Pontypool & New Inn Station

Torfaen County Borough Council PONTYPOOL & NEW INN STATION Planning Statement

NOVEMBER 2019 PUBLIC

Torfaen County Borough Council

PONTYPOOL & NEW INN STATION Planning Statement

TYPE OF DOCUMENT (VERSION) PUBLIC

PROJECT NO. 70034910 OUR REF. NO. 70034910-PPL-STA-PLA-01

DATE: NOVEMBER 2019

WSP 1 Capital Quarter Tyndall Street Cardiff CF10 4BZ Phone: +44 2920 769 200

WSP.com

PUBLIC

QUALITY CONTROL

Issue/revision First issue Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3

Remarks

Date

Prepared by Ruth Jones

Signature

Checked by Jack Pugsley

Signature

Authorised by Chris Clarke

Signature

Project number

Report number

File reference

PONTYPOOL & NEW INN STATION PUBLIC | WSP Project No.: 70034910 November 2019 Torfaen County Borough Council

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 SITE CONTEXT 3

3 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 9

4 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT 2

5 MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS 15

6 CONCLUSION 22

TABLES

Table 2-1 – Pre-Application LPA Consultee Responses 4 Table 2-2 – Pre-Application Consultation Summary 6 Table 3-1 – Facilities available at Pontypool & New Inn Station 10 Table 3-2 – Pontypool and New Inn Timetable 10 Table 4-1 – Planning Policy Wales (Edition 10, December 2018) 2 Table 4-2 – Relevant LDP Policies 8 Table 4-3 – LDP Sustainability Objectives for the Site 10 Table 4-4 – SA Sustainability Objectives for the Site 10

FIGURES

Figure 2-1 - Site Aerial 3 Figure 2-2 - Site Location Plan Extract 4 Figure 2-3 - Relevant Planning History 7 Figure 3-1 - Proposed General Arrangement Plan Extract 9

PONTYPOOL & NEW INN STATION PUBLIC | WSP Project No.: 70034910 November 2019 Torfaen County Borough Council

Figure 3-2 – 3D Drawing of the Footbridge from the North-West 11 Figure 4-1 - Pontypool Integrated Network Map Extract 5 Figure 4-2 - Torfaen County Borough Council Proposals Map 6 Figure 4-3 - Torfaen County Borough Council Constraints Map 7 Figure 4-4 - Area covered by the South-East Wales Valley Local Transport Plan 12 Figure 4-5 - Relationship between Transport Strategies in Wales 13 Figure 5-1 - Invasive Species Location Plan Extract 16 Figure 5-2 – The Site 18 Figure 5-3 - Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Conservation Area 18 Figure 5-4 - Extract of Tree Protection Plan 19 Figure 5-5 - Historic Wales Map Extract 20 Figure 5-6 - NRW DAM Map Extract 21

APPENDICES

EIA SCOPING DIRECTION

TRAIN TIMES FOR SOUTH WALES, NORTH WALES & MANCHESTER

PONTYPOOL & NEW INN STATION PUBLIC | WSP Project No.: 70034910 November 2019 Torfaen County Borough Council

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW 1.1.1. WSP (‘the Agent’) have been instructed by Torfaen County Borough Council (TCBC) Highways, Traffic and Engineering Team (‘the Applicant’) to prepare and submit a full planning application at Pontypool and New Inn Railway Station (‘the Site’) for: “Construction of a car park, access roads from the A4042 and a new passenger footbridge (including an accessible lift)” 1.2 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS 1.2.1. The Planning Statement should be read in conjunction with the following documents which accompany the planning application:  Planning Application Forms;  Covering Letter;  Plans and Drawings  Preliminary Ecological Appraisal;  Badger Survey Report;  Landscape and Visual Appraisal;  Pre-Application Consultation Report;  Design and Access Statement;  Transport Assessment; and  Tree Survey. 1.3 BACKGROUND TO THE DEVELOPMENT 1.3.1. The Proposed Development, improvements to the existing station including parking and access from the A4042, links into the South-East Wales Transport Alliance rail strategy objective to increase service and stopping frequencies along the Hereford to Newport line, including the provision of ‘local’ stopping services, together with significant improvements to station facilities, interchange and parking at this and adjacent stations. 1.3.2. The Proposed Development has the potential to harness rail passenger growth to and from Cardiff and Newport, which will have a positive impact on the Cardiff Capital Region to enhance prosperity and wellbeing for all through economic growth. It has also been recognised as part of the South- East Wales Metro, which the City Deal Investment Fund is supporting. 1.3.3. The provision of good interchange facilities, convenient access and additional park and ride (P&R) capacity, would also support a wider package of measures. Strategic P&R facilities with good access from the Trunk Road Network could be a potential means of substituting longer distance car trips to Newport, Cardiff and Bristol with a rail element, thereby relieving pressure on the M4 corridor and the A4042. 1.3.4. The aim of the Proposed Development is to improve the basic facilities and services at the station, which has led to low usage of the railway and limited investment, by providing a step change in interchange provision so that the station acts as a key hub for regional travel for the area.

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1.4 FORMAT OF THE DOCUMENT 1.4.1. The Planning Statement is submitted as part of the planning application and is structured as follows:  Section 2 (Site Context) – describes the location of the Proposed Development and any relevant planning applications in the area surrounding the Site.  Section 3 (The Proposed Development) – sets out the details of the Proposed Development including the proposed layout.  Section 4 (Planning Policy Context) – sets out the national and local planning policies relevant to the Proposed Development.  Section 5 (Material Considerations) – sets out the need for the Proposed Development, environmental considerations, and the planning balance for the Proposed Development.  Section 6 (Conclusion) – summarises the need for the Proposed Development and how it accords with the planning policy framework.

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2 SITE CONTEXT

2.1 THE SITE 2.1.1. As shown on the Site Aerial and Site Location Plan (Figure 2-1 below and Figure 2-2 overleaf), the Proposed Development will be located on the northern side of the existing Pontypool & New Inn Station (PNI). The Site is located approximately 1.8km east of Pontypool town centre, and lies between the town of Pontypool and the village of New Inn, which is to the south-east.

Figure 2-1 - Site Aerial

2.1.2. The Site is located adjacent to the A4042 Trunk Road, which leads from Abergavenny approximately 12.5km to the north, southwards to Newport and the M4 motorway approximately 10.4km south. PNI is currently accessed from The Highway, which passes over the A4042 and links Pontypool and New Inn. Car parking and access to the island platform is currently from the south of PNI. 2.1.3. The Site lies on the north-western edge of New Inn, with the area extending to the north east comprising of predominantly rural and agricultural land. Coed y Canddo is a 6.5ha Ancient Woodland situated approximately 150m south east of the Site, with Panteg Cemetery located to the north-west on the opposite side of the A4042. 2.2 PRE-APPLICATION DIALOGUE Local communities and stakeholders can contribute to the development of transport places and instil local distinctiveness. The delivery of transport places and projects can deliver social capital through community development, learning and training and also community-owned development. Engagement must identify opportunities for these outcomes.

