A45 DAVENTRY DEVELOPMENT LINK ROAD Environmental Statement – Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary

November 2014

Quality Management

Issue/revision Issue 1 Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3 Remarks Date November 2014 Prepared by Various Signature

Checked by Victoria Wilson Signature

Authorised by Andy Ricketts Signature

Project number 70007736 Report number File reference G:\Environmental Planning Team\DELTEK PROJECTS\70007736 A45 ES for Revised Route\04 Deliverables\02 ES

Pro ject number: 70007736 Dat ed: November 2014 2 Revised:

A45 Daventry Development Link Road Environmental Statement – Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary

November 2014

Client Northamptonshire County Council Riverside House Riverside Way Northampton NN1 5NX

WSP Contacts Andy Ricketts Project Director [email protected] 0121 3524767

Victoria Wilson Project Manager [email protected] 0113 395 6616

Registered Address WSP UK Limited 01383511 WSP House, 70 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1AF

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Table of Contents Introduction ...... 5 Overview ...... 5 What is an Environmental Impact Assessment? ...... 5 What is a Non-Technical Summary? ...... 5 The Proposed Scheme ...... 6 What is the Proposed Scheme? ...... 6 Where will it be built? ...... 6 Why is this Scheme being built here? ...... 7 When will it be built? ...... 7 Who has been told about this Scheme? ...... 7 Environmental Effects ...... 8 What is the existing environment like in and around the Site? ...... 8 Are there likely to be any effects from the Proposed Scheme on local wildlife habitat? ...... 9 Are there likely to be any effects from the Proposed Scheme on local wildlife? ...... 9 Will the Proposed Scheme have any effects on designated ecological sites? ...... 10 What effect will the Proposed Scheme have on the landscape character and views of the area? ...... 10 What effects will the Proposed Scheme have on local air quality?11 What effects will the Proposed Scheme have on the local noise environment? ...... 11 Will the Proposed Scheme cause an increase in flooding within the Site and the surrounding area? ...... 12 Is there potential water pollution as a result of the Proposed Scheme? ...... 12 Is there likely to be any contaminated land or ground condition issues with the Site? ...... 12 Will the Proposed Scheme have an effect on designated and non-designated heritage assets? ...... 13 Are archaeological remains likely to be found during the construction? ...... 13 Will the Proposed Scheme lead to an increase in light pollution? 13 Will there be a loss of the ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land due to the Proposed Scheme? ...... 14 What effects will the Proposed Scheme have on the local Public Rights of Way? ...... 14 What effects will the Proposed Scheme have on the local road network? ...... 14 Will the Proposed Scheme bring any new jobs to the area? ...... 15 What happens next? ...... 16 How do I obtain copy of the Environmental Statement or this Non-Technical Summary? ...... 16 Who should I contact if I would like more information? ...... 16

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Introduction

Overview Northamptonshire Highways Department at Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) have submitted a planning application for the construction of a new link road situated between Northampton and Daventry, named the A45 Daventry Development Link Road. The Proposed Scheme has been developed with the intention to improve transport links and accessibility between the towns of Northampton and Daventry, whilst also helping to relieve traffic congestion currently experienced on the local road network, particularly through Weedon, Flore and Upper Heyford. The Proposed Scheme will involve the construction of a single carriageway link road extending to approximately 5.7km in length between Junction 16 of the M1 Motorway and the existing A45 west of Weedon Bec village. As part of the planning process, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been undertaken to understand the potential environmental effects that the Scheme may have on the surrounding environment and residents during the construction of the Proposed Scheme and once it is completed.

What is an Environmental Impact Assessment? EIA is a process that identifies the key environmental effects of a Scheme and suggests ways that these effects can be avoided, reduced or managed. It is required by law for large Schemes that have the potential to cause significant environmental effects. The findings of this process are reported in a document called the Environmental Statement (ES), which will be available to the public for review.

