Stubbins and Ramsbottom Flood Risk Management Scheme Environmental Report August 2013

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Quality Assurance

Project name Stubbins and Ramsbottom Flood Risk Management Scheme Project 1B1S reference IMNW000891 Date 16th August 2013 Version number 3 Author Atkins

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Non-Technical Summary

Introduction This Environmental Report (ER) relates to the Stubbins and Ramsbottom Flood Risk Management Scheme (FRMS) which is being promoted by the Environment Agency. This Non-Technical Summary describes briefly the content of the ER including the reasons for the need for the scheme, the scheme proposals, the legislative requirements, the existing environment and the potential environmental impacts of the scheme. It also describes the proposed mitigation measures and enhancement opportunities to improve the public areas for the benefit of the people of Stubbins and Ramsbottom. The location plan, proposed defence and reach locations are provided in Figures 1 - 3 in the ER within this document. Need for the Scheme There is a long history of flooding in both Stubbins and Ramsbottom. The most recent flood events occurred in winter and summer 2012, with other significant events in 1946, 1954, 1980, 2007 and 2009. The threshold of riverbank overtopping is as low as a 4% Annual Exceedence Probability (AEP) (1 in 25 year) event. In response to the recent flood events the Environment Agency has undertaken a detailed flood risk management study. This has identified the need for flood defences in Stubbins along the right bank of the River Irwell. The Scheme The proposed scheme will provide Stubbins and Ramsbottom with a 1.33% AEP (1 in 75 year event) standard of protection to protect 117 residential and 47 non-residential properties against flooding. This will be achieved by constructing new flood defence walls and raising levels of existing ground along the right bank of the River Irwell. In addition, three flood gates and property flood resilience will be utilised where access to gardens will otherwise be limited. At locations where the issue of surface water flooding was identified, additional drainage will be provided to alleviate the surface water flooding. It is expected that construction will commence in November 2013 and be completed in May 2014 with reinstatement tree planting scheduled to be carried out in Autumn 2014. Upon contractor appointment, the programme and working arrangements will be formalised. The proposed scheme requires planning permission from Rossendale Borough Council. It has been confirmed by Rossendale Borough Council and internal Environment Agency departments that a statutory Environmental Impact Assessment is not required for this Scheme due to the scale of the works and the minor impacts predicted. A full description of the scheme is reported in Chapter 3 of the ER with further detail provided in the accompanying documents and appendices attached to the ER. Scoping Consultation Document Scoping is the process of identifying those aspects of the environment and associated issues that need to be considered when assessing the potential effects of a particular scheme. Also as part of the scoping consultation exercise the confirmation of consents required from the relevant statutory bodies has been sought as well as scoping opinions from interested parties.

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The following receptors have been scoped in order to be covered in the environmental assessment covered in detail in this report: Human Beings; Recreation and Amenity; Flora and Fauna; Landscape and Visual Amenity; Water Quality and Resources; Historic Environment; and Climate Change and Sustainability. No significant effects have been identified that on the following receptors and hence they will not be considered further in the assessment: Traffic and Transport; Land Use; Air Quality; and Soils and Geology. The Existing Environment – Key Features Stubbins is an industrial village along the River Irwell located in the southern part of the Rossendale Valley half a mile north of the Victorian mill town of Ramsbottom. The scheme will lie alongside the right bank of the River Irwell at Stubbins. It will run adjacent to residential properties and the Memorial Garden upstream of Stubbins Bridge. Downstream of Stubbins Bridge the scheme will run along un-adopted gardens and commercial properties. At the upstream extent the scheme will run adjacent to the boundary of the Chatterton & Strongstry Conservation Area. At this location, along the Alderway / Pin Meadow boundary is a line of mature trees. Much of the hillside pasture and woodland to the west of the village is in the care of the National Trust. The East Lancashire Railway (a heritage railway run by volunteers) passes through Stubbins and a section of its eastern embankment is located within the boundary of the scheme. Within the scheme boundary between Stubbins Bridge and Pin Meadow there is formal public access via two Public Rights of Way (PRoW) of which one is the long recreational route of the Irwell Sculpture Trail. It is not believed that there is any public fishing along the stretch of the river adjacent to the proposed scheme. Key Environmental Mitigation Measures A set of construction control (mitigation) measures has been developed during the environmental assessment and design process which will be implemented during the construction phase to ensure that the identified impacts are avoided, wherever possible, or minimised where they cannot be fully eliminated. The key control measures include:  Liaison with residents that are going to be directly affected by the scheme, thus increasing hazard awareness;  Clearly visible notices and fencing will be erected by the contractor throughout the duration of works to inform the general public and users of the area of the works and to prevent unauthorised entry into the works area;  Noise protection barrier will be erected along the residential area of Robert Street back gardens;  A Traffic Management Plan will be developed to manage site traffic. Any temporary diversions of roads or footpaths where they run alongside or adjacent to the proposed works will be managed for the safety of the general public;  During piling operations noise and vibration are to be monitored and close liaison with Cuba Industrial Estate maintained;  All works will follow the Environment Agency’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines to avoid impacts on water quality and fish populations;

