(A602 Improvements (Watton-At- Stone to Tonwell) Classified Road) (Side Roads) Order 2019

HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (A602 IMPROVEMENTS (WATTON-AT- STONE TO TONWELL) CLASSIFIED ROAD) (SIDE ROADS) ORDER 2019

STATEMENT OF REASONS

HIGHWAYS ACT 1980

HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (A602 IMPROVEMENTS (WATTON-AT- STONE TO TONWELL) CLASSIFIED ROAD) (SIDE ROADS) ORDER 2019

STATEMENT OF REASONS OF HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Introduction Under the provisions of the Highway Act 1980 Hertfordshire County Council (“HCC”) is the highway authority for the administrative area of Hertfordshire. The purpose of this Statement of Reasons (“Statement”) is to describe the proposals to implement the A602 Scheme and to explain the reasons for making the HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (A602 IMPROVEMNTS (WATTON-AT-STONE TO TONWELL) CLASSIFIED ROAD) (SIDE ROADS) ORDER 2019 (“the Order”). In preparing this Statement, HCC has endeavoured to provide sufficient information so that its reasons for making the Order can be properly understood. HCC, as part of its Local Transport Plan, identified the need to make improvements to the A602. The A602 forms part of the primary road network in Hertfordshire, providing an east-west route between the A10 in Ware and the A1(M) on the west side of Stevenage. The road is dual carriageway through the urban area of Stevenage, but the rest of its length to Ware is predominantly rural single carriageway of low standard for a primary route, with junction and alignment issues, poor visibility and sub-standard designs. Traffic often exceeds capacity, resulting in congestion and delays, particularly at peak times. The delivery strategy for the A602 split the improvement works into three sections; • Section A: Hertford Road Roundabout, Stevenage • Section B: Ware Road, Sacombe Pound Junction, Stoney Hills Junction, and A119 Roundabout • Section C: A10 Junction, Westmill Road and Anchor Lane Roundabout At its Cabinet on 22 September 2014, HCC authorised the Chief Executive and Director of Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member of Waste Management, to proceed with the statutory process, including the seeking of planning permission and Side Roads Orders, to enable the delivery of the A602 improvements (Stevenage to/from Ware) (“the A602 Improvements Scheme”). Planning permissions for Section A and C were granted in 2016, and works were substantially completed in July 2018. The Section B works which are the subject of this Order include improvements to the Ware Road, Sacombe Pound Junction, Stoney Hills Junction, and the A119 Roundabout (“the Section B Improvements Scheme”). 2

Planning permission for Section B was granted via two applications. Approval for the realignment of Ware Road and junction improvements to the Stoney Hills Junction and Sacombe Pound Junction was granted on 26 January 2018. Planning permission for the A119 Roundabout was granted on 22 February 2018. The required land for Section B falls within the interest of a single Estate, although there are several registered title numbers. After positive discussions with the Estate, HCC sought to secure the land by agreement. The majority of the land to be acquired is generally in agricultural use. Some small wooded areas and sections of hedge line would be affected by the A602 Improvements Scheme, and the discussions with the Estate representatives sought to minimise the impact on these sections. In January 2019, HCC reached agreed terms with the Estate for the land and rights needed to deliver the A602 Improvements Scheme. HCC has powers under the Highways Act 1980 to stop up, divert, improve, raise, lower or otherwise alter a highway that crosses or enters the route of the classified road. On 16 May 2019, authority to proceed with the making of a Side Roads Order in respect of highways affected by the A602 Improvements Scheme was given by the Executive Member for Highways and the Environment and the Director of Environment and Infrastructure. The purpose of this Statement is to describe the proposals for the Section B Improvements Scheme and to explain the reasons for making the Hertfordshire County Council (A602 Improvements (Watton-at-Stone to Tonwell) Classified Road) (Side Roads) Order 2019 (‘’the Side Roads Order’’). This is a non-statutory statement. This statement of reasons, as recommended under the Local Authority Circular 1/97 (Department of Transport), has also been prepared to explain the proposals in terms easily understood by the public. The purpose of the Side Roads Order is to stop up or otherwise alter highways that cross or enter the route of the classified road or are otherwise affected by the construction or improvement of the classified road and to re-provide private means of access.

1. Section (i) a brief description of the order land and its location, topographical features and present use 1.1. Site Description 1.1.1. The A602 is an important link in Hertfordshire’s primary road network. The road runs north westwards from the A10 junction at Ware to join the A1(M) at Stevenage and then through the centre of Stevenage towards Hitchin.

1.1.2. The western end of the Watton-at-Stone to/from Tonwell Section is situated around 1km south-east from the centre of Watton-at-Stone and runs eastwards on the A602 past the Woodhall Park Estate to the eastern end of the section situated 1km north-west of Tonwell.

1.1.3. The road is considered to be of low standard for a primary route and drivers experience visibility problems and high levels of congestion especially at peak times.

1.2. Site Context 1.2.1. The section of the road where the improvements will be made mainly runs through agricultural fields adjacent to the Woodhall Park Estate. 1.2.2. The area is semi-rural in nature with a number of villages/hamlets located along the route including Watton-at-Stone, Tonwell and Westmill. 1.2.3. To the west of the Section B Improvements Scheme is Watton-at-Stone, a small village consisting of residential and commercial land uses. To the north of the site land use consists primarily of agricultural fields and woodland, with sparsely dispersed residential units. 1.2.4. To the south of the site lies Woodhall Park, a Grade II* Registered Park and Garden and privately-owned estate consisting of residential and commercial property, Heath Mount School with playing fields, large open spaces used for amenity / recreation, wooded areas and the River Beane and the Dane End tributary. 1.2.5. The Dane End tributary is a main river that runs from the north-east under the A602 at the Sacombe Arches (a series of culverts under the road) and joins the River Beane within Woodhall Park Estate.