What is a Non-Technical Summary? The full results of the EIA (baseline information, survey information and technical assessment) of the A45 Daventry Development Link Road are available within the ES (for which there are three volumes). The findings are then summarised and presented in this Non-Technical Summary (referred to as Volume 3). This document is presented as a series of key questions and answers relating to the Proposed Scheme. This summary outlines how environmental issues will be addressed by the Applicant during construction of the Proposed Scheme and once it is completed.

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The Proposed Scheme

What is the Proposed Scheme? The Proposed Scheme comprises of a Link Road extending between Junction 16 of the M1 Motorway and a point on the existing A45 west of Weedon Bec Village. The Proposed Scheme will commence at a new roundabout just west of Junction 16 and then run parallel to the south-western side of the M1 Motorway for approximately 3km in a north-west direction, to the north of the villages of Upper Heyford and Flore. The Proposed Scheme will then head south-west joining the A5 at a new roundabout to the north of Weedon Bec before crossing the Grand Union Canal and the West Coast Main Line railway. It will then re-join with the A45 at a new roundabout to the west of Weedon Bec. The total length of the Proposed Scheme – a single carriageway – is approximately 5.7km, and it is designed to a 60 mph speed limit. The Proposed Scheme will also require the construction of eight structures where the Link Road variously crosses over or under two watercourses and four local roads / Public Rights of Way as well as a combined structure spanning the Grand Union Canal and West Coast Main Line railway.

Where will it be built? The Proposed Scheme will be built as detailed in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Location of Proposed Scheme The Red Line indicates the full extent of all temporary and permanent works as well as the extent to which the environmental assessment has been applied. The Site covers an area of approximately 123ha, traversing the landscape to the north of the villages of Upper Heyford, Flore and Weedon Bec, terminating to the east of Dodford. The M1 motorway runs along the north-east boundary of the Site for approximately 3km, before the Site bends to the south-west towards Weedon Bec. An aerial view of the site is provided in Figure 2 below. The A45 intersects the site at either end and the A5 bisects the Site north of Weedon Bec. Both the Grand Union Canal and the West Coast Main Line railway also pass through the Site north of Weedon Bec.

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Figure 2: Aerial View of Site Boundary

Why is this Scheme being built here? Principally the Proposed Scheme is being put forward to help alleviate current and growing traffic problems between Northampton and Daventry. The Scheme will help to ease traffic pressure along the A45 from the M1 Junction 16 towards and through A5/A45 crossroads junction. The Scheme will allow road users to bypass the villages of Upper Heyford, Flore and Weedon Bec, thus increasing the safety of roads through these villages as well as improving journey times to and from the M1. A number of alternative routes were considered and appraised by Northamptonshire County Council. The appraisal considered a large number of environmental criteria and was later followed by a public consultation to gauge opinion from local residents. Four routes were proposed, with the results of the assessment and public consultation indicating that a northern bypass option around all three villages was the most favourable. The Proposed Scheme was developed from this northern bypass option accounting for statutory, environmental and social constraints along the proposed route.

When will it be built? It is expected that construction will commence in Autumn 2015 and the Link Road completed and operational in late 2017. Thus it is expected that the entire Site preparation, earthworks and construction phase will last approximately two years from commencement of operations.

Who has been told about this Scheme? The Proposed Scheme has undergone various consultations with both statutory and non-statutory consultees as well as with Daventry District Council and South Northamptonshire Council. A public consultation was undertaken in 2012, canvasing the opinion of the local residents on the potential for a bypass scheme. The public consultation indicated a high degree of support for a link road and – of the indicative routes put forward – the Proposed Scheme is based on the northern bypass option (around all three villages), which was the most favourable option.

