Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Management Plan

March 2014

Contents

REGION 1. INTRODUCTION 4

2. METHODOLOGY 10

2.1 Stage One - Screening 11 2.1.1 Step 1 - Mechanisms of 12 Impact 2.1.2 Step 2 - Determination of 13 Sites 2.1.3 Step 3 - Potential Effects of 16 the Action Plan 2.1.4 Step 4 - High Level 19 Assessment

3. RELEVANT EUROPEAN 21 PROTECTED SITES

3.1 Durham Coast SAC 21 3.2 Northumbria Coast SPA & 23 Ramsar 3.3 Teesmouth and Cleveland 28 Coast SPA & Ramsar 3.4 Summary 30

4. CONCLUSION OF SCREENING 32 STAGE

5. CONCLUSION 34

APPENDICES

A. ACTION PLAN 36

B. RATIONALE FOR CASTLE EDEN 50 DENE SAC

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Contents

C. SCREENING SCHEDULE 55

D. COASTAL ACCESS MANAGEMENT MEASURES: 67 MAPS

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Introduction 1

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 3 1 Introduction

1 Introduction

The Legislative Basis for Habitats Regulations Assessment

1.1 The cornerstone of Europe's legislation on nature conservation are the Birds and Habitats Directives. The Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) was adopted in 1979 and aims to protect all wild birds and their most important habitats across the EU. The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) was adopted in1992 and introduces similar measures to the Birds Directive to protect Europe's wildlife but extends its coverage to a much wider range of rare, threatened or endemic species. At the heart of both Nature Directives lies the creation of a Europe - wide ecological network of nature conservation areas - called the Natura 2000 network.

1.2 The Habitats Directive was transposed into UK law in 1994 and was consolidated by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). The regulations provide for; the designation and protection of 'European sites' (which form part of the Natura 2000 network); the protection of 'European protected species' and the adaption of planning and other controls for the protection of European sites.

1.3 With regard to the designation and protection of European sites, the regulations require these to include both:

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) designated as they are important for the conservation of species and habitats listed in the Habitats Directive occurring naturally in the territory; and Special Protection Areas (SPA) designated for species listed under the Birds Directive.

1.4 In County Durham's administrative boundary there are 6 whole or part SACs, divided between the western uplands and the coastline:

Durham Coast Castle Eden Dene Thrislington Moor House, Upper Teesdale North Pennine Dales Meadows North Pennine Moors

1.5 There are also 3 whole or part SPAs, divided between the western uplands and the coastline:

Northumbria Coast Teesmouth & Cleveland Coast North Pennine Moors

1.6 A sub-set of the coastline designated as SPA is also designated as an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention of 1971 and receives the same level of protection as a European site.

4 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Introduction 1

1.7 The Habitats Directive applies the precautionary principle to Natura 2000 sites. Plans and projects can only be permitted having ascertained that there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of the site(s) in question. Only in exceptional circumstance will a potentially damaging plan or project be permitted as determined by three tests including:

No other alternative solutions to the plan or project; Demonstration that the plan or project is required for Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest; and Ability to secure necessary compensatory measures to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected

1.8 In order to determine whether or not site integrity will be affected the UK regulations (Regulation 61) require that:

"A competent authority, before deciding to undertake, or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for, a plan or project which:

A) is likely to have a significant effect on a European site or a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), and

B) is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of that site,

Must make an appropriate assessment of the implications for that site in view of that site's conservation objectives

1.9 The term Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) has come into use for describing the overall assessment process including screening and the specific appropriate assessment stage.

The Heritage Coast Management Plan and County Durham Plan

1.10 The Durham Heritage Coast stretches between the two conurbations of Tyne and Wear and Teesside and covers 14km of the coastal area. The Heritage Coast comprises an attractive coastal landscape of magnesian limestone grasslands, cliffs, pebble and sandy beaches.

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 5 1 Introduction

Figure 1 Map showing the Durham Heritage Coast

1.11 The national purposes of Heritage Coasts are to:

Conserve, protect and enhance the natural beauty of the coasts, their marine flora and fauna, and their heritage features Facilitate and enhance their enjoyment, understanding and appreciation by the public. Maintain and improve the health of inshore waters affecting Heritage Coasts and their beaches through appropriate environmental management measures. Take account of the needs of agriculture, forestry and fishing, and of the economic and social needs of the small communities on these coasts

1.12 The Heritage Coast management plan for Durham is currently being refreshed in order to ensure that national and local objectives will be met through actions that guide the work of the partnership up until 2030. The associated action plan will be re-considered on a five year cycle up until 2030 to ensure that it is fit for purpose. The refresh of the Plan was prompted in part by the Habitat Regulations Assessment of the County Durham Plan as explained further.

1.13 Once adopted the County Durham Plan will be the spatial strategy for development in the County until 2030. The plan identifies the quantity and location of new development across the city, towns and villages of County Durham and the detailed planning policies that will be used to determine planning applications. It also sets out the measures required of Durham County Council and other key service providers and stakeholders to successfully achieve the ambitions of the Plan.

6 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Introduction 1

1.14 The Habitat Regulations Assessment of the County Durham Plan identified that in order to ensure that adverse effects on the integrity of coastal European Protected sites are avoided measures will be required to mitigate for increased recreational use of the coast which can cause trampling and nitrification of qualifying habitats and disturbance of qualifying species. Mitigation will enable:

The development of 1,724 allocated houses within 6km of the coastal European Protected sites; The development of a film studio, education facilities and hotel and leisure facilities to the South of Seaham and; The aspiration to enhance the reputation of East Durham as a coastal tourist destination

1.15 Accordingly, three mitigation measures were identified through the HRA process including:

Acknowledgement that the impact of residential or tourism type development within 0.4k of the coastal European Protected sites is likely to be significant and mitigation within this zone is unlikely to be effective. Proposals within this zone will be required to be subject to appropriate assessment. Proposals for new residential development from 0.4km - 6km of the coastal European Protected sites will need to provide or enhance suitable areas of green space in order to reduce the frequency of visits to the coast for dog walking purposes(i). Where suitable green space cannot be secured a contribution towards coastal access management measures may be required. Proposals for tourism type development from 0.4km - 6km of the coastal European Protected sites will need to contribute towards coastal access management measures

1.16 The Heritage Coast Management Plan is considered by Durham County Council to be the most appropriate mechanism to ensure the delivery of coastal access management measures where relevant development is proposed over the Plan period. Consequently, the revised action plan sets out a number of feasible projects that developers could contribute toward including:

Recognition of highly sensitive areas, for example bird roosting sites Seasonal closures of sensitive areas Rationalisation of access points and footpaths to avoid highly sensitive areas New signage diverting people away from sensitive areas and towards alternative new recreational areas Practical habitat management and creation targeted at enhancing and enlarging qualifying habitats and therefore supporting qualifying species Community involvement, including educational initiatives working with the tourism sector to recognise opportunity zones for delivery of tourism objectives and enhancement of the European Protected Sites

i suitable green space is determined through specific criteria as set out in the County Durham Plan HRA Report

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 7 1 Introduction

Monitoring of changes in the qualifying species and habitats Monitoring changes in recreational use, including the success of the management plan

Purpose of this Report

1.17 The purpose of this report is to present the Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Management Plan. Whilst the plan is partially connected to and considered necessary to the management of European protected sites it needs to be subject to HRA to ensure that it adequately sets the parameters by which the potentially conflicting objectives of enhancing enjoyment and access to the coast can take place whilst safeguarding the coastal European Protected Sites.

1.18 Furthermore, as the County Durham Plan is partially reliant on the Heritage Coast Management Plan to enable its delivery, the HRA is required to provide certainty that it can rely upon the Management Plan with regard to avoidance of adverse effects upon integrity. To some extent the HRA of the Management Plan could be considered to be an extension to the HRA of the County Durham Plan.

1.19 The HRA of the Heritage Coast Management Plan will focus specifically upon the action plan given that this plan interprets the Management Plan policies into practical measures.

1.20 This report contains the following sections:

Section 1 - This section has set out the legislative basis for HRA and introduced the Heritage Coast Management Plan and the County Durham Plan Section 2 - Sets out the methodology used to undertake the assessment Section 3 - Describes the relevant European Protected Sites subject to HRA Section 4 - Concludes the HRA screening stage Section 5 - Concludes this report

8 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Methodology 2

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 9 2 Methodology

2 Methodology

2.1 The following section outlines the methodology used by Durham County Council to undertake the Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Durham Heritage Coast Action Plan.

Guidance

2.2 In the absence of any national guidance to assist compliance with the requirements of the Habitats Regulations the following publications were referred to:

D Tyldesley (revised 2012) Draft Guidance for Plan Making Authorities in Wales. The appraisal of plans under the habitats directive For Countryside Council for Wales D Tyledesley(revised 2011) Assessing projects under the Habitats Directive. Guidance for competent Authorities For Countryside Council for Wales Levett - Therival et al (2006) Appropriate Assessment of Plans

2.3 Figure 2 outlines the stages of Habitat Regulations Assessment (ii)

ii Source: Defra (2012) The Habitats and Wild Bird Directives in England and its Seas (draft for public consultation)

10 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Methodology 2

Figure 2 Flowchart showing stages in the HRA process

2.1 Stage One - Screening

2.4 There is no formal requirement for a screening stage in habitats legislation and no set rules on how long it should take or how detailed it should be. However, the outcome of the screening stage must enable Durham County Council to make an informed decision as to whether appropriate assessment is required, depending on the likelihood of significant effects to European Protected Site.

2.5 The distinct steps followed when undertaking screening were as follows:

1. Make a decision whether there is any possible mechanism by which the Plan can affect any European Protected site. If so...

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 11 2 Methodology

2. Identify which European Protected Site(s) may be affected by the plan (determination of sites) and a) Identify the conservation objectives and current condition of the site(s) b) Explore the environmental conditions required to maintain site integrity 3. Identify the potential effects of the plan on the site, alone or 'in combination' with other plans or projects. This will need to include consideration of each feature for which the site is designated 4. Make a high level assessment of whether likely significant effects can be ruled out

2.1.1 Step 1 - Mechanisms of Impact

2.6 As per the national and local objectives of Heritage Coasts, the Action Plan includes a range of measures which seek the protection and enhancement of the coastal landscape, nature conservation interest and access to and enjoyment of the coast (Please see Appendix A). Screening is principally required to determine whether actions relating to enhancing access to and enjoyment of the coast are likely to significantly affect European Protected Sites or not. An increase in visitor numbers and recreational pressure to the coast were considered to have the following potentially adverse effects

Air Quality

2.7 An increase in visitor numbers to the coast has the potential to increase levels of atmospheric pollution linked to increased traffic. A change in the composition of air that disperses in the vicinity of European Protected Site can change conditions, damage habitat, and harm species in designated areas. The main pollutants of concern for European Protected sites arising from vehicle emissions are oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

2.8 Nitrogen is the second most important plant nutrient behind carbon, and the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems is generally limited by nitrogen supply. However, such communities exist in balance because their growth rates are contained by the level of available Nitrogen. Hence, the increase in nitrogen deposition will be expected to exert a large impact on ecosystem biodiversity. Nitrogen deposition may cause changes to species composition, often including a reduction in species richness and a loss of sensitive ‘lower plants’; changes to soil microbial processes; changes to plant and soil biochemistry; increased susceptibility to abiotic stresses (such as winter injury) and biotic stresses (such as pests and pathogens); and it also contributes towards acidification.