2. Section (ii) an explanation of the use of the particular enabling power 2.1. HCC is the highway authority for the administrative area of Hertfordshire. On 22 September 2014, the Cabinet of HCC authorised the Chief Executive and Director of Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member of Waste Management, to proceed with statutory process, including the seeking of planning permission and Side Roads Orders, to enable the delivery of the A602 improvements (Stevenage to/from Ware). 2.2. On 16 May 2019, authority to proceed with the making of a Side Roads Order in respect of highways affected by the A602 Improvements (Stevenage to/from Ware) was given. 2.3. HCC has powers under the Highways Act 1980 to stop up, divert, improve, raise, lower or otherwise alter a highway that crosses or enters the route of the classified road.

2.4. The powers to make the Side Roads Order, in relation to the Order Land, are under sections 14 and 125 of the Highways Act 1980.

3. Section (iii) an outline of the authority’s purpose in seeking to acquire the land 3.1. The Purpose of the Proposed Section B Improvements 3.1.1. HCC, as part of its Local Transport Plan, identified the need to make improvements to the A602. The A602 forms part of the primary road network in Hertfordshire, providing an east-west route between the A10 in Ware and the A1(M) on the west side of Stevenage 3.1.2. The road is dual carriageway through the urban area of Stevenage, but the rest of its length to Ware is predominantly rural single carriageway of low standard for a primary route, with junction and alignment issues, poor visibility and sub-standard designs. Traffic often exceeds capacity, resulting in congestion and delays, particularly at peak times. 3.1.3. The delivery strategy for the A602 Improvements Scheme was split into 3 sections. Planning permission for Section A, Hertford Road Roundabout, Stevenage, was granted on 27 September 2016, and works were substantially completed in July 2018. Planning permission for Section C, was granted on 17 November 2016, and the works substantially completed in July 2018. 3.1.4. Planning permission for the Section B Improvements Scheme, was granted via two applications. Approval for the realignment of Ware Road and junction improvements to the Stoney Hills Junction and Sacombe Pound Junction was granted on 26 January 2018. Approval for the A119 Roundabout was granted on 22 February 2018. 3.1.5. Overall journey times will be improved on the A602 route between Stevenage and Ware by the provision of dedicated right-turn facilities at several junctions; including the Section B junctions on the realigned Ware Road. Widening the access lanes to roundabouts will provide an increase in capacity at specific junctions; including the A119 Roundabout at Section

B. Traffic on the route often exceeds capacity, resulting in congestion and delays, particularly at peak times. Reducing the curvature of specific bends on the A602 Ware Road at Section B to meet current standards, will enhance forward visibility and geometry to improve journey reliability and resilience. 3.1.6. The existing road layout is narrow and prone to low speeds and shunt type collisions have occurred at the junctions along the route. These road traffic incidents have led to queuing and delays because other vehicles are unable to get past. 3.1.7. HCC’s vision is to provide a safe, efficient and resilient transport system that serves the needs of businesses and residents across Hertfordshire and minimises its impact on the environment. This is to be achieved by making best use of the existing network and introducing targeted schemes where improvements are required, to deliver a reliable and readily usable transport network to benefit local business, encourage further economic growth and allow access for all to everyday facilities.

3.2. The Benefits of the Proposed Section B Improvements Scheme 3.2.1. The A119 Hertford Road and A602 Ware Road arms of the A119 Roundabout (the ‘roundabout’) will be widened to two lanes on their northbound and westbound approach respectively. The A602 Watton at Stone Bypass arm will be widened to provide a segregated (allowing free flow of traffic rather than waiting at the junction) left-turn lane in the direction of Stevenage to Ware. 3.2.2. The footway along the western side of the A119 Hertford Road will be retained and widened to provide a section of shared cycle and pedestrian route at the roundabout. The footway will be extended towards Watton at Stone connecting with the existing footway near the crossing point with Watton at Stone Footpath 011. An uncontrolled pedestrian crossing will be provided on the traffic island on the A119 Hertford Road arm of the roundabout. The existing footway on the eastern side of the A119 Hertford Road will be retained and widened to provide a short section of shared cycle and pedestrian route. 3.2.3. The A602 Ware Road will be realigned to the north and east whereby the existing A602 Ware Road will be Stopped Up (see Site Plan 2, 3 and 4 for realigned and Stopped Up extent) to improve journey times for vehicular movements between Stevenage and Ware. The existing side roads and private means of access will be realigned to the new A602 Ware Road. C16 Road southwest from Ware Road past Burrs Green Farm to Stoneyhills (Southern spur to Ware Road) and is anticipated will be dedicated as a bridleway linking to existing Bridleway (Bengeo Rural) 023 and vehicular access will be re-provided on C16 Road southwest from Ware Road past Burrs Green Farm to Stoneyhills (RH bend by Hawkins Dell to Ware Road). 3.2.4. This realigned A602 Ware Road will be single carriageway. Due to the existing undulating landscape, the road will be in cutting for parts of the route and be on embankments for others. A bridge will be constructed to carry the A602 Ware Road over the Dane End Tributary.

3.2.5. The realigned A602 Ware Road will include localised widening to incorporate right-turn lanes at each of the following side roads: • Access to Heath Mount School; • Whempstead Road; • Access to Garden House and Beehive Cottage; • Sacombe Hill Farm access; • Sacombe Pound; and • Stoney Hills realigned north junction (C16 Road southwest from Ware Road past Burrs Green Farm to Stoneyhills (RH bend by Hawkins Dell to Ware Road))

3.3. Alternative Schemes Considered 3.3.1. Alternative options to improve traffic in the area were considered for several years. The decisions to progress the current proposals were made taking into account the Government’s key objectives for transport, which include: 3.3.1.1. Safety; 3.3.1.2. Environment; 3.3.1.3. Economy; 3.3.1.4. Integration; and 3.3.1.5. Accessibility

3.3.2. A number of strategic options have been considered at a high level:

1) Construction of an alternative off-line route;

2) Widening the existing A602 to dual carriageway standard;

3) Junction and alignment improvements including a Hook’s Cross bypass; and

4) Junction and alignment improvements only.

