Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme – Phase 3B Latchford East (Westy) Design and Access Statement September 2015
Design and Access Statement_V2
We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment and make it a better place for people and wildlife. We operate at the place where environmental change has its greatest impact on people’s lives. We reduce the risks to people and properties from flooding; make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife; protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply the environmental standards within which industry can operate. Acting to reduce climate change and helping people and wildlife adapt to its consequences are at the heart of all that we do. We cannot do this alone. We work closely with a wide range of partners including government, business, local authorities, other agencies, civil society groups and the communities we serve.
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Mersey Warrington FRMS Mersey Warrington FRMS Phase 3B Latchford East (Westy) Design and Access Statement
Quality Assurance
Project name Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme – Phase 3B Latchford East (Westy)
Project 1B1S reference
Date September 2015
Version number 2
Author M Halsall
Design and Access Statement_V2 Mersey Warrington FRMS Phase 3B Latchford East (Westy) Design and Access Statement
CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1.1 Purpose and Scope ...... 3 1.2 The Site and its Surroundings ...... 4 2.0 DESIGN STATEMENT ...... 6 2.1 Use ...... 6 2.2 Layout, Amount, Appearance and Scale ...... 6 2.3 Landscaping ...... 12 3.0 ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT ...... 13 3.1 Introduction ...... 13 3.2 Access ...... 13 3.3 Accessibility ...... 15 3.4 Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy (2014) - Access Planning Policies ...... 17 4.0 CONSULTATION ...... 18 4.1 Consultation ...... 18 5.0 CONCLUSION ...... 21
FIGURES
Figure 1 – Site Location Plan Figure 2 – Statutory Plan Figure 3 – General Arrangement Figure 4 - ML1 General Arrangement Figure 5 - ML2 General Arrangement Figure 6 - ML3 General Arrangement Figure 7 - Site Sections Sheet 1 Figure 8 - Site Sections Sheet 2 Figure 9 - ML1 Landscape Reinstatement Figure 10 - ML2 Landscape Reinstatement Figure 11 - ML3 Landscape Reinstatement Figure 12 - Photomontage Figure 13 - Public Rights of Way
Design and Access Statement_V2 2 Mersey Warrington FRMS Phase 3B Latchford East (Westy) Design and Access Statement
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose and Scope
1.1.1 This Design and Access Statement (DAS) has been prepared, on behalf of the Environment Agency (EA), in support of a planning application for Phase 3B Latchford East (Westy) of the Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme (FRMS).
1.1.2 The requirement to prepare a DAS was introduced by Section 42 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and came into force in August 2006. Government advice is contained within The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 and Article 9 (4)(c) explicitly states that DAS’s are not required to accompany planning applications for engineering operations. Whilst not strictly required for this development, it is considered that a DAS will assist Warrington Borough Council (WBC) in understanding the evolution of the scheme’s design.
1.1.3 Article 9 (3) of the Order states that a design and access statement should :
a. explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development; b. demonstrate the steps taken to appraise the context of the development and how the design of the development takes that context into account; c. explain the policy adopted as to access, and how policies relating to access in relevant local development documents have been taken into account; d. state what, if any, consultation has been undertaken on issues relating to access to the development and what account has been taken of the outcome of any such consultation; and e. explain how any specific issues which might affect access to the development have been addressed.”
1.1.4 In addition to the above, ‘Design and Access Statements – How to read, write and use them’ published in 2006 by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) has been used to prepare this statement. This guidance identifies a number of design and access considerations that should be employed when describing the proposal.
1.1.5 The CABE guidance suggests that the design element should show the process that has been gone through and explain the scheme in terms of the following:
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Use; Layout; Amount; Scale; Appearance; and Landscaping.
1.1.6 The access element should include the following details:
Vehicular and transport links; and Inclusive access.
1.2 The Site and its Surroundings
1.2.1 The site location and geographical context is provided in Figure 1. The site lies adjacent to Westy Point, one of a series of large meanders to the River Mersey between Thelwall and Cuerdley to the east of Warrington town centre.