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Environmental Effects

What is the existing environment like in and around the Site? The Site covers an area of approximately 123ha, traversing the landscape to the north of the villages of Upper Heyford, Flore and Weedon Bec, terminating to the east of Dodford; the Site is bordered to the north-east by the M1 motorway. The existing villages are serviced by the local road network, with the A45 linking all three and thus currently handling a large volume of traffic. As previously mentioned the Grand Union Canal, West Coast Main Line railway and A5 pass through the Site near to Weedon Bec. The Grand Union Canal is a key feature within the local area, offering both a heritage asset as well as a recreational area for residents, walkers and canal users. The wider landscape is dominated by agricultural land use including established hedgerows, the River Nene and its tributaries. There are some areas of woodland in the wider area, although these areas are not extensive. The topography predominantly comprises gently undulating rural land dominated by two hills on either side of the valley. These hills are Weedon Hill (162m AOD), located to the south-west of Weedon, and Glassthorpehill (141m AOD) to the north-east of Flore There are a number of key environmental receptors that have been considered within the ES and these are illustrated in Figure 3 below.

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! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Primary School Site Boundary ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Scheduled Monument

Conservation Area Listed Building Secondary School

Ancient Woodland Inventory Water Bodies Bridleway

Site of Special Scientific Interest Watercourses Byway

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Footpath ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Parks and Gardens Residential Areas

Figure 3: Key Sensitive Receptors

Are there likely to be any effects from the Proposed Scheme on local wildlife habitat? Currently the Site is comprised of predominantly two habitat types, Agricultural Land and Improved Grassland. There are some small pockets of a number of other habitats consisting of hedgerows; deciduous broad-leaved woodland; tall ruderal scrub; standing water; running water and some scattered trees. The introduction of the Proposed Scheme will result in the loss of agricultural land and the improved grassland, both of which have a lower ecological value. The Proposed Scheme will result in the loss of a number of hedgerows and trees during the site preparation, earthworks and construction phase, however, the Proposed Scheme does include landscape and planting provisions to not only provide visual screening of the development but also help to restore a number of habitats that may be lost during the site preparation, earthworks and construction phase.

Are there likely to be any effects from the Proposed Scheme on local wildlife? Within the local area there are a number of species that may experience direct and indirect effects as a result of the Proposed Scheme. A number of ecological surveys have been undertaken throughout the site indicating the potential for the site to support a number of species. Species and species groups surveyed and evaluated included breeding birds, reptiles, barn owls, badgers, great crested newts and otters. Anecdotal data on bats was also available. Great crested newts, bats, breeding birds and otters are considered to be both important at the District level and sensitive to potential effects of the Proposed Scheme. Significant negative residual effects are anticipated for:
Breeding birds, significant at the Local level;
Local Wildlife Site, significant at the Local level;
Bats, significant at the Local level; and
Native species rich hedgerows and Lines of Trees, significant within Site only. Also, positive residual effects were predicted on great crested newts and bats, significant at the Local level. All of these apply to the site preparation, earthworks and construction phase only. No significant operational effects were predicted. Cumulative effects were also considered but again, none are anticipated. Following the precautionary approach advocated in Ecological Assessment guidelines, overall the Proposed Scheme would cause negative ecological effects, significant at the Local level.

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Will the Proposed Scheme have any effects on designated ecological sites? There are no international or nationally designated ecological sites within the Site; however, Bugbrooke Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is 480m south of the Proposed Scheme. Bugbrooke Meadows is noted for a number of rare plant species present within the collection of meadows, which in general offer a species-rich environment. At such distance the proposed Scheme is unlikely to have any direct effects on Bugbrooke Meadows, nor its qualifying interests, although there is potential hydrological connectivity between the Site and Bugbrooke Meadows. Nevertheless, through the incorporation of appropriate Site management practices and appropriate drainage strategy, the potential for contamination of Bugbrooke Meadows is unlikely. There is Local Wildlife Site (LWS) which is intersected by the Proposed Scheme, the Grand Union Canal. However, the design shows that the banks of the Canal will not be directly impacted by the bridge as the banks of the watercourse are not abutted and the towpath is left intact. Dovecote Meadow LWS, an established meadow, lies 500m south of the Proposed Scheme but is connected hydrologically. Measures will be in place to ensure the protection of the quality of the water within the canal and the underlying groundwater.