2.9 In relation to impacts of atmospheric pollution from traffic on European Protected sites the Appropriate Assessment of the North East Regional Spatial Strategy states that 'English Nature’s (now Natural England’s) advice to Runnymede Borough Council on traffic-related air pollution, based on interim guidance from the Department for Transport

(2005), was that NO2 emissions only needed to be considered if there is a road carrying a significant proportion of new traffic related to the plan within 200 metres of a European site.' Beyond 200m, the contribution of vehicle emissions from the roadside to local

12 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Methodology 2

pollution levels is not significant. This is therefore the distance that was used throughout the screening assessment for determining whether European Protected sites are likely to be significantly affected by increased traffic to and within County Durham.

Habitat and Species Destruction or Fragmentation

2.10 All types of European Protected sites including woodlands can be affected by trampling, which in turn causes soil compaction and erosion. Another factor, whereby recreation can contribute to habitat destruction and/ or fragmentation is by increased nitrification of sites associated with dog walking. Increased nitrification by dogs could also act in combination with increased dosage of nitrogen deposition through air pollution to impact upon sensitive sites. This impact can be particularly problematic for habitats in County Durham which rely on relatively nutrient poor soil such as calcareous grassland.

Species Disturbance

2.11 Increased levels of disturbance associated with recreational activities undertaken at the coast can affect species behaviour in respect of feeding, roosting and breeding success of qualifying SPA species. High levels of human disturbance through increased recreation usage was cited by relatively recent bird studies undertaken at the coast as a contributing factor for the reduced populations of wading birds observed. (iii)

2.1.2 Step 2 - Determination of Sites

2.12 As the Action Plan is specific to the Heritage Coast Definition it is unlikely to impact upon European Protected Sites beyond the coastal area. Therefore, only sites within the coastal area were initially considered relevant to the screening assessment. These include:

Castle Eden Dene SAC Durham Coast SAC Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA and Ramsar

2.13 However, following further consideration of the potential mechanisms of impact to Castle Eden Dene SAC it was possible to conclude no likely significant effects to this site and the site was therefore not subject to further screening. The rationale for this is provided within Appendix B. Consequently, only Durham Coast SAC, Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar and Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA and Ramsar were subject to the full screening assessment.

iii Cadwallender, T & M, (2013) A Second Year Review of Overwintering Waterbirds of the Durham Coast - December 2012 - March 2013 for Durham County Council

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 13 2 Methodology

Figure 3 Map Showing the Location of Coastal SAC's

14 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Methodology 2

Figure 4 Map Showing the Location of Coastal SPA's

2.14 In addition to the relevant European protected sites it was also considered important to consider the potential effect of the action plan upon functional land throughout the screening assessment. Functional land is essentially land that forms an essential part of a species lifecycle, i.e. Land used for roosting, foraging or shelter but not necessarily designated or protected. The recent coastal bird studies undertaken confirmed the location of high tide roost areas, low tide feeding areas and offshore feeding / roosting areas utilised

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 15 2 Methodology

by qualifying species of Northumbria Coast SPA / Ramsar and Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA / Ramsar. The maps contained within the reports were utilised to inform functional land areas.

2.15 Section three of this report describe the European Protected sites subject to the full screening assessment and aims to:

refine the impact types that need to be considered against each site during the assessment; and include the information required by steps 2a (conservation objectives, site condition) and 2b (conditions required to maintain integrity).

2.16 Please note that until more detailed conservation objectives are produced for each site, Natural England's conservation objectives for the relevant European Protected sites are:

SAC

Subject to natural change, to maintain or restore:

The extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features; The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats; The supporting processes on which qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species rely; The population of the qualifying species; The distribution of the qualifying species within the site.

SPA

Subject to natural change, to maintain or restore:

The extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features; The structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features; The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely; The population of the qualifying features; The distribution of the qualifying features within the site.

2.1.3 Step 3 - Potential Effects of the Action Plan

2.17 In order to assist further with the transparent identification of potential effects of the Action Plan a schedule was compiled listing all the actions within the Plan (please see Appendix C). Each element was checked for the likelihood of it leading to a significant effect on the relevant European Protected sites firstly alone, then, if not alone, in combination with other elements of the same plan and other plans and projects.

16 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Methodology 2

2.18 In order to compile the schedule, each element of the Action Plan was categorised as to its likely effects. There are four categories described as follows:

A) Category A: elements of the action plan that would have no negative effect on a European site at all;

B) Category B: elements of the action plan that could have an effect, but the likelihood is there would be no significant negative effect on a European site either alone or in combination with other elements of the action plan, or other plans or projects;

C) Category C: elements of the action plan that could or would be likely to have a significant effect alone and will require the plan to be subject to an appropriate assessment before it can be adopted by Durham County Council

D) Category D: elements of the action plan that would be likely to have a significant effect in combination with other elements of the action plan or other plans or projects and will require the plan to be subject to an appropriate assessment before it can be adopted by Durham County Council

2.19 The other plans or projects considered to potentially act in combination with the Action Plan are described below.

Table 1 Other Plans / Projects considered likely to contribute towards 'in combination effects'

Plan / Project Potential 'In Combination Effect'

Natural England - English Promotion of this route is considered likely to increase visitor numbers to Coastal Path Project - the coast Durham Stretch

Housing Development Residential development of up to 900 dwellings and local retail centre. This North of Lowhills Road, project has been approved subject to securing necessary s106 agreements. Peterlee (Ref: Natural England have advised that if undertaken in strict accordance with PL/5/2013/0106) the details submitted, the proposal is not likely to have a significant effect on the interest features of designated conservation sites. (iv) However, whilst the mitigation proposed with the proposal will minimise effects it will not avoid increasing recreational pressure to coastal sites and therefore, needs to be considered 'in combination' with the Action Plan.

Britmag Ltd: residential Approval of 484 seaview homes within 400 metres of the Teesmouth and development, open Cleevland Coast SPA. The Appropriate Assessment of which identified that space and associated in the long-term, this project will have an adverse effect on the integrity of means of access. the Teesmouth & Cleveland Coast SPA through habitat loss. Also potential Hartlepool Borough adverse effects due to an increase in recreational disturbance cannot be Coucnil Reference: ruled out with certainty. These adverse effects will be compensated for by H/2005/5254 the creation of 8ha of inter-tidal habitat adjacent to the same SPA in a location some 10km to the south.(v)

iv Natural England (June 2013) Amended Habitats Regulations Assessment - Residential development comprising 900 no. Dwellings (outline) Lowhills Road, Peterlee Ref: 6937/88554 v appropriate assessment

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 17 2 Methodology

Plan / Project Potential 'In Combination Effect'

Sunderland Local Plan: This Plan identifies South Sunderland Growth Area for major housing Core Strategy and development across five locations including Chapelgarth, Cherry Knowle, Development South Ryhope, Burdon Lane and the former Groves Crane Factory. The total Management Policies - housing proposed to South Sunderland is 7,663 units. Potential to increase Draft Revised Preferred recreational pressure and associated effects to European Protected Sites Options Aug 2013 within the Heritage Coast Definition

The County Durham Plan The Plan: - Pre Submission Draft Local Plan October 2013 allocates housing sites with a potential yield of 1,724 houses within 6km of the coastal European Protected sites aims to enhance the reputation of East Durham as a coastal tourist destination and; Allocates a site of 58.5ha South of Seham for the development of a film studio, education facilities and hotel and leisure facilities

The Heritage Coast Action Plan forms part of the mitigation strategy to enable development to proceed.

Durham Tourism One of the eight priorities of this plan includes: Management Plan 2012 - 2016 "Extend the stay by optimising the potential of market towns and town centres to draw visitors into rural areas. Visitor research shows that Durham’s towns hold significant appeal for visitors and can perform the dual role of attracting people out of the urban centre and providing a service centre for people on rural and coastal holidays. This can be delivered through the implementation of destination development plans for Barnard Castle, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street and Seaham"

Potential to increase recreational pressure (day visits) to the coast and associated effects as a result of attracting those visitors who choose to stay in Durham City.

Seaham Destination Plan The purpose of the plan is to develop the tourism potential of Seaham and 2009 strengthen its identity for visitors. Accordingly, recreational pressure and associated effects to coastal European Protected sites may increase. The overall objectives of the action plan are:

1. To strengthen Seaham’s identity and profile as a lively harbour town and to promote the special Heritage Coast environment.

2. To develop Seaham Harbour Marina as the central attraction for the town using it as a hub to promote water activities, interpret the town’s heritage and link to walking and wildlife along the coast and the shops and businesses in town

3. To better promote and enable visitors to enjoy Seaham’s heritage particularly its early Christian links, mining heritage, connections to the Londonderrys and Lord Byron and unique flora and fauna.

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Plan / Project Potential 'In Combination Effect'

4. To invest in environmental and infrastructural improvements to enhance the town’s streetscape, better manage traffic and parking and ease visitor flows between harbour, beach and town centre.

5. To encourage more visitors by hosting events, competitions and promoting local arts and crafts, attracting people who are visiting Durham City and developing a loyal visitor base from nearby towns and cities.

6. To widen the range and improve the quality of the accommodation, retail and food and drink offers in the town.

7. To build on local artistic talent to develop exhibitions, events and performances and continue to integrate artistic elements into heritage interpretation and infrastructure.

8. To develop a sustainable, year round visitor economy offering a warm welcome, excellent service and value for money; generating repeat visits.

9. To encourage existing businesses to continue to invest in their properties and services and to encourage new business investment.

10. To encourage and support collaboration between local organisations and businesses to enable joint delivery of the destination plan actions.

2.1.4 Step 4 - High Level Assessment

2.20 As for Step 3, the Screening Schedule was used to make a high level assessment as to whether likely significant effects can be ruled out. The conclusion of the screening assessment is documented in Section 4 of this report.

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 19 Relevant European Protected Sites 3

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 20 Relevant European Protected Sites 3

3 Relevant European Protected Sites

3.1 This section describes the relevant European Protected sites subject to the screening assessment and completes steps 2a and 2b of the screening process.

3.1 Durham Coast SAC

Introduction

3.2 Durham Coast SAC was proposed as a candidate SAC in March 2001 and designated in April 2005. The SAC covers an area of approximately 394 hectares. Durham Coast SAC is the only example of vegetated sea cliffs on magnesian limestone exposures in the UK. These cliffs extend along the North Sea coast for over 20 km from South Shields southwards to Blackhall rocks. Their vegetation is unique in the British Isles and consists of a complex mosaic of paramaritime, mesotrophic and calcicolous grasslands, tall-herb fen, seepage flushes and wind-pruned scrub. Within these habitats rare species of contrasting photogeographic distributions often grow together forming unusual and species-rich communities of high scientific interest. The communities present on the sea cliffs are largely maintained by natural processes including exposure to sea spray, erosion and slippage of the soft magnesian limestone bedrock and overlying glacial drifts, as well as localised flushing by calcareous water.