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Figure 2-2 - Site Location Plan Extract

2.2.1. The following sub-section, as well as the Pre-Application Consultation Report submitted as part of this application, outlines the pre-application dialogue undertaken with the Local Planning Authority, local community and other interested stakeholders. PRE-APPLICATION ENQUIRY 2.2.2. A pre-application enquiry was submitted to TCBC on 6th June 2019, with an accompanying statement which provided further information on the proposals as well as relevant planning and environmental considerations. 2.2.3. A formal pre-application meeting took place with TCBC Planning Officers on 11th July 2019 to discuss the proposals and the information provided. 2.2.4. A summary of the pre-application consultee responses received by the TCBC Planning Officers is provided below. To date, no formal pre-application response has been received from the Planning Department.

Table 2-1 – Pre-Application LPA Consultee Responses

Discipline Response / Outcome

Drainage Confirmation that SAB approval will be required in respect of the Proposed Development

Highways As the A4042 is a Trunk Road, it is for the Welsh Government to make comment (see section below). A Transport Assessment will be required for submission alongside the planning application.

Ecology Highlighted that the further studies and surveys required following the Phase 1 Habitat survey need to be reported on within the planning application.

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Discipline Response / Outcome

Any licence from NRW for closing the badger sett onsite cannot be applied for until planning consent is in place. Consideration needs to be had in relation to the timing and the programming for the works, factoring in the seasonal requirements for the licence.

Public Health Recommended that a Construction/Demolition Management Plan is submitted to, and agreed by the LPA, prior to the commencement of works. The response provided information on the detail to be included within the Plan.

2.2.5. Following the pre-application meeting with the Planning Department, the agent contacted the Welsh Government’s Transport Directorate to obtain their views on the proposed development as the Proposed Development will likely result in a material increase in the volume or a material change in the character of traffic entering or leaving the adjacent trunk road. The Transport Directorate is responsible for the maintenance of the trunk road and were also consulted during the PAC process. 2.2.6. In their response, they had five main comments to raise, as per the following:  Merge and diverge slip roads should be in accordance with DMRB. Furthermore, they asked if we could confirm that the merge is compliant and that there is no adverse impact on double height safety fencing RRS for protection of the railway line and bridge pier;  Noted that the proposal will include the loss of the A4042 southbound lay-by which leads to the spacing between lay-bys on the A4042 being greater than recommended in the DMRB (Table 3-2 TD 69/07 – 2.5 km). This wasn’t considered to be an insurmountable problem as the next lay-by when heading south (near the New Road Overbridge) is of a much better standard and would be preferred for use by HGV’s over the one which will be lost as part of the proposal;  Notwithstanding this and linked to the above is the provision or non-provision of access controls. At present, it isn’t clear to the Transport Directorate whether the car park is going to be open 24-7 and just limited to cars, motorcycles and bicycles only. If looking to control access to the car park overnight and/or limit the vehicle types, access controls should be as close as possible to the end of the off-slip where this enters the car park. The last outcome which anyone would want is for prohibited vehicles (HGV’s for example) being forced to reverse back onto the A4042 after they get halfway down the slip road and find that the access is closed;  Any increased usage of the existing right of way. There is a public footpath that crosses the A4042 directly adjacent to the diverge for the Site and whilst it is rarely used at present, demand may increase as it provides a shorter route to and from the station from the Highway and also a direct route from the Coed-y-Cando estate. The Welsh Government would not wish to see any increased use of an at grade uncontrolled crossing at this high-speed location and would seek for this Right of Way to be extinguished with associated stopping up. Speed reduction engineering measures on this section of national speed limit trunk road would not be acceptable.  Any submitted Transport Assessment should factor in an ongoing WelTAG Stage 2 appraisal of the A4042/A472 Pontypool Roundabout to help manage congestion (and improve road safety) and additional trips being generated by the Mamhilad Urban Village development – if consented.

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PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION 2.2.7. In accordance with Part 1A of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedures) (Wales) Order 2016, all major developments (over 1 hectare) are required to carry out pre-application consultation, prior to submission to the Local Planning Authority. Therefore, this planning application is accompanied by a Pre-Application Consultation Report which demonstrates compliance with section 61Z of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and how consultation responses have been received and considered. Table 2-1 below provides a summary of the Pre- Application Consultation actions undertaken.

Table 2-2 – Pre-Application Consultation Summary

Pre-Application Consultation Date Requirement Actioned Requirement Satisfied Actions

Display a site notice 15/11/2019

Write to “any owner or occupier of any land adjoining the land to which 15/11/2019 the proposed application relates”

Consult “community” and “specialist” 15/11/2019 consultees

Make the draft application available 15/11/2019 publicly

2.2.8. The applicant has been committed to a programme of stakeholder and community engagement that goes beyond the statutory minimum requirements. The consultation has included extension dialogue with the Local Planning Authority regarding the design of the proposals, and the scope and content of the application submission. Furthermore, discussions have been held with other key stakeholders, including the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Network Rail to inform the design and various technical studies required to accompany the planning application submission. 2.2.9. Full details of all pre-application consultation undertaken in connection with the Proposed Development is set out in the Pre-Application Consultation Report which accompanies this planning application.

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2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 2.3.1. The Proposed Development has been reviewed against the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Wales) Regulations 2017 and provisions set out in Circular 11/99 to determine whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required to accompany the planning application. 2.3.2. The key environmental effects relevant to the Proposed Development and the Site were considered to be limited to traffic and ecology in the short to medium term, with positive effects expected in respect of traffic in the long term based on the current baseline. Cumulative effects are expected to be minor adverse when considering other reasonably foreseeable developments in the surrounding area. 2.3.3. An EIA Screening Opinion request was submitted to Torfaen County Borough Council on 6th June 2019 seeking to confirm whether the Proposed Development is EIA Development. The request was formally required as the Proposed Development falls into Category 10 of Schedule 2 (Infrastructure projects (c) Construction of intermodal transhipment facilities and of intermodal terminals) and the Site area exceeds the threshold of 0.5ha (the Site is circa 2.3ha). 2.3.4. The submitted Screening Direction request concluded that the Proposed Development would be unlikely to lead to significant environmental effects and, as such, does not represent EIA development. 2.3.5. The Screening Direction was received from Torfaen County Borough Council on 1st July 2019 which confirmed that the Proposed Development does not constitute EIA development as it is unlikely to have any significant effects on the environment. A copy of the direction is included within Appendix A. 2.4 PLANNING HISTORY 2.4.1. From a review of TCBC planning register, there have been no previous planning applications on the Site (it is assumed that works have been undertaken within permitted development rights). 2.4.2. One such example of recent works which benefitted from permitted development rights is in 2017 works were carried out on the existing parking area to the south of PNI, increasing the number of parking bays, including provision for cycles and motorcycles, as well as improvements to the access road and to the Station canopies.