3.3.3. Of the options set out in paragraph 3.3.2 above, only Option 4 (junction and alignment improvements only) was progressed as this represented the only feasible solution within available funding resources and the time constraints within which the A602 Improvement Scheme must be completed. 3.3.4. Following transport and economic surveys of Option 4, a preliminary Business Case was prepared in 2014, identifying a series of improvements that could be classified as the A602 Improvements Scheme.

4. Section (iv) a statement of the authority’s justification for compulsory purchase, with regards to Article 1 of the First Protocol of the European Convention on Human Rights, and Article 8 if appropriate 4.1. HCC has discussed and negotiated the requirements for land take with the affected landowners for the Section B Improvement Scheme and terms for a Conditional Contract were reached in January 2019. 4.2. A Conditional Contract for the acquisition of land by Licence, of freehold interests, and the acquisition of rights, including imposing restrictions to retain planting and flood alleviation measure on the landowners land is under preparation. The Conditional Contract transfer of land and rights will be triggered by the final funding approval and confirmation of the Side Roads Order for the scheme. 4.3. HCC does not intend to seek a Compulsory Purchase Order. Subject to the completion of the Conditional Contract and the triggers being met, HCC will acquire the land interests necessary for delivery of the A602 Improvements Scheme. 4.4. Justification for compulsory purchase, with regards to Article 1 of the Fist Protocol of the European Convention on Human Rights, and Article 8 if appropriate, is not required.

5. Section (v) a description of the proposals for the use or development of the land

5.1. The Section B Improvements Scheme will include a road realignment, junction improvements and roundabout enlargement in order to reduce journey times, increase the capacity of specific junctions and to create a more reliable route along the A602. 5.2. With the improvements in place, queuing times will be significantly reduced, and journey reliability during peak time will be improved. 5.3. The A119 Roundabout will be widened to two lanes on each approach, and a segregated (allowing free flow of traffic rather than waiting at the junction) left- turn lane in the direction of Stevenage to Ware will be provided. The footway along the A119 Hertford Road will remain where it is and the footway from the roundabout towards Watton-at-Stone will be extended to link to an existing footway by means of an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing. An uncontrolled pedestrian crossing will be provided at the A119 traffic island. 5.4. The A602 (Ware Road) will be realigned by a maximum of 80m to the north. This new section of road will be single carriageway. Due to the existing undulating landscape, the road will be in cutting for parts of the route and be on embankments for others. A bridge crossing will be provided over the Dane End tributary. The realignment also requires localised widening to incorporate right- turn lanes at each of the following side roads: • Access to Heath Mount School; • Whempstead Road; • Access to Garden House and Beehive Cottage; • Sacombe Hill Farm access; • Sacombe Pound; and • Stoney Hills realigned north junction (C16 Road southwest from Ware Road past Burrs Green Farm to Stoneyhills (RH bend by Hawkins Dell to Ware Road) 5.5. The road will be widened at each of the above side road locations to allow space for vehicles to wait to turn into them without interrupting traffic flow. 5.6. The northern arm of Stoney Hills junction will be realigned to provide a T- junction with the A602. The existing southern section of the junction will be closed to traffic and converted into a Bridleway.

6. Section (vi) a statement about the planning position of the order site. See also Section 1: advice on Section 226 of the Town and County Planning Act 1990 for planning orders

6.1. Planning permission for Section B Improvements Scheme was split into two applications. 6.2. HCC Application No. 3/1738-17 for the ‘Proposed enlarged roundabout and segregated left turn land from Stevenage to Ware, at the junction of the A602 and A119, including associated changes to verges, lighting, drainage, landscaping and engineering operations at junction of A602 and A119, east of Watton at Stone, Hertfordshire’ was granted approval on 22 February 2018, subject to eleven conditions. 6.3. HCC Application No. 3/1770-17 for the ‘Proposed realignment of Ware Road between a point west of the access road to Heath Mount School, to the existing southern-most Stoney Hills Junction; with realignments at all junctions within this section; including associated changes to verges, lighting, drainage, landscaping and engineering operations at A602 west of entrance to Heath Mount School, to existing Stoney Hills junction in the south-east, Hertfordshire’ was granted approval on 26 January 2018, subject to fifteen conditions.

7. Section (vii) information required in the light of government policy statements where orders are made in certain circumstances.

7.1. National Planning Policy Framework 7.1.1. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied.

7.1.2. Sustainable Development The NPPF confirms, in Paragraphs 7 and 8, that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development and the three dimensions are: economic, social and environmental. Paragraph 11 of the NPPF states plans and decisions should apply a presumption in favour of sustainable development, stating: “approving development proposals that accord with an up-to-date development plan without delay; or where no relevant development plan policies, or the policies which are most important for determining the application are out of date, granting permission unless: • the application of policies in this Framework that protect areas or assets of particular importance provides a clear reason for refusing the development proposed; or • any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in this Framework taken as a whole.

7.1.3. Making effective use of land Paragraph 117 of the NPPF notes that: ‘Planning policies and decisions should promote an effective use of land in meeting the need for homes and other uses, while safeguarding and improving the environment and ensuring safe and healthy living conditions. Strategic policies should set out a clear strategy for accommodating objectively assessed needs, in a way that makes as much use as possible of previously-developed or ‘brownfield’ land’. In this case, the Section B Improvements Scheme will provide multiple benefits such as improving transport connectivity, improving safety, alleviating congestion and facilitating economic growth.