1.2.2 The linear site extends along the edge of Latchford East (Westy) enclosing low rise housing and the Cardinal Newman Roman Catholic High School. A large area of overgrown land lies to the north of the site, enclosed to the east, north and west by the River Mersey. The whole meander is crossed by a set of high voltage power lines supported on pylons.
1.2.3 A disused channel, referred to as ‘The Feeder’, runs down the west side of Westy Point. The channel formerly supplied water to the disused Runcorn & Latchford Canal. The Feeder no longer holds water in normal conditions and terminates near A50 Kingsway South with no connection to the canal network.
1.2.4 The proposed scheme has been subdivided into 3 sections referred to as ML1, ML2 and ML3 (ML referring in the overall scheme to Mersey Left bank). Broadly speaking, ML1 runs along Mersey Walk; ML2 cuts across the neck of the meander north of Cardinal Newman High School; and ML3 returns along the west side of the school and Westy housing before tying into high ground near Bridge Avenue and Kingsway South.
1.2.5 At its upstream end, ML1 commences at higher ground in the public open space at Westy Park, enclosed by residential development to the west and south and a mature woodland belt to the east. ML1 continues along the north eastern edge of
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Mersey Walk, bounding the area of linear amenity space between Mersey Walk and the river. This amenity space includes a large number of mature deciduous trees and is bounded along Mersey Walk by 1.8m high close board timber fencing. Residential properties line the west side of Mersey Walk and adjoining side streets.
1.2.6 ML2 is located across Westy Point, north of Cardinal Newman Roman Catholic High School. The alignment crosses through the compound of Westy Pumping Station. This part of Westy Point is an area of semi-derelict land formerly a wastewater treatment works but currently characterised by dense self-seeded vegetation including trees, scrub and bramble.
1.2.7 ML3 is located between the western boundary of the high school site and The Feeder.
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2.0 DESIGN STATEMENT
2.1 Use
2.1.1 A map of the planning application boundary is provided within Figure 2. The proposals relate to the construction of a flood wall on a linear corridor of land on the inside of a meander loop of the River Mersey known as Westy Point.
2.1.2 Westy Point itself is a former wastewater treatment works with only the pumping station remaining in the south eastern part of the site. The site is characterised by a mosaic of primarily secondary and typical riverine habitats which have colonised the site from post-industrial use as a wastewater treatment works.
2.1.3 The open land has become heavily colonised with young hybrid willow/ poplar/ sycamore/ oak scrub. There are also groups of hybrid willows/ poplars of considerable size (up to 25m high) at either end of the proposed wall near Bridge Avenue and at Mersey Walk. Informal access is permitted to Westy Point and several tracks are in evidence. Fishing pegs have been installed around the majority of the Point.
2.1.4 There are a number of areas of existing hardstanding and hard surfaced tracks within the site.
2.2 Layout, Amount, Appearance and Scale
2.2.1 The layout of the proposed development is illustrated in Figure 3. The proposed works consist of 880m of a sheet piled flood defence wall, intended to provide a 1:100 year standard of protection for this part of Warrington.
2.2.2 The general arrangement of the flood defence walls is shown on Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 with cross sections shown on Figures 7 and 8 and a photomontage shown on Figure 12.
2.2.3 The proposed layout has been designed to minimise the visual impact upon surrounding residential properties and to increase the use of the site in the future in order to accommodate the approved WBC/UU development at Westy Point.
