therefore the devel- “mitigation.” opment should not affect other road users. The A49 Winwick Road, from the M62 Motorway Junc-

Drainage and Flood Risk

The Drainage and Flood Risk ES Technical Paper water drainage and have the potential to increase flows summarises the likely impacts, their significance of effect and therefore flood risk offsite if not controlled. to the environment, proposed mitigation and the Through the design of drainage systems which restrict residual effect in relation to Drainage and Flood Risk the flow to an equivalent green field run off rate, cope items, including Hydrogeology in relation to water with increased storm events and provide protection pathways. against future climate change projections the development would provide a minor benefit to the Excavations created during construction have the environment. potential to collect water during heavy periods of rainfall. This could both pose a flood risk for site The proposed development will collect and convey new operatives and a potential pollutant pathway for storm water flows direct to Oswalds Brook. Due to contaminants seen as a minor risk to the environment. developing existing grassland with new buildings, car With a comprehensive construction plan that avoids parking, roads and service yards, the potential of unnecessary earthworks, provides coverage to increasing the likelihood of polluting the watercourse disturbed ground and treats water prior to discharge, could cause an adverse effect on the receiving waters this will neutralise the effect. quality. The proposal to include drainage measures to filter water, remove and treat contaminants would During construction, until the storm water system is provide betterment and benefit to the environment installed, the site may have to deal with additional when compared to the existing situation. overland flows which would have a minor adverse impact on the receiving waters. With the install of The risk of contaminants transferring to the ground temporary drainage or installing portions of the below through infiltration in the ground could also attenuation early in the programme this will be cause an adverse effect on the water resources neutralised. underground. No direct connection from the new surfaces to the ground are proposed and due to the Any existing drainage currently on the site could be cut treatment levels provided as part of the drainage off during the construction works or the permeant system, any water that did come into contact with the works if it originates north of the development Site and natural ground would neutralise the effect. could cause minor local flood risk. Through diversions and on-site management this risk will be neutralised. A portion of the Site development sits directly over the The same existing drainage systems have the capacity to top of a groundwater recharge zone (an aquifer – an convey contaminants from the Site although with the area that relies on being topped up with natural water treatment of any water to be discharged to these and for future extraction). Development will have a the management of any groundworks to ensure they negligible impact on water resources as any rainwater are properly sealed and only opened where necessary will be collected and conveyed south to the much lower would neutralise the effect. brook which closely follows the existing groundwater model. The development will increase areas that require storm

Landscape and Visual Impact

The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) Helens Council and other statutory consultees. For a has been undertaken by LAYER. It focuses on assessing selection of viewpoints, wireframe images of the the potential effects of the development in two key development have been superimposed to show the areas: proposed development as accurately as possible. It has been assessed that visual receptors will primarily be Assessing the potential effects of development upon the close to the site on the western and northern boundary physical nature and features of the receiving landscape with the proposed development generally visible further as well as landscape character and quality. afield to the east of the site. Assessing the potential visual effects of developments There are a number of residential receptors who will upon the visual amenity of people (referred to as visual experience significant adverse effects and these are receptors) in terms of the properties and locations to located primarily adjacent to the site along the A49 which the public has access. In the case of private Winwick Road but also east of the site by residential properties, e.g. residential, the assessment is made receptors on the edge of Hermitage Green. Road users judged from the best publicly available location. of the A49 will also be experience significant adverse Evidence of the former colliery are still evident in the effects. For the other receptors identified, however, site in the form of hard standings and the disconnect whilst varying degrees of adverse visual effects are that exists between the surrounding local landscape in predicted these are not considered significant. which it is located. Local field patterns have been lost Mitigation for adverse landscape and visual effects has and the most notable feature is the tall spoil mound been incorporated into the Proposed Development. located on the east of the site which, although Where feasible this has included the retention of supporting regenerating vegetation cover, is still a boundary vegetation and topography and the lowering somewhat artificial feature within the predominantly flat of building platforms to reduce the visible height of and gently rolling landscape. Landscape character buildings. Building cladding will also be carefully studies undertaken at both national and local level that selected to use muted and non-reflective surfaces. The have been reviewed share a common analysis that the opportunity has also been taken to combine landscape local and wider landscape is one which has been and ecological mitigation through the establishment of disturbed and degraded by existing and previous natural woodland mixes and various habitat creation industrial land uses as well as by large scale measures to provide additional screening as well as to infrastructure such as the M6 Motorway. support species diversity. Both the site and the local landscape are not within a The nature and scale of the proposed development will designated landscape and the emerging local plan seeks result in adverse landscape and visual effects, that is to amend the Green Belt boundary to exclude it from effects which cannot be fully mitigated for at the the Green Belt. The LVIA recognises that development completion of construction and the commencement of of the nature proposed will result in a major change to operations. The landscape masterplan for the the landscape of the site which is experiencing development incorporates large areas of woodland woodland regeneration and its effects will impact planting which, over time, will establish and mature to beyond its boundary. Due to its existing condition and provide improved screening of the large buildings low value, however, the overall effect upon the local proposed. The LVIA includes an assessment comparing landscape is assessed as being adverse but not the effects of development at year 1 and year 10. significant, but for the site itself it will experience Whilst certain effects are not fully reversible, significant adverse effects. developing woodlands cover will provide some Visual effects have determined where some or all of the reduction to the severity of effects, particularly to the development is likely to be visible. To assist in this western side of the site where disturbance is initially assessment a series of photographs have been taken likely to be the greatest. from viewpoints which have been agreed with the St

Landscape and Visual Impact

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) and View Point Locations

Ecology and Nature Conservation

The ecology and nature conservation ES Technical approximately 11.7ha of semi-improved grassland which Paper has been produced by ARUP and consists of an is considered significant at the local geographic scale. Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) that assesses the It is assessed that there will be no significant impacts potential impact of the proposed development on the during the operational phase once the proposed ecology and nature conservation interest of the Site and mitigation measures are implemented. surrounding area. The assessment covers the potential for impact on designated sites, habitats and species, The mitigation measures include the following: with particular reference to any species that are  Creation of buffer zones between construction and protected under national and international legislation. Gallows Croft LWS of atleast 8m.