7.1.4. Promoting sustainable transport Paragraph 103 states that significant development should be focused in sustainable locations (or potentially sustainable) to help to reduce congestion and emissions and improve air quality and public health. It also outlines that that transport policies have an important role to play in facilitating sustainable development and in contributing to wider sustainability and health objectives. 11

The Section B Improvements Scheme would reduce congestion at key ‘pinch points’ on the A602, including along the Ware Road. Residential receptors within Woodhall Park Estate and boarders at Heath Mount School will have no significant negative effects in air quality during construction and operation as confirmed in the Environmental Statement (“ES”).

7.1.5. Achieving well-designed places The NPPF requires good design and the Government attaches great importance to the design of the built environment. The NPPF states that good design is a key aspect of sustainable development and helps to make development acceptable to communities (Paragraph 124). Paragraph 130 notes that where the design of a development accords with clear expectations in plan policies, design should not be used by the decision-maker as a valid reason to object to development. The Section B Improvements Scheme has been subject to design evolution and public consultation, with mitigation measures incorporated in the preferred design. The incorporation of mitigation measures into the Section B Improvements Scheme in this location has ensured that residual effects during operation are non-significant in most of cases as discussed in Table 16.1 of the ES. Visual receptors (such as residential properties and users of public rights of way) will be exposed to temporary adverse effects, ranging from non- significant to significant. Existing rural rights of way, landscape and habitats will experience temporary significant adverse effects during works. Mitigation methods will provide localised benefits over time.

7.1.6. Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change Paragraph 148 notes that planning should support and help shape places that contribute to recycling of existing resources and improve resilience. Paragraph 149 sets out that policies should support appropriate measures to ensure the future resilience of communities and infrastructure to climate change impacts. During implementation of the Section B Improvements Scheme, mitigation measures will be put in place to reduce the impact of flooding. These include providing additional landscaped areas to control and manage water at three locations along the A602. Floodplain compensation has been provided at the Dane End tributary to ensure any change in flood levels is kept to a minimum, resulting in a no significant adverse effect being predicted.

7.1.7. Conserving and enhancing the natural environment Paragraph 170 of the NPPF outlines some of the ways the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment such as: • protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, and soils; • minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains to biodiversity; and • preventing both new and existing developments from being put at

unacceptable risk from unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution. An Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) of the A602 Improvements Scheme has been undertaken. Where potential impacts were identified, mitigation and enhancement measures will be provided as part of the Section B Improvements Scheme. In addition, the Section B Improvements Scheme would be constructed in accordance with the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). The incorporation of mitigation measures will result in no significant effects on the local population or environment in this location. Hedgerows will be replanted for terrestrial habitat. Mitigation planting is proposed to provide links between severed habitats, to create increased woodland areas and to reduce visual impact. Further mitigation, such as bat roost boxes for protected species is also being provided. Further mitigation measures are recommended and detailed in the ES. Paragraph 170(e) of the NPPF states that in order to prevent unacceptable risks from noise, air quality, pollution and land instability, planning decisions should ensure that new development is appropriate for its location, including the cumulative effects of pollution. During construction, temporary noise adverse effects have been identified but are not considered to result in adverse impacts to receptors. Air quality has been assessed to be high risk at worst during construction. However, when the proposed mitigation measures are successfully implemented, local air quality effects during construction are predicted to be insignificant. No adverse noise or air quality impacts have been identified during operation in relation to the Ware Road Improvements Scheme. There is low potential for contaminated material to be generated from the site as a result of the rural nature of the area. Best practice, such as the implementation of the CEMP throughout construction would ensure protection measures are put in place to avoid human health and environment incidents. The Section B Improvements Scheme will have a significant negative effect on the Woodhall Park and Watton-at-Stone Slope Local Character Area (LCA) during construction as the Ware Road section of the route and associated construction site will cut into this LCA changing the rural land use of the area. The maturing of proposed mitigation planting over the 15-year period from scheme opening will offset negative effects and provide localised benefits. Mitigation and enhancement measures for Local Wildlife Sites will be provided as part of the scheme, including: • Replanting of grassland and wildflowers on areas cleared for construction; • Design of the new Dane End tributary to match that of the existing in terms of dimensions, with protection against erosion put in place while habitat establishes. Once vegetation has established, the channel will closely reflect the existing channel; • Planting of 4.2km of species rich hedgerow, matching the composition of the existing hedgerows, and linking into sections of 13

woodland to facilitate the movement of wildlife across the landscape; • The installation of a mammal tunnel to allow animals to pass safely under the new road; • Review of lighting proposals to prevent light spill affecting bats as they commute between their roosting and feeding sites; • The installation of bat roost boxes near to lost roosting features such as trees; • Amphibian exclusion fencing during construction and vegetative cover along Ware Road; and • Sowing severed strips of land between the new and existing A602 with a wildflower seed mix rather than returning them to arable land, thereby increasing foraging habitat for Roman snail. The incorporation of the above measures into the Section B Improvements Scheme design are predicted to result in no significant adverse effects on Nature Conservation. Significant benefits arise as a result of the provision of the net gain of 2km of hedgerow and the provision of roman snail habitats.

7.1.8. Conserving and enhancing the historic environment Guidance on the historic environment is set out in Paragraphs 184 to 202 of the NPPF and requires the significance of heritage assets affected by a proposal to be assessed. There are 23 Listed Buildings within 1km of the study area, including Grade I listed Woodhall Park (Heath Mount School) and II* listed Church of St Katherine. In addition, Woodhall Park is a Grade II* Registered Park and Garden. There are a further 59 non-designated assets or find spots recorded in the Hertfordshire HER within the study area of the works. The ES identified that there would be no impact on these assets as a result of the Section B Improvements Scheme, and the setting of Woodhall Park would not be altered. It has been concluded that the setting on the listed buildings and the Grade II* Registered Woodhall Park will not be significantly affected during construction due to the temporary nature of works. The Section B Improvements Scheme would move away from the Woodhall Park Registered Park and Garden (including the boundary wall which is considered a curtilage structure) and this is assessed as a slight positive effect. During operation of the Proposed Scheme there would be no direct negative effect upon heritage assets.