2.2.4 The total length of flood defence has been divided into three sections, ML1 (Mersey Walk), ML2 (Westy Point) and ML3 (the Feeder). The various options considered by the EA to provide the necessary level of flood protection are provided below:
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ML1: a flood embankment would not be sufficiently resilient in the long term at this location given its proximity on the outer edge of a bend in the river. A concrete flood defence wall on traditional foundations would not have provided the necessary seepage cut-off. The only option to provide the necessary level of defence whilst providing the seepage cut-off was a sheet piled wall. ML2: several different solutions were considered, including rebuilding the high school boundary as a flood defence wall, running an earth embankment across land to the north and land raising north of the school. All these options encountered difficulties in ensuring vehicular access for the future development of the WBC/ UU mixed use development at Westy Point. A seepage cut-off was also required. Concerns were expressed by Scottish Power about inserting sheet steel piles in the vicinity of its overhead power lines. The defence alignment of the sheet pile wall was chosen to respect necessary easements and ensure safe working distances and whose narrow footprint minimises constraints for the approved Westy Point development. ML3: The future WBC/ UU Westy Point development left a very narrow strip available for flood defence works, severely limiting options. A seepage cut-off was also required on this section of the flood defence, leaving sheet piling as the only viable option.
2.2.5 Each section of wall is described in more detail below.
Wall ML1
2.2.6 ML1 would start at high ground, at a point approximately 15m east of the upstream end of Mersey Walk and continue along the river side of the highway pavement for approximately 370m to the western end of Mersey Walk. This section of wall would be a sheet piled wall, clad both sides with a decorative pre-cast concrete cladding and coping similar to that used for earlier phases of the flood defence scheme. The new concrete clad flood wall along Mersey Walk would include artwork panels to increase visual interest.
2.2.7 Just west of the junction of Mersey Walk and Mort Avenue the alignment would be set back from the pavement slightly for some 35m to avoid an underground gas service. It would return to its original alignment then continue west until near the junction of Mersey Walk with Davenport Avenue where a pedestrian ramp would be installed to allow access across the wall and to the riverbank. For most of its length
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no railings would be fitted. However, the ramp would be fitted with decorative railings, similar to those used at Howley Quay, to prevent falls from height.
2.2.8 The wall would continue west until its junction with wall ML2 near Westy Pumping Station. To allow UU vehicles maintenance access over the flood wall a ramp would be constructed on land on the riverbank immediately adjacent to Mersey Walk. This ramp would be fitted with railings and a gate to prevent unauthorised vehicular access.
Wall ML2
2.2.9 At the former Westy Pumping Station ML2 continues for approximately 240m south west across the neck of Westy Point. The alignment passes to the north of the Cardinal Newman Catholic high school. This would also be a sheet piled wall with timber coping similar to that installed for Phase 3A at Kingsway allotments.
2.2.10 Approximately half way along ML2 the wall will have a ‘dogs leg’ feature to allow construction of an access ramp at a future date, if required as part of the UU/WBC Westy Point development. A small earth ramp will be placed on the north side of the ML2 at this location to allow wildlife to cross the defence wall at times of flood. Once past the school, the flood defence turns south as ML3.
Bund ML3
2.2.11 ML3 would turn south to follow the landward side of The Feeder, before terminating adjacent to Bridge Avenue. ML3 would be set back approximately 5m from the landward edge of The Feeder and would be concealed within an earth mound (both sides) with a 1m wide flat crest. An additional small length of earth bund, approx. 5m long, would be created to terminate and conceal the end of the sheet piles and to tie in to higher ground at Bridge Avenue.
2.2.12 The walls would tie in to higher ground at both ends, with their apparent height gradually rising to approximately 1.8m above adjacent ground levels as the local topography falls and rises across Westy Point.
Where affected by the works, existing security fencing at the high school and around land off Bridge Avenue would be reinstated at completion.
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Description of the Temporary Works
Compounds
2.2.13 The main site compound would be located at the eastern end of the works on recreational land adjacent to Westy Community Centre, accessed off Bridgewater Avenue.
2.2.14 The compound would be securely fenced, gated and locked out of hours. The existing turf and topsoil would be removed and stored nearby, with a temporary surface of road stone, laid over a geotextile membrane. The compound would contain site cabins with welfare, storage, office and meeting facilities. Topsoil would be replaced on completion and amenity grass reinstated.
2.2.15 A smaller satellite compound would be provided at the western end of the works, on open land off Bridge Avenue, with similar security and facilities to the main compound.