Qualifying Features

Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts

Condition Assessment

3.3 During the most recent Condition Assessment process, 62.80% of the component SSSI was classified as 'area favourable' and 37.20% was classified as 'area unfavourable recovering.' The status of the site has not changed between the condition assessments of 2012 and 2013 and no reason has been recorded for adverse condition.

Reported Vulnerabilities

3.4 No vulnerabilities were recorded within the the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form for the site which states:

Vegetated sea cliffs range from vertical cliffs in the north with scattered vegetated ledges, to the Magnesian limestone grassland slopes of the south. Parts of the site are managed as National Nature Reserve, and plans provide for the non-interventionist management of the vegetated cliffs. The majority of the site is in public ownership and an agreed management plan is being developed to protect nature conservation interests

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 21 3 Relevant European Protected Sites

Key Environmental Conditions

3.5 The key environmental conditions required to support site integrity comprise the following:

Overall length and/or area of cliff habitat to be maintained taking into account natural variation There should be no increase in area constrained by introduced structures or landforms The range of physical conditions supporting the habitats, and the range of maritime grasslands and other communities should be maintained There should be no increase in species untypical of the communities that define the feature Reduced risk of erosion / nutrient input pertaining to recreational pressure

Potential Effects of the Action Plan

Air Quality

3.6 The Conservation Status Assessment report related to the vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts states:(vi)

Based on an assessment of relevant literature, this habitat is potentially sensitive to air pollution, but it has not been possible to undertake an assessment of potential impact based on critical loads because of the poor equivalence between this habitat and those for which critical loads are set.

3.7 Accordingly, it is not possible to attain data from the UK Air Pollution Information System in respect of critical load values and levels for Durham Coast SAC. However, the absence of information is not a basis to assume no negative effects as a result of the action plan and a precautionary approach to this matter has been taken.

3.8 Durham Coast SAC is located within 200 metres at various points of the following roads:

A1081 B1287 A182 A1086

3.9 Therefore any increase in visitors using these road to enable access to the coast could potentially cause significant effects to the SAC. Particularly if the unknown thresholds for nitrogen deposition to the qualifying habitat is close to be being met or has exceeded.

vi Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2007) Second Report by the UK under Article 17 on the implementation of the Habitats Directive from January 2001 to December 2006. Peterborough: JNCC.

22 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Relevant European Protected Sites 3

3.10 However, the only practical measures to mitigate nitrogen deposition to the SAC as a result of increased visitors and traffic growth relate to encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transport to visit the coast. Such measures are already implemented by the Heritage Coast Partnership and Visit County Durham and are reflected within section 4 of the Action Plan. (Please see Appendix A)

3.11 Accordingly, the Action Plan is considered unlikely to result in significant effects as it aims to mitigate its own contribution to the nitrogen deposition issue. Therefore this issue does not require further consideration during the screening process.

Habitat and Species Destruction or Fragmentation

3.12 As the habitat of Durham Coast SAC is generally located on steep slopes or dangerous cliff edges, the vegetated sea cliff features, though highly susceptible to trampling, are by their position relatively safe. There are some localities where the sea cliff plant community is adjacent to or even on the inland side of the coast path, such as Blackhills Gill, Horden, Beacon Point and Noses Point, but here there is a surfaced footpath that directs and in most parts, confines walkers to the route. There are however many other desire lines and footpaths, some linking back to the main towns along the coast, especially evident at Crimdon, Blackhall Colliery and Castle Eden Dene. Consequently, there is heavy and sustained walking pressure, especially along the coast path.

3.13 In addition to impacts associated with trampling, low nutrient sites, typical of many semi-natural habitats including limestone grassland, are especially susceptible to the addition of fertiliser. Sources include atmospheric deposition (mainly nitrogen and ammonia), agricultural run off or dog faeces and urine (phosphorus and nitrogen). There are many studies and reports of the observed effects of dog fouling on vegetation and also on the volume of faeces and urine deposited.

3.14 The visitor surveys undertaken for the HRA of the County Durham Plan indicated that dog walking is the main activity undertaken at the coast and the overwintering bird surveys confirmed extensive use of the coast by dog walkers.

Species Disturbance

3.15 An increase in disturbance was not considered to be a potential impact pathway to Castle Eden Dene SAC due to the nature of the SAC in respect of its qualifying features. Therefore this issue does not require further consideration during the screening process.

3.2 Northumbria Coast SPA & Ramsar

Introduction

3.16 Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar were both designated in February 2000 and jointly cover an area of approximately 1,108 hectares. The designations comprise several discrete stretches of the coastline in North East England between Spittal in the north of Northumberland to Crimdon Dene in County Durham. The site consists of rocky shore with associated bolder and cobble beaches. These support a rich algal flora and associated fauna and form an important feeding area for wading birds. The areas of sandy beach within the site support a flora which includes Ammophila arenaria; marram and Honkenya

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 23 3 Relevant European Protected Sites

peploides; sea sandwort . A diverse range of recreational activities takes place along the coast including walking, camping, sea angling, bird watching, water sports (water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and canoeing) and general use of amenity beaches. As well as attracting a large number of day trippers, a sizable population of summer visitors stay in caravan sites and other accommodation along the coast. The site also includes parts of three artificial pier structures and a small section of sandy beach

3.17 The designated stretches in Durham consist of approximately 55 hectares and broadly pertain to Seaham's coastal area and harbour in the north east of the County and the area of coastline between Blackhall Rocks and Crimdon Dene in the south east of the County. The habitat of the designations is predominantly classified as Rocky Shore, Shingle, Sea Cliffs and Islets.

Qualifying Features / Reasons for Listing

Calidris maritima aka Purple sandpiper (Non-breeding) Arenaria interpres aka Ruddy turnstone (Non breeding) Sterna albifrons aka Little tern (Breeding)

Condition Assessment

3.18 During the most recent Condition Assessment process, 62.80% of the component SSSI was classified as 'area favourable' and 37.20% was classified as 'area unfavourable recovering.'(vii) The status of the site has not changed between the condition assessments of 2012 and 2013 and no reason has been recorded for adverse condition.

3.19 However, the coastal overwintering bird studies undertaken in support of the HRA of the County Durham Plan indicate that away from one or two particular sites, the Durham Coast does not hold large population of wading bird populations and indications are that the Durham coast could fail to meet the national thresholds for designated species or indeed any other species.

3.20 The study surmised that the major factors that could account for the low number of birds and poor distribution are:

Poor quality habitat as a result of historical degradation and pollution due to previous industrial output, particularly the deposition of coal spoils on the intertidal areas High levels of human disturbance through increased recreation usage Changes in populations and distribution of birds due to climate change

3.21 No observations of Purple Sandpiper were recorded within Durham's coastal stretch but were recorded within Sunderland and Hartlepool (Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA, Ramsar). Sections of the coast pertaining to Hartlepool's administrative boundary in particular were identified as important functional land providing Low Tide Feeding Areas and High Tide Roost Areas.

vii Source Natural England - SSSI Condition Summary - Compiled 1st August 2013

24 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Relevant European Protected Sites 3

3.22 Observations of Ruddy Turnstone were recorded within Durham's coastal stretch at Seaham Harbour (High Tide Roost Area), Nose's Point (Low Tide Feeding Area), Blackhall Rocks (High Tide Roost Area and Low Tide Feeding Area) and Crimdon Beach (Low Tide Feeding Area). As both Nose's Point and Crimdon Beach fall outwith the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar designation boundary these areas are considered to act as functional land for the qualifying species of the SPA and Ramsar.

3.23 In regards to Little Tern in Durham, a colony takes up annual residence in Crimdon between May and early autumn. Whilst this is outside the designated area of the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar, Little Tern do feed inshore at Blackhall which falls within the designation boundary. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee's (JNCC) Seabird Monitoring Programme Online Database indicates increased numbers of Little Tern apparently on nests from 84 in 2011 to 110 to 2012 (viii).

3.24 However, more than fifty eggs were stolen from breeding pairs on 19th June 2013 from the Crimdon colony. Despite about a third of the pairs abandoning the colony in the wake of the theft, the remaining birds produced about 30 chicks which should ensure the colony's survival. However, it is anticipated that it will take time for the colony to fully re-establish itself. The colony is currently wardened through a scheme run by the Industry Nature Conservation Association (INCA). In addition, boundary fencing is provided during the breeding season and 24 hour security is now provided.

3.25 In addition to Ruddy Turnstone and Little Tern currently supported within Durham's coastal stretch the overwintering bird studies indicate that parts of Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar within the County Durham boundary act as functional land for Common redshank and Red knot which are qualifying species of Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA and Ramsar. In particular, Seaham Harbour provides an important High Tide Roost area for Common redshank and Blackhall Rocks provides an important Low Tide Feeding area for both Common redshank and Red knot.

Reported Vulnerabilities

Little terns are vulnerable to disturbance by tourists in the summer causing reduced breeding success. Disturbance to all qualifying species predominantly by dog walking activity Predation of eggs and chicks Egg theft

Key Environmental Conditions

3.26 The key environmental conditions required to support site integrity comprise the following:

Freedom from disturbance Extent and availability of habitat (no decrease) - breeding areas, feeding areas, roost sites

viii JNCC Seabird Monitoring Programme Online Database

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 25 3 Relevant European Protected Sites

Food availability (marine fish, crustaceans, worms and molluscs; epibenthic invertebrates amongst rolling seaweed; surface and sub surface invertebrates) Open landscape Protection from predation and human interference Limited air pollution (Little Tern)

Potential Effects of the Action Plan

Air Quality

3.27 Of the qualifying species, APIS reports that Little Tern are sensitive to nitrogen deposition due to impacts upon the species broad habitat (coastal stable dune grasslands - calcareous). The breeding habitat requirements of Little Tern are patches of short vegetation or bare ground (for nesting) amongst longer vegetation to provide cover for chicks. Table 1 shows that Northumbria Coast SPA is currently exceeding critical thresholds for nitrogen deposition.

Table 2 Air Pollutants Affecting Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar (red shading indicates exceedence of thresholds, amber shading indicates pollutants that are close to exceeding critical thresholds)

Qualifying Nitrogen Deposition N Dep Exceedence Acid Deposition (Nitrogen/Sulphur A Dep Critical Exceedence Impacts Feature (kgN/ha/yr) Critical Impacts keq/ha/yr) Load Ranges Load Ranges

Min Av Max Min Av Max

Habitat 10 12.9 18.6 N Increase tall NO2 0.72 0.92 1.33 A Ranges Leaching will cause a decrease in soil base supporting Ranges grasses, saturation, increasing the availability of Al3+ 10-15kg. decrease ions; mobilisation of Al3+ may cause toxicity SO2 0.17 0.19 0.21 This prostrate Min: to plants and mycorrhiza; may have direct Sterna Review plants, 0.856-1.4.856N/4S effect on lower plants (bryophytes and albifrons uses increased N lichens). aka Little 10 leaching, soil tern Max: acidification, 1.071-5.071N/4S loss of typical lichen species This Review uses Min ranges

Deposition Data 2009-2011 Year:

3.28 Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar is located within 200 metres at various points of the following roads:

A1081 B1287

3.29 Therefore any increase in visitors using these road to enable access to the coast could potentially cause significant effects to the SPA and Ramsar, particularly as critical thresholds of nitrogen deposition have already been exceeded.

