DOCSLIB.ORG

Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Chiltern and South Bucks Local Plan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Chiltern and South Bucks Local Plan Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Chiltern and South Bucks Local Plan HRA Screening Document January 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Chiltern and South Bucks Local Plan Screening Report LC-260 Document Control Box Client Chiltern District Council & South Bucks District Council Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Chiltern and South Bucks Local Report Title Plan: Screening Report Status Draft Filename LC-260_SBDC&CDC_HRA_Screening_8_030117JE.docx Date January, 2017 Author JE Reviewed RB Approved ND Photo: Aston Rowant Nature Reserve HRA of Chiltern & South Bucks GBPOPC January, 2017 LC-260_SBDC&CDC_HRA_Screening_8_030117JE.docx Contents 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................................. 5 1.2 Approach to report preparation ..................................................................................................... 6 1.3 The HRA process ................................................................................................................................... 7 1.4 About the Local Plan Green Belt Preferred Options Public Consultation ...................... 8 1.5 HRA process to date ............................................................................................................................ 9 2 Methodology ................................................................................................................................................. 10 2.1 Habitats Regulations Assessment methodology .................................................................... 10 2.2 Dealing with uncertainty .................................................................................................................... 11 2.3 Likely significant effect ..................................................................................................................... 13 2.4 Limitations ............................................................................................................................................. 14 3 European sites .............................................................................................................................................. 15 3.1 About European sites ........................................................................................................................ 15 3.2 Identification of relevant European sites ................................................................................... 15 3.3 Ecological information ...................................................................................................................... 16 4 Potential Effects ........................................................................................................................................... 17 4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 17 4.2 Screening out sites .............................................................................................................................. 21 4.3 Conservation objectives .................................................................................................................... 21 4.4 Site pressures and threats ............................................................................................................... 22 4.5 Scoping out pressures and threats ............................................................................................. 24 4.6 Air pollution .......................................................................................................................................... 25 4.7 Wildfire/arson ..................................................................................................................................... 30 4.8 Public access/disturbance ............................................................................................................... 31 4.9 Hydrological changes ....................................................................................................................... 39 5 Conclusions and Recommendations ................................................................................................... 41 5.1 Assessment findings .......................................................................................................................... 41 5.2 Next steps ............................................................................................................................................. 