2.2.16 The contractor’s working area would be securely fenced off to prevent access by members of the public and wildlife during construction. All temporary fencing would be removed at completion.
2.2.17 All parking for site staff, visitors, plant and equipment will be accommodated within the site compounds; no parking will be permitted on adjacent residential roads.
Soil Stripping & Storage
2.2.18 A corridor of approximately 2m width would be stripped of topsoil down to approximately 300mm to allow piling. There are a number of areas of existing concrete track/ hardstanding that will be made use of where possible. Where no such features exist, a temporary haul road 5m wide will be created by stripping topsoil and spreading a layer of roadstone over a geotextile. The topsoil will be stored separately from sub-soil and be used for landscape reinstatement. All temporary haul roads will be removed at completion and the existing soil profile reinstated.
2.2.19 A strip foundation would be excavated along both sides of ML1 wall to support the pre-cast concrete cladding. The subsoil released will be stored separately from stored top soil and will be used in creation of the earth bunds.
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2.2.20 A temporary soil storage area would be provided behind properties at the western end of Bridgewater Avenue (see Figure 2). Topsoil and subsoil will be stored separately. All site-won soil will be re-used within the site during construction of the earth bunds and landscape reinstatement works and no export is anticipated.
Fencing
2.2.21 Where affected by the works, existing security fencing to the high school and land off Bridge Avenue will be temporarily re-located for the duration of the works to ensure continued protection. Temporary access arrangements for maintenance vehicles will be agreed with the landowner.
Materials
2.2.22 It is anticipated that some 2000m3 subsoil and 2000m3 roadstone will need to be imported to the site. The subsoil will be used to complete construction of the earth bunds. The roadstone will be removed from the site at completion.
2.2.23 Surplus soils from Phases 2 and 3A, or other local EA schemes, may be available for forming the earth mounding along the sheet piles at ML3. If available, and subject to a WBC license, these will be stockpiled in advance of the works on WBC land adjacent to Bridge Avenue.
2.2.24 Other materials that will need to be imported to the site include steel sheet piles, pre-cast concrete cladding and coping, timber coping and mild steel railings and gates.
Operation & Maintenance
2.2.25 Once installed there will be little requirement for maintenance; however EA will carry out periodic routine visual inspections of its flood defence assets. EA will also inspect the defences following a flood event and carry out any necessary maintenance. Sheet piles are inherently strong and the requirement for maintenance is anticipated to be extremely low.
2.2.26 The earth cladding along ML3 will be landscaped and maintenance operations will be limited to periodic cutting of grass.
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Decommissioning
2.2.27 Decommissioning would be inconsistent with EA’s strategy objectives for flood defence of Warrington and is therefore not considered further.
Duration of the works
2.2.28 It is estimated that the main construction period would last approximately 30 weeks, excluding advance works and landscape reinstatement. Some landscape reinstatement can take place as soon as the relevant engineering works are complete e.g. soiling and seeding for grassland, as long as weather conditions are suitable. Other landscape works such as tree planting have a narrower window of opportunity. It is possible therefore that landscape works completion may be staged and their duration cannot be defined.
Programme and Construction Sequence
2.2.29 The indicative construction sequence will be:
Advance vegetation clearance;
Set up site compounds and secure the site;
Site clearance, stripping and storage of topsoil;
Laying of piling mats and driving of sheet piles;
Excavation of foundation trenches for cladding (ML1 wall);
Installation of cladding and copings;
Creation of vehicular and pedestrian ramps;
Railings/ fencing;
Creation of earth bunds (ML3, tie-ins at both ends of the flood defence wall and ML2 wildlife ramp);
Landscape reinstatement works.