Two Grade II Listed milestones (1370061 and 1089076) lie within or adjacent to the construction area for the Section B Improvements Scheme. 1089096 lies outside of the construction area and therefore impacts are unlikely, and therefore the effect on this asset is considered to be neutral. 1370061 lies within the construction area and if left in situ, this asset would experience a large adverse effect. The milestone will be relocated in line with its original location in the verge of the realigned 14

section of the A602. This is considered to result in a negligible impact. Where a listed milestone will, or could accidentally be affected by the construction activities, mitigation measures described in the ES will be implemented.

Construction activities adjacent to Woodhall Park and the Listed Buildings within it, would largely be screened visually by existing vegetation and would have a negligible temporary impact on its setting. There would be no effect on heritage assets as a result of changes to air quality. Therefore, the effect of construction on Woodhall Park and its constituent elements has been assessed as negligible.

7.1.9. Protecting Green Belt land and Proposals affecting the Green Belt The NPPF attaches great importance to the protection of Green Belt land, it is recognised that the prime goal of designated Green Belt land is to retain the openness and their permanence. The A602 at the Ware Road is located immediately adjacent to the Metropolitan Green Belt as designated by East Herts District Council, between the A119 roundabout and the entrance to Heath Mount School. Paragraph 143 states ‘inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances’. Furthermore paragraph 144 states ‘very special circumstances will not exist unless the potential harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations’. The Ware Road realignment will have little or no impact upon the openness of the Green Belt, as it will move the road further away from Green Belt land. The road already exists as part of the established A602 route, and the improvements are planned to alleviate congestion. Paragraph 146 supports local transport infrastructure which demonstrates a requirement for a Green Belt location, provided the development can preserve its openness and do not conflict with the purposes of including land within it. The Ware Road already borders Green Belt land, therefore, these improvements are considered to have minimal impact upon the openness of the land.

7.1.10. Pre-application engagement and front-loading The NPPF advocates early engagement to enable improved outcomes for the community and better coordination of resources (Paragraph 39). Extensive pre- application engagement, in the form of consultation, was undertaken for the A602 Improvements (Stevenage to/from Ware). Consultation on the Section B Improvements Scheme and planning applications took place from May 2015 until 14th June 2015. The aim of the consultation was to gather public views and consider these as part of the refinement of the Section B Improvements Scheme and the EIA prior to submitting the planning application. This process involved: • Meetings with directly affected landowners; • Public exhibitions in Stevenage, Watton-at-Stone and at Westmill Farm, which included display panels, technical experts and design 15

team members on hand to discuss the Proposed Scheme; • Exhibition panels on public view throughout the consultation period at County Hall; • Feedback forms and information leaflets available from Parish Councils; and • An online consultation portal which included links to the information available at the public exhibitions and a place to provide comments. A full record of recent public consultation undertaken is provided in the Statement of Consultation (236368-HCC-RD-03-RP-YP-00001) submitted as part of the planning process. In addition, discussion was undertaken with the local planning authority, to establish requirements for the planning application, including application for EIA screening and scoping opinions, in accordance with the Regulations and Paragraph 192 of the NPPF.

7.2. Local Transport Plans

7.2.1. The Hertfordshire County Council Local Transport Plan (LTP4) (2018- 2031) The HCC Local Transport Plan (LTP4) sets out HCC’s vision and strategy for the long-term development of transport in the county. Its vision is to provide a safe, efficient and resilient transport system that serves the needs of business and residents across Hertfordshire and minimises its impact on the environment. The improvement of highways is a core strategy of HCC, which supports economic growth; enhances and maintains the natural environment; improves the connection between neighbourhoods; and addresses design infrastructure considering future constraints. The A602 Improvements Scheme is shown as an identified scheme on the LTP Transport Schemes Map (page 8). The A602 Improvements Scheme was first identified in Hertfordshire County Council Local Transport Plan 2 (2006/07-2010/11) and has been carried forward to LTP3 (2011-2031) and into the current LTP4. The Local Transport Plan (“LTP”) advocates for reducing the level of stop-start conditions through traffic management and to construct, maintain, and operate all infrastructure as part of its response to climate change adaptation. Currently, the A119 roundabout causes congestion and increased journey times, especially at peak hours. The Section B Improvements Scheme recognises this and would make an improvement with an enlargement of the roundabout. The LTP also aims to improve the quality of life of individuals and manage the environmental impacts by enhancing the natural environment, improving connections between neighbourhoods and reducing the impact of transport noise and greenhouse gas emissions. Through a more reliable and efficient A602, quality of life and transport connections would be a benefit to the local area. Driver stress would also be improved by decreasing journey times and reducing delays and queuing. 16

In summary, the A602 Improvements Scheme is set out in the LTP as an identified major project to address future transport needs of the area.

7.2.2. Eastern Herts Transport Plan (2007) The Eastern Herts Transport Plan (“Transport Plan”) is the long-term framework which will provide a focus for transportation improvements over the next 15 to 20 years. It provides a base to deliver a more sustainable, integrated transport system for the towns and surrounding rural areas. The Transport Plan vision states: “To provide a safe, efficient and affordable transport system that allows access for all to everyday facilities. Everyone will have the opportunity and information to choose the most appropriate form of transport and time of travel. By maximising the capacity of the network we will work towards a transport system that balances economic prosperity with personal health and environmental wellbeing” Ten objectives are identified within the Transport Plan. They complement the central and local government transportation and land use policies and reflect the transport issues raised by the consultation process. These objectives are: • School Traffic • Parking • Safety • Pedestrian and Cycle Facilities • Maintenance • Access to Facilities • Passenger Transport • Congestion/Ease of Movement • Street Scene • Future Developments The Transport Plan recognises the importance role of the A602 as an important link in HCC’s primary route network. It recognises the need for improvements on the existing road.

