Huntingdon West Area Action Plan
Habitat Regulations Assessment
November 2009
Portholme Special Area for Conservation, Huntingdon
AECOM for Huntingdon District Council
Huntingdon West Area Action Plan - Habitats Regulation Assessment - November 2009
Report prepared by:
AECOM Design + Planning 3/F Johnson Building 77 Hatton Garden London EC1N 8JS 0203 009 2100 www.aecom.com
Author: G Grant CEnv, MIEEM [email protected]
On behalf of:
Huntingdon District Council Pathfinder House St Mary’s Street Huntingdon PE29 3TN www.huntsdc.gov.uk
Senior Planning Policy Officer, Lynette Hughes [email protected]
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Huntingdon West Area Action Plan - Habitats Regulation Assessment - November 2009
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Scope 1.2 Introducing the Huntingdon West AAP 1.3 The need for assessment 1.4 Precautionary principle 1.5 Guidance on methodology 1.6 Consultation and revision 1.7 Process diagram 1.8 References 1.9 European sites in the vicinity
2 Screening
2.1 Huntingdon West Area Action Plan 2.2 Effects on European Sites 2.3 Conclusion
3 Appropriate Assessment
3.1 Introduction 3.2 Recreational Disturbance 3.3 Water Abstraction 3.4 Water Pollution 3.5 Summary
4 Avoidance and Mitigation
4.1 Introduction 4.2 Recreational Disturbance 4.3 Water Abstraction 4.4 Water Pollution 4.5 Conclusion
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1 Introduction
1.1 This report considers the potential for Huntingdon District Council’s Huntingdon West Area Action Plan to have a significant effect on European sites in the vicinity (either alone or in combination with other projects or plans). European sites are those designated under the Habitat Directive (Special Areas for Conservation or SACs) and the Birds Directive (Special Protection Areas or SPAs). For the purposes of such assessments, sites designated as internationally important wetlands under the Ramsar Convention are also included.
1.2 The Huntingdon West Area Action Plan (HWAAP) is being developed through a consultative process to guide development in the area west of the town centre and Hinchingbrooke. It will help to stimulate regeneration and protect areas particularly sensitive to change. Following public consultations in June 2007 and May 2008, a Preferred Approach for the development of Huntingdon West was produced for further consultation in May 2009. It follows on from the directions set in the Local Development Framework Core Strategy. The Core Strategy is the lead document which sets the framework for how Huntingdonshire will develop up to 2026. It contains strategic policies to manage growth and guide new development. Public hearing sessions for the Examination of the Core Strategy were held in March 2009 and the Inspector’s report was published in July 2009. The Core Strategy was adopted in September 2009.
1.3 Regulation 48(1) of the Habitats Regulations 1994 requires that the impacts of policies, plans and proposals on Natura 2000 (European sites) are assessed. Following a European Court of Justice ruling in October 2005, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now the Department for Communities and Local Government) indicated that, henceforth, the UK would ensure that all land use plans would be subject to appropriate assessment under the Habitat Regulations where they could have a significant effect on European sites. The objective is to ensure that European sites, which represent our most valuable nature conservation assets are fully and properly protected throughout the development process.
1.4 The Habitats Directive applies the precautionary principle to SPAs and SACs. Plans can only be permitted if it can be ascertained that there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of the site(s) in question. Plans may still be permitted if there are no alternatives to them and there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest as to why they should go ahead. Previous rulings show that these cases are rare. In such cases, compensation will be necessary to ensure the overall integrity of the site network.
1.5 This report follows the methodology recommended in Planning for the Protection of European Sites (DCLG 2006), which recommends collecting information on relevant European sites, plans and projects and determining likely significant effects.