42 Appendix A: Conservation objectives for European Sites Appendix B: Summary of all relevant European sites and current threats and pressures identified in Site Improvement Plans and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Natura 2000 data forms Lepus Consulting for Chiltern District Council & South Bucks District Council i HRA of Chiltern & South Bucks GBPOPC January, 2017 LC-260_SBDC&CDC_HRA_Screening_8_030117JE.docx Figures Figure 2.1 Summary flow chart of HRA process Figure 4.1 Map illustrating location of European sites within 15km of the borders of the Chiltern and South Bucks districts Tables Table 4.1 European sites, SSSIs and conservation status Table 4.2 Summary screening of GBPOPC Threats and pressures for each European site identified as Table 4.3 potentially being affected by the Local Plan GBPOPC Table A.1 Qualifying features and conservation objectives of European sites (Appendix A) Table B.1 All threats and pressures of all European sites within 15km of the (Appendix B) Chiltern district and South Bucks district borders Acronyms AA Appropriate Assessment AQMA Air Quality Management Area DEFRA Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs EU European Union GBPOPC Green Belt Preferred Options Public Consultation GIS Geographic Information Systems HRA Habitats Regulations Assessment / Appraisal IPENS Improvement Programme for England’s Natura 2000 sites IROPI Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest JNCC Joint Nature Conservation Committee LPA Local Planning Authority LSE Likely Significant Effect N2K Natura 2000 Network NE Natural England NPPF National Planning Policy Framework RIS Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands Lepus Consulting for Chiltern District Council & South Bucks District Council ii HRA of Chiltern & South Bucks GBPOPC January, 2017 LC-260_SBDC&CDC_HRA_Screening_8_030117JE.docx SAC Special Area of Conservation SANG Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace SIP Site Improvement Plan SNH Scottish Natural Heritage SPA Special Protection Area SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest Lepus Consulting for Chiltern District Council & South Bucks District Council iii HRA of Chiltern & South Bucks GBPOPC January, 2017 LC-260_SBDC&CDC_HRA_Screening_8_030117JE.docx Executive Summary E1 This HRA report has carefully considered the conservation objectives of European sites that might be associated with activities and projects as part of the Chiltern District and South Bucks District ‘Local Plan Green Belt Preferred Options Public Consultation October – December 2016’ (GBPOPC). E2 Lepus identified nine European sites that lie within 15km of the boundaries of both districts. E3 The following nine sites feature in this HRA report: • Aston Rowant SAC • Burnham Beeches SAC; • Chilterns Beechwoods SAC; • Richmond Park SAC; • South West London Waterbodies SPA; • South West London Waterbodies Ramsar; • Thames Basin Heaths SPA; • Thursley, Ash, Pirbright & Chobham SAC; and • Windsor Forest & Great Park SAC. E4 A number of recognised threats and pressures are associated with these sites as identified by Natural England. This HRA screening report explores the extent to which, if any, the proposals associated with the release of Green Belt for the purposes of residential and employment development will exacerbate or alleviate these threats and pressures. E5 It is considered that proposed development in the GBPOPC will have a likely significant effect on Burnham Beeches SAC due to potential recreational disturbance impacts associated with public access, and potential impacts associated with air quality. Lepus Consulting for Chiltern District Council & South Bucks District Council iv HRA of Chiltern & South Bucks Local Plan GBPOPC January, 2017 LC-260_SBDC&CDC_HRA_Screening_8_030117JE.docx 1 Introduction 1.1 Background 1.1.1 Lepus Consulting has prepared this Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) report of the Chiltern and South Bucks Local Plan Green Belt Preferred Options Consultation October – December 2016 (GBPOPC) on behalf of Chiltern District Council and South Bucks District Council. This is a requirement of Regulation 102 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 20101 (the Habitats Regulations). 1.1.2 The following European sites were identified using a 15km area of search around the Chiltern and South Bucks districts, as well as including sites which are potentially connected (e.g. hydrologically) beyond this distance: • Aston Rowant SAC; • Burnham Beeches SAC; • Chilterns Beechwoods SAC; • Richmond Park SAC; • South West London Waterbodies SPA; • South West London Waterbodies Ramsar; • Thames Basin Heaths SPA; • Thursley, Ash, Pirbright & Chobham SAC; and • Windsor Forest & Great Park SAC. 1.1.3 Whilst Ramsar sites are not European sites, NPPF
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Newsletter Index May 2021
    Wycombe Wildlife Group (WWG) newsletter index (Revised 26 May 2021) Wycombe Wildlife Group has produced a newsletter 3 times a year since the Group was formed, initially as Wycombe Urban Wildlife Group, in 1989. Copies of all the newsletters issued have been placed on this website to provide a record of the history of the Group and some of its achievements and failures in carrying out its planned objectives. This index includes reports and articles published in the newsletters containing material relating to wildlife species and their conservation, wildlife habitats and their management, as well as listing past activities such as walks, talks and visits. The list is divided into categories to make it easier to find items on particular subjects. Each item on the list shows the number of the newsletter in which it was published.By selecting the relevant issue number from the list of issued newsletters, you can view or, if necessary, download that issue. This index will be updated following the issue of each future newsletter, and amended to take account of any changes considered necessary following the receipt of comments and/or suggested changes from members. Index of WUWG/WWG newsletter items (Revised May 2021) Group activities 24 hour Wildlife Watch Marathon (Issues 5, 6 and 24) Chair Museum wildlife garden (Issue 8) Create a Hedgerow project (Issue 34) Creation of bat hibernaculum at Booker (Issue 6) Grange Farm and Terriers Farm - fauna and flora surveys (Issue 35) Hang on to hedgerows project (Issues 30-32) Hedgehog survey (Issues 5