The nearest statutory designated site is Highfield Moss  Construction Environmental Management Plan (Site of Special Scientific Interest) SSSI which is located (CEMP) to identify measures to control dust and approximately 1.2km to the north east. Gallows Croft pollution prevention measures. Local Wildlife Site (LWS) is within the southern part of  Drainage controlled to greenfield run off rates. the Site. Newton Brook 03 LWS and and Newton Brook 05 LWS are located 100m and 400m respectively  Planting scheme to compensate for habitat loss on to the east of the Site. Site consisting of woodland/trees, scrub, species-rich grassland, hedgerow and the creation of three new The main habitats on Site are broadleaved woodland waterbodies. and semi-improved grassland. There is also a hardstanding area in the centre of the Site which is the  A survey for and a method statement to prevent the location of the former colliery; this area has become spread of any invasive species. encroached by ephemeral/short perennial vegetation  Ecological/Landscape Management Plan (ELMP) for and scattered scrub. There are three waterbodies on the Site to maintain habitats post-construction. This Site, one of which is dry. Oswalds Brook forms the will also include a combination method of planting southern boundary of the Site. native bluebells and digging up Spanish/hybrid The areas of semi-natural broadleaved woodland on the bluebells and orchid translocation within the Site. Site were assessed to qualify as Section 41 habitats of  Soft felling of four trees with the potential for bat principal importance. roosts, even though they have a low suitability for Through desktop study and field survey the site was bat roosts. assessed for the presence of bats, badger, amphibians  Control of lighting both during construction and including great crested newt, reptiles, breeding birds, operation, invertebrates, otter, water vole and invasive plant species.  Site vegetation clearance works are to be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season The Site was identified to provide habitat for foraging/ (March – August), where possible to do so. commuting bats, breeding birds, invertebrates, West Otherwise pre-start checks and if nests found, European hedgehog and common toad. works in the vicinity to cease until birds have The Site was identified to have invasive plant species fledged. comprising Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica,  Pre-start surveys for badgers. Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera, rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum and wall cotoneaster Cotoneaster  Installation of bat roosting features i.e. bat boxes. horizontalis.  Installation of a network of bird boxes. It is assessed that following the proposed mitigation measures, there will be no significant impacts during construction with the exception of the loss of

Ecology and Nature Conservation

Ecology and Nature Conservation Plan of Main Receptors

Socio Economic

The Socio Economic ES Technical Paper produced by place to limit any disturbances caused during the Amion assesses the potential significant effects of the Construction Phase. Proposed Development in terms of the socio-economic After the development has been completed, it is impacts on the local and wider sub-regional economy. estimated that 1,327 jobs could be created on-site It covers a range of socio-economic impacts, both through the attraction of new businesses from the beneficial and adverse, with regard to temporary and logistics sector, along with further new employment long-term employment opportunities, increased opportunities in the local economy due to additional economic output, new business rate revenue, the economic activity being generated off-site. In total, creation of new training and apprenticeship once the site has been fully occupied, it is estimated opportunities, local labour market effects, the impact that the economic impact of the scheme will be around on out-commuting, effects on local services and £74 million per annum. In addition, the Proposed facilities, and wider impacts such as stimulating further Development will lead to an increase in business rates economic growth locally. within St Helens, estimated to be approximately £2.2 Through the redevelopment of the Application Site for million per annum. new B8 floorspace, the Proposed Development will A key principle of the scheme will continue to be that create 938 person years of construction employment the benefits to local people are maximised. This will (the equivalent of 313 jobs being supported over a involve work with local partners to raise the awareness three year construction period). Further jobs will be of future opportunities and equip local people with the created during the Construction Phase due to supply necessary skills to access the new jobs that will be chain expenditure and workers on the development created. In doing so, the scheme will contribute spending money in local shops and facilities. The overall towards addressing the current relative lack of suitable economic impact of the construction phase is estimated employment opportunities that exist within parts of St to be approximately £14 million per annum. Helens and provide the opportunity for people to work Other impacts during the Construction Phase will closer to home, rather than having to commute to include the provision of new training and apprenticeship other parts of the region. opportunities. It is envisaged that the Construction More generally, the Proposed Development will also Phase could provide the opportunity for at least 78 new serve to improve perceptions of the Borough as a place trainee placements. to invest and work. The redevelopment of the There is the potential for adverse impacts as a result of Application Site, in combination with other large sites in the proposed construction works, including in relation the Borough, has the potential to be transformational to increased demand for local services and facilities and by making St Helens a location of choice for large-scale the disruption to local residents and businesses. logistics and employment development. This will help However, the scale of these adverse impacts is not to encourage developer investment, attract new expected to be significant. It is unlikely that the business and enable existing businesses to expand. The Construction Phase will result in many new people logistics sector in particular is seen as providing an moving into the area, thereby limiting the additional opportunity to drive growth in St Helens, with the demand placed on services such as Primary and Borough enjoying a competitive advantage as a result of Secondary schools and GP surgeries. A Construction its location and strong transport links. Environmental Management Plan will also be put in