Figure 2-3 - Relevant Planning History

Application Location Proposal Submitted Decision Reference

15/P/00222 Heavy Goods Change of use of heavy goods vehicle testing 22 April Approved Vehicle Testing station to operating centre for supply of sand 2015 Station Polo and stone including use of workshop building Grounds New Inn for vehicle repairs and erection of concrete Pontypool Torfaen bays to store materials NP4 0TW

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Application Location Proposal Submitted Decision Reference

17/P/0468/OUT Land at A4042 Residential development of up to 975 12 June Pending Mamhilad dwellings, retention of employment (Use 2017 consideration Pontypool Torfaen Classes B1, B2 and B8) plus other existing uses and associated parking and servicing, provision of a Primary School, a neighbourhood centre (including a mix of uses - Use Classes A1, A2, A3, B1, C3, D1 and D2) access arrangements from the A4042 and Old Abergavenny Road, landscaping and areas of public open space and other associated infrastructure

17/P/0591/FUL Builders Yard Works to existing builders' yard including 24 July Approved Polo Grounds additional and rearranged external storage 2017 New Inn zones, HGV servicing zones, tool hire Pontypool Torfaen compound, car parking, and new trolley NP4 0TW storage; retrospective permission for catering van and associated works

19/P/0013/FUL Unit 11 Polo Side extension to existing factory to create 10 Pending Grounds New Inn large open workshop area with offices and January consideration Pontypool Torfaen mezzanine and replacement of existing single- 2019 NP4 0TW story frontage with two story extension and construction of separate office/ storage unit

19/P/0367/FUL Stricks Works Sell salvaged parts from vehicles which have 18 June Pending Polo Grounds already gone through our depollution process 2019 consideration Industrial Estate (sale to open market) New Inn Pontypool Torfaen NP4 0TW

2.4.3. In the last five years there have been several householder planning applications within proximity to the Site, and four planning applications for developments on the Polo Grounds Industrial Estate. Additionally, there has been a planning application for a mixed-use development comprising up to 975 residential dwellings, retention of employment uses, a primary school, neighbourhood centre and public open space, located approximately 1km north of the Site - this application is currently pending consideration.

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3 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

3.1 OVERVIEW 3.1.1. The proposal is for the construction of a new Park & Ride (P&R) car park located on the northern side of PNI, which will be accessed from new slip roads off and onto the southbound carriageway of the A4042, as shown below. 3.1.2. In addition to the above, the Proposed Development will include a new footbridge, including a lift for Persons of Reduced Mobility, which will link the new park and ride facility to the island platform (as per Figure 3-1 below). The colours and branding are detailed on the application forms, plans and drawings and the submitted Design and Access Statement.

Figure 3-1 - Proposed General Arrangement Plan Extract

3.2 CONTEXT FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3.2.1. As noted in the Pontypool & New Inn Station Enhancement Study – Governance of Railway Infrastructure Projects (GRIP) Stage 3 Option Selection Report (October 2012), PNI currently has poor provision and condition of facilities available. The GRIP Report documents the process which Network Rail uses to manage developments to enhance or renew the rail network. This is corroborated by the overview of facilities noted on Transport for Wales website on PNI, as per Table 3-1 overleaf:

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Table 3-1 – Facilities available at Pontypool & New Inn Station

Current Facilities at the Station

Passenger Ticket Toilets Parking ATM information office systems

Ticket Step free Refreshment Wifi Payphone machine access facilities

Customer Accessible 10 Bicycle Waiting Ticket help parking Stands rooms gates points spaces

3.2.2. Notwithstanding the quantum and quality, or lack thereof, of the facilities available, additional stops at PNI have been added to the timetable recently. The new timetable, as shown below in Table 3-2 reproduced in full in Appendix B, includes four revised/additional stops in both the morning and afternoon on the Cardiff to Manchester line on Monday to Friday, as well as five and three additional stops in both the morning and afternoon, respectively, in the opposite direction (new stops are shown in red).

Table 3-2 – Pontypool and New Inn Timetable

Mondays to Fridays

North 0118 0511 0544 0614 0751 0951 1152 1352 1552 1619 1721 1749 1820 1924 2005 2047 2229 bound

South 0602 0714 0745 0822 0843 1043 1242 1405 1623 1644 1824 2024 2132 2343 0044 bound

Saturdays

North 0102 0509 0550 0608 0751 0952 1150 1349 1552 1624 1650 1750 1825 1920 2004 2042 2229 bound

South 0618 0720 0744 0817 0844 1042 1240 1443 1637 1840 2024 2128 2328 bound

Sundays

North 0906 0957 1111 1212 1315 1350 1550 1715 1810 2017 2146 2355 bound

South 1041 1313 1455 1617 1812 2055 2215 2339 bound

3.2.3. Whilst the uptake of these additional stops has not yet been quantified or assessed, the inclusion of the additional stops ties in with the wider policies and strategies associated with the increased use of PNI (as noted in Section 4 of this Statement) and the rationale for the proposed development.

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3.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE LAYOUT 3.3.1. The area of the Site is 2.3 hectares within the red line boundary. The Proposed Development has three main aspects; a new car park on the northern side of the Station; access slip roads off and onto the southbound carriageway of the A4042; and a new footbridge linking the new car park to the island platform. Proposed Park & Ride Car Park 3.3.2. The new P&R car park will be located on the northern side of PNI. Access to the car park will be from the new slip roads off the A4042. The car park will be made up of:  133 car parking spaces;  five drop-off spaces;  11 Electric Vehicle charging spaces;  a bus stop; and  11 accessible parking spaces;  cycle shelter.  five motorcycle parking spaces; A4042 Southbound Carriageway 3.3.3. The new Park & Ride car park will be accessed from the southbound side of the A4042, designed in accordance with DMRB guidelines and advice from the Welsh Government. Footbridge 3.3.4. As shown in Figure 3-2, the Proposed Development includes provision of a new footbridge which will link the new P&R car park with the island platform of the Station. The whole scheme has been designed with accessibility in mind and, in this regard, the footbridge also includes a lift for Persons of Reduced Mobility. 3.3.5. Further information on the design of the Proposed Development is included within the Design and Access Statement submitted with this application.

Figure 3-2 – 3D Drawing of the Footbridge from the North-West

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4 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT

4.1 INTRODUCTION 4.1.1. Section 38 (6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) requires that proposals are determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicated otherwise. The development plan comprises of local planning documents which have been the subject of examination in public or testing through public inquiry and are adopted having been through due process. 4.1.2. This section of the Planning Statement sets out the planning policy context for the Proposed Development in the context of the relevant planning policy and guidance at both the national and local level. 4.2 NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY PLANNING POLICY WALES (EDITION 10, DECEMBER 2018) 4.2.1. Planning Policy Wales (PPW) sets out the land use planning policies of the Welsh Government. The primary objective of PPW is to ensure that the planning system contributes towards the delivery of sustainable development and improves the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales, as required by the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, and other key legislation. The table below sets out the policies which are relevant to the Site and Proposed Development.

Table 4-1 – Planning Policy Wales (Edition 10, December 2018)

Paragraph Policy text number

1.17 Legislation secures a presumption in favour of sustainable development in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise to ensure that social, economic, cultural and environmental issues are balanced and integrated.

2.8 Planning policies, proposals and decisions must seek to promote sustainable development and support the well-being of people and communities across Wales.

3.6 Development proposals must address the issues of inclusivity and accessibility for all. This includes making provision to meet the needs of people with sensory, memory, learning and mobility impairments, older people and people with young children.

4.1.1 The planning system should enable people to access jobs and services through shorter, more efficient and sustainable journeys, by walking, cycling and public transport.