3.30 APIS predicts that emissions from road transport contributing to the total deposition of nitrogen to the SAC will reduce from 6.4% (2005) to <5% (2020) perhaps due to cleaner technologies being used in new cars. However, even if the maximum deposition of 18.62 kgN/ha/yr remained constant a, precautionary percentage of 4.9% or 0.9kg attributed to

26 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Relevant European Protected Sites 3

emissions from road traffic is just under 1% of the critical load range for the habitat. Natural England use the following formula to determine likely significant effects from air pollution to sites:

Where the Process Contribution >1% of a long term critical load or level and the Predicted Environment Contribution is > 70% this is a likely significant effect.

3.31 Accordingly, road transport to 2020 is 0.9% of the critical load (10kg) and total deposition (18.62 kgN/ha/yr) is 186% greater than the critical load, therefore significant effects cannot be ruled out with confidence, particularly as total deposition levels are unlikely to remain constant or decrease. Recent transport modelling undertaken predicts an increase of 155,500 vehicles to 2021 (ix) under a business as usual scenario i.e. Without taking into account a potential increase in visitors to the coast or other in combination effects such as the growth aspirations of the County Durham Plan (31,400 new houses by 2030).

3.32 However, the only practical measures to mitigate nitrogen deposition to the SPA as a result of increased visitors and traffic growth relate to encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transport to visit the coast. Such measures are already implemented by the Heritage Coast Partnership and Visit County Durham and are reflected within section 4 of the Action Plan. (Please see Appendix A)

3.33 Accordingly, the Action Plan is considered unlikely to result in significant effects as it aims to mitigate its own contribution to the nitrogen deposition issue. Therefore this issue does not require further consideration during the screening process.

Habitat and Species Destruction or Fragmentation

3.34 Purple Sandpiper and Ruddy Turnstone are not likely to be affected by trampling and nitrification of habitat by increased visitors and dog walking activity given that their feeding and roosting areas consists of rocky shores, harbour walls and sandy stretches of the coast. The current measures in place to protect the Little Tern colony are considered to be robust in terms of protecting the Little Tern's preferred breeding habitat at Crimdon. Therefore this issue does not require further consideration during the screening process.

Species Disturbance

3.35 As discussed in section 2.37, high levels of human disturbance is one of the factors attributed to the low number of birds and poor distribution along Durham's coastline. The screening assessment of the Action Plan is principally required to determine whether actions relating to enhancing access to and enjoyment of the coast are likely to significantly affect European Protected Sites or not.

ix Jacobs (July 2013) County Durham Local Plan Option Appraisal Durham County Council

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 27 3 Relevant European Protected Sites

3.3 Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA & Ramsar

Introduction

3.36 Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA and Ramsar were both designated in August 1995 and cover an area of approximately 1,247 hectares. Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast comprises intertidal sand and mudflats, rocky shore, saltmarsh, freshwater marsh and sand dunes. The Tees Estuary has been much-modified by such activities as land-claim, construction of breakwaters and training walls, and deep dredging. The remaining intertidal areas within the estuary are composed of mud and sand, with some Enteromorpha beds in sheltered areas. Outside the estuary mouth, sandflats predominate, but with significant rocky foreshores and reefs at both Redcar and Hartlepool and anthropogenic boulder beds at South Gare. Moderately extensive sand dune systems flank the estuary mouth, while a smaller dune system lies north of Hartlepool. Surviving saltmarsh is very limited in extent. Behind the dunes and sea-defences a number of significant areas of grazing marsh are found.

3.37 The designated stretch within County Durham's administrative boundary is approximately 1km in length and covers an area of approximately 22 hectares. The are is located between Crimdon Dene and Hartlepool Borough Council's administrative boundary and predominantly consists of coastal sand dunes and sand beaches.

Qualifying Features / Reasons for Listing

Calidris canutus; Knot (Non-breeding - Over winter) Tringa totanus; Redshank (Non-breeding - Over winter) Sterna sandvicensis; Sandwich tern (Non-breeding - Over winter) Charadrius hiaticuala; Ringed Plover (On passage) Sterna albifrons; Little tern (Breeding) Waterbird assemblage

Condition Assessment

3.38 Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA comprises six component SSSI's. During the most recent Condition Assessment process, 42% of the component SSSI's combined were classified as 'area favourable'; 52% were classified as 'area unfavourable recovering;' 1.4% were classified as unfavourable no change and 0.6% were classified as area destroyed / part destroyed. The status of the component SSSI's has not changed between the condition assessments of 2012 and 2013. Units 2 and 7 of Seal Sands have been classified as destroyed due to the presence of built development and no possibility of habitat reinstatement.

3.39 The coastal overwintering bird studies undertaken in support of the HRA of the County Durham Plan observed relatively low numbers of Red Knot, Ringed Plover and Common Redshank within Durham's section of Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA and Ramsar at Crimdon. However, Seaham Harbour and Blackhall provide important High Tide Roosts and Low Tide Feeding Areas pertaining to the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar. In general, a greater abundance and distribution of species were observed within Hartlepool's coastline. No observation of Sandwich Tern was made during the study period

28 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Relevant European Protected Sites 3

along Durham's coastline as the species generally prefers the estuary habitat over winter. The study surmised the major factors that could account for low numbers of birds and distribution along Durham's coastline as reported in section 2.37.

3.40 In regards to Little Tern in Durham, a colony takes up annual residence in Crimdon between May and early autumn. As stated in section 2.41 the colony may take time to fully re-establish itself following the theft of 50 eggs in June 2013.

Reported Vulnerabilities

3.41 The natural incursion of coarse marine sediments into the estuary and the eutrophication of sheltered mudflats leading to the spread of dense Enteromorpha beds may impact on invertebrate density and abundance, and hence on waterfowl numbers. Indications are that the observed sediment changes derive from the reassertion of natural coastal processes within the context of an estuary much modified by human activity. An extensive long-term monitoring programme is investigating the effects of the Tees Barrage, while nutrient enrichment from sewage discharges should be ameliorated by the planned introduction of improved treatment facilities and the Environment Agency's acceptance of Seal Sands as a candidate Sensitive Area to Eutrophication. Aside from the eutrophication issue, water quality has shown considerable and sustained improvement, leading to the re-establishment of migratory fish populations and the growth of cormorant and common seal populations. The future development of port facilities in areas adjacent to the site, and in particular of deep water frontages with associated capital dredging, has the potential to cause adverse effect; as will incompatible coastal defence schemes. Other issues on this relatively robust site include scrub encroachment on dunes and recreational, bait-gathering and other disturbance/damage to habitats/species.

Key Environmental Conditions

3.42 The key environmental conditions required to support site integrity comprise the following:

Food availability (small fish, crustaceans, worms and molluscs, seed bearing plants, surface and sub-surface invertebrates Vegetation structure Maintenance of hydrology and flow, suitable water depth Limited disturbance Protection form predation and human interference

Potential Effects of the Action Plan

Air Quality

3.43 Of the qualifying species, APIS reports that Little Tern and Sandwich Tern are sensitive to nitrogen deposition due to impacts upon the species broad habitat (coastal stable dune grasslands - calcareous) required for breeding. However, as Sandwich Tern do not breed along Durham's coastline nitrogen deposition is only an issue for Little Tern. Please see section 3.27 for air quality data and conclusions regarding this potentially adverse effect.

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 29 3 Relevant European Protected Sites

Habitat and Species Destruction or Fragmentation

3.44 Qualifying specific are not likely to be affected by trampling and nitrification of habitat by increased visitors and dog walking activity given that their feeding and roosting areas consists of rocky shores, harbour walls and grassland areas which have since been fenced off from public access. The current measures in place to protect the Little Tern colony are considered to be robust in terms of protecting the Little Tern's preferred breeding habitat at Crimdon. Therefore this issue does not require further consideration during the screening process.

Species Disturbance

3.45 As discussed in section 2.37, high levels of human disturbance is one of the factors attributed to the low number of birds and poor distribution along Durham's coastline. The screening assessment of the Action Plan is principally required to determine whether actions relating to enhancing access to and enjoyment of the coast are likely to significantly affect European Protected Sites or not.

3.4 Summary

3.46 Of the three relevant European Protected sites, it can be concluded that the following mechanisms of impact will need to be considered in detail throughout the screening assessment of the Action Plan:

Durham Coast SAC - trampling and nitrification of habitat Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar - disturbance to qualifying species Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA and Ramsar - disturbance to qualifying species

30 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Conclusion of Screening Stage 4

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 31 4 Conclusion of Screening Stage

4 Conclusion of Screening Stage

4.1 The screening assessment of each individual element of the action plan identified that the majority of measures were considered to have no negative effect on the relevant European sites. Those actions that were considered to have some effect would not lead to significant negative effects either alone or in combination with other plans or projects identified within this report.

4.2 In particular, many of the measures were considered likely to derive positive effects in relation to:

Reducing current and future levels of recreational pressure and associated effects Improving the habitat quality of both the SAC and SPA's Improving the robustness of the SAC from natural coastal erosion Increasing understanding of SAC/SPA/Ramsar species in terms of their susceptibility to recreational pressure Increasing awareness of the Habitats Directive requirements and coastal European Protected Sites to visitors, partners and stakeholders

4.3 Consequently, appropriate assessment of the Action Plan is not required.

32 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Conclusion 5

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 33 5 Conclusion

5 Conclusion

5.1 In accordance with Regulation 61 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) a Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Action Plan has been undertaken. The screening assessment concluded that there is no likelihood of significant effect to the following relevant European Protected Sites:

Durham Coast SAC Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA and Ramsar

5.2 Accordingly, no further stages of assessment are required. The inclusion of several measures within the Action Plan ensure that the potentially conflicting objective of enhancing enjoyment and access to the coast can take place whilst safeguarding the coastal European Protected Sites. Such actions are also considered to provide effective mitigation for in combination plans and projects including the aspirations of the County Durham Plan.

Next Steps

5.3 The views of Natural England as the Governments statutory advisor on the Habitats Regulations, will be particularly important in confirming whether any changes or further analysis is required.

34 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Action Plan A

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 35 36 A aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

A Action Plan Plan Action

Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

1. Support and initiate plans and projects for natural resources

Priority project development and Delivery of management plan Indicated projects delivered OOOO O Core Management Partners As detailed implementation objectives. Improvements in coastal within time frame environment and communities, and integration of issues for coast.