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 Any dense vegetation and/or trees which provide habitats for nesting birds that are on the alignment of the scheme will be removed outside of the nesting bird season (which is generally taken to be between March and August);  All finishes and materials required for the scheme have been designed to integrate the scheme into existing structures to retain the integrity of the local character features, both in terms of the historical and visual amenity value of Stubbins and Ramsbottom. Environmental enhancements to both the built and natural environment have been identified and incorporated into the scheme, and the proposals will be progressed further with the relevant organisations prior to construction, including replacement planting of removed trees, planting along public footpaths and areas of garden planting (in agreement with the landowners). Predicted Impacts During the environmental assessment a number of predicted positive and negative environmental impacts of the scheme have been identified and their significance has been assessed, as described in Chapters 5 – 11 of the ER. This assessment concludes that, for the majority of receptors, predicted impacts are not significant or will be avoided through measures which are built into the scheme. Measures have been developed to ensure that impacts are minimised or controlled through scheme design and through the adoption of appropriate working practices during the construction phase. With mitigation measures included the main residual impacts of the scheme are:  Restrictions to private access routes during construction works;  Restrictions to parking during construction works;  Temporary closure to the PRoW during construction works;  On and off-site traffic: the access point could be from minor access / residential roads;  Loss of 7 trees within Pin Meadow and possible loss of scrubby type trees within Reach 7 near Cuba Industrial Estate;  Construction vehicle movements on existing road networks;  Visibility of construction plant and activities during construction works;  A beneficial impact of reduction in flood risk to 164 residential and commercial properties. The accompanying Environmental Action Plan (EAP); which is in Appendix A of the draft Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP); sets out the objectives, actions and targets that will be monitored throughout the pre, during and post construction phases of the scheme to ensure that the mitigation/compensation measures described in the ER are implemented. The scheme will have a major beneficial socio economic impact of increasing the standard of protection to protect 117 residential and 47 non-residential properties against flooding.

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Contents Section Page

Stubbins and Ramsbottom Flood Risk Management Scheme i

Environmental Report i

August 2013 i

August 2013 i

Non-Technical Summary iv

1 Background 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 The problem 1 1.3 Scoping 4

2 Project development 5 2.1 Strategic Context 5 2.2 Alternatives 5 2.3 Design Evolution 6

3 The preferred option 9 3.1 Construction 9 3.2 Operation 10 3.3 Decommissioning 13

4 Key issues and methodology 14 4.1 Methodology 14 4.2 Key Issues 15

5 Human Beings 16 5.1 Existing environment 16 5.2 Likely significant effects 16 5.3 Mitigation 17 5.4 Residual effects 17

6 Recreation and Amenity 18 6.1 Existing environment 18 6.2 Likely significant effects 19 6.3 Mitigation 20 6.4 Residual effects 20