7.3. Local Planning Policy (East Herts District Council) 7.3.1. The Development Plan

The application site is located within East Herts District Council. During the preparation and submission of the planning application, the Development Plan for the area comprised the Saved Policies from the East Herts Local Plan Second Review (April 2007) and relevant Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD). When the Section B Improvements Scheme (Stoney Hills Junction, Sacombe Pound Junction, Ware Road and A119 Roundabout) planning applications were 17

considered at the HCC Development Control Committee (25 January 2018), the emerging East Herts District Plan was under public examination by the Planning Inspectorate (concluding in December 2017). For that reason, the draft policies contained within it and the Saved Policies were assessed against the Proposed Scheme in the submitted Planning Statement.

The Proposals Map indicates that the application site is not designated for any particular land use. The strategy diagram for the Local Plan identifies the application as lying within the rural area beyond the Green Belt. In addition, the Key Diagram identified the A602 for road improvements and the Proposed Scheme was listed as a strategic infrastructure requirement under the (at the time) Proposed Policy DPS4 sic – Infrastructure Requirements.

The East Herts District Plan 2018 was since adopted on 23rd October 2018 at an Extraordinary Council meeting. Below is an overview of the policies, which are relevant to the land required for the Section B Improvements Scheme. • DPS4 Infrastructure Requirements East Herts Council will prepare an Infrastructure Delivery Plan to address the co-ordinated phasing of infrastructure and development of items of strategic and local infrastructure. Upgrades to the A602 is highlighted as item f) of this policy. • TRA1 Sustainable Transport Proposals should comply with the provisions of the Local Transport Plan, ensure that a range of alternative options are available to users, priorities the provision of modes of transport other than the car, allow for the early implementation of sustainable travel infrastructure, protect existing rights of way, cycling and equestrian routes, and ensure provision is made for long term maintenance. • NE2 Sites or Features of Nature Conservation Interest (Non- Designated) All proposals should achieve a net gain in biodiversity where feasible, avoid harm to or loss of features that contribute to ecological networks and any will be expected to apply a hierarchy of avoidance, mitigation and compensation. • NE3 Species and Habitats Development proposals which may impact on Species and Habitats of Principal Importance included in the England Biodiversity List under section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 will only be permitted where harm to the species can be avoided. Locally important biodiversity sites and other notable ecological features of conservation value will be protected and enhanced. Developments which would result in the loss or significant damage to trees, hedgerows or ancient woodland sites will not be permitted. The Council will seek their reinforcement by additional native species planting where appropriate. 18

• NE4 Green Infrastructure A diverse network of accessible, multi-functional green infrastructure across the district will be protected and enhanced for its biodiversity, recreational, accessibility, health and landscape value and for the contribution it makes towards combating climate change. Development proposals should avoid the loss, fragmentation or impairment to the functionality of the green infrastructure network, and opportunities should be maximised in accordance with the Council’s Green Infrastructure Plan, its Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, the Hertfordshire Biodiversity Action Plan, Living Landscape Schemes, locally identified Nature Improvement Areas and any future relevant plans and programmes as appropriate. • DES1 Masterplanning All ‘significant’ development proposals will produce a Masterplan setting out the quantum and distribution of land uses; access; sustainable high-quality design and layout principles; necessary infrastructure; the relationship between the site and other adjacent and nearby land uses; landscape and heritage assets; and other relevant matters. • DES2 Landscape Character Development proposals must demonstrate how they conserve, enhance or strengthen the character and distinctive features of the district’s landscape. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment should be provided to ensure that impacts, mitigation and enhancement opportunities are appropriately addressed. In exceptional circumstances, where damage to landscape character is unavoidable and justified by other material considerations, appropriate mitigation measures will be sought. Where an area is identified in the Council’s Landscape Character Assessment this will be used to inform consideration of development proposals. • DES3 Landscaping Development proposals must demonstrate how they will retain, protect and enhance existing landscape features which are of amenity and/or biodiversity value. In exceptional circumstances, where losses are unavoidable and justified by other material considerations, compensatory planting or habitat creation will be sought either within or outside the development site. • HA1 Designated Heritage Assets Development proposals should protect and enhance the historic environment. Proposals that would harm the significance of a designated heritage asset will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that it is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits which outweigh the harm or loss. • HA2 Non-Designated Heritage Assets

Where a proposal would adversely affect a non-designated heritage asset, regard will be given to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset. • HA3 Archaeology Where development is permitted on sites containing archaeological remains, planning permission will be subject to conditions and/or formal agreements requiring appropriate excavation and recording in advance of development and the subsequent storage and display of material. • HA7 Listed Buildings This policy outlines that any proposals affecting the setting of a Listed Building will only be permitted where it is preserved. Opportunities to sustain and enhance Listed Buildings will be sought by the Council. • HA8 Historic Parks and Gardens Development proposals should protect the special historic character, appearance of setting of listed and locally important sites. • CC3 Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Sets out the importance of maintaining the special countryside character and preservation of long-distance views from public rights of way. • CFLR3 Public Rights of Way Any proposals must not adversely affect any Public Right of Way and where possible, such should be maintained and enhanced. • WAT1 Flood Risk Management The functional floodplain will be protected from development and where possible developed flood plain should be returned to Greenfield status with an enhanced level of biodiversity. Development proposals should neither increase the likelihood, intensity or risk to people, property, crops or livestock from flooding. • WAT2 Source Protection Zones In Source Protection Zones (SPZs), development proposals for any of the sensitive uses listed will be required to submit an assessment of potential impacts and any mitigation measures required. • WAT3 Water Quality and the Water Environment Development proposals will be required to preserve and enhance the water environment, ensuring improvements in surface water quality and the ecological value of watercourses and their margins. • WAT4 Efficient Use of Water Resources Outlines how developments must minimise the use of mains water. • WAT5 Sustainable Drainage Development must utilise the most sustainable forms of drainage systems in accordance with the SUDS hierarchy unless there are practical engineering reasons for not doing so.