Socio Economic

Noise and Vibration

The Noise and Vibration ES Technical Paper has been The control of construction noise and vibration will be produced by Cundall. It summarises the likely impacts, their addressed by an appropriate Construction Management Plan, significance to the surrounding environment, proposed developed by the main contractors, as part of future mitigation measures and the residual effects in relation to Reserved Matters planning applications. A number of best Noise & Vibration. Both the Construction and Operational practice construction noise mitigation measures have been Phases of the development have been considered. provided. Measured baseline noise conditions are set out and are used Outline mitigation measures have been set out for the as the basis of the noise impact assessment. Reference is control of noise impacts during the development’s made to appropriate noise and vibration rating and operational phase, and these will be refined as part of future assessment standards and guidance documents. Reserved Matters planning applications, once development proposals are finalised. A number of general mitigation The assessment concludes that the proposals may have minor methods to limit the potential for noise impacts have been adverse impact on the most affected sensitive receptors at presented, and these should be adopted within any this stage. The impacts are not considered significant. development of the scheme.

Air Quality and Dust

The Air Quality and Dust ES Technical Paper has been could cause temporary soiling of surfaces, particularly produced by RPS to assess the impacts of the Proposed windows, cars and laundry. The mitigation measures provided Development on air quality and dust. within this report should ensure that the risk of adverse dust effects is reduced to a level categorised as “not significant”. The Parkside development is located within the administrative area of St Helens. The local planning For the operational phase, arrivals at and departures from authority, St Helens Council (SHC), has designated four areas the Proposed Development may change the number, type as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) due to high and speed of vehicles using the local road network. Changes levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution from road traffic. in road vehicle emissions are the most important The Newton-le-Willows High Street AQMA is located 750 m consideration during this phase of the development. north-west of the development site and the M6 AQMA is Detailed atmospheric dispersion modelling has been 900m to the north. undertaken for the years 2021 and 2031. Pollutant This Air Quality Assessment, undertaken to accompany the concentrations are predicted to be within the relevant health planning application, considers the air quality impacts from -based air quality objectives at the façades of existing the construction phase and once the Proposed Development receptors. Therefore, air quality is acceptable at the is fully operational. development site, making it suitable for its proposed uses. The operational impact of the Proposed Development on The assessment has been undertaken based upon appropriate existing receptors is predicted to be “negligible” taking into information on the Proposed Development provided by account the changes in pollutant concentrations and absolute Parkside Regeneration LLP and its project team. In levels. Using the criteria adopted for this assessment together undertaking this assessment, RPS experts have exercised with professional judgement, the operational air quality professional skills and judgement to the best of their abilities effects are considered to be ‘not significant’ overall. Detailed and have given professional opinions that are objective, atmospheric dispersion modelling of the cumulative traffic will reliable and backed with scientific rigour. These professional be undertaken and the results submitted in an addendum. responsibilities are in accordance with the code of professional conduct set by the Institution of Environmental The Parkside development does not, in air quality terms, Sciences for members of the Institute of Air Quality conflict with national or local policies, or with measures set Management (IAQM). out in SHC’s Air Quality Action Plan. There are no constraints to the development in the context of air quality. For the construction phase, the most important consideration is dust. Without appropriate mitigation, dust

Noise and Vibration / Air Quality and Dust

Above Top: Noise Parameter Plan; Above Boom: Air Quality Receptor Plan and Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)

Cultural Heritage and Archaeology

BWB Consulting were appointed by Parkside Non-designated Assets Regeneration to assess the impact that their proposals will A total of 36 non-designated assets have been identified have on Cultural Heritage. within the study area which are recorded on the Cheshire The potential effects of the proposed development (with and Merseyside Historic Environments Record. Five of mitigation) on the identified cultural heritage resource are these assets have been found within the site. considered with respect to legislation, guidance It has been determined that parts of the site and large documents and existing planning policies. Mitigation swathes of the immediate area have been disturbed by the measures have been recommended where appropriate in former Parkside Colliery (9321) as evident from a number order to minimise the effect on sensitive receptors during of aerial photographs and the geophysical survey that was the construction and operational phases of the proposed completed in June and September 2017. Recorded within development. the southwestern part of site from aerial photographs are Designated Assets some potential enclosures whose origin is uncertain (9133 and 9138). The geophysical survey found no suggestion of No designated assets have been recorded within the significant archaeological activity within this area. development area but a number have been recorded within the wider area including Newton Park Farmhouse From the analysis of cartographic sources and historical (1198973) and Newton Park Barn (1075931) both of accounts it has been determined that the site formed part which are grade II listed. These assets lie to the north of of a former medieval park (9311). This would have been a the proposed development area. The proposals will have manorial hunting ground perhaps with an attached lodge. an effect on the setting of the farmhouse and barn, The site of the lodge is unknown but is thought to either however, retention of existing vegetation, sensitive design lie to the south of the site or perhaps around Newton and the provision of landscaping and bunds will help to Park Farmhouse. Any features associated with the park alleviate this. will be recorded prior to groundworks and construction activities. Further listed buildings lie within the wider landscape including Woodhead Farmhouse (1075898), Woodhead It is purported that the site lay within the battlefield of the Barn (107899) and the Huskisson Memorial (1075900). battle of Winwick Pass (13856). This was one of the last The memorial commemorates W. Huskisson, a liberal MP major engagements of the civil war in 1648. To the for Liverpool who was killed during the opening southwest of the Site is Gallows Croft which is thought to celebrations of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in be where many of the prisoners captured were hanged 1830. These assets are all listed at grade II and will not be (9129). Metal detecting and trial trenching survey work directly impacted by the scheme. A number of the assets completed on the Site in November 2017 has shown no are screened by the existing built form and vegetation and evidence of this. A recent Historic England consultation where there is an impact on setting this will be alleviated sought to consider part of the application site and land to through landscaping proposals. the south as a registered battlefield. The applicant has made representations and is firmly of the position Located to the east of the site is St Oswalds Well following expert analysis and survey work that the (1018082) which is designated as a scheduled monument proposed designation does not meet the required criteria and is grade II listed. It comprises a stone well that is for such status. supposedly situated at the place where St Oswald was killed at the Battle of Maserfelth in AD 642. This will not be impacted by construction activities given the intervening landscape and the proposed landscaping.