7 Flora and Fauna 21 7.1 Existing environment 21 7.2 Likely significant effects 22 7.3 Mitigation 23 7.4 Residual effects 25

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8 Landscape and Visual Amenity 26 8.1 Existing environment 26 8.2 Likely significant effects 28 8.3 Mitigation 30 8.4 Residual effects 30

9 Water Quality and Resources 31 9.1 Existing environment 31 9.2 Likely significant effects 32 9.3 Mitigation 32 9.4 Residual effects 33

10 Historic Environment 34 10.1 Existing environment 34 10.2 Likely significant effects 35 10.3 Mitigation 36 10.4 Residual effects 36

11 Climate Change and Sustainability 37 11.1 Existing environment 37 11.2 Likely Significant effects 37 11.3 Mitigation 38 11.4 Residual effects 38

12 Other issues 39 12.1 Traffic Management and Site Access Upstream of Stubbins Bridge 39 12.2 Likely Significant effects 39 12.3 Mitigation 39 12.4 Residual effects 39

13 Cumulative effects and inter-relationships 40

14 References 41

15 List of abbreviations 42

16 Glossary 43 List of Tables Page Table 1 - Current status of water body GB112069064620 List of Figures Page Figure 1 - Location of Ramsbottom and Stubbins 2 Figure 2 - Proposed Defence Locations 8 Figure 3 - Reach Locations 12 Figure 4 - Recreation and Amenity 19 Figure 5 - Location of Heritage Assets/Gazetteer Sites (Extract) 35

List of Appendices Appendix A - Scoping Consultation Document Appendix B - Visual receptors and typical views from these receptors

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1 Background

Ramsbottom is a Victorian mill town nestled in the Southern Pennines along the River Irwell, approximately 4 miles north-west of Bury. Stubbins is an industrial village in the southern part of the Rossendale Valley half a mile north of Ramsbottom. There is a long history of flooding in both locations. The most recent flood events occurred in winter and summer 2012, with other significant events in 1946, 1954, 1980, 2007 and 2009. The threshold of riverbank overtopping is as low as a 4% Annual Exceedence Probability (AEP) (1 in 25 year) event. In response to the recent flood events the Environment Agency has undertaken a detailed flood risk management study. This has identified the need for flood defences in Stubbins along the right bank of the River Irwell. The proposed scheme will provide Stubbins and Ramsbottom with a 1.33% AEP (75 year event) standard of protection.

1.1 Introduction

The aim of the Environmental Report is to present findings of our environmental assessment process, for the Stubbins and Ramsbottom Flood Risk Management (FRM) Scheme. This document will also form part of the documentation required for a planning application for this scheme to Rossendale Borough Council. The purpose of this report is to:  Document the environmental assessment process  Identify mitigation measures to address any negative impacts  Further examine opportunities for environmental enhancements  Record findings from further investigations to receptors identified in the Scoping Consultation Document  Address comments raised by involved statutory consultees and external parties

1.2 The problem

Location Both Stubbins and Ramsbottom are located along the River Irwell, within the south Pennines, as shown on the map in the Figure 1 below.

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Figure 1 - Location of Ramsbottom and Stubbins

Flooding The area is characterised by the high ground which rises sharply either side of the towns, leading to the area being susceptible to a high risk of flooding. During moderate and high water events, at and above the 4% AEP (25 year), out of bank flow occurs from the River Irwell at Stubbins and Ramsbottom. The area initially inundated is the Cuba Industrial Estate in Stubbins, located downstream of Stubbins Bridge (A676) on the right bank. Following this, the reach immediately downstream of Stubbins Bridge through to Cuba is inundated behind Dale Street followed by the area upstream of the bridge to Pin Meadow at the rear of Robert Street. Overland flooding then generally flows south westerly along Bolton Road North (A676) until it goes beneath the railway bridge. At this point water can