• EQ2 Noise Pollution Development should be designed and operated in a way that minimises the direct and cumulative impact of noise on the surrounding environment. Noise sensitive development should be located away from existing noise generating sources or programmed developments where possible to prevent prejudicing the continued existing operations. The use of design, layout, landscaping tools and construction methods should be employed to reduce the impact of surrounding noise sources. • EQ3 Light Pollution Outlines the criteria for external lighting schemes and where appropriate, the District Council will seek to control times of illumination. • EQ4 Air Quality Requires all applications to consider the Council’s Air Quality Planning Guidance Documents as it is a material consideration. Developments must not breach or worsen a breach of any EU or UK values or strategies. Measures to minimise impact and mitigate any impacts will be required.

8. Section (viii): any special considerations affecting the order site, eg ancient monument, listed building, conservation area, special category land, consecrated land, renewal area, etc

8.1. Conservation Area

8.1.1. The A119/A602 roundabout site is located to the south east of the Watton-at-Stone Conservation Area and abuts the north-western boundary of the Grade II* Registered Woodhall Park. In operation there would be a negligible effect on the setting of the Conservation Area.

8.1.2. The A602 Ware Road moves through a landscape of open fields and farmland, and runs parallel to the Woodhall Park Estates, a Grade II* Registered Park and Garden. The Listed par wall forms the south boundary of the site area.

8.2. Listed Buildings

8.2.1. There are 23 Listed Buildings within the 1km study area, of which most are Grade II, apart from the Grade I listed Woodhall Park (Heath Mount School) and the Grade II* listed Church of St Katherine.

8.2.2. There are 2 Grade II Listed milestones (1370061 and 1089076) within or adjacent to the construction area for the Section B Improvements Scheme.

8.2.3. The Grade II* Registered Woodhall Park Park and Garden includes the boundary wall which is considered a curtilage structure.

9. Section (ix): if the mining code has been included, reasons for doing so

9.1. As the land is not subject to a compulsory purchase order, the mining code has not been applied to the land transfer land within the agreed terms.

10. Section (x): details of how the acquiring authority seeks to overcome any obstacle or prior consent needed before the order scheme can be implemented, eg need for a waste management licence 10.1. HCC has considered the approvals and consents that are required for the implementation of the Section B Improvements Scheme and considers that mechanisms are in place to secure necessary approval to progress. A summary of these is set out below; 10.2. Political 10.2.1. Approval to progress with the A602 Improvements Scheme was granted by HCC at a series of Highways & Transport Panels and Cabinet meetings. 10.2.2. HCC, at its Cabinet on 22 September 2014, authorised the Chief Executive and Director of Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member of Waste Management, to proceed with statutory process, including the seeking of planning permission and Side Roads Orders, to enable the delivery of the A602 improvements (Stevenage to/from Ware). 10.2.3. Planning permission for Section B Improvements Scheme was granted via two applications. Approval for the realignment of Ware Road and junction improvements to the Stoney Hills Junction and Sacombe Pound Junction was granted on 26 January 2018. Planning permissions for the A119 Roundabout was granted on 22 February 2018. 10.2.4. In January 2019, Hertfordshire County Council reached agreed terms with the Estate for the land and rights needed to deliver the scheme. 10.2.5. On 16 May 2019, authority to proceed with the making of a Side Roads Order in respect of highways affected by the A602 Improvements (Stevenage to/from Ware) was given. 10.3. Funding 10.3.1. The Project was promoted as part of the Hertfordshire LEP Strategic Economic Plan bid which secured funding from Government via the Single Local Growth fund in 2014. This bid process required the submission of an outline business case that was reviewed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department of Business Innovation and Skills. 10.3.2. Following this successful bid the scheme now forms part of HCC’s programme of transport infrastructure projects and is funded jointly by the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and HCC. 10.4. Side Roads Order 10.4.1. A Side Roads Order the Hertfordshire County Council (A602 Improvements (Watton-At-Stone to Tonwell) Classified Road) (Side Roads) Order 2019 for the Section B Improvements Scheme will be made by HCC to alter existing highways impacted by the proposed works.

10.5. Road space booking 10.5.1. To deliver the Section B Improvements Scheme, temporary closures of the existing A602, connecting side roads and rights of way may be required for periods during the construction works. Any closures, and agreed diversion routes, would be carried out under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 or other legislation as necessary.

10.6. Environment Licences 10.6.1. HCC will seek the necessary environmental licences required for the delivery of the Section B Improvements Scheme, as set out in the planning permission and any conditions applied thereto.

10.6.2. To date, HCC has carried out a number of environmental surveys to determine which habitats and protected species are impacted by the Section B Improvements Scheme. A series of measures have been included in the planning application to mitigate significant adverse impacts the Project may have on habitats and species. 10.7. Technical Approvals 10.7.1. The Section B Improvements Scheme will be designed to the relevant highways design standards (or any agreed departure from standards). All designs will be subject to design review and certification, including Road Safety Audits. 10.7.2. Approval for drainage will include discharge consents from the Environment Agency (“EA”), where outfalls discharge into main rivers. HCC, as flood authority, will also review designs and consent to discharge into ordinary watercourses and connections to existing highway drainage, where necessary. 10.7.3. A number of utility services will need to be diverted to accommodate the Section B Improvements Scheme. These diversions have been agreed with the utility companies and will, where possible, be completed in advance of the commencement of the main works, subject to agreements being in place. Otherwise, the necessary utility works will be programmed to be completed within the main works. 10.7.4. HCC does not foresee that the granting of the required technical approvals will be an impediment to the delivery of the Section B Improvements Scheme. 10.7.5. Planning permission for the Section B Improvements Scheme was granted via two applications. Approval for the realignment of Ware Road and junction improvements to the Stoney Hills Junction and Sacombe Pound Junction was granted on 26 January 2018, subject to 15 conditions. 10.7.6. Planning Approval for the A119 Roundabout was granted on 22 February 2018, subject to 11 conditions. 10.7.7. Several planning conditions must be fulfilled before construction can start.