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2.3 Landscaping
2.3.1 The soft and hard landscape restoration plans for the scheme is illustrated in Figures 9, 10 and 11. Landscaping proposals will involve the following:
Replacement planting of 80 no. native trees including willow, black poplar, oak and birch and replacement native shrub planting;
Replacement of topsoil on completion and reinstatement of grassland along the riverside and bund with species rich wildflower meadow mixes to increase visual interest and nature conservation value;
Replacement of topsoil on completion and seeding with appropriate seed mix within working areas and compounds;
Cladding flood walls to Mersey Walk in concrete with recessed exposed aggregate panels, concrete coping, and 5 new artwork panels to increase character and visual interest of the new feature. New walls will be lower than the existing fence, reducing enclosure and allowing views over the wall and across the river to the backdrop of vegetation bordering the riverside edge of Paddington Meadows; and
Footpath reinstated and widened along Mersey Walk replacing a narrow pavement of less than 1m with a new minimum 2m wide pavement, whilst maintaining the kerb edge in its current position. One ramped pedestrian access point will be provided across the flood defence from Mersey Walk to the linear park.
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3.0 ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 The following section provides information in respect of access for the construction of the development as well as for maintenance and the provision of access facilities for the public. An appraisal of the proposed development against access related planning policies within the Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy (2014) is also provided.
3.2 Access
Public Rights of Way
3.2.1 There are no formally designated Public Rights of Way (PRoW) giving access to or running across Westy Point. The closest PRoWs, illustrated on Figure 13, 246/3, 246/4 & 246/5 are on the opposite bank of the Mersey, with no bridge across providing access.
3.2.2 There are adopted highway footpaths on all the residential streets surrounding the proposal site, with the exception of Bridge Avenue, which is unadopted. An unadopted footway runs along the south side of Bridge Avenue.
Informal Paths/ Proposed Public Rights of Way
3.2.3 There are a number of proposed PRoWs in the area; these are also shown on Figure 13. Once officially designated as PRoWs these would provide a formal status to the existing informal paths giving access around the perimeter of Westy Point and across the amenity grassland at the end of Bridge Avenue. The relevant pPRoWs are: 00361/13/1, 00361/9/1, 00361/102/1 & 00361/144/1.
3.2.4 The pPRoWs form a well-defined informal path network which runs around the perimeter of Westy Point, giving access to the many fishing pegs on both western and eastern sides and to the woodland/ scrub which is regenerating across the site. Other non pPRoW paths that exist through the woodland/ scrub appear to be less well-used, with the exception of a path that forms a short cut across the neck of Westy Point.
3.2.5 Access to the perimeter path is possible at the upstream end via a kissing gate from the amenity grassland between the river and Mersey Walk and at the downstream end via a formalised entrance point off A50 Kingsway South, just to
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the south of Kingsway Bridge. Access is also possible from Bridge Avenue by walking across an area of amenity grassland and through some rougher grassland/ scrub. This route appears to be less well used than the access off A50 Kingsway South.
Cycling Routes
3.2.6 There are no Sustrans or other cycling routes connecting to or across the site. The closest routes identified by WBC as cycle routes run along the north side of the New Cut canal and between the Kingsway allotments from A50 Kingsway North to Paddington Bank. Both routes are on the right bank of the Mersey and do not connect to the proposal site.
Angling
3.2.7 Warrington Anglers Association control the fishing along the left bank adjacent to Mersey Walk on land owned by United Utilities downstream to Kingsway Bridge. The Association offers leisure fishing for anglers who fish the river weekdays and hold match days every Saturday between 15 June and 14 March (end of season).
3.2.8 There are also fishing pegs on the western side of Westy Point on land owned by the Manchester Ship Canal Company (Peel) and on the eastern side of the Point on land owned by United Utilities.
Watersports
3.2.9 Warrington Rowing Club uses the reach of the River Mersey that passes Westy Point for training, the Head of Mersey race (February) and Warrington Regatta (August). The club house is located on the right bank downstream of Kingsway Bridge off Howley Lane. There are no launch points or other terrestrial facilities associated with the club’s activities on Westy Point, however viewing of the Race and Regatta would be possible from some sections of the path running around Westy Point.