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spill directly south following the path of Stubbins Lane behind the raised railway embankment, therefore into Ramsbottom town centre. Although the railway embankment offers a degree of protection against overtopping within Ramsbottom town centre, the embankment can be bypassed by flood waters originating in the Stubbins area. As the towns are quite high in the catchment, it is not possible to give flood warnings to all areas and where we do, we can only offer 2-3 hours warning. Floods can occur rapidly due to the steep valleys and lack of natural floodplains. Policy The River Irwell Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP)1 identifies that Stubbins and Ramsbottom are located on the boundary between two policy units. These are the Bury, Bolton and Ramsbottom Policy Unit (Policy 4: Areas of low, moderate or high flood risk where we are already managing the flood risk effectively but where we may need to take further action to keep pace with climate change) and the Rossendale Valley Policy Unit (Policy option 5: Areas of moderate to high flood risk where we can generally take further action to reduce flood risk). There is no current official strategy in place, which takes forward the policies contained within the CFMP, although there has recently been the Upper Irwell Management Study. This identifies Stubbins and Ramsbottom as areas which should be investigated further for flood risk management options. Flood Risk Management Scheme Therefore in response to the recent flood events and policy, the Environment Agency has undertaken a detailed flood risk management study. This has identified the need for a FRM scheme in Stubbins along the right bank of the River Irwell. The proposed scheme will provide Stubbins and Ramsbottom with a 1.33% AEP (1 in 75 Year) standard of protection. The main aim of the project is to increase the standard of flood protection to the communities of Stubbins and Ramsbottom.

1 Environment Agency (2009)

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1.3 Scoping

A Scoping Consultation Document (see Appendix A) has been developed to present the findings of the scoping stage undertaken as part of our environmental assessment process, for the Stubbins and Ramsbottom FRM Scheme. The purpose of this document was to: Provide a record of the scoping process; Identify the methodology for undertaking the next stage of the assessment; Identify what issues have been ‘scoped’ out of the assessment; Identify opportunities; Provide a record of the options appraisal process; and Consult with statutory bodies and interested parties. The following receptors have been scoped in to be covered in the environmental assessment covered in this report: Human Beings; Recreation and Amenity; Flora and Fauna; Landscape and Visual Amenity; Water Quality and Resources; Historic Environment; and Climate Change and Sustainability. It has been identified that no significant effects are predicted on the following receptors and hence they will not be considered further in the assessment: Traffic and Transport; Land Use; Air Quality; and Soils and Geology. Also as part of the scoping consultation exercise the confirmation of consents required from the relevant statutory bodies has been sought. It has been confirmed by Rossendale Borough Council that a statutory Environmental Impact Assessment is not required for this Scheme. The Scoping Consultation Document has been issued to internal Environment Agency functions who have an interest in the proposals and to the following statutory and non-statutory consultees in order to collect any comments: Natural England; English Heritage; Rossendale Borough Council; Lancashire County Council; Bury Metropolitan Borough Council; Irwell Rivers Trust; and Local community groups. To date consultations have also been undertaken with a number of local groups including The East Lancashire Light Railway Company, Cuba Industrial Estate and also with local residents potentially affected by the Scheme.

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2 Project development

2.1 Strategic Context

The Upper Irwell Catchment Flood Risk Viability Study identified Stubbins and Ramsbottom as urban areas which should be investigated further for flood risk management options. Potential options were investigated in the outline design stage undertaken by Atkins on behalf of the Environment Agency which was followed by the development of the Project Appraisal Report (PAR). The PAR preferred option; raised linear defences along the right bank at Stubbins to protect 117 residential and 47 non-residential properties against flooding; was approved by Project Appraisal Board (PAB) in March 2013. The outline design has evolved into a Detailed Design for which a Planning Application to Rossendale Borough Council is being submitted.