What effect will the Proposed Scheme have on the landscape character and views of the area? Landscape is characterised by dividing the study area into geographical areas which have readily identifiable characteristics in common. These characteristics may include topography; waterways; patterns of land use; urban grain; and building form. Where there are major elements of infrastructure such as roads and railways, these often serve to divide one area from another. Within the Current Landscape Character Assessment, the Site is located primarily within Landscape Character Area 13: Undulating Hills and Valleys but it also crosses Character Area 18: Broad River Valley Floodplain. Assessment of visual effects identifies the experience and relationship of existing view for the public and the effect a Proposed Scheme will have on the view and the potential changes applied. Where the Proposed Scheme cuts through existing hedgerows and open fields, the local character will alter from vegetation and green open space to built form with traffic movements. At construction, the removal of trees, stockpiling, plant and machinery will have an effect on the tranquillity, character and visual quality of the Site. The works will be visible from surrounding Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and residential areas and the construction activities may temporarily alter the local character of the Site and the local topography. During operation the link road may also impact upon local landscape character and on visual amenity. Although no vegetation will be removed during operation, new planting will mature over time and will therefore have the potential to further affect views. The operation of the road, with traffic (including headlights at night), signage and lighting around the roundabouts will have an effect on the tranquillity, character and visual quality of the existing Site. The effect of the Proposed Scheme upon the baseline has been considered during both the construction and operational phases. The key issues identified include the effects of the Proposed Scheme on the existing landscape character of the Site and its surroundings due to changes in topography, vegetation (tree and hedgerow) loss and change from open agricultural fields to one with hard surfacing, artificial lighting and traffic. The effects of the Proposed Scheme are considered to be greater during the construction phase than the operational phase, due to the additional visual intrusion of working machinery, plant and vegetation removal. However, the visual intrusions during construction are expected to be temporary effects, as the Proposed Scheme includes landscape planting plans (Figures 4.40.1-4.40.9 within the Volume 1 of the ES) which aim to reduce the visual intrusion of the Proposed Scheme once construction has been completed. Mitigation has been considered both during the construction and operational phase, all of which will reduce the overall effect.

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What effects will the Proposed Scheme have on local air quality? The impact of the Proposed Scheme has been considered for the preparation, earthworks and construction phase and operational stages of the Scheme. An appropriate study area for the air quality assessment has been based on the criteria set out in air quality guidance documents and comprises sensitive receptors (people and ecology) close to the Site and along the routes that will be utilised by construction traffic. The Site is located in an area where air quality is highly influenced by exhaust emissions from road transport – the A45, A5 and M1. The construction phase is estimated to last approximately two years, between 2015 and 2017. During this phase there are a number of potential sources of air pollution such as increased construction traffic or dust from earthworks. Assessment of the potential effects on local air quality from construction activities on the Proposed Scheme has been carried out. This showed that during construction activities, releases of dust and particulate matter were likely to occur, albeit in the short-term. However, through good site practice and the implementation of suitable mitigation measures, the residual effect of dust and particulate matter releases will be reduced to a level where the change is unnoticeable. Furthermore potential effects of emissions from vehicles and plant associated with the construction phase were also considered to be minimal, due to the relative low levels of construction traffic expected as a result of the Proposed Scheme (see What effects will the Proposed Scheme have on the local road network?). During the operational phase of the Proposed Scheme there are potential sources of air pollution resulting from vehicular emissions. Assessment results show that there are some incidences of minor increases in nitrogen dioxide, but these are low and limited. Overall, the effects of the Proposed Scheme on local air quality are beneficial in reducing pollutant concentrations in the local area, for the long term as the Proposed Scheme takes traffic off the local roads and away from sensitive receptors.