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1.6 A draft screening report and draft report were shown to Natural England in September and October 2009 and this report takes account of the comments received at those stages. A recommendation made by Natural England is that policies are appropriately re-worded to ensure that the planning authority will fully protect European sites through the planning system and to ensure that the recommended mitigation is fully adopted in all cases. As the result of this consultation and review changes to the Huntingdon West AAP and Huntingdon Development Management Development Plan Document have been made and the recommended mitigation measures (see also paragraphs 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 in this document) will also be revised as summarised here:
• On the issue of recreational disturbance to Portholme SA, the recommended mitigation is an increase in accessible open space. The Huntingdon West AAP has been revised to refer to Natural England’s ANGSt criteria that 1ha of additional open space will be provided in advance for every additional 500 person increase in population.
• On the issue of water abstraction and the need for the authority to ensure that water conservation measures are adopted, the relevant supporting text to the policy in the AAP (HW9) has been revised to make specific reference to water conservation and the relevant sections of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
• Also on the issue of water conservation, it is recommended that some developer contributions should be made to the Great Fen Project, which will help to conserve water (and will result in improved protection of European sites). Reference has been added to Appendix 1 regarding the possibility of contributions. It is noted however, that, in terms of Huntingdon, the Great Fen is principally addressed in the Huntingdon Core Strategy and Huntingdon Development Management Development Plan Documents.
• On the issue of water pollution and the recommendation to use sustainable drainage systems (SUDS), the Huntingdon West AAP makes specific reference in policy HW9 to the requirement for SUDS to be incorporated into plans and a revision note that the master plan for the George St/Ermine St area will need to include a strategic approach to managing surface water.
1.7 The following diagram shows how HRA process is run in parallel with the development of the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan, with adjustment to the AAP if recommended by the HRA process.
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1.8 References
Key references including the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan itself and the evidence base against which this assessment was made are as follows:
Huntingdon West Area Action Plan
A full copy of the AAP Preferred Approach and related documents is available at http://www.huntsdc.gov.uk/Environment+and+Planning/Planning/Planning+Policy/Hun tingdon+West+Area+Action+Plan.htm
Other plans which will form part of the Huntingdon LDF in future include:
− Development Management DPD − Planning Proposals DPD − Gypsy and Traveller Sites DPD − Developer Contributions to Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document − Planning Contributions SPD − Design Guide SPD − Landscape and Townscape Assessment SPD
European Sites
All the European sites mentioned in this report are described by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee see http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-140 . There are links to lists of the species listed in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive.
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The SSSIs which are components of these SPAs are described by Natural England at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/sssi/default .aspx
Huntingdonshire LDF Core Strategy HRA
Habitat Regulation Assessment available at http://www.huntsdc.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/DB1C2FD3-4FCA-4F5E-8E5E- 47FECF74392F/0/hra_report_final_.pdf
1.9 European Sites
There are 3 European sites within the Huntingdon District boundary as shown in table 1:
Table 1 European Site Distance from Huntingdon West
Portholme SAC From 500m
Fenland SAC and Ramsar Site (Woodwalton Fen - part of Fenland About 10km to the north SAC)
Ouse Washes SAC, SPA and Ramsar Site. At least 15km to the east
In addition, the Huntingdonshire LDF Core Strategy Habitat Regulation Assessment (Scott Wilson 2008) identifies other sites beyond the Huntingdon District boundary where it has been suggested that there is a potential for impacts (including recreational pressures, water consumption and water and air pollution) caused by development within the District. These European Sites are listed in table 2:
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Table 2. European sites in the vicinity of the District boundary European Site Distance from Huntingdon West
Orton Pit SAC More than 20km to the north
Rutland Water SPA and Ramsar Site About 45km to the north-west
Barnack Hills & Holes SAC More than 25km to the north
Eversden & Wimpole Woods SAC About 25km to the south
Nene Washes SAC, SPA and Ramsar More than 20km to the north Site
Figure 1: Plan to show locations of European sites listed in tables 1 and 2.
These sites, their qualifying features, condition and vulnerabilities are shown in Figure 1 and described below:
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Portholme SAC
Portholme is an alluvial flood meadow on the edge of Huntingdon. It is the largest (104 ha) surviving traditionally-managed meadow in the UK (7% of the total UK resource). Watercourses on the periphery of the site have populations of some uncommon invertebrates, including one dragonfly, which is of a nationally restricted distribution. The meadow is surrounded by channels of the River Ouse, and the Alconbury Brook is close by. Portholme is subject to seasonal flooding. This provides natural fertilising of the soil and it is this flooding coupled with the traditional management that maintains the diversity of the natural plant communities.