    [Show full text]
  • Wycombe District Local Plan Revised Habitats Regulations Assessment
    Wycombe District Local Plan Revised Habitats Regulations Assessment Report – including Appropriate Assessment January 2019 Wycombe District Local Plan– Revised Habitats Regulations Assessment Report (January 2019) This page is left intentionally blank. 2 Wycombe District Local Plan– Revised Habitats Regulations Assessment Report (January 2019) Contents Chapter 1 – Introduction .................................................................................. 7 HRA and other assessments .......................................................................... 7 Legislative context .......................................................................................... 7 Sites integrity .................................................................................................. 9 Chapter 2 – Methodology ............................................................................... 12 Stages of HRA .............................................................................................. 12 Scope of the Report ..................................................................................... 13 Assessment Steps ........................................................................................ 15 Chapter 3 – Special Areas of Conservation ................................................... 17 SACs assessed in this Report - Overview .................................................... 17 Site Improvement Plans ............................................................................... 19 Aston Rowant SAC ......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Burnham Beeches Wheelchair Walk
    Burnham Beeches Walks Walks likely to be suitable for people with impaired mobility and users of wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs Burnham Beeches is a large area of ancient woodland open to the public and has been designated as a National Nature Reserve. It has been owned and managed by the City of London since 1880. There are many miles of trails through the woodland and there is car parking, toilets and refreshments available. i Path Information How to get there There are many paths with hard surfaces, including roads now closed to traffic and an Easy Access Path. A40 Beaconsfield M40 However Burnham Beeches is hilly and so there are M25 some steep slopes in places. There are no stiles and A40 Hedgerley the gates shown on the map are designed to allow Burnham Beeches Entrance wheelchairs and scooters. To help you decide which M40 Farnham A355 paths are suitable for you the map shows a selection Common Taplow Farnham of types of path marked with slopes, gates etc. For A4 Royal those wanting to explore there are also many natural Burnham Slough A4 challenging paths which are not shown on the map. M4 M4 Thames 0 1 2 3 4 5Miles For details of these paths please refer to the Burnham 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Km Beeches leaflet issued by the City of London www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/burnham Main access from Beeches i Visitor Information Road, just off the A355 in Farnham Common. Open from 8am until dusk. Buses stop in Farnham Public and disabled toilets.
    [Show full text]
  • 67890 Farnham Lane, East Burnham.Pdf
    Wessex Archaeology East Burnham Quarry, Farnham Lane, East Burnham, Buckinghamshire Desk-based Assessment Ref: 67890.01 December 2007 EAST BURNHAM QUARRY, FARNHAM LANE, EAST BURNHAM, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Desk Based Assessment Prepared on behalf of Summerleaze Limited 7 Summerleaze Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 8SP by Wessex Archaeology Unit 113 The Chandlery 50 Westminster Bridge Road LONDON SE1 7QY Report reference: 67890.01 December 2007 © Wessex Archaeology Limited 2007 all rights reserved Wessex Archaeology Limited is a Registered Charity No. 287786 Summerleaze Limited East Burnham Quarry, Buckinghamshire EAST BURNHAM QUARRY, FARNHAM LANE, EAST BURNHAM, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Desk Based Assessment Contents 1 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................1 1.1 Project Background.................................................................................. 1 1.2 Landscape and Geology .......................................................................... 1 2 METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................2 2.1 Scope....................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Research ................................................................................................. 2 2.3 Legislative and Planning Background....................................................... 4 3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND.....................5 3.1 Palaeolithic..............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • September 2017 Farnhamsmagazine 3 Index