4.1.8 The Welsh Government is committed to reducing reliance on the private car and supporting a modal shift to walking, cycling and public transport. Delivering this objective will make an important contribution to decarbonisation, improving air quality, increasing physical activity, improving the health of the nation and realising the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

4.1.39 To encourage the use of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs), the planning system should encourage and support the provision of ULEV charging points as part of new development. Where car parking is provided for new non-residential development, planning authorities should seek a minimum of 10% of car parking spaces to have ULEV charging points. Planning authorities should ensure the level, location and type of charging provision is appropriate to the scheme and local circumstances.

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Paragraph Policy text number

5.3.3 Development plans should identify and include policies and proposals relating to the development of transport infrastructure and related services (such as public transport interchange facilities and rail facilities), including areas safeguarded for future transport infrastructure / routes.

5.3.4. Great care must be taken to minimise the adverse impacts of new or improved transport infrastructure on the natural, historic and built environment and on local communities, including on public health resulting from community severance and airborne pollution.

5.3.6 Planning Authorities must promote and facilitate the provision and decarbonisation of high quality public transport infrastructure. This could include improved facilities for bus passengers, park and ride schemes and enhanced passenger services on existing lines.

5.3.7 Planning authorities should identify in development plans the need for additional interchange sites and improvements to existing public transport interchanges, including measures to promote personal safety.

5 The potential of new/improved transportation infrastructure to create new or renew hubs of economic activity should be realised with careful master-planning around sustainable transport nodes and interchanges to create places which can be easily accessed by sustainable transport and which capitalise on their location and the opportunities which this presents; Recognising the contribution of our transport infrastructure to the economy and the importance of linking economically important sites together in a sustainable way; Maximising the use of our sustainable transport infrastructure, including railways to directly support freight movements and serve economic development opportunities; TECHNICAL ADVICE NOTES 4.2.2. Each Technical Advice Note (TAN) provides detailed planning advice on a different subject. They should be read along with the Planning Policy Wales document which sets out the land use planning policies. The relevant TANs to this application have been set out below:  TAN 5, Nature Conservation and Planning (September 2009);  TAN 12, Design (March 2016); and  TAN 18, Transport (March 2007). TAN 5: Nature Conservation and Planning (September 2009) 4.2.3. This TAN provides guidance on how the land use planning system should contribute to protecting and enhancing biodiversity and geological conservation. It also provides advice on development affecting designated sites and habitats, in addition to protected or priority habitats and species. 4.2.4. At present, the Site comprises woodland and grassland, bordered by the soft estate of the A4042 to the north east. Habitat surveys have been undertaken on the Site, recording signs of badger on the Site, as well as suitable habitat for other species. 4.2.5. Mitigation measures have been proposed as part of the Proposed Development to ensure that there is no reduction in the overall nature conservation value of the area, in line with paragraph 5.5.3 of TAN 5. As noted in the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, these measures include the provision of bat boxes and bird boxes to provide suitable habitat.

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TAN 12: Design (March 2016) 4.2.6. This TAN provides guidance on how good design should be achieved through the planning process. Paragraph 2.6 of TAN 12 states that “design which is inappropriate in its context, or which fails to grasp opportunities to enhance the character, quality and function of an area, should not be accepted, as these have detrimental effects on existing communities”. The proposed footbridge linking the car park to the platform has utilised good design to create a landmark feature for the environment in which it is located. 4.2.7. The proposed footbridge represents an essential feature of the rail station infrastructure, is required to provide a safe and comfortable route for all users of the facility, including older people, children and disabled people (paragraph 5.3.2, TAN 12). However, it is recognised that there is an opportunity to create a well-designed bridge which seeks to raise the profile of rail travel, and therefore meeting present and future needs. 4.2.8. The design of the Proposed Development, particularly the footbridge aspect, will be consistent with other Transport for Wales stations and infrastructure in order to maintain the branding across Wales. However, there is also the opportunity for ‘landmark’ design at Pontypool and New Inn Station, reinforcing local identity, and in line with paragraph 5.9.3 of TAN 12. 4.2.9. The Design and Access Statement, submitted as part of this planning application, further explores the design principle and concepts that have been applied to the development. TAN 18: Transport (March 2007) 4.2.10. This TAN provides guidance on the integration of land use and transport planning, and the role that this can play in delivering sustainable developments. 4.2.11. Paragraph 7.6 of TAN 18 highlights how park and ride schemes at railway stations can “have the effect of reducing the amount of travel undertaken by car, through improving access by longer distance rail commuting it may increase travel distances. It is important to ensure that parking is secure and that the location of the car park does not deter easy pedestrian or cycle access to the station”. 4.2.12. The provision of a Park and Ride Facility in this location has been established through the Local Development Plan (LDP) for TCBC (see section 4.3 below). The Proposed Development will provide an interchange facility for bus, rail and car (paragraph 6.2 of TAN 18), as well as integrating with local cycling provision (policy T3 of the TCBC LDP, see below) which is essential for the integration of transport provision (paragraph 7.4 and 7.8 of TAN 18). WELL-BEING OF FUTURE GENERATIONS 4.2.13. The Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015 places a duty on public bodies to carry out sustainable development. The Well-being Act provides a clear definition of sustainable development and, in doing so, has established seven well-being goals which are intended to shape the work of all public bodies in Wales. 4.2.14. The Well-being Act also establishes ‘Five Ways of Working’ which public bodies need to demonstrate they have carried out in undertaking their sustainable development duty. Considering these ways of working is an intrinsic part of the planning system.

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ACTIVE TRAVEL ACT 4.2.15. The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 paves the way for a lasting transformation of how walking and cycling infrastructure can be planned, as well as encouraging behaviour change. The Active Travel Act focuses on walking and cycling as a mode of transport, i.e. for purposeful journeys.

Figure 4-1 - Pontypool Integrated Network Map Extract

Shared Use foot/cycle pat Integrated Network (away from road)

4.2.16. The Act requires local authorities in Wales to produce active travel maps for certain settlements and deliver year on year improvements in active travel routes and facilities. It requires highway authorities in Wales to make enhancements to routes and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists in all new road schemes and to have regard to the needs of walkers and cyclists in a range of other highway authority functions. It also requires the Welsh Ministers and local authorities to promote active travel journeys in exercising their functions under the Act.

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4.3 LOCAL PLANNING POLICY TORFAEN COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2013-2021) 4.3.1. The Torfaen County Borough Council Local Development Plan (LDP) (2013-2021) was adopted on 3 December 2013. 4.3.2. The LDP sets out the Council’s land use policies and proposals to control development in the County Borough up to 2021, and gives a clear indication of where development will be encouraged and where it will be resisted.