Monitor the nature conservation interest Measuring and monitoring habitat Required for baseline and IIID I a. Birds £2,500 Partners/Developer Evidence base for the SPA in SPAs. quality and food availability. subsequent indicator data every 2-3 contributions years b. Habitat £8,000 baseline, then £3,000 pa

Monitor recreational usage of the SPA Assessment programme based on high Required for baseline and IIID I £1,500 pa Partners/Developer Evidence base for the SPA on an annual basis. tide roosts and little tern colony. subsequent indicator data contributions

Monitor the SAC and the adjacent Action supplements current SSSI Required for baseline and IIID I £15,000 initially Partners/Developer Evidence base for the SAC reversion areas on an annual basis assessment. subsequent indicator data followed by £3,000 pa contributions

Monitor recreational usage of the SAC Some monitoring in place. Additional Required for baseline and IIID I Initial £5,000 followed Partners/Developer Evidence base for the SAC on an annual basis. monitoring required at key sites subsequent indicator data by £1,500 pa contributions

Better than Basic Interpretation – Interpretation provision on the England Completion I £60,000 City of Sunderland SIB and Awareness raising to new East Area Coast Path Coast Path between Wearmouth Bridge Limestone Landscapes users to England Coast Path and Ryhope Dene and SPA

Coastal Connections Seaham to Hendon, landscape, habitat Project milestones IIID/I £400,000 Landfill contributions/HLF/ Coastal streams and Denes & access rationalisation. provide major Green Infrastructure connections to Complements Developer contributions/ SPA Habitat creation & improvement in the implementation of ECP Denes and elsewhere where possible in partnership with land managers. Partners

Access improvements will concentrate on access gateways and policing.

See Halliwell Banks Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Horden Denes Landscape, access rationalisation and Project milestones IIDI/D I £650,000 CA/HLF/LAs/NT/ This project reduces direct habitat improvements impacts SAC and enhances the Durham Coast its buffer. Phase 1 Completed Developer contributions Reducing illegal access, rationalising paths, providing interpretation stations Removal of high input arable and enhancing the habitat buffer to the Phase 3 Delivery regime reduces eutrophic Durham Coast SAC/SPA. inputs to SAC/SPA Phase 4 Development Phase 4 includes possible land purchase, habitat reversion to provide additional buffer to the SAC; and formalising access to reduce impacts on SAC/SPA

Durham Coast National Nature Integrated management of the Reserve Production within the DHC IIII I Core Compliance with national Reserve Management Plan and review of area covered management Plan and requirements to protect and adoption of the plan enhance the NNR and it constituent N2K elements

Durham Grassland Management Plan Joint management of the grassland Production within the DHC IIII I Core Managing the buffer to the habitat management Plan and Durham Coast SAC adoption of the plan

Durham Coast Grazing Project Re-introduction of grazing to the coast Project milestones OOID/I O £ 300,000 Partners/Developers Aims to enhance the buffer to to assist in species enrichment of the contributions/HLF the Durham Coast SAC grasslands

Equine Sector Study Linking bridleways to provide safe off Project milestones IIDD £500,000 EU Leader/Partners/ Dispersal away from coastal road access; encouraging activity away SPA/SAC from coast Delivery of access improvements Developer contributions proposals

Secure funding for defined time for OOOO O Core programme. Improved use of officer time to develop programme and projects cinPlan Action Secure longer term funding for core Realising potential for HC programme, Partnership funding OOOO O Core Partners Delivery of projects that and project development costs, improved use of human resources arrangements secured and enhance SAC including assessment of local, regional, signed up for defined period. national and international funding opportunities Secured funds for projects and project development. Also Theme 2,6 37 A 38 A aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations Plan Action

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Participate in the Limestone Support for the delivery of HC Partnership activity OOII O Core Dispersal away from coastal Landscapes Partnership objectives and connectivity through the SPA/SAC hinterland as consented by Natural England.

Support the EU Leader initiative in East Delivery of rural development Programme completion II £5,000 pa contribution Partners Durham area objectives

Assist in developing and delivering the Enhanced knowledge of and Project milestones II £5,000 pa Partners/Developer Develops SPA evidence base. second Big Sea Survey engagement in our coast contributions/HLF

Representation at local, sub regional Community presence of Heritage Coast Integration and acceptance OOOO O Core and regeneration partnerships partnership, opportunity for community into local community projects, accessing community issues partnerships; confidence for programme development gained; community projects Also Theme 2,3,4,5,6 developed

Engage steering group partners at Improved participation, integration of Projects developed and OOOO O Core project level issues and organisations delivered with partner input

Also Theme 2,6

Develop larger scale joint projects with Larger scale project with regional Development and delivery D/I D/I D/I D/I D/I Core All regional context to maximise funding context of joint projects potential

Also Theme 2,3,4

Develop all projects with community Awareness raising, acceptance and Community education and OOOO O Core input element a priority support of programme in wider awareness programme community; reduction in conflict,; delivered within individual increased sense of ownership project boundaries Also Theme 2,3,4,5,6 Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Collaborative works with other regional Improved regional cooperation and Collaborative work with I/O OOO O Core DEFRA, Partners protected areas cross boundary programmes, NNP, NPAONB, NCAONB integration of issues and scale Includes DEFRA Northern Lands Project Also Theme 2,3 “Electric Bikes”

Provide advice to community groups in As above plus steering project Successful project and OOOO O Core project development to deliver development to HC objectives policy development management plan objectives

Also Theme 2

Liaising with local groups and partners Improved integration of coastal issues As above OOOO O Core to facilitate delivery of management and improved understanding of needs objectives

Also Theme 2

Castle Eden Denemouth Improved access rationalisation and Project completion IID/I 250,000 Developer contributions/DCC/ Removes damaging activity improved understanding between users EU/Charitable Trusts/NE from SPA. in area. Raises local awareness and Includes closing the Deneholme Road respect for the environmental access to Denemouth, improving the importance of area current footpath around the allotments site to universal access to encourage family groups to visit.

This removes illegal vehicle access to SPA, whilst promoting awareness of SAC to local residents

Participation in and development of In line with emerging EU & UK strategy EUCC indicators OOOO O Core

regional ICZM Plan Action

Halliwell Banks Landfill Continue to encourage partnership Cross sectoral participation OOOO Core plus Partners/Landowners/Landfill Process led by EA within CoS working and involvement in decision and resolution of the issue Tax/ and HC boundary. Part IIA making process process continues to protect £100,000 post Coastal SPA resolution 39 A 40 A aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations Plan Action

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

River Basin Management Plan EU Water Framework & Marine RBMP milestones OOOO O Core plus developed Defra bodies/EU/ Improvement to coastal water Strategy Framework Directive project funding Partners/Developers quality sought. Aim of compliance directly relates to coastal improving SPA. DHCP has water quality offered to lead Coastal Stream sub catchment partnership with the direct aim of improving Development of supporting projects quality in flow to coast; additional benefits arise

Develop and deliver evidence based Stripping topsoil at key headland sites £110,000 Partners/EU This is an enhancement interventions that accelerate species to encourage more rapid establishment intervention for the SPA. NE range and diversity in the coastal of key species; subject to appropriate Advice is that this is not related grassland reversion areas. (includes licences and Natural England consent. Developer contributions/HLF to recreational impacts any associated path realignment)

Intrusive intervention.

2. Support and initiate plans and projects for cultural and historical resources

Revised management plan public Management Plan and action plan Draft plan circulated ID Core launch and endorsed by local widely distributed and used in September 2014. Adoption authorities managing Heritage Coast and is a and publication December recognised document. 2014

Develop talks & Presentations Representation to local groups in Representation in all areas OOOO O Core programme and retain core community and area. Raising at relevant entry points. representation at awareness of Heritage Coast objectives Local authorities and coastal issues, strengthening support for improved management, Local community groups improving integration of issues. Regeneration partnerships Sub regional strategic groups Local Access Forums and other avenues as appropriate

England Coast Path promotion and Continuous coast route from Improved coastal access OOII O £5,000pa NE/LAs NE screened out adverse maintenance Sunderland to Hartlepool. impacts out the route. It does transect high tide roost areas. Additional action arises. Includes pedestrian links from Hendon to Seaham and Crimdon to the Headland.

3. Complete the regeneration of coastal areas Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

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Local and Community Plans Embed DHC within new development HC present in Local and OOOO O Core planning system. Community Plans

As required.

Comment and advise on planning and Improved use of coast within HC Regular advice sought OOOO O Core development plans with Heritage Coast management plan area. Integration of locally, regionally and objectives incorporated into local issues and less concentration on a nationally planning documents and strategies sectoral approach

Coastal Ranger Volunteer Group Develop and implement this key Valued service IIID/I I £60,000 pa HLF/BLF/Partners Enhances engagement and delivery group, lost management/awareness of through LGR. SAC/SPA Developer contribution

Develops additional resource for delivery, keen advocates and local “policing” of behaviour

Crimdon Habitat improvement by closure of Project milestones IIIII £250,000 Partners/HLF/Landfill./Charitable Rationalising access is current capillary path network through Trusts/Developer contributions fundamental to protecting the the sand dunes, restricting access and key features of the SAC/SPAs. introducing interpretation, to protect LIFE+ Little Tern project and enhance the assisting in this delivery SAC/SPAs. Recognition of development of Steetley site in Hartlepool will add recreational pressures on SPAs.

Easington Colliery Coastal Access Environmental improvements to the old Project milestones £300,000 Partners/HLF/BLF/EUDeveloper Restricts access to sensitive colliery site providing green D/I II contributions SAC areas in particular and infrastructure through to the coast. also access to the SPA and the Supporting the establishment of a LNR. recovering shoreline.

Rationalise and formalise access routes to reduce diffusion of users, taking into account the sensitivities of the SAC/SPA at this point. cinPlan Action

Regular input on strategic national and Heritage Coast/Coastal issues on the Regular approach to DHC OOOO O Core regional documents agenda locally and nationally, officers promoting integration of coastal issues/responsibilities 41 A 42 A aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations Plan Action

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Seaham Marina The development of North Dock as a Project Milestones OOOO O >£4m Coastal Community Maintenance of coastal slope marina provides a key recreational and Fund/HLF/Partners connectivity assists in visitor resource based on its built and delivering GI and N2K cultural value. objectives Developer contributions

See Theme 4 below High Tide Roost areas in place securing SPA interest.

Delivered by others.

DCHP see this as a key site for information provision and a draw to visitors reducing impacts along the wider coast. Maintenance of the coastal slope and its nature conservation interest through the harbour is included in the GI strategy and to be promoted in DHCP Management Plan. Please note that high tide roost areas utilised at Seaham Harbour are largely inaccessible to the public and will remain as such.

4. Development of sustainable tourism

Engage with and influence the Area Improvements in tourism policy and DHC influence on regional OOOO O Core plus green EARDF/Leader/ERDF Appreciation of the value of Tourism Partnerships and regional management in area, ensure wide and local coastal tourism tourism support SAC/SPA Tourism initiatives and the Area consultation for development of packages Tourism Management Plan (ATMAP) tourism. process £20k pa

Promotional publications Improved respect and knowledge of Project milestones ID/I £5K pa DCC/HLF/Leader Appreciation of the value of SPA/SAC Developer Contributions SAC/SPA

Develop Coastal Centre project and Develop Coastal Centre for Liaison with and influencing OOOO O £2.5m Coastal Communities Fund Maintenance of coastal slope continue liaise with Seaham Harbour interpretation and education providing of the North Dock Task /Partner and Developer connectivity assists in stakeholders to improve access to dock a centralised focus for Heritage Coast Group and CIC Contributions delivering GI and N2K and an opportunity to develop widely objectives used facility. Also Theme 5,6 High Tide Roost areas in place securing SPA interest. Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Sustainable tourism plan Improved economic opportunities with Action taken on OOOO O £20k pa Leader/Partner contributions Plan recommends focus on recommendations incorporated into increases in visitor use, additional recommendations within Seaham as key destination. Heritage Coast programme livelihoods for local communities and programme e.g. in improved image of the coast local and interpretation and events. regionally. Attained whilst the coastal environment is protected and enhanced with a particular emphasis upon sensitive areas.