    farnhamsmagazine sharing life in our community September 2017 farnhamsmagazine 3 Index Archives 55 Burnham Beeches Bulletin 24 Church Church Information 78 Parish Registers 70 Rector’s Letter 7 Community Service – Not Just for Criminals 40 Concerts and Events 66 Editorial 5 Farnhams Magazine Publication details 4 Farnhams Village Signs 8 Hedgerley Historical Society 48 Index of Advertisers 77 JAWS 33 Library 60 Library Book Review 61 Local Artist 64 Mothers’ Union 53 Open Gardens 22 Parish Fete 27 Parish Patch 11 Parliamentary Information 74 Rededication of St Mary’s Church 14 Rotary Club – Burnham Beeches 42 Rotary Club – Slough 45 Royal British Legion 52 Schools Farnham Common Village Schools 17 Farnham Royal School 20 Scouts 30 Southmead Surgery 59 Sports – Tennis 34 Travel Broadens the Mind 46 Women’s Institute Hedgerley 56 Women’s Legion in WW1 36 Working Mummy 38 4 farnhamsmagazine 5 Editorial I’ve always loved September. It reminds me of new starts: a new year at school, crisp new uniform and most importantly to me the brand-new stationery. Like New Year’s Day, the air is ripe with opportunity and possibility. This could be a good time to start something new: for me it’s editing this magazine; for farnhamsmagazine Victoria on page 40 it’s volunteering at the Village Hall. In this issue there are some good pictures of the Open Gardens and the Parish Fete. We have sharing life in our community updates of your local organisations – the Community Library, Sports, JAWS and lots of activities in the schools. The beautiful picture on the cover reminds us that autumn will soon be turning Burnham Beeches golden.
    [Show full text]
  • Burnham Beeches Management Plan 2020 - 2030 DRAFT
    DRAFT Burnham Beeches Management Plan 2020 - 2030 DRAFT Burnham Beeches is a unique nature reserve Burnham Beeches is a precious remnant The City of London Corporation is and public open space owned and managed of an active wood pasture with ancient committed to managing Burnham Beeches in by the City of London Corporation. pollarded beech trees, a habitat that was perpetuity to ensure that it remains a special once commonplace throughout the south place for generations to come. It is a registered charity (number 232987) of England but is now restricted to a small A team of Rangers, a Conservation Officer which receives the major part of its funding number of places. Situated in an increasingly and administration staff, based at Burnham from the City. urbanised landscape, we are working with Beeches, works with volunteers and local people at all levels to try to minimise the contractors to protect and maintain the deterioration of the habitats and reduce the important features of Burnham Beeches and impacts of fragmentation. Stoke Common for people and wildlife. Contents Introduction 4 2.0 The need for management 5.0 Work programme 2020-2030 Facts learnt in the last 10 years 5 2.1 Pollarded trees 20 Work programme 68 Achievements 2010-2020 6 2.2 Grazing 21 2.3 Climate change 22 Background information 1.0 Site description 2.4 Fragmentation, pollution 22 Glossary 80 and other stresses 1.1 Location 7 PSPO map 80 2.5 Visitors 23 1.2 Ownership and access rights 7 Contact details back cover 1.3 Site status 8 3.0 Vision 1.4 Financial situation
    [Show full text]
  • Statement of Reasons
    STATEMENT OF REASONS It is proposed to introduce restrictions at various locations across the county of Buckinghamshire. The table below identifies proposed restrictions or changes to restrictions for the streets named and the reasons for proposing the restriction. Road Name Scheme Restrictions Reasons Access to Old Telephone Burnham Beeches / No Waiting At Any Time. Exchange off Kingsway Farnham Common ALAN WAY Langley Park Area No Waiting At Any Time. ALDERBOURNE LANE Black Park Area No Stopping At Any Time On Verge Or Footway. For avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any No Stopping On Main Carriageway. other road or for preventing the ASTON HILL CHIVERY Wendover Woods Area 4 Wheel Pavement Parking. likelihood of any such danger arising. No Stopping At Any Time On Verge Or Footway. No Stopping On Main Carriageway. AVENUE DRIVE Langley Park Area No Stopping On Main Carriageway. For facilitating the passage on the road or any other road of any class of BEDFORD DRIVE Burnham Beeches / No Stopping At Any Time On Verge Or Footway. traffic (including pedestrians) Farnham Common No Stopping On Main Carriageway. BEECHES ROAD Burnham Beeches / No Waiting At Any Time. Farnham Common Permit Holders Only FC1. For preserving or improving the BELLSWOOD LANE Langley Park Area No Stopping At Any Time On Verge Or Footway. amenities of the area through which the road runs. No Stopping On Main Carriageway. BILLET LANE Langley Park Area No Stopping At Any Time On Verge Or Footway. No Stopping On Main Carriageway. Road Name Scheme Restrictions Reasons BLACK PARK ROAD Black Park Area & No Stopping At Any Time On Verge Or Footway No.