2.2 Alternatives

A series of options were considered as part of the Project Appraisal process, these included:  Do nothing  Do Minimum  Raised Defences The Do Nothing option, Do Something option and Raised Linear Flood Defences on the right bank at Stubbins were shortlisted for the Project Appraisal. The Do Nothing and Do Minimum Options were discounted as the existing level of flood risk to Stubbins and Ramsbottom was considered too great by the Environment Agency. These options would not reduce the level of flood risk to the Ramsbottom and Stubbins communities which were key project objectives. The Project Appraisal determined that the option of Raised Linear Defences on the right bank could deliver the required Standard of Protection at the same time as being the most economically viable and adaptable to climate change. During public consultations, local residents gave verbal approval to the proposed design and many commented on the sensitivity with which the defence had been designed given local environmental character and recreational value. The Raised Defence option was proposed within the PAR as the preferred option and gained approval by the Project Appraisal Board (PAB). Further details on the discounted alternative options can be found in the accompanying Planning, Design and Access Statement. A.

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2.3 Design Evolution

The PAR presented the preferred option of raised linear defences and outline design drawings were produced to support this option to PAB. No formal comments were received following review of the PAR. Subsequent to the PAR submission, as a result of continued consultations through the detailed design process, the outline design has evolved. As a result of these changes, the reach reference system has adapted to reflect the design changes. The changes to the referencing are outlined below:  The original reaches 1 and 2 along Pin Meadow were combined into the new Reach 1.  Reaches 3 and 4, up to but excluding No. 6 Robert Street, were combined to become Reach 2.  The length of Reach 4 outside of Nos. 2, 4 and 6 Robert Street became the new Reach 3.  The reach within the Meadow View Memorial Garden is Reach 4.  All reaches downstream of Stubbins Bridge remain unchanged. The main changes to the design, using the new reach references, include:  Reach 1 – Change from the Porcupine system to a traditional retaining structure along the boundary of Pin Meadow. The reason being that the Porcupine structure was originally selected to minimise impact to mature trees, as a result of the tree survey and consultations with local residents and, geotechnical performance of the system for retaining materials required, the Porcupine system was discounted.  Reach 1 – Following consultations with Lancashire County Council and the registered owner of Pin Meadow, it was decided to continue the line of the proposed wall the entire length of the Alderway footpath in order to deliver a continuous boundary between footpath and conservation area.  Reach 2 – Further analysis of ground levels and consideration of potential access impacts to gardens, coupled with consultations resulted in the section of this reach whose previous proposal was a raised flood wall to be replaced with the continuation of the raised footpath throughout.  Reach 3 –The outline design for this section of raised wall defence with access step arrangement was discounted following many consultations with residents, specifically taking account of elderly occupants and access restrictions imposed by steps. The alternative proposal is a twofold solution. Firstly, the property frontages with raised land between will provide the passive defence line whilst a secondary line of raised walls along the existing boundary alignments with flood defence gates will provide protection to garden areas.  Reach 4 – The defence within the memorial garden will consist of a natural stone wall aligned to the existing boundary between grass and footpath and will reflect the style and finish of the existing stone seating in the Gardens. Coping will be placed to enable the use of the defence as seating.

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 Reach 5 – The minor works to existing walls in this section were discounted after further analysis of water levels and existing ground levels in the area.  Reach 6 – Agreement reached with Rossendale Conservation Officer that the defence along this reach is to be finished with natural stone in keeping with local character.  Reach 7 – Agreement reached with Rossendale Planning and Conservation officers that a concrete finish to the defence within the Cuba Industrial Estate would be appropriate to its surroundings.

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Figure 2 - Proposed Defence Locations