Support and promote sustainable Reduction of car borne traffic and Increased visitors with D/I D/I ID/I I £25K pa EU/UK Funders, Partner and Reduction of NOx inputs modes of transport (Policies R1 to R6) emissions reduced car numbers Developer Contributions

Refresh and reprint cycling leaflets.

Seek funding to reinstate the Little Tern Flier coastal minibus service.

Support proposal for Horden Station

Engage actively with the North East Improved consideration of safety issues Improved beach safety OOOO O Increasing need Partners Beach safety Forum and national developments £3k pa

Develop and deliver interventions Improvements to water quality through Improved water quality OOOOO Core Partners Improvement to coastal water (where feasible) to protect and enhance input to relevant plans and strategies, quality sought. Aim of the SPAs and their adjoining shores. in particular River Basin Management improving SPA. DHCP has Plan and NWLs periodic review. offered to lead Coastal Stream sub catchment partnership with the direct aim of improving See 1 above. quality in flow to coast; additional benefits arise

Beachcare programme. Interpretation and signage to guide Greater awareness of IIID I £10,000 NWL/Developer Contributions Contribution to water quality behaviour and walking routes. Dogs purpose and value of SPA improvement and improvement to be kept on leads etc. and expected behaviours of SPA cinPlan Action New home packs “Introduction of Beachcare key message.

General awareness raising and engagement. 43 A 44 A aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations Plan Action

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Introduce highly sensitive areas where Fence off/preventing public access Knowledge and behaviour IIID I £40,000 Developer contributions Reduction of disturbance levels visitors are not encouraged, particularly (particularly during the autumn/winter of routine users contributes to SPA. high tide roost areas. months) the high tide roosts as to less disturbance identified in the Coastal Bird Survey - ie: Aligns with path network revisions Seaham Hall Beach Picnic proposed at 11. site (the area to the west of the car parking area); Noses Point Blackhall rocks and grassland (2 sites here) majority of which are within the LNR

Continue to reduce the number of Access to beach is mainly through Opportunistic action. As IIID I £50,000 Developer contributions Direct removal of access leads access points to the SPAs. permissive access by steps. These access point deteriorate no to reduction of disturbance suffer periodic land slip damage. This replacement. levels. offers opportunity to rationalise access to the SPA through key points. Two such access points have been closed in 2013.

Subject to Public Safety requirements and maintaining emergency exits from shore at High Water

Introduce highly sensitive areas where Relates to rationalisation of footpaths IIID I £200,000 Directly relates to increase in visitors are not encouraged. and the provision of interpretation. visitor pressures on SAC/SPA

Rationalising car parking provision is allied.

Demonstrated in 2013/14 by the car parking and access road closure at Blackhall Rock.

Also feasible at Denemouth, Limekiln Gill Horden, Hawthorn Dene.

Reconfigure path network to reduce Prioritised plan included as part of IIID I £50,000 Developer Controls flow of users, directly pressure on SAC DHCP management plan. contributions/Landowner contributing to minimising contribution/HLF impact on SPA/SAC Links to other projects in the plan dealing with restricting access in sensitive areas. Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Develop intensively managed This provision is for intensively Proposals to be developed IIID I >£600,000 HLF/Partners/EU/ Reduction of direct user demonstration/exhibition/education managed demonstration areas for Seaham, Horden . pressure on SAC and areas for the SAC. (gardens) that provide a walk through contribute to wider appreciation learning experience of what the SAC Developer Contributions of value of SAC. contains, its value and purpose, outside Provide behavioural the SAC. These draw visitor mass to guidance as well as visitor demonstration areas rather than the experience and learning. sensitive sites.

Develop and deliver opportunities to Recently produced 5 leaflets that IIID I £2,000 per route Developer Contributions/LA/EU Dispersal away from coastal diffuse visitor pressure inland from SAC support this principlel. This can be SPA/SAC and SPA extended as finance permits.

Path network exists, requires promotion of existing network

Recognise Seaham as the principal IIID I Occuring Actioned via Visit County As described above the tourism gateway to the coast. Durham, Destination Seaham integrated management of the and Tourism East Durham coast positively protects and enhances the N2K features Actioned via Visit County Durham, Destination Seaham and Tourism East Durham

5.Education, advocacy and training

Develop and implement Enhanced communications capability Increased web site usage OOOO O Core plus Partners communications strategy to support DHC programme Increased Facebook and Twitter connections

Increased use of coast

Develop and conduct annual forum Mechanism to bring stakeholders Event feedback rated good IIII I Core Partners together, raising awareness and or better by 75% of involvement. Improved relationships audience Plan Action Also Theme 6 within area. Improved integration of issues, less concentration on sectoral approach 45 A 46 A aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations Plan Action

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Develop Events programme Improved understanding and raising Event feedback rated good IIII I Core Partners awareness of programme and coastal or better by 75% of issues, active engagement of local audience community and improved quality of experience for residents and visitors

Public relations programme Regular PR programme during 2014, Communications Strategy IIII I Core Partners promoting project activity, issues and targets to support the Events programme in line with the Communications Strategy

Develop Heritage Coast newsletter Improved awareness of programme Valued periodical IIII I £4,000 pa Partners 'Coastlines', increase distribution and communication between stakeholders, mechanism for input

Collation of baseline indicators Indications on state of environment and Completed and published IIII I £15,000 pa Partners success of HC programme on an annual basis

Training events Volunteer development delivered 95% of Steering Group IIII I Core Partners through the Coast and Countryside representative attend Forum Voluntary 50% attend one regional training event each year Rangers

Steering Group representative development delivered through Annual Forum and regional initiatives

Enhance the Heritage Coast website Foster support, encourage Heritage Increased and longer usage OOOO O Core Partners (including widening the use by SME's Coast objectives in SMEs and of web site and community groups) community groups, increase HC profile

and 6

Regional representation at appropriate Raising awareness of Heritage Coast Invitations for DHCP OOOO O Core Partners policy development and delivery fora issues and projects, networking and representation at Strategic North East Coastal Fora gaining strategy project ideas from level other projects. Keeping up to date with Teesmouth EMS coastal management issues NE Biodiversity Forum Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Academic contacts Improved working relations and Routine contact with OOOO O Core Partners consistency of ICM approach for region, regional academic opportunity to influence /input research institutions Durham University and in University curricula, availability of expertise for project development Newcastle University

Sunderland University

6. Partnership working /community involvement

Appoint two independent partners at Widening participation and stakeholder Successful appointments at OOOO O Core Partners annual Coastal Forum involvement and increased input into Coastal Forum decision making process by wider community, improved integration of sectors

Review effectiveness of Partnership Monitor and review partnership Formal review completed I Core Partners structure during management plan performance. review.

Annual Business plan Programme of work targets and Document annually for OOOO O Core Partners indicators of achievements. Realistic approval by project partners/ targets and priorities to enable funders programme to progress effectively over 12 months

Produce annual report and disseminate Improved communication and Publication OOOO O Core Partners information involvement clear reporting & feed back mechanism.

Produce summary version of Improved dissemination and Short glossy document OOOO O Core Partners management plan for general public understanding of issues and widely disseminated when management options resources permit

Ensure Partnership and Officer Informed partners, regular feedback Regular report updates at OOOO O Core Partners Steering Group is kept informed of mechanism and clearer quarterly meetings and

progress of projects communications targets met Plan Action 47 A 48 A aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

Activity / Project / Issue Impact Indicator Timeframe Estimated Costs Possible Source SPA/SAC Considerations Plan Action

(D)evelopment/(I)mplementation/(O)ngoing

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Routine formal reporting and liaison Clearer communication and steerage Regular reporting and OOOO O Core Partners with Partners, their members and from Agency, officer support, better scheduled meetings representatives financial management Improved working relationships and understanding

Inform Local authority members of Heritage Coast on political agenda, Regular request for HC staff OOOO O Core Partners issues as required members understanding of issues, expertise lever in political support

Staff unit management Efficient use and development of staff Productive team and OOOO O Core Partners abilities and skills to ensure successful delivery of work programme delivery of management plan objectives. Including appropriate adjustment of resources. Rationale for Castle Eden Dene SAC B

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 49 B Rationale for Castle Eden Dene SAC

B Rationale for Castle Eden Dene SAC

Introduction

B.1 Castle Eden Dene SAC was proposed as a candidate SAC in June 1994 and designated in April 2005. The SAC covers an area of approximately 194 hectares. Castle Eden Dene SAC represents the most extensive northerly native occurrence of Taxus baccata; Yew woods in the UK. Extensive yew groves are found in association with Fraxinus-Ulmus; Ash-elm woodland and it is the only site selected for yew woodland on magnesian limestone in north-east England.

Qualifying Features

Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles; Yew-dominated woodland

Condition Assessment

B.2 During the most recent Condition Assessment process, 6.79% of the component SSSI was classified as 'area favourable' and 93.21% was classified as 'area unfavourable recovering.' The status of the site has not changed between the condition assessments of 2012 and 2013 and no reason has been recorded for adverse condition. However, from examination of the UK Air Pollution Information System datasets (x) it can be seen that

the SAC is currently subject to poor air quality. The main sources of NO2 and SO2 forecast to 2020 are Livestock production: UK (all sources including IPPC installations) (41.2%) and Industrial combustion - UK (cement and lime production, iron and steel, Al smelting (29.1%) respectively.

Table 3 Air Pollutants Affecting Castle Eden Dene SAC (red shading indicates exceedence of thresholds, amber shading indicates pollutants that are close to exceeding critical thresholds)

Qualifying Nitrogen N Dep Critical Load Exceedence Acid Deposition A Dep Critical Exceedence Impacts Feature Deposition Ranges Impacts (Nitrogen/Sulphur keq/ha/yr) Load Ranges (kgN/ha/yr)

Min Av Max Min Av Max

Taxus 36.7930.38 38.36 N Ranges 5-15kg. Changes in soil NO2 2.170 2.63 2.74 A Ranges Leaching will cause a baccata This Review uses 5 processes, nutrient decrease in soil base woods of imbalance, altered saturation, increasing SO2 0.25 0.25 0.25 the British composition Min: the availability of Al3+ Isles mycorrhiza and 0.142-1.626N/1.269S ions; mobilisation of Al3+ ground vegetation may cause toxicity to Max: plants and mycorrhiza; 0.357-2.519N/2.377S may cause a decline in tree vitality and changes in ground flora species This Review uses composition; may have Min ranges direct effect on lower plants (bryophytes and lichens); may cause increased susceptibility to pathogens and pests.