What effects will the Proposed Scheme have on the local noise environment? The Proposed Scheme will result in the inclusion of a new road in the local road network and as a result the introduction of a new noise source. Currently there are a number of other noise sources in the immediate area, namely the A45, A5 and the M1, all of which contribute to current background noise levels. Calculations have been undertaken at key locations along the route and a three-dimensional computer aided noise model has been developed covering the study area. Using this model a number of scenarios are run providing future noise levels which include the Proposed Scheme and exclude it. The current background noise levels, i.e. based on the level of noise from the current road network, are expected to gradually increase without the introduction of the Proposed Scheme. During the site preparation, earthworks and construction phase it is anticipated that noise levels, due to construction works, will not exceed adopted daytime noise limits (which are based on prevailing ambient noise rounded to the nearest 5 dB at each receptor). The assessment has also considered noise arising from any increase in construction vehicles using the current road network, where there will be a maximum increase of 0.3 dB or less, which is a negligible change to the present background noise levels. The Proposed Scheme, as part of its design, includes a low noise surface system, helping to dampen any noise arising from the operation of the Proposed Scheme. Noise effects during the operational phase have been broken down into short-term (<1 year) and long-term changes (15 years or more). In the short-term, 85% of dwellings within the Study Area are predicted to undergo daytime noise level changes that would be imperceptible. A further 11% of dwellings are predicted to experience a noticeable benefit in respect to noise level change as a result of the Proposed Scheme. The short-term changes predicted at the Grand Union Canal are predicted to be in excess of +5 dB at the closest points to the new route. In the long- term, with the exception of the Grand Union Canal all dwellings and non-dwelling sensitive receptors within the Study Area are predicted to undergo daytime and night-time noise level changes that would either be imperceptible or perceptible and beneficial. For the Grand Union Canal, the long-term change in noise is predicted to be in excess of +5 dB at the closest points to the new route. Based on the findings of the assessment mitigation measures need to be considered for 19 short-term receptors (dwellings to the north of the A45 / A5 junction, dwellings off The Crescent, Flore and the Grand

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Union Canal) and the one long-term receptor (the Grand Union Canal) identified as having an effect of minor negative significance or greater. To provide adequate mitigation a two metre high (relative to the carriageway surface) noise barrier was included in the design, located on the north and south edges of the route (no further than 2.5 metres from the road edge) between the A5 roundabout junction and towards a point west of the combined canal and rail crossing. The incorporation of such mitigation measure will result in reduced noise levels at the Grand Union Canal. As for the properties to the north of the existing A5 / A45 junction, five of these properties qualify for sound insulation provisions or a grant in lieu of the effects due to the noise changes and the absolute noise levels predicted. Alternatively, if the existing road surface (on the A5) is re-surfaced with a low-noise type system along the entire section between the A5 / A45 crossroads and the junction with the new route, a reduction of up to 3.5 dB would be expected, which would diminish the change in noise at receptors along this route to less than 1 dB,

Will the Proposed Scheme cause an increase in flooding within the Site and the surrounding area? The hydrology in the area is dominated by the River Nene, which is located to the south of the Site in an off-site location and flows approximately west to east passing through Weedon Bec and to the south of Flore. From east to west, the Proposed Scheme will cross Hollandstone Farm Brook, the Whilton Brook branch of the River Nene and the Grand Union Canal. The Grand Union Canal is currently expected to be lined with a low permeability barrier. A Flood Risk Assessment has been undertaken as part of the Proposed Scheme, with the model indicating that the inclusion of the Proposed Scheme crossing over Hollandstone Farm Brook will have a minimal impact on flood levels in all areas upstream and downstream of the Proposed Scheme. The post development hydraulic model results indicate that the inclusion of the proposed crossing over the Whilton Brook branch of the River Nene will result in increases in the flood levels of up to 2.7m and floodplain extent area of 11.7 ha on the land immediately upstream (during the 1 in 200 year plus climate change event). However, Northamptonshire Highways have held discussions with all the potentially affected landowners who have acknowledged that the above impacts could occur on their parcels of land. It should be noted that there are no notable increases in flood levels in all areas outside these parcels. Modelling reported in the FRA indicates that the Proposed Scheme does not flood in the vicinity of the Whilton Brook branch of the River Nene in the 1 in 1000 year event (which includes an allowance for climate change).