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3 The preferred option

3.1 Construction

It is expected that the programme of works will run between November 2013 and May 2014 with daytime working hours during the working week and Saturday mornings. It is possible however, that reinstatement tree planting may have to be carried out in Autumn 2014. Upon contractor appointment, the programme and working arrangements will be formalised. Access to the flood defence line on the Pin Meadow boundary is proposed from Bolton Road North via Robert Street to Alderway. A temporary access ramp will be utilised from Alderway into Pin Meadow. Access to the Robert Street footpath section will be gained through a combination of Alderway, Robert Street and through the access point alongside the Meadow View Memorial Garden from Robert Street. Access to the proposed defence line downstream of Stubbins Bridge will be granted through the Cuba Industrial Estate, accessed via Bolton Road North. Although the contractor has not been appointed, without which certainty of compound and material stores can not be confirmed, opportunities for locating a compound and stores within the confines of the Cuba Industrial Estate have been explored and it is expected that this area will be used at least in part. Negotiations with the Pin Meadow landowner have indicated that it would be acceptable to temporarily store materials and spoil specific to Reach 1 on Pin Meadow as necessary. These details will be confirmed upon contractor appointment. Advance works on Reach 1 (Pin Meadow) will be undertaken to fell the trees identified for removal. The timber will be returned to the landowner, with any surplus material not required by the owner to be removed from the site. The work upstream of the Bolton Road North Bridge on Reaches 1 through to 4 will be undertaken using a combination of mini excavators, small plant and manual labour. Where required, ready mixed concrete will be transported to site and poured. Downstream of Bolton Road North Bridge, the work will be completed as follows. Vegetation clearance will be undertaken initially (although most trees will remain) followed by crushed stone being brought to site by small dumper. This will be placed using mini excavator and levelled using a roller to form the piling mat. A small piling rig will be used to drive the piles. Timber shuttering will be placed to form the concrete finish to the pile. On Reach 6, natural stone facings will be applied. Reinstatement of Reach 1 boundary to Pin Meadow will be undertaken by levelling the ground and reseeding disturbed ground with a suitable grass seed mix. In addition, 7 small leaved lime trees (Tilia cordata) will be planted to replace the trees felled as part of construction. The grassed lawn area of the Meadow View Memorial Garden on Reach 4 will be reinstated post construction and the block paving in this area will be re-laid as required. Existing grassed areas through which Reach 6 will pass will be levelled and reseeded with a suitable grass seed mix and hedge and fence lines of formal

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gardens will be re-established. The existing palisade fence of Cuba Industrial Estate will be reinstated, or be replaced on a like-for-like basis, on top of the new defence line to provide a secure perimeter. Tree and vegetation losses will be mitigated through replanting of native species to provide a continuous visual screen of the defence when viewed from the left bank of the River Irwell.

3.2 Operation

The construction of raised flood defences around Stubbins along the right bank of the River Irwell is considered to be the most appropriate and efficient method for improving the standard of flood protection for Stubbins and Ramsbottom providing a 1 in 75 year standard of protection. During the design process the linear defences have been split into seven reaches, as shown in the Landscape Proposals Plan in accompanying Figure 14. Reach 1 – Pin Meadow The defence will consist of a combination of a raised flood defence wall which will act as a retaining structure to support the footpath and gardens on Alderway, regrading of the existing footpath to provide a consistent slope of path and, a low flood defence wall alongside the property boundary of No. 41 Robert Street. The retaining wall will be indicatively 0.3m above ground when viewed from Alderway and indicatively 1.8m when viewed from Pin Meadow ground level. The wall will be finished in natural stone. The wall alongside No. 41 will be finished in brick to reflect the style of residential property and will range between 0.3 to 0.7m indicatively timber panel fencing will be reinstated on the top of the wall. A metal safety hand railing will be placed upon the retaining element of the defence line to manage the risk of trip and falls to the public. The design would be chosen to reflect the residential character of the area and would be finished in a recessive colour. Reach 2 - Footpath to rear of Robert Street The defence in this section will consist of a raised footpath between 0.25 and 0.4m high. The surface finish will be of a crushed local stone to maintain existing character and to allow re-naturalisation/re-colonisation of wild and garden plants as per the current situation. It is intended that a combination of informal ramps to house gardens and steps to riverside gardens are incorporated to maintain access. The gradient of the footpath will be in keeping with existing conditions and give consideration to public access. The existing garden boundaries will be reinstated on a like-for-like basis to retain the eclectic character and feel along this section of the Public Right of Way. Reach 3 – Nos. 2, 4 and 6 Robert Street Raised ground between No 6 Robert Street and a short return wall constructed alongside the property boundary to tie to the raised ground of Reach 2 will provide the upstream tie in for this reach. The property frontage of Nos. 2, 4 and 6, in addition to raised ground between Nos. 2 and 4, will