Deposition Data Year: 2009-2011

x APIS

50 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Rationale for Castle Eden Dene SAC B

Reported Vulnerabilities

B.3 No vulnerabilities were recorded within the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form for the site which states:

Yew woodlands are distributed throughout the site in a matrix of other woodland types. The site is managed as a National Nature Reserve and the Management Plan provides for regeneration of this special woodland type.

Key Environmental Conditions

B.4 The key environmental conditions required to support site integrity comprise the following:

No loss of ancient semi-natural stands At least current area of recent semi-natural stands maintained, although their location may alter. Woodland natural processes and structure / structural diversity maintained Natural regeneration to maintain canopy density over a 20 year period Limited loss of native woodland species to non-native or other external factors (e.g. Pollution, eutrophication form run-off, disease) Limited air pollution Maintain species, habitats and structures characteristic to the site

Potential Effects of the Action Plan

Air Quality

B.5 Castle Eden Dene SAC is located within 200 metres of the A19, which is a regional transport corridor. Therefore any increase in visitors using this road to enable access to the coast could cause significant effects to the SAC, particularly as critical thresholds of nitrogen deposition have already been exceeded.

B.6 APIS predicts that emissions from road transport contributing to the total deposition of nitrogen to the SAC will reduce from 8.4% (2005) to 5.5% (2020) perhaps due to cleaner technologies being used in new cars. However, even if the maximum deposition of 38.36 kgN/ha/yr remained constant 5.5% or 2.1kg is >1% of the critical load range for the habitat. Natural England use the following formula to determine likely significant effects from air pollution to sites:

Where the Process Contribution >1% of a long term critical load or level and the Predicted Environment Contribution is > 70% this is a likely significant effect.

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 51 B Rationale for Castle Eden Dene SAC

B.7 Accordingly, road transport to 2020 is 42% of the critical load (5kg) and total deposition (38.36 kgN/ha/yr) is 767% greater than the critical load, therefore significant effects cannot be ruled out, particularly as total deposition levels are unlikely to remain constant or decrease. Recent transport modelling undertaken predicts an increase of 155,500 vehicles to 2021 (xi) under a business as usual scenario i.e. Without taking into account a potential increase in visitors to the coast or other in combination effects such as the growth aspirations of the County Durham Plan (31,400 new houses by 2030).

B.8 This issue was given further consideration as part of the Habitat Regulations Assessment of the County Durham Plan. (xii) Consideration was initially given to buffering of sites as a means of decreasing levels of deposition. Guidance which came out of the 2011 Nitrogen Deposition workshop states: (xiii)

In the case of nitrogen emissions to air, buffer zones could be appropriate both for nitrogen oxides emissions from roads and for ammonia emissions from agriculture. Three aspects to such buffer zones should be considered:

• increasing the distance from the source, allowing greater dispersion before the air reaches the sensitive area, such as an SAC;

• increasing the dispersion between source and receptor, such as by planting tall rough vegetation, further diluting the pollutant before it reaches the sensitive area; and

• encouraging deposition between the source and receptor, such as provided by planting tall vegetation as a buffer zone

B.9 However, in respect of Castle Eden Dene SAC it is noted that the verges of the A19 are sufficiently ‘planted up’ with scrub and trees, both adjacent and to the north and south of the reserve. There is therefore little opportunity to alleviate any increase in traffic levels by putting buffers in place.

B.10 Consequently, the only practical measures to mitigate to nitrogen deposition as a result of increased visitors and traffic growth relate to encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transport to visit the coast. Such measures are already implemented by the Heritage Coast Partnership and Visit County Durham and are reflected within section 4 of the Action Plan. (Please see Appendix A)

B.11 Accordingly, the Action Plan is considered unlikely to result in significant effects as it aims to mitigate its own contribution to the nitrogen deposition issue. Therefore this issue does not require further consideration during the screening process.

xi Jacobs (July 2013) County Durham Local Plan Option Appraisal Durham County Council xii Durham County Council (October 2013) The County Durham Plan: Pre-Submission Draft Local Plan: Habitat Regulations Assessment Report xiii Nitrogen Deposition and Natura 2000 - Science and Practice in Determining Environmental Impacts (2011)

52 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Rationale for Castle Eden Dene SAC B

Habitat and Species Destruction or Fragmentation

B.12 Due to the proximity of the SAC to the coast, visitors may combine their visit to the coast to a visit to Castle Eden Dene which may increase levels of recreation pressure and associated direct and indirect damage to qualifying habitat. However, during the consultation process on the HRA of the County Durham Plan, Natural England confirmed that recreational pressure to Castle Eden Dene SAC is unlikely to be unmanageable given the existing management procedures for the National Nature Reserve and the nature of the SAC itself in limiting off track activities. Therefore this issue does not require further consideration during the screening process.

Species Disturbance

B.13 An increase in disturbance was not considered to be a potential impact pathway to Castle Eden Dene SAC due to the nature of the SAC in respect of its qualifying features. Therefore this issue does not require further consideration during the screening process.

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 53 Screening Schedule C

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 54 C Screening Schedule

Key to Screening Schedule

aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat A Elements of the action plan that have no negative effect on a European Protected Site at all

B Elements of the action plan that could have an effect, but the likelihood is there would be no significant negative effect on a European site either alone or in combination with other elements of the action plan, or other plans or projects;

Developer contributions are required to part fund action as part of County Durham Plan mitigation

(1) Related reference point on map (please see Appendix D)

Table 4 Screening Schedule of Action Plan

Activity Plan Action / Measure Assessment Justification Is an Section Category appropriate assessment required?

1. Support Priority project development and A Delivery of following project within set timescale: Better than Basic Interpretation – East Area Coast No and initiate implementation Path. Action is likely to derive positive effects. Please see comments against relevant action plans and projects for Monitor the nature conservation interest in A Action is directly linked to the future management of the SPA's. Monitoring provides confidence that No natural SPAs. should recreational trampling / nitrification of the habitat that supports the SPA's increase as a result resources of this plan and other plans and projects the measures within this action plan can be amended (measuring and monitoring habitat quality accordingly. and food availability.) cenn Schedule Screening Monitor recreational usage of the SPA on A Action is directly linked to the future management of the SPA's. Monitoring provides confidence that No an annual basis. should recreational disturbance increase as a result of this plan and other plans and projects the measures within this action plan can be amended accordingly.

Monitor the SAC and the adjacent reversion A Action is directly linked to the future management of the SPA's. Monitoring provides confidence that No areas on an annual basis should recreational trampling / nitrification of qualifying habitat increase as a result of this plan and other plans and projects the measures within this action plan can be amended accordingly.

Monitor recreational usage of the SAC on A As above No an annual basis. 55 C 56 C aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

Activity Plan Action / Measure Assessment Justification Is an Schedule Screening Section Category appropriate assessment required?

Better than Basic Interpretation – East Area A Likely positive effects - interpretation along the England Coast Path will be used in part to raise No Coast Path awareness of the SAC / SPA and may help influence responsible visitor behaviour.

Coastal Connections (1): A Likely positive effects. Actions include: No Reversion of arable land to magnesian limestone grassland at Ryhope Denes. Benfits include; Seaham to Hendon, landscape, habitat & Removal of high input arable regime reduces eutrophic inputs to SAC / SPA and; by converting access rationalisation. these intensively managed areas into mag-lime grassland the size of the SAC habitat will increase making it more robust – creating a better seed bank and source for the re-colonisation Habitat creation & improvement in the of the coastal cliffs as they erode as part of the natural process. May also provide good roosting Denes and elsewhere where possible in habitat for SPA species partnership with land managers. Enhancing the entry point to the beach north of Halliwell Banks and policing of use through voluntary wardens. This location will direct visitors / users away from the more sensitive areas Access improvements will concentrate on of the coast access gateways and policing. Promotion of a circular route away from the beach (and more sensitive areas) south of Ryhope incorporating the National coastal path. Fencing off High Tide Roost Area at Seaham picnic park Creation of exhibition area at Red Acre (Seaham Harbour) to raise awareness and encourage responsible visitor / user behaviour, particularly with regard to Low Tide Feeding Area at Red Acre Removal of pathways at Nose's point to discourage access to sensitive Low Tide Feeding Area and High Tide Roost Area

Horden Denes (4): A Likely positive effects. Actions include: No Closure of desire lines / routes to the beach Landscape, access rationalisation and Promotion of PROW as a key gateway point to the coast and policing of such through voluntary habitat improvements warden programme

Reducing illegal access, rationalising paths, providing interpretation stations and enhancing the habitat buffer to the Durham Coast SAC/SPA.

Durham Coast National Nature Reserve A Likely Positive Effects - Management Plan for the National Nature Reserve Interest will be compliant No Management Plan (joint management) with conservation objectives for qualifying European Protected sites Activity Plan Action / Measure Assessment Justification Is an Section Category appropriate assessment required? aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat Durham Grassland Management Plan (joint A Likely Positive Effects - involves the conservation and restoration of magnesian grassland which No management) benefits the SAC and may benefit the SPA. Furthermore areas will be fenced off for grazing to encourage the grassland which will deter recreational use and the removal of high input arable regime reduces eutrophic inputs to SAC/SPA

Durham Coast Grazing Project (2) A Likely Positive Effects - as above in terms of effects. Cattle are currently grazed at White Lea Farm, No Easington Colliery

Equine Sector Study (6) A Likely Positive Effects - aims to encourage activity away from the coast. For example rationalisation No of access at Crimdon dunes system away from sensitive areas of the beach in terms of feeding areas Delivery of access improvements proposals for SPA species) and improvement of bridleway through Crimdon Dene away from coast.

Secure funding for defined time for A No conceivable effect - action relates to internal management processes No programme. Improved use of officer time to develop programme and projects

Secure longer term funding for core and A No conceivable effect - action relates to internal management processes No project development costs, including assessment of local, regional, national and international funding opportunities

Participate in the Limestone Landscapes A Likely Positive Effects - Limestone Landscape projects of relevance to the heritage coast and No Partnership SAC/SPA's include the coastal grassland project, benefits of which are described above and encouraging green exercise at Blackhall Rocks. The green exercise element included the creation and promotion of a circular all weather route away from the beach. Access from this circular route to the beach has been removed cenn Schedule Screening Support the EU Leader initiative in East B Any potential negative effects from new programme are likely to be avoided - Leader programme has No Durham area completed. The new programme is being developed and any actions on/near the coast will be subject to screening to ensure adverse effects will be avoided.

Assist in developing and delivering the A Likely Positive Effects - will enhance knowledge and understanding of coastal species No second Big Sea Survey

Representation at local, sub regional and A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No regeneration partnerships 57 C 58 C aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

Activity Plan Action / Measure Assessment Justification Is an Schedule Screening Section Category appropriate assessment required?