Qualifying features The site qualifies as a Habitat Directive Annex 1 habitat: lowland hay meadow.
Condition
Natural England reports that the entire site which consists of a single unit for reporting purposes, is in unfavourable condition with no change. Inappropriate mowing regimes, weed control and stock management are believed to be the primary causes of the unfavourable condition.
Vulnerabilities
The site is vulnerable to inappropriate management, changes in hydrology, water and air pollution and potentially, trampling and recreational disturbance.
Fenland SAC (Woodwalton Fen SSSI)
Most of the Fenland SAC lies much farther afield, however part of the SAC, Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve lies 10km to the north. Woodwalton Fen is dominated by floristically rich mixed fen and swamp, wet grassland and wet woodland which support a number of rare species. There are no public rights of way across the reserve but visitors are allowed access (dogs are forbidden).
Qualifying features
The site is designated under the Habitats Directive for its Monilia meadows on calcareous, peaty or silt-laden soils and calcareous fens and under the Ramsar Convention because it is a near natural wetland which supports rare plants and invertebrates.
Condition
Natural England report that 41.5% of Woodwalton Fen is in favourable condition, while the remainder is unfavourable, but recovering due to extensive remedial management.
Vulnerabilities
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The site is vulnerable to changes in hydrology and air pollution.
Ouse Washes SAC, SPA and Ramsar Site
The Ouse Washes is an extensive area of seasonally flooding wet grassland ('washland') lying between the Old and New Bedford Rivers, connected to the River Great Ouse and a winter floodwater storage system. Flooding, summer grazing by cattle and hay production has created a grassland mosaic with a diverse ditch fauna and flora. The site supports both breeding and wintering waterbirds. In summer, there are breeding waders. In winter, the site holds swans, ducks and waders.
Qualifying features
The site is designated under the Birds Directive for its populations of European importance of these migratory species: Ruff, spotted crake, Bewick's Swan, hen harrier, whooper swan, black-tailed godwit, gadwall, shoveler, pintail, pochard and wigeon. The site supports a waterfowl assemblage of international importance.
The site is designated under the Habitats Directive for spined loach.
The site is designated under the Ramsar Convention for it representative extensive seasonally-flooding washland which supports several nationally scarce wetland plants and a rare relict fenland invertebrate fauna.
Condition
Natural England report that 87% of the site is in unfavourable condition. This is caused by inappropriate water levels and water pollution caused by effluent discharge and agricultural run-off.
Vulnerabilities
The site is vulnerable to changes in hydrology and water pollution.
Orton Pit SAC This site contains extensive pond systems created by clay workings, at various successional stages, which support the largest population of great crested newt in the UK. The range of habitats found throughout the site, including surrounding areas of grassland and scrub, provide good conditions for feeding and sheltering newts. The whole site is managed as a dedicated nature reserve. Pond waters are alkaline and low in nutrients which makes them suitable for ten species of charophyte (aquatic weeds) including the main English population of bearded stonewort Chara canescens .
Qualifying features The site is designated for its hard oligo-mesotrophic water with benthic vegetation of Chara species and great crested newt.
Condition Natural England has indicated that the entire site is in favourable condition.
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Vulnerabilities Charophytes require unpolluted water which makes the site vulnerable to deposition of nitrogen compounds through air pollution. The site may be vulnerable to trampling or erosion from recreational impacts.
Rutland Water SPA & Ramsar Site This is a large water supply reservoir with open water and an adjacent complex of shallow wetlands, reedswamp, marsh, grassland , scrub and woodland. It supports large populations of wintering and passage wildfowl including waders, mallard, shoveler, gadwall, teal, wigeon, pochard, tufted duck and goldeneye. It also supports breeding wildfowl.
Qualifying features The site qualifies as a SPA and Ramsar site because it supports large numbers of wildfowl (more than 23,000) including important numbers of Gadwall and Shoveler.