    [Show full text]
  • Bucks-List-All-Species.Pdf
    Buckinghamshire Bird List Updated in Jul 2020 with 2017 records. 2018 records are available in the Buckinghamshire Bird Club Annual Report. Updated Chart data Feb 2019 Red : Sightings Records Pink : Rare Breeding Records Purple : “Probables” Green : Probable Escapees Navy Blue : Records yet to be Considered by the Bucks Records Committee 1. Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata Rare vagrant. 19 records. View historical photos (for more recent photos see Gallery of members photos) Prior 1910 near Aylesbury Station – shot and presented to County Museum. 1952 Little Marlow GPs – Adult from 27th Oct to 7th Nov. 1970 Hurley – 1 on the River Thames from 11th-31st Mar. 1971 Stanton Low GP – A diver Sp from 25th Feb to 8th Mar was considered to be of this species. 1976 Calvert – 1 from 13th-16th Feb and 22nd Feb. 1978 Hurley – A diver Sp on the River Thames on 19th Feb was considered to be of this species. 1978 Wotton Lakes – 1 from 5th-12th Mar. 1979 Willen – 1 on 14th Mar. 1980 Willen – 1 from 7th-10th Oct 1986 Willen – 1 on 7th Feb. 1987 Weston Turville Res. – A slightly oiled adult from 8th-10th Dec was taken into care but later died. 1988 Calvert – A diver Sp on 17th Nov was considered to be of this species. 1989 Willen – 14 on 2nd Apr, with 6 present just after dawn on on 3rd and 2 remaining until 09:00. This influx may have been caused by snow on the E coast. 1990 Little Marlow GP – Juvenile 16th Dec until 12th Jan 1991. 1994 Stowe School – 1 on 20th Jan.
    [Show full text]
  • Burnham Historic Town Assessment Draft Report
    Burnham Historic Town Assessment Draft Report Burnham Historic Town Assessment Report Draft Tuesday 13 July 2010 The Swan Inn, High Street, Burnham Burnham Historic Town Assessment Draft Report Summary .................................................................................................................................................. 4 I DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................................... 7 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 Project Background and Purpose ............................................................................................ 7 1.2 Aims ......................................................................................................................................... 7 2 Setting ............................................................................................................................................. 13 2.1 Location, Topography & Geology .......................................................................................... 13 2.2 Wider Landscape ................................................................................................................... 13 3 Evidence.......................................................................................................................................... 14 3.1 Historic Maps.........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Lca 24.2 Farnham and Stoke Common Wooded Terrace
    LCA 24.2 FARNHAM AND STOKE COMMON WOODED TERRACE LCA in Context LCA 24.2 FARNHAM & STOKE COMMON WOODED TERRACE KEY CHARACTERISTICS • A slightly undulating terrace landform, formed on river terrace deposits, and occupying higher ground between the surrounding landscape types. It lies above the Alder Bourne Valley to the north and the lowland fringe of the Thames to the south. • Slowly permeable seasonally waterlogged loamy/clayey soils support small scale mixed farmland (rough grazing, pasture and paddock), large tracts of woodland and wooded commons, dominated by beech and birch, and significant areas of historical vegetation coverage, such as heathland. • Strong ecological importance, with extensive woodland cover and heathland, semi-natural grassland and a network of hedgerows and scrubby field boundaries. Several nationally recognised areas of ecological importance (e.g. Stoke Common SSSI). • There is a dispersed settlement pattern across the landscape, ranging from the village of Farnham Common, smaller nucleated settlements and isolated farmsteads. Settlement character is largely modern. • An accessible and relatively permeable landscape, with comprehensive road and footpath network, allowing access to much of the landscape. • Views often restricted by woodland and settlement, despite the relatively flat landform which prevails. • Busy roads and modern settlement create local noise and visual intrusion. However away from this, extensive woodland, wooded commons and heathland, provide high levels of rural naturalness and a strong sense of tranquillity. • A diverse landscape, which provides varying, levels of enclosure and openness. • The mosaic of land cover and land use creates a visually busy landscape, which is exaggerated around settlement areas. However, repetition of woodland helps to integrate and unify disparate elements, creating a more legible landscape.