Is there potential water pollution as a result of the Proposed Scheme? No. Although there is a potential for water pollution as a result of the construction, appropriate Site management and a permanent drainage strategy will minimise and reduce any potential for release of pollutants into surrounding waterbodies or controlled waters.

Is there likely to be any contaminated land or ground condition issues with the Site? Most of the Site is currently in agricultural use which has changed very little over the last 100 years. Part of the northern embankment of the western approach to the proposed junction with the A5 will partially cross the Dodmoor Farm Landfill yet widespread contamination was not recorded in soils or shallow groundwater within the Site. Risks during construction are associated with the exposure of construction workers to contaminants in shallow soils and contamination of controlled waters. Nevertheless, mitigation measures have been included as part of the Proposed Scheme, including further ground investigation works to fully characterise the landfills on the Site to support detailed design, and development of appropriate remedial / mitigation measures and the adoption of safe working systems and good environmental practices.

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Following incorporation of such measures it is considered that residual effects associated with construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme are unlikely to be noticed.

Will the Proposed Scheme have an effect on designated and non- designated heritage assets? Yes. Whilst within the Site there are very few designated heritage assets, there are a large number of heritage assets within the wider area. There are no listed buildings, scheduled monuments or registered historic parks and gardens within the Site. There is a single Scheduled Monument within views of the Site - Borough Hill Scheduled Monument, one registered historic park and garden located within 2km of the Site (Brockhall Park Grade II) and a number of listed buildings (Grades I, II* and II) within 1km of the Site boundary. Furthermore, there are six Conservation Areas within the 2km Study Area, including the Grand Union Canal Conservation Area that is located within the Site boundary, in the west. There will be a change in the fabric of the Grand Union Canal Conservation Area, which is considered to be minor to moderate negative overall. There will also be a change to the setting of other designated heritage assets with views of the Site, ranging from negligible to moderate negative. There is also positive effect on 12 Listed Buildings in the village of Flore, due to a reduction in traffic and visual intrusion once the Proposed Scheme is completed. A number of non-designated assets have been found within the Site boundary and the immediate area including Neolithic Long Barrows, Iron Age Enclosure, remains of Roman Settlement, Medieval/Post-Medieval Cultivation Earthworks and Historic Lane. Whilst most of these features are buried they are likely to experience a change in both their fabric and setting due to the Proposed Scheme.

Are archaeological remains likely to be found during the construction? Yes. During the construction phase, there will be soil and ground excavation which may truncate or disturb currently unknown archaeological remains below the ground. Further archaeological field work is currently being undertaken, to ascertain the nature, extent and survival of archaeological remains within key areas of the Site, which has been agreed with Northamptonshire County Council.

Will the Proposed Scheme lead to an increase in light pollution? The Site consists primarily of agricultural land and as such the majority of the Site is unlit due to the absence of existing lighting installations. There are parts of the Site which currently experience elevated levels of lighting due to the presence of highways lighting along the M1 and A45. Within the surrounding area there are a number of artificial lighting installations along the local road network and associated with residential areas. The proposed Scheme will lead to the introduction of new artificial lighting during the Site preparation, earthworks and construction phase for health, safety and security purposes. It is anticipated that lighting will largely be only switched on during standard working hours (07:00-19:00 weekdays) with occasional night time working over the weekend. Increased lighting may cause nuisance to local residents or/and users of the local road and path network as well as changing the viewed night-time scene. Overall the anticipated residual effects of lighting associated with the construction phase ranges from negligible to minor negative, following the adoption of British Standards and periodic checks, to limit potential light pollution. Once completed, new lighting installations will only be introduced at the roundabouts with the A45 and A5 in line with highways lighting requirements. Given the location of the new lighting installations, the effects associated with the operational phase are negligible to minor negative.