Condition In 2009 Natural England reported that much of the SPA was found to be in unfavourable but recovering condition. The unfavourable conditions have been ascribed to a combination of inappropriate grazing/management and poor water quality due to high phosphate levels, however phosphate stripping measures and management improvements are having a positive effect. Recreational disturbance is not reported to be a significant issue at this site.
Vulnerabilities The site is vulnerable to water pollution (including agricultural run-off), neglect of appropriate management regimes for grasslands and disturbance. Open water habitat would decrease if water use exceeds supply.
Barnack Hills & Holes SAC This is 23 ha of species-rich limestone grassland which has developed on the site of an old quarry. The grassland is of a type which is now scarce in the UK and includes pasque flower, orchid species, purple milk-vetch and the common rock-rose. The site is grazed by sheep.
Qualifying features The site is designated for its calcareous grassland.
Condition Natural England report that the site is in unfavourable condition but recovering. Invasive scrub has been cleared.
Vulnerabilities The site is vulnerable to neglect (absence of grazing), trampling and air pollution.
Eversden & Wimpole Woods SAC This site is an ancient semi-natural woodland which supports a nationally important summer maternity roost for the barbastelle bat.
Qualifying features
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The site is designated as a SAC for barbastelle bat
Condition Natural England report that the site is in favourable condition.
Vulnerabilities Barbastelles are vulnerable to loss of roost sites (in tree crevices).
Nene Washes SAC, SPA and Ramsar Site This site is managed by the RSPB with controlled access. It consists of cattle grazed grassland which floods occasionally (washland) and supports internationally important of populations of wildfowl and waders. The site is also notable for the diversity of plant and associated animal life within its network of dykes. This site may accommodate birds displaced by the nearby Ouse Washes when flooding at that site is too deep top allow feeding.
Qualifying features The site is designated as an SPA for supporting breeding ruff and spotted crake and wintering Bewick’s swan (1,718 individuals representing at least 24.5% of the wintering population) and ruff (91 individuals representing at least 13.0% of the wintering population). It is also supports breeding black-tailed godwit. Species overwintering in important numbers are pintail (1,435 individuals representing at least 2.4% of the wintering Northwestern Europe population), shoveler (413 individuals representing at least 1.0% of the wintering Northwestern/Central Europe population). The site also regularly supports more than 25,000 wintering waterfowl.
The site is designated as a Ramsar site for supporting several nationally scarce plants, and two vulnerable and two rare British Red Data Book invertebrate species.
The site is designated as an SAC for spined loach
Condition The majority of this site is reported to be in unfavourable condition but recovering. Appropriate management has been brought about through management agreements.
Vulnerabilities The site is vulnerable to nutrient enrichment, changes in hydrology and disturbance.
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2 Screening
2.1 Huntingdon West AAP: The area action plan covers approximately 300 ha of land to the west of the town centre. Of this, some 20 hectares is land between the town centre and the railway line and includes Huntingdon Railway Station. The remaining land, west of the railway line, includes part of the former Hinchingbrooke Estate around Hinchingbrooke House where there is an existing hospital, two schools, a business park, housing and the Hinchingbrooke Country Park. Plans are for sustainable, vibrant growth that will include: − Improved transportation including the removal of the A14 viaduct and re- routing of traffic − Residential, retail and office development in the George St/Ermine St Area including up to 230 dwellings − A community campus of institutions, schools and hospital facilities in the Hinchingbrooke area − An extended Hinchingbrooke Country Park and improved Views Common
2.2 Policies included in the Huntingdon West AAP are listed in table 3 as follows:
Table3. Policies included in the Huntingdon West AAP Ref. Policy Remarks HW 1 In order to promote better accessibility and enable redevelopment a new Likely to reduce air and changed road system ‘The Road Proposals’ will be constructed. The pollution in vicinity principal elements are: of Portholme SAC a. The removal of the current A14 viaduct and series of changes to the local road network, the design and specification of which will be determined by the Highways Agency. b. The West of Town Centre Link Road the design and specification of which will be determined by Huntingdonshire District Council in consultation with its partners. HW2 Pedestrian and cycle links which will improve accessibility between Has potential to Huntingdon West, the town centre and surrounding areas will be reduce vehicle use safeguarded and provided within the plan period and therefore air pollution in vicinity of Portholme SAC HW3 The Council will work with Network Rail, the Train Operating Company, the Has potential to Local Transport Authority and bus companies to develop and enhance the reduce vehicle use Huntingdon Railway Station, in order to provide more integration between and therefore air modes of travel and improve links with the town centre and