Utilities

The Utilities assessment mainly focuses on the following Provision of a proposed services corridor has been key areas: detailed to run along the new PLR and access roads to each plot. The services corridor will contain the new  The existing infrastructure on the site, and utility services connections, any diverted utility services, associated disconnection, diversion and alteration and spare ducts for future additional services to be works. installed.  Maintaining easements for asset owners to access All proposed new utility connections and alterations are and maintain network owned equipment. to be installed underground and are co-ordinated with the  New utility services connections with sufficient proposed masterplan, therefore there will be no visual capacities required for the Proposed Development. impact to local residential receptors.  Identifying any potential environmental impacts All new services connections, with the exception of the associated. electrical HV service, will be connected in close proximity  Potential impact or disruptions to existing to the site entrance on the A49 Winwick Road, suitable residential receptors. traffic management will be provided and no disruption to local supplies are anticipated, therefore minimal disruption To establish the existing infrastructure on site, all available to local residential receptors is envisaged. Utility record drawings have been obtained and subsequent GPRS surveys undertaken. The new electrical HV connection to the Proposed Development is to be taken from the Borron Road Relevant asset owners have been consulted to agree Primary Sub Station in Newton-le-Willows. The new easements for future maintenance to network owned underground HV cabling will be installed in a route subject equipment. to agreement with ENW, suitable traffic management will New utility services connection proposals, for the be provided and no disruption to local supplies are calculated required capacities for the Proposed anticipated, therefore minimal disruption to local Development, have been obtained from the relevant asset residential receptors is envisaged. owners.

Energy

The Energy Assessment focuses on the options available solution is required which will be progressed at the to deliver a development to meet the requirements of detailed design stage. the St Helens Borough Council Core Strategy The initial design concept of the warehouse units has Document 2012. been to focus on initial good practice design and The environmental assessment identifies the following promote passive measures such as good levels of potential impacts: thermal insulation and access to good natural daylight etc. These passive measures will reduce the initial  Increase in CO2 emissions energy use of the warehouse units and in the first  Increase in NO emissions x instance and therefore promote the betterment  Increase in water consumption required over and above the minimum Building In doing this, the Energy Assessment has also Regulation Part L Standards. considered the following: The next stage of the design was to consider and adopt  Opportunities and limitations of the site the use of Energy efficiency technologies such as high  Baseline carbon emissions efficiency light fittings, presence detection on lighting systems etc. These systems optimise the use of energy  Technology and Design Strategy options in the Warehouse units and again promote the  Conclusion of recommendations and proposed requirements set out in the St Helens Core Strategy. Energy Strategy The final stage of the report was to consider the use of The site has a number of limiting factors that discount Renewable and Low Carbon technologies and how the use of certain technologies such as large scale wind these systems are built in to the overall energy strategy. power, on the use of large heat generating power plant The key aspect of this stage was to consider the such as anaerobic digestion etc. flexibility for future tenants and end users and to A further dictating factor of the energy strategy is the promote systems and technologies that match their requirement to provide a flexible approach for future energy use. tenants and end users as they will all have different In respect of the effects on the environment, these are requirements and demands in terms of energy considered to be minor adverse as a worst case requirements and utility supplies. scenario, which is not considered to be significant. A commitment to a common central energy strategy However through detailed design, the energy strategy solution at this stage may not suit the mix of future will seek to minimise these effects. tenants’ requirements and hence a more flexible