Figure 4-2 - Torfaen County Borough Council Proposals Map

Torfaen County Borough Council Proposals Map Legend

Green Wedges The Site

Walking and Cycling Route Strategic Action Areas Safeguarding

Transport Allocations Urban Boundaries

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Figure 4-3 - Torfaen County Borough Council Constraints Map

Torfaen County Borough Council Constraints Map Legend

Surface Water Flooding Conservation Areas (200 year)

Historic Parks and Surface Water Flooding Gardens (200 year, deep)

Flood Zone B Borough Boundary

4.3.3. The Site is within Policy T1(2) Transport Allocations: Pontypool & New Inn Station Park & Ride / Share Facility as identified within the LDP. Furthermore, the Site is adjacent, on its southern side, to a Safeguarded walking and cycling route. 4.3.4. Policy T1 of the adopted LDP identifies land to be safeguarded for the construction of major transport improvement schemes within the county borough. The Pontypool & New Inn Park and Ride / Share Facility is allocated under this policy (and shown on the associated Proposals Map, extract below). The policy justification states the following: Provision of direct access from the southbound carriageway of the A4042 Newport to Abergavenny Trunk Road and major new Park and Ride facility, located on the west side of the station with an extension to the existing subway to allow access to both sides of the station. Proposals include improved signing, access for a local bus service, provision of passenger information systems and CCTV 4.3.5. The table overleaf sets out other relevant policies from the TCBC LDP which support the development of the Park and Ride Scheme at the Site:

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Table 4-2 – Relevant LDP Policies

Policy Policy text Relevance to the Proposed Development

S1 Urban Urban boundaries are identified on the Proposals Maps to The Proposed Development lies Boundaries promote the full and effective use of urban land by defining the within the Urban Boundary as shown boundary between urban and countryside areas in order to: on the LDP Proposals Map. a) Allow for development which would contribute to the The proposed Park & Ride would creation and maintenance of sustainable communities in seek to improve accessibility within accordance with the LDP Strategy; and the local area as well as the wider South Wales Region and is seeking b) Define the urban area, within which there is a presumption to promote Active Travel and in favour of development, taking into account material maintain sustainable communities. planning considerations. Development proposals in the countryside will be dealt with in line with relevant LDP policies and national planning policy (contained in PPW paragraph 4.7.8 and TAN6).

Policy S2 Development proposals will need to demonstrate they have The Proposed Development is Sustainable taken account of the following principles and where relevant seeking to achieve a number of Development that they: - objectives, including: a) Contribute to the regeneration of existing communities; - Accessibility to the wider region – including improving b) Meet Sustainable transportation and infrastructure priorities accessibility to the local area and promotion of a sustainable transport hierarchy, (attract employment and including reducing the reliance on the private motor car and opportunities) encouraging the use of more sustainable modes of transport; - Opportunity to promote Active Travel c) Conserve and enhance the natural and built environment; - Identified as a scheme as part d) Promote the efficient use of land; of the Metro Plus Programme, a e) Maximise the efficient use of existing community key element of the Cardiff infrastructure; Capital Region City Deal. f) Utilise Sustainable construction techniques;

g) Promote sustainable Economic and employment growth; and

h) Are located within the Urban Boundary unless it is an acceptable development in the countryside.

Policy SAA4 Land is allocated at the Mamhilad Strategic Action Area for the This policy is a strategic allocation Mamhilad construction of approximately 1,700 dwellings (690 dwellings to for a mixed-use development Strategic be delivered during the Plan Period), employment uses, re-use situated approximately 700m north Action Area, of the Grade II* Listed Building, neighbourhood centre, primary of the Proposed Development. Pontypool school, open space and recreation facilities as part of a mixed- use scheme to create a sustainable urban village within a The policy justification text for this landscaped setting. Policy, as set out in the LDP, states that there must be good links and public transport provision between the Strategic Action Area (SAA) and the proposed Pontypool/New Inn Park and Ride/Share Scheme.

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Policy Policy text Relevance to the Proposed Development There is currently an outline planning application (17/P/0468/OUT), which is pending consideration by TCBC.

Policy T3 … As well as seeking to improve Walking and access to public transport links in the Cycling 4. Pontypool & New Inn Train Station to Pontypool Town region, the Proposed Development Routes Centre; is aiming to promote Active Travel within the local area. This policy, 5. Pontypool & New Inn Train Station to Mamhilad - scheme which is also illustrated on the LDP to be agreed; Proposals Map, highlights the walking and cycling routes which will … be safeguarded and will connect the Station with Pontypool Town Centre and to the SAA at Mamhilad (see Policy SAA4 above).

Policy BG1 Development proposals will not be permitted where they would There are 33 Sites of Importance for Locally cause significant adverse effects to local nature conservation Nature Conservation (SINCs) within Designated designated sites (including the features of a Site of Importance 2km of the, one of which comprises Sites for for Nature Conservation, Local Nature Reserves, or Regionally watercourses which run through the Biodiversity Important Geological Sites unless it can be demonstrated that: - Site. and Geodiversity a) The development could not reasonably be located Mitigation measures will be included elsewhere and the benefits of the Proposed Development as part of the Proposed justifiably outweigh the nature conservation or geological Development which will ensure that there would not be any significant value of the site; and adverse effects to the locally b) Adequate mitigatory and / or compensatory provision is designated sites. made proportionate to; or an enhancement to the value of the ecological resources or geological site lost.

LDP EXAMINATION 4.3.6. As part of the preparation of the LDP, TCBC assessed each candidate site that was submitted to the Council as part of the plan preparation process (The Pontypool and New Inn Station Park and Ride / Share Facility was identified as candidate site no. 315). The purpose of the assessment was to assess the developability, including deliverability of the site, to identify both the potential for and constraints to development. The Candidate Site Assessment Methodology included the following assessments: Economic Viability; Planning; Biodiversity; Landscape; Highways; and Environmental Health. 4.3.7. The Candidate Site Assessment Form for the Site noted that the Proposed Development would help improve the sustainability of transport options for the people of Torfaen and help reduce the reliance on the private car. Notwithstanding this, careful consideration needs to be paid to the biodiversity interests on the Site. 4.3.8. Sites which passed the first stage of assessment were then assessed against the LDP and sustainability objectives. For sites to contribute positively to the LDP strategy it is important that any site should be compatible with the objectives of the LDP. The positive and negatives scores of the Pontypool and New Inn Station Park and Ride / Share Facility are shown in Table 4-3 overleaf:

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Table 4-3 – LDP Sustainability Objectives for the Site

Positive Negative

LDP Objectives

1. To ensure the allocation of an appropriate quantity 10. To protect, manage and enhance biodiversity and range of employment sites and retail opportunities and ecological networks across Torfaen. to support high and stable levels of employment in Torfaen and deliver a competitive, modern and sustainable economy and thriving retail centres.

2. To promote health and well-being through the 12. To protect and enhance the valued landscape provision of development, including community character of Torfaen, including important open facilities, leisure and outdoor recreational facilities, space and sense of rurality between settlements. accessible to all.

3. To ensure that the location of development does not 13. To protect greenfield land by enabling and result in unacceptable risk from flooding, subsidence or promoting the most efficient use of appropriate health hazards. brownfield sites for redevelopment across Torfaen.

6. To protect, manage and enhance sustainable tourist attractions and facilities in Torfaen for the benefit of tourists and the community

8. To ensure that all new development represents best practise in sustainable design and location, construction and operation.

11. To minimise climate change impacts through reduced emissions of greenhouse gases in both new and existing development, and adapt to climate change through considerations of its effects in the design and location of new development.

17. To develop integrated and efficient transport infrastructure, public transport and communication networks which are accessible and attractive to all, and encourage a reduction in private car use.