    [Show full text]
  • 115. Thames Valley Area Profile: Supporting Documents
    National Character 115. Thames Valley Area profile: Supporting documents www.gov.uk/natural-england 1 National Character 115. Thames Valley Area profile: Supporting documents Introduction National Character Areas map As part of Natural England’s responsibilities as set out in the Natural Environment White Paper,1 Biodiversity 20202 and the European Landscape Convention,3 we are revising profiles for England’s 159 National Character Areas North (NCAs). These are areas that share similar landscape characteristics, and which East follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision-making framework for the natural environment. Yorkshire & The North Humber NCA profiles are guidance documents which can help communities to inform West their decision-making about the places that they live in and care for. The information they contain will support the planning of conservation initiatives at a East landscape scale, inform the delivery of Nature Improvement Areas and encourage Midlands broader partnership working through Local Nature Partnerships. The profiles will West also help to inform choices about how land is managed and can change. Midlands East of Each profile includes a description of the natural and cultural features England that shape our landscapes, how the landscape has changed over time, the current key drivers for ongoing change, and a broad analysis of each London area’s characteristics and ecosystem services. Statements of Environmental South East Opportunity (SEOs) are suggested, which draw on this integrated information. South West The SEOs offer guidance on the critical issues, which could help to achieve sustainable growth and a more secure environmental future.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring Summer News
    THE CHILTERNS NEWSLETTER Wildlife Trust news, views and event information from the Chilterns Group, College Lake and around Buckinghamshire. Issue 99 Spring - Summer 2019 Threats and opportunities PLEASE SUPPORT THE BBOWT Being involved in wildlife conservation is no PLANT AND PRODUCE easy ride these days. Against the background of international horror stories of massive insect CHARITY MARKET losses, unbelievable levels of marine pollution and shocking disregard of climate change evidence, we have depressing threats in our own back yard. HS2 looks set to continue, despite GREAT MISSENDEN mounting doubts about the need for it and enormous overspend predictions. In addition Memorial Centre, Link Road, there are concerns that the East-West Rail project will fail on its ecological promises and Great Missenden HP16 9AE now the prospect of the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway bringing a further swathe of Sunday 19 May 10 - 12 noon destruction across North Bucks, Bernwood and the River Thame floodplain. In its wake the Government wants to see an ‘economic growth arc’ bringing a series of new towns and super- villages between Bicester and Milton Keynes. Thankfully, there are occasional shafts of •Excellent value plants sunlight in this gloom. BBOWT has won its •Tasty homemade produce appeal in the High Court to be able to launch a •Tea, coffee, cakes, Judicial Review of the decision over the route of the Expressway. The Trust could not fight for •Free entry, free parking (1hr) wildlife like this without your support. The Chilterns Group contributed funds towards the legal costs of the court appearance and will continue to do so.
    [Show full text]