Waste

The Waste Technical Paper has been prepared by RPS Local Plan. and considers the likely significant effects of the There are a number of impacts associated with the Proposed Development in terms of waste generation construction phase of the proposed development, and management. Waste will be generated as a result of including the impact of waste generated on the capacity construction and operation of the proposed buildings. of existing/proposed waste management infrastructure. The waste streams generated during these phases will Spoil is likely to comprise the main type of waste comprise different types and volumes of waste that will generated during construction phase as a result of site require appropriate management measures. The levelling and other earthworks. A cut and fill balance assessment has been undertaken with regard to all has been achieved in the outline design, which would relevant waste legislation, policy and guidance. result in spoil being retained on site (subject to Baseline information on the volumes of waste produced contamination results). in the local area and existing waste management Waste from the construction phase will be managed in infrastructure has been gathered from publically accordance with a waste minimization and recycling available sources. programme set out in a Site Waste Management Plan The Proposed Development is located in the (SWMP). An Outline SWMP has been included in the metropolitan borough of St Helens, which is one of the Environmental Statement and is based on the available boroughs that makes up Merseyside. The Joint Waste outline design information. It identifies the key types of Local Plan Implementation and Monitoring Report for waste that will be generated during the construction the Merseyside and Halton Area (2013/2014) identified phase and how they would be managed. It also sets that 2,250,000 tonnes of construction, demolition and targets to divert construction waste from landfill which excavation waste and 999,000 tonnes of commercial are based on targets from the Waste Framework and industrial waste were generated in the sub-region Directive and industry best practice. The SWMP will be in 2013/2014. Of this, 67% of construction, demolition updated as the detailed design progresses and additional and excavation waste re-used on site or recycled, information on the design and construction of the proposed buildings becomes available. A key receptor for the waste assessment is the existing and proposed waste management infrastructure. There Similarly, an Operational Waste Management Strategy are over 60 existing waste transfer stations within the has been prepared which sets out the procedures that Waste Local Plan area, several of which are located would be implemented to manage the environmental within 10 km of the Proposed Development, However, impacts of operational waste in accordance with duty of it has been identified that there is a deficit in terms of care obligations and the waste hierarchy principle. With available landfill space for non-inert waste in St Helens the implementation of the above management plan and and that the area will have to rely on the neighbouring strategy it is predicted that the above impacts will be authorities for landfill provision of non-inert waste. mitigated to the extent where any residual effects will range from negligible to minor adverse. Other receptors used in the assessment are the targets and policies specified in Waste Framework Directive and the waste management policies within the Waste

Synergistic Effects (Interaction of Effects)

There are two key areas of interactions which are likely to In respect of ground conditions and contamination, the effects occur, these being: associated with inhalation or ingestion of dust by site workers or adjacent residents have been assessed as being neutral. The  Interaction of construction effects effects associated with surface water run-off and flood risk are  Interaction of operational effects considered to be negligible, as are socio economic impacts The different types of receptors are categorised as follows: associated with the effect on local services and facilities and other wider socio-economic impacts; noise associated with  Humans- (a) long term human receptors- residents, business users; and (b) transient human receptors, including construction traffic, vibration and dust arising from construc- pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and public transport users, tion activities; the effects of utility disconnections and diver-

construction workers. sions; and the CO2 and NOx emissions. These effects are therefore not considered to be significant when considered on  Property- residencies and business uses. their own and are unlikely to combine with other effects to  Ecological- habitats, including protected sites or species. become significant due to their negligible or neutral impacts.  Historic Environment– heritage assets Minor adverse effects were assessed in respect of ground con-  Landscape - character areas ditions and contamination and traffic and transportation with  Controlled waters- surface waters like water courses or the effects associated with the increased construction traffic groundwater (aquifers). movement and the potential for the disposal of unsuitable soil off-site; construction noise on adjacent sensitive noise recep-  The economy tors (i.e. residential); the connection of a new electricity sup-  Local waste infrastructure i.e. landfills, recycle and recovery ply from the primary substation at Barron Road Primary Sub- facilities station, Newton-le-Willows. These effects are therefore not Where all individual residual effects associated with a single considered to be significant on their own, however potential receptor group are neutral or negligible there will be no in- exists for these to be more significant when considered in combination effects as these effects would not be significant. combination with one another on a single receptor. Where at least one effect on a receptor, after mitigation The visual impact in respect of residential and from transport measures are determined, is minor adverse, or greater, then and PROW routes are considered to be adverse during con- all identified effects (including neutral or negligible) have been struction, due to the change and disturbance that will occur to reviewed to determine whether there are likely to be in- the landscape during this time. In particular, the Proposed combination effects upon this particular receptor. Development is assessed as having an adverse impact on a These are detailed for the construction and operation phases number of the closest viewpoints to the Site (see Landscape below and summarised in the respective tables. and Visual Impact Section of this Report for the Viewpoint locations (VPs)). Construction There are a number of physical measures that will be in place For the construction phase the human, property and historic as part of the inherent mitigation (such as the bunding that will environment receptors are most likely to be subject to syner- be created as part of the earthworks at an early stage in the gistic effects. The controlled water receptors are also vulner- construction) and a commitment to other mitigation such as able to synergistic effects, but as the assessment for the Phase the implication of a CEMP to manage construction activities 1 Development identified these effects as being no greater and help mitigate the effects of the construction phase. than negligible, it can be concluded that there will be no significant synergistic effects. There are still however potential for adverse synergistic effects on some receptors in respect of visual, earthworks, con- In respect of the likely impacts on human and properties struction noise and vibration, construction traffic and the po- (which includes residents and businesses), the impacts associ- tential disruption caused by the physical connection of the ated with ground conditions and contamination, traffic and electricity supply to the Site from the Barron Road Primary transport, drainage and flood risk, landscape and visual impact, Sub-Station. The greatest effect will be on the nearest resi- socio economic, noise and vibration, air quality and dust, utili- dential receptors (e.g. along the A49 Winwick Road) who are ties and energy could combine to create a significant impact on likely to be affected by all or some of these impacts at some humans, particularly those in close proximity to the site. point during the construction phase. In respect of socio economic, the effects associated with job The construction phase is however temporary, for a likely creation, increased GVA and training and apprenticeship op- period of three years and is phased, meaning different parts of portunities have been assessed as being beneficial. the Site will be worked at different times.