4.3.9. Each site was also assessed to how it performed against each of the Sustainability Objectives as part of the Torfaen LDP Sustainability Appraisal. The positive and negatives scores of the Pontypool and New Inn Station Park and Ride / Share Facility are shown in Table 4-4 below:

Table 4-4 – SA Sustainability Objectives for the Site

Positive Negative

SA Objectives

7. To reduce air pollution and improve air quality 5. To protect, manage and enhance biodiversity

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Positive Negative

8. To minimise noise and light pollution 12. To make most efficient use of land and buildings

9. To minimise the risk of and from flooding

13. To achieve a modal shift to more sustainable transport modes

22. To improve the health and wellbeing of the population

4.3.10. Following the completion of the assessments against the LDP and SA objectives, all sites (regardless of positive or negative scores) were assessed for compatibility with the Development Strategy. The best performing sites that have scored positively in each assessment were considered appropriate for allocation, as per Pontypool and New Inn Station Park and Ride / Share Facility under Policy T1/2. LDP REVIEW 4.3.11. The TCBC LDP was adopted on 3rd December 2013. Section 69 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires the Council to undertake a review of the LDP no longer than four years from the date of adoption. Consequently, TCBC commenced their review of the LDP on 3rd December 2017 and published the final report in April 2018. 4.3.12. The Report reinforces the content of the LDP, including promoting the delivery of sustainable transport choices to the people of Torfaen by implementing the Pontypool and New Inn Park and Ride / Share Modal Interchange Facility. Furthermore, the report notes that Torfaen’s ‘Short Term Programme’ (2015-2020) includes the Proposed Development. 4.3.13. Section 4 of the report provides an assessment of each of the site allocations in respect of their implementation, with the allocation for Pontypool and New Inn Train Station as per the following: No Planning Application - Undeveloped. Ongoing investigations. WG have funded design work. Continue to seek public funds and work with transport colleagues to seek grant funding to complete improvements. 4.3.14. The Report concluded that in addition to preparing a Cardiff Capital Region Strategic Development Plan, a Full Review of the Torfaen LDP is required, rather than a ‘short form review’ or Joint Full LDP review with neighbouring Local Planning Authorities.

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4.4 OTHER DRIVERS SOUTH EAST WALES VALLEYS LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN 2015-2020 4.4.1. The South-East Wales Valleys Local Transport Plan has been jointly produced by Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen County Borough Council. The plan sets out the local authorities’ priorities for transport schemes between 2015 and 2020, as well as their medium and longer-term aspirations up to 2030. It also sets out the councils’ policies for safe, integrated, efficient and economic transport facilities and services to, from and within their area. 4.4.2. The Vision set out within the LTP is that the South-East Wales Valleys will have a “modern, accessible, integrated and sustainable transport system, which increases opportunity, promotes prosperity for all and protects the environment, where walking, cycling, public transport and sustainable freight provide real travel alternatives”.

Figure 4-4 - Area covered by the South-East Wales Valley Local Transport Plan

4.4.3. Torfaen’s ‘Short Term Programme’ (2015-2020) includes several schemes from the North Torfaen Highway Study (LDP Policy T1/1), Pontypool Park & Ride (Policy T1/2), several walking & Cycling routes (active travel) schemes (including ones listed under Policy T3), improvements to the B4248 from Blaenavon to Brynmawr and the Pontypridd-Blackwood-Pontypool Bus Rapid Transport Scheme.

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CARDIFF CAPITAL REGION CITY DEAL / METRO PLUS REGIONAL TRANSPORT AUTHORITY PROGRAMME 4.4.4. The Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) City Deal is a programme to bring about significant economic growth in the region. One of the objectives of the CCR is to “connect communities, business, jobs, facilities and services in the area”, and a key part of this improved transportation is the delivery of the South Wales Metro. 4.4.5. The development of a ‘200-space Park and Ride Scheme with EV charging at Pontypool & New Inn Station’ is included within Phase 1 of the Metro Plus Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Programme. This would see each Local Authority within South East Wales receiving a £3m share to implement schemes in their area. It is identified within the strategic outline programme that Pontypool & New Inn Station is a potential interchange point with passengers from the ‘Eastern Valley’ including Blaenavon, Abersychan, Pontypool, New Inn, as well as Usk and the West of Monmouthshire. 4.4.6. The vision for the Cardiff Capital Region is for a “multi-modal rapid transport network integrating all transport modes, offering the passenger a single ticket, ‘turn up and go’ experience”. An interchange, as per the Proposed Development, will be essential in ensuring the provision of an integrated reliable and frequent service, allowing people to move easily across the region. WALES TRANSPORT STRATEGY 4.4.7. Transport plays a key role in shaping our daily lives. The goal of this Strategy is to promote sustainable transport networks that safeguard the environment while strengthening our country’s economic and social life. The Strategy, as shown in Figure 4-5 below, identifies a series of high- level outcomes and sets out the steps to their delivery.

Figure 4-5 - Relationship between Transport Strategies in Wales

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4.4.8. The Welsh Assembly Government is determined that people throughout Wales have the transport infrastructure and services they require for sustainable living. Connecting the Nation sets out our strategy and key priorities and how the Government will develop detailed plans and invest to deliver a transport system fit for the 21st Century. PEOPLE, PLACES, FUTURES: THE WALES SPATIAL PLAN (2008) 4.4.9. The Wales Spatial Plan (2008) provides an overarching framework for Wales for a whole range of aspects including economic development, transport and environmental considerations. This acts as a key mechanism for joining up Wales nationally, regionally and locally. 4.4.10. The vision of this Plan is to “…sustain our communities by tackling the challenges presented by population and economic change. We will grow in ways which will increase Wales’ competitiveness while assisting less well-off areas to catch up on general prosperity levels and reducing negative environmental impacts. We will enhance the natural and built environment and we will sustain our distinctive identity.” The Plan sets out strategies for each spatial plan area. In South East Wales the overarching role is stated as follows: “An innovative, skilled area offering a high quality of life – international yet distinctly Welsh. It will compete internationally by increasing its global visibility through stronger links between the Valleys and the coast and with the UK and the rest of Europe, helping to spread prosperity within the area and benefitting other parts of Wales”. 4.4.11. With regard to the Proposed Development, paragraph 19.17 notes the importance of improved transport for all in making the Capital Region work and to the regeneration of the Valleys communities, with the overall priority being to make better use of the Area’s existing transport infrastructure to deliver more sustainable access to jobs and services. DRAFT NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (2019) 4.4.12. The National Development Framework (NDF) sets out how the Welsh Government thinks the country should develop and the types of development needed over the next 20 years to help Wales be a sustainable and prosperous society. 4.4.13. Within the Challenges & Opportunities section within the draft NDF, in respect of travel it is noted that “growth should be shaped around sustainable forms of transport” and the NDF has a strong focus on sustainable travel. Outcome 7 of the draft NDF notes that “all methods of travel will need to have low environmental impact and low emissions, with ultra-low emission vehicles and public transport replacing today’s petrol and diesel vehicles”. 4.4.14. Furthermore, it states that active travel and public transport will be a significant part of the transport mix, allied with a reduced reliance on private vehicle use, with sustainable transport infrastructure embedded within new developments to enable easy and convenient access from one place to another for commuting, business, tourism and leisure purposes. 4.4.15. The draft NDF also mentions the impact which both changing technology and sustainable places will have on modes of transport, noting that sustainable places will support a reduction in the need to travel, particularly by private vehicles, and a modal shift to walking, cycling and public transport. The Proposed Development will provide enhanced services and facilities at an existing transport interchange. Such interchanges are the focus of sustainable development, see draft policy 31 – Growth in sustainable transit orientated settlements, of the draft NDF.