other parts of pollution in vicinity the town. of Portholme SAC HW4 Development sites in the George St/ Ermine St area of approx 6ha will be Policy will result in redeveloped according to a masterplan for the following mixed uses: increase in resident a. Retail that is complementary to the continuing vitality and viability of the and working town centre and does not jeopardise the delivery of further redevelopment population and at Chequers Court; associated impacts b. Approximately 170 to 230 homes (including affordable housing); (see paragraph 2.3 c. Open space; below) d. Alternative town centre uses such as office (B1a), live/work units, restaurants, a hotel and leisure facilities; e. An additional public car park to serve the need for long stays in the town centre; and f. Related servicing, pedestrian and cycle links, cycle and car parking.
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HW5 Sites west of the railway and in the Hinchingbrooke area will be developed Policy will result in in accordance with a masterplan for the following uses: increase in working a. 1.1ha of land between the site of the proposed Huntingdonshire population with Regional College and Views Common will be redeveloped for office uses associated impacts (B1a). (see paragraph 2.3 b. 1.9ha of land west of the Railway will be redeveloped for office uses below) (B1a). Noise mitigation measures will be incorporated recognising the location adjacent to the railway line. c. Land that currently has permission for the relocation of Huntingdonshire Regional College and the permission for the Water Tower conversion will be considered for employment uses (B1a and/or B1b) or non-residential institutional uses (D1) should these permissions lapse. d. Parts of the hospital site will be considered for office use (B1a), non- residential institutional uses (D1), or alternative uses should those parts not be required for hospital use due to reconfiguration of facilities on site. Proposals must be set in landscaped grounds that reflect the context provided by Views Common, the historic parkland setting of Hinchingbrooke House and the aims of enhancing the 'community campus' identity. HW6 The Council will work with adjoining landowners to pursue the extension of Policy has potential Hinchingbrooke Country Park in order to enhance the facilities of the park to provide and to provide for biodiversity and visitors. supporting habitat, reducing impacts on European sites HW7 Views Common will remain as a significant open space and will be added to Policy will provide by reinstatement of land currently taken up by the A14. The Council will supporting habitat, work with the owners to enhance public access across the Common. thereby reducing impacts on European sites HW8 Existing open spaces will be maintained and enhanced and further open Policy has potential space, where possible linking to the strategic open space network around to provide Huntingdon will be provided with future development. supporting habitat, thereby reducing impacts on European sites HW9 Any development proposals must demonstrate a high standard of design Promotion of SuDS, and show how an attractive environment has been created. Proposals must biodiversity and also provide evidence as to how the principles contained within the sustainable relevant design guidance documents and plans contained in this document transport has have been adhered to, and in particular how any proposal has: potential to reduce 1. Contributed towards sustainable principles for example by being impacts on adaptable and resource efficient European sites. 2. Met or exceeded the standards in the Code for Sustainable Homes that are current at the time 3. Utilised renewable energy systems and sources 4. Protected the area’s heritage by having regard to Conservation Area status and the setting of any listed buildings 5. Created a sense of coherence and distinctiveness to the area 6. Respected the topography and scale of neighbouring developments 7. Used appropriate materials 8. Retained existing mature trees and promoted biodiversity 9. Utilised Sustainable Drainage techniques 10. Enabled ease of movement through the area, particularly by walking and cycling HW10 Contributions from development towards infrastructure in the Huntingdon Policy supports West area will be expected in particular to assist appropriately in the delivery of green
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delivery of: infrastructure, a. Planned roads which has the b. Public transport potential to reduce c. Public car parking impacts on d. Public access improvements, particularly pedestrian and cycle routes European sites. e. Improvements to Hinchingbrooke Country Park and other open space f. Utilities infrastructure and renewable energy g. Education h. Any other requirement as set out in Policy CS10 of the Core Strategy HW11 The timing of the development in the George St/ Ermine St area will be Policy has no determined by the completion of the link road, the demolition of impacts on redundant buildings and treatment of contamination. Elsewhere the European sites. completion of the A14 road changes and associated works to the viaduct will determine when the majority of development can go ahead. In the Hinchingbrooke area additional transport measures may be necessary after the completion of the A14 changes before development goes ahead. Retail development in the George St/ Ermine St area will be dependent on the selected site being appropriate in terms of a sequential analysis considering the existing town centre first and the development being complementary to the town centre.