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Will there be a loss of the ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land due to the Proposed Scheme? Yes. The Proposed Scheme comprises predominantly greenfield land to the north of the villages of Weedon Bec, Flore and Upper Heyford. The Site – approximately 123ha – covers an extensive area of land predominantly used for agricultural purposes. The Proposed Scheme will involve the change of use of approximately 109ha of agricultural land, the composition of which is:
17.9ha Grade 2 agricultural land;
34.4ha Subgrade 3a agricultural land;
55.5ha Subgrade 3b agricultural land; and
0.8ha Grade 4 agricultural land. Grade 2 and Subgrade 3a are deemed to be of ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land, thus the Proposed Scheme will result in the loss of approximately 52.3ha of ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land. This is of course based on the assumption that all of the land will be lost, whereas in reality this will be far less once the exact nature of the construction activities and spatial zone are fully understood. 14ha of non-agricultural land will also experience change of use.

What effects will the Proposed Scheme have on the local Public Rights of Way? There are a number of Public Rights of Way (PRoW) within the Site and the surrounding area. Three PRoW currently traverse the Site, and will be subject to direct impacts, whilst the remaining PRoW are likely to experience indirect effects, limited mostly to views. During the construction phase, all PRoW will remain open and a small number of them will be diverted whilst works are carried out. There may be a case for some of the PRoW to be temporarily closed, due to health and safety reasons, yet these closures should be limited. Once operational, the majority of PRoW will continue as before, however footpaths EU1 and EU7 would be diverted to account for the new bypass, and bridleway EU14 would be carried over the carriageway via a new ‘Green Bridge’. As such there are negative effects on the PRoW network, albeit limited to EU1 and EU7 and balanced by positive effects to users of the A45 and A5.

What effects will the Proposed Scheme have on the local road network? Overall the Proposed Scheme is expected to help improve the local road network, especially through the villages of Upper Heyford, Flore and Weedon Bec. Currently the A45 passes through these villages and results in large flows of traffic through these areas. The Proposed Scheme will allow the diversion of the majority of through traffic away from these zones, the result of which means that the traffic within these villages and the local road network will be occupied principally by local residents or visitors to the area, rather than road users looking to commute through. During the construction of the Proposed Scheme there is expected to be small increase in construction traffic, this increase will equate to an average of two HGV movements per hour. The traffic assessment (Chapter 7 – Traffic and Transport) has indicated that this increase is well below guidance threshold levels applied as part of the assessment, amounting to insignificant effects. Furthermore, workers and vehicles arriving / departing the Site are expected to be from various directions distributing traffic across the overall local road network, thus minimising the effect. Once completed and in operation, the new link road is anticipated to ease traffic across the local road network. Overall the project will help alleviate traffic, primarily on the A45. Predictions also indicate a decrease in traffic along sections of the local road network and increased road safety, leading to an overall positive effect.

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Will the Proposed Scheme bring any new jobs to the area? It is envisaged that the construction phase will use local contractors and workers. An estimated 167 jobs will be created through the construction stages of the Proposed Scheme. As such there will be a rise in potential job availability as the Proposed Scheme progresses. There will also be indirect effects for the wider area – such as the increased expenditure at other businesses of the villages (accommodation, local shops etc.).

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What happens next? The completed ES has been submitted along with other environmental documentation, planning deliverables and plan drawings to NCC for the councillors to make a decision on the planning application. During this period of determination, the Council will contact government bodies and agencies

How do I obtain copy of the Environmental Statement or this Non- Technical Summary? The ES is available to view online for free on NCC’s Planning Portal. Hard copies of the Environmental Statement can be provided by WSP at a cost of £300 + VAT. Copies of the Non-Technical Summary can be provided via email for free or £20 for a hard copy.

Who should I contact if I would like more information?

Contact: Victoria Wilson - WSP Address: Three White Rose Office Park, Millshaw Park Lane, Leeds LS11 0DL E-mail: [email protected] Contact Number: 0113 395 6616

Contact: Andy Ricketts - WSP Address: One Queens Drive, Birmingham, B5 4PJ Email: [email protected] Contact Number: 0121 352 4767

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