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5 MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

5.1 INTRODUCTION 5.1.1. It is considered that the material considerations for the Proposed Development, considering the nature and the form of the proposals, the planning policy context and the pre-application consultation and feedback received, are:  Principle of the Development;  Ecology;  Traffic & Transport;  Landscape and Visual;  Arboriculture;  Heritage & Conservation; and  Water Environment & Flood Risk. 5.2 PRINCIPLE OF THE DEVELOPMENT 5.2.1. One of the primary objectives of the Proposed Development is to provide a new car park on the northern side of the station with access directly from the southbound A4042, along with footbridge access to the platform as part of the Pontypool & New Inn Station Improvements. Another objective is to provide services and facilities which are accessible to all. This is a key project to support the implementation of the South Wales Metro where transport infrastructure will be utilised to enable the social and economic objectives of the Cardiff Capital Region. 5.2.2. In the first instance, the primary aim of the Proposed Development, is to increase the capacity of car parking at the rail station to enable more users to access the station. The Proposed Development maybe a catalyst for potentially increasing the regularity, and size, of services which stop at Pontypool & New Inn, and therefore improving connectivity across the region, as well as further afield. 5.2.3. The Proposed Development fully accords with the policy provisions within the LDP under policy T1 as per the: Provision of direct access from the southbound carriageway of the A4042 Newport to Abergavenny Trunk Road and major new Park and Ride facility, located on the west side of the station with an extension to the existing subway to allow access to both sides of the station. Proposals include improved signing, access for a local bus service, provision of passenger information systems and CCTV. The proposal also accords with a number of other policies within the LDP, including policies S1; S2; SAA4; T3; and BG1, amongst others. 5.2.4. As a wider objective, and in line with the aims of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, the Proposed Development will seek to enable economic development and growth across South East Wales. Locally, the Station Improvements will tie in with cycle paths and pedestrian routes, connecting local communities with the transport interchange, as well as encouraging active lifestyles in order to travel around the local area and further afield. 5.2.5. In light of the above, it is considered that the principle of the Proposed Development is fully compliant with relevant planning policy, as well as other relevant regional plans, and represents an acceptable development.

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5.3 ECOLOGY Introduction 5.3.1. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of the Site has been undertaken to support the Proposed Development. The PEA identifies and records habitat types present on the Site and assesses the suitability of the Site for supporting protected and/or notable species. The PEA is an update to work undertaken previously on the Site by Parsons Brinckerhoff (now part of WSP) in 2014 and EcoVigour in 2016 (neither of which are submitted with this application. Preliminary Ecological Appraisal 5.3.2. No statutorily designated sites are likely to be affected, however there are watercourses on the Site that have non-statutory designation (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation). 5.3.3. Further survey work for badger, bats, dormouse and invasive non-native plant species are recommended to refine potential mitigation and/or licensing procedures for the Proposed Development to comply with relevant legislation and policy. Preliminary avoidance and/or mitigation measures are recommended for otter, breeding birds, reptiles, woodland and hedgerow in the form of protection/retention, ecological supervision and precautionary methods of working. 5.3.4. The Proposed Development is likely to impact upon protected and/or notable species and habitats due to the permanent removal of the majority of habitats on Site.

Figure 5-1 - Invasive Species Location Plan Extract

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Badger Report 5.3.5. Further to the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, an updated badger survey was conducted in May 2019. There was no evidence of current badger activity (no dung pits, no clearly used paths and very little sign of foraging) found within the area. It was concluded that the Site contains disused and partially used setts; no main or annex setts are present. The setts within the Site are outliers, and possibly one subsidiary that was not in use at the time of survey. Activity levels there are low and infrequent and no evidence was found to show badgers are crossing the road. 5.3.6. Following discussion and confirmation with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), a licence will likely be required to close the setts located onsite. No compensation will be required for the loss of the setts on the Site. Statutory Designations 5.3.7. There are no European Designated Sites within proximity to the Proposed Development. This includes there being no Special Protection Areas (SPA), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) or RAMSAR sites located within 2km of the Proposed Development. There are two SACs within 30km of the Site where bats are one of the qualifying features, including: Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites; and Usk Bat Sites. SSSI, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks 5.3.8. There is one SSSI, Llandegfedd Reservoir SSSI, within 2km of the Site, located 1.5km to the east. There are no AONBs within 2km of the Site. There is one National Park, Brecon Beacons National Park, within 2km of the Site, which is located 500m north of the Site. Non-Statutory Designations 5.3.9. There are 33 non-statutory nature conservation sites within 2km of the centre of the Site, including TCBC Watercourses SINC which runs through the Site. 5.3.10. Further information in respect of ecology is included within the submitted Preliminary Ecological Assessment and Badger Report. 5.4 TRAFFIC & TRANSPORT 5.4.1. As noted previously, the site forms a multi-modal transport interchange, adjacent to both the A4042 and a main railway line. Whilst the Proposed Development seeks to alleviate existing traffic pressures on the A4042, a Transport Assessment of the proposal is required to assess these effects. 5.4.2. In drafting the Transport Assessment, submitted with this application, WSP have actively engaged with both the Local Highway Authority (LHA) and Welsh Government (WG) to determine and agree the scope of the Report. Further detail is included in the Report, but the salient issues noted by both the LHA and WG were:  Any associated works in relation to walking and cycling accessibility, making reference to active travel standards;  Consider junction modelling of both adjacent roundabout junctions, confirming existing and future year capacity; and  Consider ongoing works in relation to existing pinch point schemes at the Pontypool roundabout.

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5.4.3. The Transport Assessment and considered and assessed these and other issues and has concluded that the Proposed Development fully complies with both national and local policy objectives, in that the transport strategy for the scheme accords with the principles of WG’s Active Travel Wales Act and principles, as set out in TAN 18. Furthermore, the scheme is also included in the South East Wales RTP Capital Investment Plan. The Proposed Development includes appropriate car and cycle parking provision, which has been assessed against future demand at the station based on growth forecasts and the proposal is not anticipated to impact on the operational capacity of the A4042/Usk Road roundabout junction. 5.4.4. Consideration has also been given to the impacts of the proposals at the existing A4042/A427 roundabout junction. The existing junction already operates over capacity. However, schemes are considered as part of wider studies which have been commissioned to date. These schemes seek to improve the operation of the junctions and would likely accommodate the additional traffic generated by the Proposed Development. 5.4.5. Further information in respect of traffic and transport is included within the submitted Transport Assessment. 5.5 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL 5.5.1. The Site is considered to lack character of any quality, due in part to it serving as a transport interchange to the wider urban areas and adjacent settlements. The adjacent A4042 dominates the immediate setting of the Site, with topography and established vegetation supporting a transition to the fringes of the settlement. 5.5.2. The Proposed Development is intended to enhance the existing transport interchange, providing improved access to a sustainable transport link. In respect of landscape and visual effects, the Proposed Development will open the Site onto the A4042, in the process removing an area of trees and vegetation. This removal will be a change to the character of the Site but, notably, will have limited impact on the Brecon Beacons National Park and Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Conservation Area, respectively.