2.3 Potential negative impacts associated with this AAP include:
− An increase in resident and working population which could lead to increase in recreational impacts including disturbance to wildlife by people and dogs and trampling.
− Increase in population leading to increased demand for water and therefore water abstraction which could affect wetlands.
− A reduction in water quality resulting from urban surface water run-off and discharge from sewage treatment works.
− Atmospheric pollution (largely oxides of nitrogen caused by increases in vehicle use). It should be noted however that the removal of the viaduct will improve air quality locally.
2.4 With the exception of policies HW4 and HW5, which promote development, the policies are likely to have a neutral or positive impact on European sites because they promote sustainable transport, sustainable drainage or the creation of green infrastructure, which is predicted to have the effects of improving water quality, air quality and reducing recreational impacts on European sites.
2.5 Potential effects on the European sites
Table 4 considers each of the European sites and potential impacts of the Huntingdon West AAP (either alone or in combination with other projects)
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Table 4. HWAAP and potential effects on European sites in the district. European Site Summary of features Potential Impacts Likely significant Impact either alone or in combination? of HWAAP on this site
Portholme SAC Large alluvial flood Recreational Uncertain meadow disturbance; Water abstraction; Recreational disturbance is predicted to increase to this adjacent Water Pollution; Air site which is crossed by public footpaths. pollution Water abstraction from the Great Ouse has the potential to reduce frequency and duration of essential winter flooding.
Potential water pollution from increased loadings on waste water treatment plant.
Air pollution screened out by the Huntingdon Core Strategy HRA. Re-routing of A14 likely to reduce air pollution locally.
Fenland SAC and Floristically rich mixed Water abstraction; Uncertain. Ramsar Site fen and swamp, wet Water pollution; (Woodwalton Fen - grassland and wet Air pollution; Some increase in recreational disturbance is possible.
part of Fenland SAC) woodland which Increased water demand and abstraction has the potential to support a number of reduce available water for Woodwalton Fen. rare species Water pollution unlikely because site is in different catchment to Huntingdon West.
Air pollution screened out by the Huntingdon Core Strategy HRA. Site is remote from main road network so no significant increase in air pollution.
Ouse Washes SAC, Seasonally flooded Recreational Uncertain. SPA and Ramsar Site. wet grasslands disturbance; supporting breeding Water abstraction; Site too distant from Huntingdon West to be affected by Water pollution; and wintering birds. increased number of visitors. Recreational pressure not reported to be a problem at this site.
Water abstraction from the Great Ouse has the potential to reduce frequency and duration of essential winter flooding.
Water pollution in the Great Ouse caused by sewage discharge is likely to increase in the absence of improvements.
Orton Pit SAC Large pond complex Recreational Uncertain. supporting great disturbance; crested newt and Air pollution. Huntingdon Core Strategy HRA indicated potential for increased
Charaphytes recreational disturbance.
Air pollution was screened out by the Huntingdon Core Strategy HRA.
Rutland Water SPA Large water supply Water abstraction; Uncertain. and Ramsar Site reservoir supporting water pollution; large numbers of recreational Huntingdon Core Strategy HRA indicated potential for increased disturbance
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wildfowl recreational disturbance.