Synergistic Effects (Interaction of Effects)

This aids to manage the combination of the likely impact on within the ES. any one receptor. In respect of the historic environment receptors, the likely in- The phasing relates to site enabling works taking place in the combination effects are associated with visual impact and im- first 12 months of construction, with the construction of pacts on the heritage asset, which in this case is indirect on buildings following in the latter two years of the construction the setting of the assets and in respect of noise (Grade II phase. After the initial earthworks, the bunds will have been Listed Newton Park Farmhouse and Barn). The effects on created, which will help to minimise the impacts on residential potential archaeological assets are not considered to result in receptors, particularly in respect of construction noise, dust any synergistic effects and as such the effects on these will be and visual impacts. Landscaping will also be planted as early as no greater than assessed individually within the ES. possible to help soften the impacts of the Proposed Develop- The effects of the Proposed Development on the setting of ment and enable it to start establishing as soon as possible. Newton Park Farm and Barn and the impact of noise on this The synergistic effects are not considered to be any greater asset have been assessed as moderate adverse during con- than those already assessed individually within the ES for the struction. The visual impact generally on landscape character receptors at a greater distance from the Site, such as those at is minor/moderate adverse but is not considered to be signifi- Hermitage Green Lane (VP3), Hermitage Green (VP5), New- cant. In combination the effects on these heritage assets has ton Park Drive Bridge (VP8) and the PROWs near Goldborne the potential to be significant. However, as identified above Road and Barrow Lane/ Parkside Road (A573) (VPs 4 and 6) for the human and property receptors, mitigation will be put and as such are not significant, except for the visual impact at in place to manage and limit the individual and synergistic ef- Hermitage Green (VP5) which is already assessed as signifi- fects on these receptors through activities such as the creation cant. For the human and property receptors at closer range of bunds and early landscape planting and with the implemen- to the Site, such as on Winwick Road, the in-combination of tation of a CEMP to control and manage the construction ac- effects also have the potential to be significant. Effects will tivities and their impact on receptors. The synergistic effects however be managed as identified above to minimise the ef- on the heritage receptors are therefore not considered to be fects so they are no greater than those assessed individually any greater than those assessed individually within the ES.

Summary of Construction Phase Potential Synergistic Effects

“A” refers to Adverse, “N” refers to Neutral / Negligible, and “B” refers to Beneficial effects, after the consideration of mitigation.

Synergistic Effects (Interaction of Effects)

Operation phase; and significant landscape planting which will establish and mature over time and be managed and maintained with For the operation phase, the human, property, historic envi- long terms management plans. There is also a commitment to ronment and controlled waters are the most likely to be sub- other mitigation such as Travel Plan(s) to reduce the reliance ject to synergistic effects. on the private car and to reduce, manage and minimise vehicle Taking the likely impacts on human and properties (which in- movements; parameters to manage noise through detailed cludes residents and businesses) first, the impacts associated scheme design by such things as limiting the noisier activities with ground conditions and contamination are assessed as such as service areas and loading bays close to sensitive beneficial, given the site will be remediated and brought into boundaries with residential receptors; off-site junction im- active use with clean cover and hard surfaced areas which provements will help to manage and in some cases improve break the pathway to any human and property receptors. As driver delay and pedestrian and cycle severance and amenities. a drainage strategy is proposed that incorporates SUDs, These measures will all help to manage and mitigate the effects swales and attenuation ponds with a control of flows from the of the Proposed Development on receptors as well as the site, there is a benefit to the human and property receptors in synergistic effects that could occur. respect of drainage and flood risk. As such the interaction of There is still however potential for adverse synergistic effects these effects can only be beneficial to the human and property on some receptors in respect of visual, traffic generation and receptors. The effects on air quality in respect of traffic move- operational noise from the Proposed Development. The ments are assessed as negligible and therefore not significant. greatest effects will be on those residents closest to the Site, Effects in respect of socio economic are all beneficial (creation such as on the A49 Winwick Road who are likely to be affect- of long-term employment and effect on the labour market, ed by all or some of these impacts at some point during the increase in GVA and training and apprenticeship opportuni- operational phase. With the mitigation and measures in place ties), except for the impact on services and facilities which is that are identified above, it is anticipated that these synergistic assessed as negligible, but therefore not significant. Opera- effects will be limited and be no greater than those assessed tional effects in respect of utilities are assessed as neutral, giv- individually. In the short term there is potential for adverse en the utilities are installed at construction stage. synergistic effects associated with visual, traffic generated and The increase in traffic and the resulting effects on driver delay noise. These effects are not however considered significant in and amenity and severance for pedestrians and cyclists on the the longer term as the Site’s boundary planting matures and local highway network is assessed as minor adverse. Howev- the scheme assimilates into the landscape. er, driver delays further afield, such as on the Strategic High- For the receptors at a greater distance from the Site, the syn- way Network and in the vicinity of St Helens are assessed as ergistic effects are not considered to be any greater than negligible. The operational noise from the Site is assessed as those already assessed individually within the ES. These include minor adverse, however the noise resulting from the increase those at Hermitage Green Lane (VP3), Hermitage Green from traffic on the local road network is assessed as negligible. (VP5), Newton Park Drive Bridge (VP8) and the PROWs near