Recreational Land/ Public Open Space
3.2.10 The public has unrestricted access to the land at Westy Point for walking/ angling and also to the land north of Bridge Avenue and at Westy Park. Cyclists are not prevented from accessing the land from the west but access is restricted at the end of Mersey Walk, to the east, with a kissing gate.
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Vehicular Links
The A50 Kingsway corridor
3.2.11 The A50 Kingsway South comprises a north-south busy arterial corridor offering one of few opportunities to cross the River Mersey in Warrington, and the only one east of the town centre. This is a single carriageway road with facilities for pedestrians while also providing public transport opportunities.
3.2.12 The corridor crosses the river immediately to the west of the scheme but would not be influenced physically by it. However, given its location and linkages to the wider transport network, the corridor would offer the main route for traffic associated with the scheme accessing the site.
The area to the east of the A50 Kingsway corridor
3.2.13 Bridgewater Avenue will accommodate the site access to the main compound at its eastern end and is an east west route from the A50 Kingsway South, fronted by residential properties on both sides, with elements of on-street parking typical of a residential area. Bridgewater Avenue provides access to other surrounding residential streets within Latchford East (Westy).
3.2.14 A satellite compound will be located off Bridge Avenue on an area of open land to the west of the school grounds. Bridge Avenue provides access to a small number of residential properties from the A50 Kingsway South. The junction between Bridge Avenue and Kingsway South will require vegetation clearance and widening to allow suitable sightlines and to allow construction vehicles to turn into Bridge Avenue without impacting on residents vehicle access and parking
3.2.15 Mersey Walk, at the east of the scheme, is fronted by residential properties on its southern side. Given the location of the proposed flood defence wall along Mersey Walk, traffic will be affected by the works. However, Mersey Walk is only critical to providing access to the properties on Mersey Walk itself rather than to other residential areas, given that other residential areas can be accessed via the alternative routes of Davenport Avenue and Brook Avenue.
3.3 Accessibility
3.3.1 EA intends to keep access open to the pPRoW running around the perimeter of Westy Point. The contractor’s working area will be securely fenced and it is
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anticipated that there may be sufficient room for a route to be kept open, though local temporary realignment may be necessary. Should the route require closing at the junction of ML1/ML2 then the majority of the path will remain open around Westy Point but will be signed as a dead end / no through route.
3.3.2 As noted above, access to the whole of the perimeter of Westy Point should be possible throughout the works, therefore anglers will be able to access the majority of fishing pegs. Access to pegs adjacent to ML1 may be restricted during the main piling and cladding works but attempts will be made to provide access to the pegs at other times.
3.3.3 Some land which is currently open to the public will be temporarily unavailable during the construction period of approximately 30 weeks. However, the majority will remain accessible at all times, including the principal access routes and land to the north of the proposed flood defence alignment.
3.3.4 A number of new fishing pegs will be provided on the river bank adjacent to Mersey Walk, thereby improving facilities for angling.
Vehicular Links
3.3.5 Temporary impacts, in terms of vehicular trips, will arise from delivery of materials, plant and staff. These impacts will be focussed on the access routes to the site and the compounds.
3.3.6 These elements of the scheme will have limited influence in transport terms. While the temporary vehicle access points to the site and its compounds will interact with the surrounding network, they will be delivered in a way, through a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) that minimises any negative influence on the wider network. The informal use of some areas (including for walking and fishing) will also be considered during the development of the CTMP, to ensure the safety of all users and provide for alternatives where appropriate.
3.3.7 The proposed flood defence wall at Mersey Walk is located directly adjacent to the highway (and associated footpath) and there will be some physical impact on the network at this location (likely in the form of phased road closures and diversions to be detailed in the CTMP) during its construction. This will likely only influence the residents of Mersey Walk.
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3.4 Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy (2014) - Access Planning Policies
3.4.1 Policy QE3 ‘Green Infrastructure’ of the Core Strategy explains that, amongst other things, the assessment of applications will be focussed upon “protecting and improving access to and connectivity between existing and planned provision to develop a continuous right of way and greenway network and integrated ecological system.”