Site is in different catchment therefore unlikely to be affected by water pollution.
In combination with other growth, increase in water demand has potential to increase abstraction and therefore reduce area of open water habitat.
Barnack Hills & Holes Old quarry supporting Air pollution; No. SAC species-rich recreational limestone grassland disturbance Site is too distant from Huntingdon West to be affected by recreational disturbance.
Air pollution was screened out by the Huntingdon Core Strategy HRA.
Eversden & Wimpole Important site for Recreational No. Woods SAC barbastelle bat disturbance Site is too distant from Huntingdon West to be affected by recreational disturbance. (Site is a little known destination).
Nene Washes SAC, Seasonally flooded Recreational No. SPA and Ramsar Site wet grasslands disturbance; supporting breeding Water abstraction; Site is too distant from Huntingdon West to be affected by Water pollution; and wintering birds. recreational disturbance. Site is in Nene Valley catchment, therefore will not be affected by water pollution from Huntingdon West.
2.6 Conclusions: Screening indicates that assessments of the impact of the Huntingdon West AAP on site integrity of the European sites shown in Table 5 should be undertaken. These are considered in Section 3, which follows.
Table 5. Sites and impacts identified by screening European Site Potential Impacts associated with the Huntingdon West AAP identified by screening
Portholme SAC Recreational disturbance; Water abstraction; Water pollution.
Fenland SAC and Ramsar Site (Woodwalton Fen - Recreational disturbance; part of Fenland SAC) Water abstraction.
Ouse Washes SAC, SPA and Ramsar Site. Water abstraction; Water pollution.
Orton Pit SAC Recreational disturbance.
Rutland Water SPA and Ramsar Site Recreational disturbance; Water abstraction.
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3. Appropriate Assessment
3.1 The following is an assessment of each of the impacts identified during the screening and their effects on each of the European sites which have been identified as potential receptors. Further much more detailed studies would be required to accurately quantify these effects, however given the relatively small size of the development anticipated at Huntingdon West they are not expected to be sever e for any category of impact. The approach is precautionary – where an impact is considered likely it is assumed that there will be an adverse effect unless there is evidence to the contrary.
Recreational Disturbance
3.2 The cumulative effects of population increase (with 230 homes and new businesses planned this is likely to be in excess of 550 people). The screening exercise has identified Portholme, Woodwalton Fen (Fenland SAC), Orton Pit and Rutland Water as being vulnerable to these effects, which include trampling, enrichment from dog faeces and disturbance to birds. In the absence of visitor surveys in the District it is not possible to accurately quantify these effects, however it is unlikely that the relatively small increase in population at Huntingdon West will have a significant impact on those sites which are further afield (Orton Pit is more than 20km away and Rutland Water 45km distant). Woodwalton Fen is about 10km to the north of Huntingdon West. Access is restricted to paths and dogs are banned however a limited increase in visitor numbers and associated recreational pressure is possible, although this small increase is unlikely to have a significant effect. Portholme is very close to Huntingdon West. Increased numbers of visitors and a significant effect associated with trampling of vegetation is likely. Portholme is much closer than the other sites and is much more likely to attract visitors from Huntingdon West.
Water Abstraction
3.3 The water supply system for Huntingdon West depends on a network of reservoirs operated by Anglian Water which include Rutland Water and which make abstractions from the Nene and Ouse catchments. Any increase in abstraction could have a drying effect on wetland sites which includes Portholme, Fenland SAC, Ouse Washes and Rutland Water itself. The relatively small population increase of 550 people associated with the Huntingdon West AAP is unlikely by itself to have a significant effect on these sites however in combination with other growth in the water supply area an effect is likely. The exact nature of the impact of increased abstraction on a particular site is difficult to predict because of the transfer of water between locations by the water supply company. Increased long-term abstractions are more likely to have an impact on shallow more natural wetlands before they affect the deeper man-made reservoir (Rutland Water). There is also the seasonal effect of winter flooding at Portholme and the Ouse Washes, which is likely to continue despite abstraction. Woodwalton Fen is most vulnerable to long-term increases in abstraction.