The increase in CO2 and NOx emissions and water consump- Goldborne Road and Barrow Lane/ Parkside Road (A573) (VPs tion is considered to be minor adverse as a worst case. 4 and 6) as the impacts and the interaction of the effects gen- The visual impact of the proposed Development in respect of erally dissipate to a greater extent the further the receptor is residential and from transport and PROW routes are consid- from the Site and as such are not significant. The exception to ered to be adverse during operation, due to the change that this is for the visual impact at Hermitage Green (VP5) which is will occur to the landscape during this time. In particular, the already assessed as significant, however given the distance Proposed Development is assessed as having an adverse im- from the Site, it is anticipated that the synergistic effects to- pact on certain viewpoints closest to the Site. (see Landscape gether with noise and traffic generation are limited on the re- and Visual Impact Section of this Report for the Viewpoint ceptors in this location. locations (VPs)). In respect of the historic environment receptors, the likely in- There are a number of physical measures that will be in place combination effects are associated with visual impact and im- as part of the inherent mitigation such as the bunding that will pacts on the heritage asset, which in this case is indirect on be created as part of the earthworks at an early stage in the the setting of the assets (Grade II Listed Newton Park Farm- construction phase that will also mitigate the operational house and Barn).

Synergistic Effects (Interaction of Effects)

The effects of the Proposed Development on the setting of The effects on controlled waters are assessed as beneficial in Newton Park Farm and Barn have been assessed as moderate respect of ground conditions and contamination due to the adverse during the operational phase. The visual impact gen- treatment of any contamination found on the Site. Most of erally on landscape character is minor/moderate adverse but is the effects for drainage and flood risk are considered beneficial not considered to be significant. In combination the effects on at operational stage in respect of removal of existing leachate these heritage assets has the potential to be significant. How- and SUDs to treat surface water before it leaves the site. Mi- ever, as identified above for the human and property recep- nor adverse effects however remain in respect of ground wa- tors, mitigation will be put in place to manage and limit the ter recharge and the potential impact to Highfield Moss SSSI. individual and synergistic effects on these receptors through It is however unlikely that these effects will combine to create activities such as the creation of bunds and early landscape any significant effects on the receptors. planting which will have a long term management plan. The synergistic effects on the heritage receptors are therefore not considered to be any greater than those assessed individually within the ES.

Summary of Operation Phase Potential Synergistic Effects

“A” refers to Adverse, “N” refers to Neutral / Negligible, and “B” refers to Beneficial effects, after the consideration of mitigation.

Cumulative Effects There are a number of other projects that have been con- Subject to any further archaeological assessment for the sidered given the likely impact they will have cumulatively Phase 2 Development and PLR, there is the potential for a with the Proposed Development. A geographical search direct impact on identified archaeology. There will also be area has been identified where it is considered that cumula- a cumulative impact on the setting of the Newton Park tive impacts could be caused together with the Proposed Farm and Barn (Grade II Listed) which will be significant, Development, as shown on the Cumulative Development although no more significant than that identified for the Plan below. Within this geographical area and through dis- Phase 1 Development. cussions with SHC during the Scoping stage of the EIA pro- The PLR Development Team has compiled a Saturn Model cess, a site sieve has been undertaken to include the fol- for the traffic flow data as part of the preparation of the lowing within the Cumulative Assessment: planning application for the PLR. This has therefore been  Development with planning permission that is not yet used to inform the Traffic and Transport, Air Quality and constructed. Dust and Noise and Vibration cumulative assessments.  Site allocations within the Adopted Local Plan Core Whilst the Traffic and Transport assessment demonstrate Strategy (October 2012). varying levels of driver delay and environmental impact at  Employment allocations in Plan Period 1 of the emerging the operational phase, the projects included in the Saturn Local Plan (Preferred Options December 2016). modelling are beyond what would usually be necessary for  Housing allocations in the Plan Period 1 of the emerging a cumulative assessment in respect of the Phase 1 Develop- Local Plan (Preferred Options December 2016). ment. Furthermore, the highway mitigation for the cumu- These are identified on the plan opposite and the full de- lative development scenarios remain to be developed and tails can be found in Section 9 of the ES Part 1 Report. hence this “pre-mitigation” situation is deemed an extreme The main potential for cumulative effects is with the Phase worst case. 2 Development and the PLR (shown as 1A and 1B respec- During the operational phase, the cumulative impacts asso- tively on the plan opposite (top) and masterplan opposite ciated with traffic noise and the resulting air quality effects (bottom)) given their proximity to the Phase 1 Develop- are considered to be significant. ment Site and the timescales for the developments coming There will be significant cumulative benefits associated with forward. The other projects will however be relevant in socio economic in terms of GVA and job creation, which respect of socio economic impacts, traffic and transport, will significantly boost the local economy. the cumulative noise and vibration and air quality. effects on employment creation would equate to over The overall assessment of the Phase 1 Development when 16,500 gross jobs. This could generate approximately £830 considered cumulatively with the Phase 2 Development and million of gross GVA per annum, once the developments PLR in respect of noise and vibration, air quality, ground have all come forward and have been fully occupied. This and contamination, drainage and flood risk, utilities, energy is considered to be significantly beneficial for St Helens and and waste are not considered to be significant. the area. There are some significant adverse impacts arising as a re- The new residential developments would both generate sult in the change to the landscape and the visual impact for additional local household expenditure and Council Tax some of the viewpoints closest to the site (see Landscape receipts for St Helens Council. Based on an average spend and Visual Impact Assessment Section of this Report for and the creation of 2,443 new households, the cumulative the plan of the viewpoint locations (VPs)) at both construc- impact could amount to approximately £52 million of addition and operational phases. Each development will how- tional household expenditure, a significant proportion of ever mitigate these impacts as far as possible with bunding which would be retained in the St Helens economy. This and/or landscape proposals to try and soften their appear- would support the creation of additional employment op- ance and help to screen their presence in the landscape. portunities and an increase in economic output. There will be an overall loss of semi-improved grassland as Cumulative impacts are therefore no greater than assessed a result of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Development at the for the Phase 1 Development. except for those in respect Former Parkside Colliery Site. In the long term, the total of traffic and transport. But for the reasons noted above area of semi-improved grassland will be permanently re- this assessment is extreme worst case. duced and will not re-establish post-development. This is considered to be significant.