Engage steering group partners at project A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No level

Develop larger scale joint projects with A General statement of intent - no regional projects proposed within this plan No regional context to maximise funding potential

Develop all projects with community input A General statement of intent No element a priority

Collaborative works with other regional A General statement of intent No protected areas e.g. AONB

Provide advice to community groups in A General statement of intent No project development to deliver management plan objectives

Liaising with local groups and partners to A General statement of intent No facilitate delivery of management objectives

Castle Eden Denemouth (5): A Likely positive effects -removes illegal vehicle access to the SAC and promotion of circular allotment No walk will help to deflect recreational pressure from the coast Access rationalisation and improved understanding between users in area.

Includes closing the Deneholme Road access to Denemouth, improving the current footpath around the allotments site to encourage family groups to visit.

Participation in and development of A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No regional Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Halliwell Banks Landfill: A Action relates to the remediation of contaminated land within City of Sunderland Boundary. Part IIA No process led by the Environment Agency. Continue to encourage partnership working and involvement in decision making process Activity Plan Action / Measure Assessment Justification Is an Section Category appropriate assessment required? aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat River Basin Management Plan - A Likely positive effects - Improvement to coastal water quality sought. Aim of improving SAC and food No development of supporting projects availability to SPA. The Heritage Coast Partnership has offered to lead Coastal Stream sub catchment partnership with the direct aim of improving quality in flow to coast; additional benefits arise

Develop and deliver evidence based A Likely positive effects - please see previous comments re benefits of coastal grassland / grazing No interventions that accelerate species range project. Stripping of topsoil will only take place where consented by Natural England and diversity in the coastal grassland reversion areas. (includes any associated path realignment)

2. Support Revised management plan public launch A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No and initiate and endorsed by local authorities plans and projects for Develop talks & Presentations programme A Likely positive effects - activity will help to raise awareness of European Protected Site status and No cultural and and retain core representation at sensitivities historical resources Local authorities Local community groups Regeneration partnerships Sub regional strategic groups

Local Access Forums and other avenues as appropriate

England Coast Path promotion and B The promotion of the route is likely to increase visitors to the Coast and the route itself transects a No maintenance High Tide Roosting area at Blackhall Rocks. However, the roosting area has now been adequately fenced and the coastal path provides the basis for the creation of several circular walks which direct Schedule Screening visitors away from sensitive areas. In addition it is considered that other access management measures within this Plan such as the rationalisation of desire lines and routes, interpretation etc will help to foster responsible visitor behaviour and mitigate for increased pressure. The monitoring measures within this plan will ensure that the effectiveness of such measures can be reviewed.

3. Complete Local and Community Plans (ensure A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No the policies and plans adequately reflect the regeneration aims and objectives of the Heritage Coast of coastal Management Plan) areas 59 C 60 C aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

Activity Plan Action / Measure Assessment Justification Is an Schedule Screening Section Category appropriate assessment required?

Comment and advise on planning and A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No development plans with Heritage Coast objectives incorporated into local planning documents and strategies

Development of Coastal Ranger Volunteer A Likely Positive Effect - Ranger group would help to raise awareness of SAC / SPA and help to police No Group visitor behaviour

Crimdon (6): A Likely Positive Effect - removes paths that lead directly to Low Tide Feeding Areas and interpretation No should help to raise awareness of sensitivities and influence appropriate behaviour. Action may help Habitat improvement by closure of current to reduce potential disturbance impacts arising from Steetley housing site in Hartlepool capillary path network through the sand dunes, restricting access and introducing interpretation, to protect and enhance the SAC/SPAs.

Easington Colliery Coastal Access (3): A Likely Positive Effect - Actions involve: No Removing the more desirable access points to the coast Environmental improvements to the old Creating a circular walk away from the coast as part of proposed Local Nature Reserve colliery site providing green infrastructure through to the coast. Supporting the establishment of a LNR.

Rationalise and formalise access routes to reduce diffusion of users, taking into account the sensitivities of the SAC/SPA at this point.

Regular input on strategic national and A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No regional documents

Seaham Marina (1): A Likely Positive Effect - provision of a visitor centre / demonstration area at Seaham Marina will draw No visitors to the least sensitive area of the coast (given that high tide roost areas are inaccessible to The development of North Dock as a marina the the public in this area and will remain so) and will raise awareness of SAC/SPA species and provides a key recreational and visitor required behaviour at particular parts of the coast e.g. keeping dogs on lead. Marina proposals have resource based on its built and cultural previously been subject to HRA and approved. Activity Plan Action / Measure Assessment Justification Is an Section Category appropriate assessment required? aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat value. This is a key site for information provision and a draw to visitors reducing impacts along the wider coast

4. Develop Coastal Centre project and A As above, roosting areas will remain inaccessible to the public No Development continue to liaise with Seaham Harbour of sustainable stakeholders to improve access to dock (i.e tourism North Dock) (1)

Engage with and influence the Area Tourism A Potential for positive effects in terms of raising awareness of Habitats Directive and particular SAC/SPA No Partnerships and regional Tourism initiatives issues and the Area Tourism Management Plan (ATMAP) process

Promotional publications A Potential for positive effects in terms of raising awareness of SAC / SPA and responsible visitor No behaviour

Sustainable tourism plan recommendations A No conceivable effect - recommendations take into account need to protect integrity of No incorporated into Heritage Coast SAC/SPA/Ramsar sites programme

Support and promote sustainable modes of A Likely positive effects - in relation to reducing vehicle borne nitrogen deposition to sites No transport

Engage actively with the North East Beach A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No safety Forum

Develop and deliver interventions (where A Positive effects derived - improvements to water quality may improve food availability for SPA and No Schedule Screening feasible) to protect and enhance the SPAs SAC is partly reliant on calcareous flushes and their adjoining shores. Improvement to coastal water quality sought. Aim of improving SPA. DHCP has offered to lead Coastal Stream sub catchment partnership with the direct aim of improving quality in flow to coast;

Beachcare programme: A Positive effects derived - raising awareness and influencing responsible visitor behaviour No 61 C 62 C aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

Activity Plan Action / Measure Assessment Justification Is an Schedule Screening Section Category appropriate assessment required?

Interpretation and signage to guide behaviour and walking routes. Dogs to be kept on leads etc.

New home packs “Introduction of Beachcare key message.

General awareness raising and engagement.

Introduce highly sensitive areas where A Positive effects derived - restricting access to sensitive areas and influencing responsible visitor No visitors are not encouraged, particularly behaviour high tide roost areas:

Fence off/preventing public access (particularly during the autumn/winter months) the high tide roosts as identified in the Coastal Bird Survey - ie:

Seaham Hall Beach Picnic site (the area to the west of the car parking area)(2); Noses Point (1) & Blackhall rocks and grassland (2 sites here) majority of which are within the LNR (7)

All supported by behaviour direction signage. Dogs to be kept on leads

Continue to reduce the number of access A Positive effects derived - restricting access to sensitive areas No points to the SPAs. (8)

Access to beach is mainly through permissive access by steps. These suffer periodic land slip damage. This offers opportunity to rationalise access to the SPA Activity Plan Action / Measure Assessment Justification Is an Section Category appropriate assessment required? aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat through key points. Two such access points have been closed in 2013. Subject to Public Safety requirements and maintaining emergency exits from shore at High Water

Introduce highly sensitive areas where A Positive effects derived - restricting access to sensitive areas No visitors are not encouraged (8). Relates to rationalisation of footpaths and the provision of interpretation.

Rationalising car parking provision is allied. Demonstrated in 2013/14 by the car parking and access road closure at Blackhall Rock. Also feasible at Denemouth, Limekiln Gill Horden, Hawthorn Dene.

Reconfigure path network to reduce A Positive effects derived - restricting access to sensitive areas No pressure on SAC (8)

Develop intensively managed A Positive effects derived - aim to draw visitor mass to demonstration areas rather than the sensitive No demonstration/exhibition/education areas sites.Provide behavioural guidance as well as visitor experience and learning. for the SAC. Proposals to be developed for Seaham and Horden (1 &4)

Develop and deliver opportunities to A Positive effects derived - aims to encourage use of path network away from sensitive areas of the No diffuse visitor pressure inland from SAC coast cenn Schedule Screening and SPA (1,3,4 & 5)

Path network exists, requires promotion of existing network

Recognise Seaham as the principal tourism A Positive effects derived - will draw visitors to the least sensitive location along the Durham Coast No gateway to the coast. 63 C 64 C aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat

Activity Plan Action / Measure Assessment Justification Is an Schedule Screening Section Category appropriate assessment required?

5. Education, Develop and implement communications A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No advocacy and strategy training Develop and conduct annual forum A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No

Develop Events programme B Whilst events may increase visitor numbers the purpose of them will be to raise awareness of coastal No issues including SAC/SPA sensitivities. Other measures within this plan are likely to encourage responsible behaviour of visitors to minimise effect

Public relations programme A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No

Develop Heritage Coast newsletter A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No 'Coastlines', increase distribution

Collation of baseline indicators A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No

Training events A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No

Enhance the Heritage Coast website A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No

Regional representation at appropriate A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No policy development and delivery forum North East Coastal Fora Teesmouth EMS NE Biodiversity Forum

Improved connections with academic A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No contacts:

Durham University

Newcastle University

Sunderland University

6. Appoint two independent partners at annual A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No Partnership Coastal Forum Activity Plan Action / Measure Assessment Justification Is an Section Category appropriate assessment required? aia euain seseto h eiaeCatMngetPlan Managment Coast Heritage the of Assessment Regulations Habitat working / Review effectiveness of Partnership A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No community structure during management plan review. involvement Annual Business Plan A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No

Produce annual report and disseminate A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No information

Produce summary version of management A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No plan for general public

Ensure Partnership and Officer Steering A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No Group is kept informed of progress of projects

Routine formal reporting and liaison with A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No Partners, their members and representatives

Inform Local authority members of issues A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No as required

Staff unit management A No conceivable effect - action relates to general partnership activity No cenn Schedule Screening 65 C Coastal Access Management Measures: Maps D

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 66 Coastal Access Management Measures: Maps D

D Coastal Access Management Measures: Maps

Figure 5 Coastal Access Management Measures: Ryhope

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 67 D Coastal Access Management Measures: Maps

Figure 6 Coastal Access Management Measures: Ryhope - Seaham

68 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Coastal Access Management Measures: Maps D

Figure 7 Coastal Access Management Measures: Seaham

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 69 D Coastal Access Management Measures: Maps

Figure 8 Coastal Access Managment Measures: Noses Point

70 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Coastal Access Management Measures: Maps D

Figure 9 Coastal Access Management Measures: Easington Colliery

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 71 D Coastal Access Management Measures: Maps

Figure 10 Coastal Access Management Measures: Horden

72 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan Coastal Access Management Measures: Maps D

Figure 11 Coastal Access Management Measures: Blackhall Colliery - Blackhall Rocks

Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan 73 D Coastal Access Management Measures: Maps

Figure 12 Coastal Access Managment Measures: Crimdon

74 Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Heritage Coast Managment Plan

To find out more about Habitat Regulations Assessment please contact us at:

Write to: Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy Team Durham County Council County Hall Floor 5 Room 66-72 Durham DH1 5UQ Telephone: 03000 265543 Email: [email protected] Website: http://durhamcc-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/ps/hra

[email protected] 03000 265543