3.4.2 The proposed measures employed to maintain the accessibility of the site to the public throughout the construction period and beyond are identified above. The proposed landscaping enhancement works identified at Section 3.3 of this statement provide measures to improve the visual interest and nature conservation value of the site, contributing towards the achievement of Policy QE3 of the Core Strategy.
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4.0 CONSULTATION
4.1 Consultation
4.1.1 Throughout the development of this phase of the scheme, EA has maintained a dialogue with WBC and other interested parties. Meetings and discussions have also been held with:
Cardinal Newman Catholic High School;
Manchester Ship Canal Company (Peel);
United Utilities;
Warrington Anglers Association;
Westy Community Centre;
Peel Developments Ltd;
Wirral & Cheshire Badger Group; and
Local residents, through a public consultation event.
4.1.2 Consultation with WBC, via the issue of the screening opinion request and in other discussions and meetings, has not elicited any significant concerns about the proposed development.
4.1.3 Comments received from WBC in respect of the screening opinion request were:
Topic Consultee comments
Ecology Not EIA development on the grounds of Ecology; no sites designated by statute will be directly affected by the works and no significant populations of protected species will be affected. However the site(s) is ecologically sensitive on a District scale and so appropriate ecology surveys and assessments must be carried out and mitigation proposed if required Supply ecological reports.
Landscape & None Visual Amenity
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Cultural Heritage No concerns, but commented that “It would...be helpful if the procedure for calling out an archaeological contractor was formalised in the construction management plan so that all parties are aware of the procedure. This will allow the prompt recording of any remains in the event that anything significant is uncovered.”
Land Use and None Recreation
Traffic and Prepare Construction Environmental Management Plan Transport (CEMP)
Water None Environment
Contaminated Prepare CEMP. Supply contamination reports. Land
Noise, Dust & Prepare CEMP Vibration
Cumulative None Impacts
4.1.4 The issues raised by the consultees on the screening opinion have been addressed as follows:
Ecology: additional protected species surveys are being carried out and if necessary, protected species licence(s) will be obtained. The landscape reinstatement scheme seeks to enhance biodiversity;
Cultural Heritage: EA has commissioned an Archaeological Project Design which takes account of the comments received;
Traffic & Transport: a CEMP will be prepared by the appointed construction contractor;
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Contaminated Land: a CEMP will be prepared by the appointed construction contractor;
Noise, Dust & Vibration: a CEMP will be prepared by the appointed construction contractor.
4.1.5 Issues raised by other consultees during consultations between 2013 – 2015 with the EA response are listed below:
Consultee Comments and EA response
Natural England Discussion regarding survey methodologies and licencing in respect of protected species. Agreement reached.
United Utilities Discussion in respect of potential construction options and flood defence alignment informed the final preferred option.
WBC Estates Discussions in respect of access required by future mixed use development at Westy: provision made for future access in ML2 alignment.
WBC Highways Alignments of reinstated footpaths agreed.
United Utilities/ Discussion in respect of design detailing of walls: agreement WBC Estates reached.
Public Request from Mersey Walk residents for all trees to be felled (health consultation & safety risk): agreed, with mitigation planting of more suitable species.
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5.0 CONCLUSION
5.1.1 An appraisal of the Design and Access considerations of the proposed development has been undertaken in accordance with Article 9 (3) of The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 and best practice guidance.
5.1.2 This DAS demonstrates that careful attention has been given to its design to accommodate existing uses on the site while providing an enhanced feature for use by the local community and contributing towards the local landscape character.
5.1.3 Care has also been taken to ensure that vehicular access for EA maintenance purposes has been integral to the design of the scheme. Existing pedestrian access around the site has been accommodated. The safety of members of the public has been fully considered at every stage of the project design.
5.1.4 These design and access considerations have been realised in the finished design whilst also providing an improved standard of flood protection for properties.
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