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Water Pollution
3.4 Treated effluent from Huntingdon West is discharged into the River Ouse and this could have an impact on the Ouse Washes and Portholme. Although the population increase is relatively small, the increase in discharge from the sewage treatment works, in combination with that associated with other planned development could have the cumulative effect of increasing nutrient levels in the wetlands. Further reductions in water quality and eutrophication of habitats in the Ouse Washes have the potential to result in losses in biodiversity.
Summary
3.5 Table 6 summarises the predicted impacts of the Huntingdon West AAP on the European sites as follows:
Table 6. European site Significant effect alone or in combination?
Recreational Water abstraction Water pollution disturbance (potable water) (treated effluent)
Portholme Yes Yes Yes
Woodwalton Fen Unlikely – site distant No. Water No. Different (Fenland SAC) abstraction not from catchment to this site. Huntingdon West.
Ouse Washes No. Yes. Yes
Orton Pit Unlikely – site distant No. No.
Rutland Water Unlikely – site distant No. Water level No. maintained by water company – effect transferred elsewhere.
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4 Avoidance and Mitigation
4.1 Given that a number of significant effects on European sites are predicted it will be necessary for avoidance or mitigation measures to be incorporated into the plan in order to ensure that no adverse effects result. Recommended measures for each of the impact categories are as follows:
Recreational Disturbance
4.2 Increased recreational disturbance is predicted to affect Portholme. Policies in the Huntingdon West AAP require that new open space is created (HW6-Hinchingbrooke Country Park and HW7-Views Common) and that existing open space is enhanced (HW8). These increases and improvements in open space are adequate for the proposed relatively small increase in population and are predicted to mitigate for the predicted effects on this European site, however it is recommended that new open spaces are provided to the appropriate scale before any new residential development is occupied. This new open space should exceed Natural England’s ANGSt criteria (ie 2 ha for each 1000 increase in population).
Water Abstraction
4.3 Water management is largely under the control of the water supply company and the Environment Agency (under its role as the licensing authority). The local authority should not permit development at Huntingdon West unless it is satisfied that appropriate systems are in place to ensure that water supply does not result in increases in abstraction that would result in a significant adverse effect on European sites. There are also measures which the local authority is able to promote in order to improve efficient use of water and to bring about recharge of ground waters. Policy HW9 requires resource efficiency (which includes water efficiency). It is recommended that the supporting text for HW9 makes specific reference to water efficiency and the standards required by the Code for Sustainable Homes. Policy HW10 requires that developments make contributions towards the provision of utilities and open space. Although the main emphasis of support for open space provision will be on the local facilities (in particular Hinchingbrooke Country Park), it is recommended that some contributions be made towards the development of the Great Fen Project, which will help to conserve water.
Water Pollution
4.4 The control of sewage discharge is a matter for the water company and the Environment Agency (under its system of consent). The Draft Huntingdon Outline Water Cycle Study (2009) predicts that growth in the residential and working population will mean that capacity of the current sewage treatment plant that serves Huntingdon will
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be exceeded by 2026. The local authority should not permit development at Huntingdon West unless it is satisfied that appropriate upgrades to the sewage treatment system are in place to ensure that increases in sewage discharge do not result in increases in river pollution that could have an adverse effect on European sites. Improvements in surface drainage can be promoted by the planning authority and can also lead to improvements in water quality. Policy HW9 requires that new development at Huntingdon West use sustainable drainage systems (SUDS). It is recommended that development at Huntingdon West includes SUDS that are specifically designed to improve the quality of surface run-off (as well as reduce the speed and volume of run- off) so that overall, the development results in an improvement in water quality of the receiving watercourse (ie the Great Ouse).
Conclusion
4.5 A number of minor adverse impacts on European sites are predicted, however, it is concluded that, if the recommendations for avoidance and mitigation, as described in the revised Huntingdon West AAP and required by its policies, are conscientiously followed, the Huntingdon West AAP will not have an adverse effect on European sites.
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