Cumulative Effects

Above Top: Cumulave Developments Plan; Above Boom: Comprehensive Masterplan (Phase 1 and Phase 2 Parkside and PLR)

Conclusion

The main purpose of the ES is to provide an objective the Borough. assessment of the environmental impacts of the There are however some significant adverse impacts Proposed Development. This Non-Technical Summary associated with the effect on the Grade II Listed provides a summary of the main issues identified within Newton Park Farm and Barn, which although are in the ES Part 1 and ES Part 2. derelict states, will experience indirect moderate The separate papers within the ES Part 2 contain the adverse impacts on their setting at construction and detailed analysis of impacts and mitigation and should be operational phases due to their proximity to the Site. referred to for the complete assessment of impact. This will however be managed and limited as far as The ES Part 1 Report provides an overview of the possible through the creation of bunds, location of the predicted effects and how it is proposed to mitigate the proposed buildings and significant mitigation planting impacts. It should be noted that the information that is proposed. submitted for this planning application is extensive given The impact of the net loss of semi-improved grassland the nature of the Site and the Proposed Development. is considered to be moderate adverse and therefore However the detailed mitigation strategies will be significant. The proposals do involve significant planting controlled via the use of planning conditions. A variety across the site, some of which will be species-rich of mitigation measures are proposed to control, grassland (1.9ha) along with trees and woodland manage and reduce the effects of the Proposed (6.94ha), scrub planting (1.8ha) and 270m of hedgerow. Development. Further mitigation of environmental However this is not considered to fully compensate for effects is also inherent in the design of the Proposals. the loss of the 11.7ha. All of the mitigation is devised to either mitigate individual effects or it is multi-functional to mitigate a Other significant effects are in respect of visual amenity number of effects. as a result of the change and disturbance that will occur with the Site’s redevelopment. At the construction As a whole, the majority of the potential environmental phase this is in respect of views from Winwick Road impacts and their effects (with mitigation incorporated) and some parts of Hermitage Green. The effects of the are assessed as neutral, negligible or minor adverse at Proposed Development will however be managed as far both construction and operational phases and as such as possible with the early establishment of bunding to are not significant. This is in relation to ground the Site’s perimeter and early landscape planting where conditions and contamination, traffic and transport, possible as well as the implementation of a CEMP. At drainage and flood risk, ecology and nature the operational phase, the significant adverse effects are conservation, socio economic, noise and vibration, air in respect of those receptors closest to the Site on quality and dust, utilities, waste and energy as well as Winwick Road, Hermitage Green Lane and Hermitage some effects associated with cultural heritage and Green (VPs 1, 2, 3 and 5), which will experience archaeology, and landscape and visual impact. moderate adverse and high adverse effects respectively There are a number of environmental impacts and their at year 1. Whilst the significant mitigation planting will effects that are assessed as beneficial and these relate to mature over time to soften the appearance of the the operational phase with the ground conditions and Proposed Development in the landscape and ensure the contamination through remediation and clean cover longer term effects on VPs 1 and 3 are reduced so as systems and the drainage and flood risk through a not to be considered significant, the assessment of managed drainage strategy. Socio economic effects are effects remain as significant in respect of receptors at significantly beneficial in respect of job creation, GVA Viewpoints 2 and 5 (A49 111 Winwick Road and the opportunities for training and apprenticeships at (residential) and Hermitage Green). both construction and operational phases, which has a benefit for the immediate settlement of Newton-le- Willows as well as the wider County/Sub-region and

Conclusion

The ES Part 1 also assesses the potential for the forward. synergistic/interaction of effects and concludes that in There are therefore not considered to be any potential the main these are not considered to be significant with environmental impacts that cannot be suitably mitigated the multi-functional mitigation that is proposed. The and which would prevent the proposals from being synergistic/interaction of effects which have the granted planning permission. Those effects that are potential to be significant are as a result of the assessed as significant in environmental terms are significant effects of visual impact, combined with the limited to localised visual impact, loss of semi-improved effects of traffic and transport and noise, which on their grassland and indirect effects on the Grade II Listed own are not considered to be significant. Newton Farmhouse and Barn, which is in a derelict Cumulative impacts are assessed and take account of a state. These significant effects are however considered number of developments in the area that either have to be outweighed by the significant benefits that the permission or are likely to come forward in a similar Proposed Development will bring to the area, timeframe to the Proposed Development. The main particularly in respect of socio economic (job creation cumulative considered and that are relevant to all the and GVA) as well as other benefits related to the technical topics are the Phase 2 Development at the regeneration of a former colliery site that has remained Former Parkside Colliery and the PLR. The currently vacant for many years despite efforts to bring forward assessed cumulative impacts are not considered to be its redevelopment having been hampered by the any more significant than those effects assessed as part economic climate. of the main Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Phase 1 Development, except for traffic and transport. However for the reasons identified in this report and in more detail through the ES, this is an extreme worst case assessment and each cumulative project will need to identify necessary mitigation when they come

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