11. Section (xi): details of any views which may have been expressed by a government department about the proposed development 11.1 The Project was promoted as part of the Hertfordshire LEP Strategic Economic Plan bid which secured funding from Government via the Single Local Growth fund in 2014. This bid process required the submission of an outline business case that was reviewed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department of Business Innovation and Skills. 11.2 Following this successful bid the scheme now forms part of HCC’s programme of transport infrastructure projects and is funded jointly by the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and HCC.

12. Section (xii): what steps the authority has taken to negotiate for the acquisition of the land by agreement

12.1 HCC has been successful in reaching agreed terms for a Conditional Contract with the various landowners on land required for the delivery of the Section B Improvements Scheme. 12.2 A Conditional Contract for the acquisition of land by Licence, of freehold interests, and the acquisition of rights, including imposing restrictions to retain planting and flood alleviation measure on the landowners land is under preparation. The Conditional Contract transfer of land and rights will be triggered by the final funding approval and confirmation of the Side Roads Order for the Section B Improvements Scheme. 12.3 HCC does not intend to seek a Compulsory Purchase Order. Subject to the completion of the Conditional Contract and the triggers being met, HCC will acquire the land interests necessary for delivery of the A602 improvements.

13 Section (xiii): any other information which would be of interest to persons affected by the order, eg proposals for rehousing displaced residents or for relocation of businesses 13.1 HCC believes that no residents or businesses are severely affected by the Section B Improvements Scheme, so as to warrant rehousing or relocation. Much of the land required for the Section B Improvements Scheme is in agricultural use and remote to dwellings and business premises. There may be some temporary disruption to the access of Heath Mount school and other properties adjoining the A602 or its side roads. Disruption to access will be kept to a minimum and, where appropriate, signage to reflect ‘business as usual’ will be included within the traffic management plan. 13.2 An ES was produced as part of the Planning Application, which considered the impact of the construction and operation of the Section B Improvements Scheme on the environment, including that of noise and vibration on residential properties in the environs of the Section B Improvements Scheme, using industry standard methodologies for predicting impact, backed with sample measurements on site. 13.3 The ES concluded that, for the construction period, direct impacts to residential and non-residential properties and to the local community from construction noise were determined not to be significant due to the temporary nature of impacts and the low number of properties affected. 13.4 Up to 60 daily movements of construction traffic (including cars) are assumed during any construction phases on the existing A602. Baseline traffic flows on these roads are relatively high such that the addition of construction traffic will cause negligible increases in noise and vibration levels. Consequently no indirect significant effects are expected at residential and non-residential receptors. 13.5 Vibration from construction has been assessed to ensure there is no risk of causing damage to existing buildings and then to assess the response of people to the vibration where they live and work. 13.6 Temporary direct effects due to groundborne vibration are only caused by a limited number of construction activities such as demolition, some types of piling and vibro-compaction. 13.7 Noise and vibrations will be monitored throughout the construction works and, where possible, measures taken to reduce any impact on adjacent properties. Best Practicable Means (BPM) would be applied during construction activities to minimise noise (including vibration) at neighbouring residential properties 13.8 Once the Section B Improvements Scheme is in operation, the ES predicts that no individual residential dwellings will experience noise levels higher than the noise insulation trigger levels defined in Noise Insulation Regulations, and no vibration effects were predicted as a result of the operation of the Section B Improvements Scheme. 13.9 Although it is predicted that no residential properties will suffer

significant adverse impact from noise once the Section B Improvements Scheme is open, it is acknowledged that some properties may experiences changes in the noise environment. 13.10 HCC will produce the appropriate Noise Information and Noise Map to meet its obligations under the Noise Insulation Regulations 1975 in due course and will engage with any landowners who consider their property should have a claim for noise insulation. Any property owners whose land is not needed for the Section B Improvements Scheme, but who consider that the value of their property has been adversely affected by environmental factors may be able to make a claim under Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973, and HCC will consider all such claims at the appropriate time.

14 Section (xiv): details of any related order, application or appeal which may require a co-ordinated decision by the confirming minister, E.g. an order made under other powers, a planning appeal/application, road closure, listed building: 14.1 The Section B Improvements Scheme will require a Side Road Order to make improvements of the highway, stopping up and construction of new highways, stopping up and provision of new means of access to premises and temporary diversion of highways.

15 Section (xv): if, in the event of an inquiry, the authority would intend to refer to or put in evidence any documents, including maps and plans, it would be helpful if the authority could provide a list of such documents, or at least a notice to explain that documents may be inspected at a stated time and place

15.1 The documents in the following paragraph are available for public inspection during normal office hours at:- • Hertfordshire County Council (Main Reception), County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 8DN. • Stevenage Borough Council, Daneshill House, Danestrete, Stevenage, Herts SG1 1HN.

15.2 The documents can also be viewed online at http://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/a602 15.3 The documents are:- • The Hertfordshire County Council (A602 Improvements (Watton-at-Stone to Tonwell)) Classified Road (Side Roads) Order 2019, including maps and Schedule • The Hertfordshire County Council (A602 Improvements (Watton-at-Stone to Tonwell)) Classified Road (Side Roads) Order 2019 Statement of Reasons • Hertfordshire County Council Planning Decision Notice (dated 26 January 2018) – (HCC Application No: 3/1770-17) • Hertfordshire County Council Planning Decision Notice (dated 22 January 2018) – (HCC Application No: 3/1738-17)

Hertfordshire County Council