Figure 5-2 – The Site Figure 5-3 - Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Conservation Area

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5.5.3. The visual envelope of the Proposed Development is relatively limited, but the removal of trees and the introduction of the footbridge, car parking and associated infrastructure will result in impacts upon visual receptors within the immediately adjacent residential areas. Accordingly, the Landscape and Visual Appraisal has identified a moderate adverse effect on these receptors but due to the topography of the surrounding area, intervening trees and built form, effects will be negligible to minor adverse for landscape and visual receptors beyond these immediately adjacent properties. 5.5.4. Further information in respect of landscape and visual effects is included within the submitted Landscape and Visual Appraisal. 5.6 ARBORICULTURE 5.6.1. A Detailed Arboricultural Report has been produced and submitted as part of the planning application for the Proposed Development. The report identifies all the trees which may reasonably be affected by the Proposed Development, to assess the direct and indirect impacts of the Proposed Development upon those trees and to recommend such protection measures as are necessary to ensure the long-term wellbeing of trees which are to be retained. 5.6.2. In summary, a total of 21 arboricultural features were surveyed, details of which are provided within the Report. The Proposed Development results in the removal of a number of trees and tree groups, as noted in the Detailed Arboricultural Report. The Report also includes a Tree Protection Plan (TPP), an extract of which is provided below in Figure 5-4. The TPP identifies trees for retentions and also shows the location and extent of any proposed tree protection measures.

Figure 5-4 - Extract of Tree Protection Plan

B Category / U Category / C Category / Low Moderate Very Low

Arboricultural feature to be Arboricultural Study Area removed

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5.6.3. In total, four trees and six tree groups are proposed to be fully or partially removed. The removal of some of these trees or groups of these trees is considered an opportunity to improve quality and diversity of species within the Site and improve spacing of remaining arboricultural features. 5.6.4. Further information in respect of Arboriculture is included within the submitted Detailed Arboricultural Report. 5.7 HERITAGE & CONSERVATION 5.7.1. There are no scheduled monuments within 2km of the Proposed Development. As shown in Figure 5-5 below, there are 82 listed buildings within 2km of the Proposed Development, with 15 listed buildings within 1km, but none within 500m. The nearest listed building is the Milepost north of Bridge 53, Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (Grade II), located approximately 600m north west of the Proposed Development. 5.7.2. Pontypool Park is a Grade II* Registered Park and Garden, and is located approximately 0.83km north west of the Site. The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal Conservation Area is located 400m north of the Site, and the Pontypool Town Centre Conservation Area located 1.5km north west of the Site.

Figure 5-5 - Historic Wales Map Extract

Listed Buildings The Site

5.8 WATER ENVIRONMENT & FLOOD RISK 5.8.1. There is one main river within proximity to the Site, comprising the Afon Lwyd which is located circa 530m to the south-west of the Site. There are two small watercourses running through the Site, which drain away from the Site in a north-easterly direction towards the River Usk. 5.8.2. As shown on the NRW Development Advice Map in Figure 5-6 overleaf, the Site is not located within any designated flood zones. The Proposed Development will adopt best practice Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions which will enhance the Site’s existing drainage position as well as providing other visual and biodiversity benefits.

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Figure 5-6 - NRW DAM Map Extract

Zone C2 Zone B The Site

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6 CONCLUSION

6.1.1. WSP have been instructed by the Applicant to prepare and submit a full planning application at Pontypool and New Inn Railway Station for the “Construction of a car park, access roads from the A4042 and a new passenger footbridge (including an accessible lift)”. The aim of the Proposed Development is to provide a step change in the provision of services and facilities at the Station so that it can act a key hub for regional travel. 6.1.2. The Site is allocated within the Torfaen County Borough Council LDP for a new Park & Ride/Share Facility – the subject of this application. The corresponding policy within the LDP, policy T1, safeguards the land for the construction of a major transport improvement scheme. The Proposed Development is also supported by a number of other drivers, including the South-East Wales Valleys Local Transport Plan; the Cardiff Capital Regional City Deal / Metro Plus Regional Transport Authority Programme; and the Wales Transport Strategy, amongst others. 6.1.3. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Badger Survey have been conducted on the Site. The PEA has identified that no statutorily designated sites are likely to be affected, however there are watercourses on the Site that have non-statutory designations (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation). The Proposed Development is likely to impact upon protected and/or notable species and habitats due to the permanent nature of the majority of habitats on Site. 6.1.4. The PEA identified that further badger surveys were required. The survey found no evidence of current badger activity on Site. Accordingly, it was concluded that the Site contains disused and partially used setts. 6.1.5. The Transport Assessment demonstrates that the Site, by virtue of its location and the opportunities for access by a variety of means of transport, is accessible, sustainable and in accordance with national, regional and local policy. The TA demonstrates that potential measures that could be put in place to mitigation the impacts of the proposals on the highway network. Notwithstanding this, the Proposed Development is considered to be acceptable in highway and transport terms. 6.1.6. The Landscape and Visual Appraisal has identified a moderate adverse effect on one receptor, residential receptors in immediate proximity to the Site who are likely to be affected due to the change in setting resulting from the removal of trees and vegetation on the A4042. Notwithstanding this, the topography of the surrounding area, intervening vegetation and built form will result in negligible to minor adverse effects for all other landscape and visual receptors including the Brecon Beacons National Park and Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Conservation Area. 6.1.7. The Detailed Arboricultural Report has identified those trees which may be affected by the Proposed Development and assessed the impacts upon those trees, and any protection measures necessary. In total, four trees and six tree groups are proposed to be fully or partially removed. The removal of some of these trees or groups of these trees is considered an opportunity to improve quality and diversity of species within the Site and improve spacing of remaining arboricultural features. 6.1.8. The nearest heritage asset, a milepost associated with the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, is located 600m to the north of the Site. Accordingly, it is considered that the Proposed Development is located sufficiently far away from heritage assets to ensure that no adverse effects will occur – a position reinforced within the Landscape and Visual Appraisal.

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6.1.9. The Site is not located within any designated flood zones, albeit there are two small watercourse which run through the Site in a north westerly direction – albeit these comprise of concrete culverts. The Proposed Development will adopt best practice Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions which will enhance the Site’s existing drainage position as well as providing other visual and biodiversity benefits. 6.1.10. Taking the above into consideration, this Planning Statement demonstrates how the proposals are consistent with both national and local planning policies. Accordingly, we would respectfully suggest that the application be approved.

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EIA SCOPING DIRECTION

Public

PONTYPOOL & NEW INN STATION WSP Project No.: 70034910 | Our Ref No.: 70034910-PPL-STA-PLA-01 November 2019 Torfaen County Borough Council

TRAIN TIMES FOR SOUTH WALES, NORTH WALES & MANCHESTER

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PONTYPOOL & NEW INN STATION WSP Project No.: 70034910 | Our Ref No.: 70034910-PPL-STA-PLA-01 November 2019 Torfaen County Borough Council

1 Capital Quarter Tyndall Street Cardiff CF10 4BZ wsp.com

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