Stubbing and Ramsbottom Flood Risk Management Scheme 10 continue the defence line. A raised vehicle ramp access between No. 2 and Reach 4 will complete the defence line. In addition to the above, the existing property boundaries to the river will be replaced with a raised flood defence wall which will have a brick facing and coping. Flood gates will be incorporated to provide access to the individual properties. This secondary line will act to protect the property frontages from raised water levels when the gates are closed. Reach 4 - Meadow View Memorial Gardens A raised flood defence wall will be constructed along the alignment of the boundary between the grass and the boundary. Natural stone will be used to finish the wall which will be constructed to reflect the style of existing stone seating in the garden. The wall will be between 0.5 to 0.3m high and will provide an additional seating area. The existing stone seat facing the river will be removed and materials recycled where feasible. Reach 5 - no longer required Reach 6 - Upstream of Cuba and downstream of Stubbins Bridge A sheet piled raised defence wall will be installed with an upstanding section of approximately 0.7m and 4m below ground. The pile will be clad with formal natural stone blockwork on the riverside and informal natural stone on the landward side. A stone coping will be fitted to the top of the wall. The wall will tie in to the existing stone wall to the rear of No. 2 Dale Street at the upstream boundary. Reach 7 - Cuba Industrial Estate A sheet piled wall will be constructed inside the Industrial Estate boundary. It will be set back approximately 2m from the existing bank top of the river. The piles will be installed to a depth of 4m and the upstanding elements will be to 0.7m above ground and finished with concrete cladding and coping. The existing palisade security fencing, or like-for-like, will be reinstated on the top of the defence to ensure a total height of 1.8m is provided to maintain a secure perimeter for the industrial estate. The defence will taper into the higher ground at the downstream limit of the scheme. Service records indicate that two surface water sewers discharge to the River on this reach. The exact locations will be identified and flap valved outfall arrangements installed as part of the works.

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Figure 3 - Reach Locations

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3.3 Decommissioning

In line with standard Environment Agency operating practice, the raised defences will require significant maintenance and remedial works at the end of a 50 year period. It is expected that as part of a review and adaptation for climate change in 2040, detailed inspections and any required remediation will be completed at that time. Routine inspections and maintenance activities will be carried during the interim period. The lifespan of the flood defence gates before requiring replacement is typically 10 years, with rubber seals and fittings inspected and replaced after 5 years.

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4 Key issues and methodology

4.1 Methodology

The baseline information used to develop this report and the previous Scoping report has been collected from the following sources:  MAGIC Website;  Greater Manchester Ecology Unit;  Lancashire County Ecology Service;  Ordnance Survey Plans and Aerial Photography;  LCC Maps And Related Information Online (MARIO);  Natural England website;  Historic Environment Record (Lancashire County Council);  Historic Environment Record (Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit);  Environment Agency National Receptor Dataset (NRD);  Stubbins & Ramsbottom FRMS Ecological Walkover Survey (Atkins, 2011);  Stubbins & Ramsbottom FRMS Landscape Walkover Surveys (Atkins, 2011, 2013)  Stubbins & Ramsbottom FRMS Tree survey (August 2013, Fairley Arboriculture & Landscape Planning)  Stubbins & Ramsbottom FRMS Heritage Assessment (Oxford Archaeology North, June 2013);  Stubbins & Ramsbottom FRMS Ecological Assessment (Atkins, June 2013) inc. o preliminary bat roost assessment; o otter survey and habitat appraisal; o white-clawed crayfish habitat appraisal; and o badger survey. A scoping consultation exercise was undertaken during the outline design stage in 2012 and 2013 where confirmation, consents etc. were sought from the relevant statutory bodies and internal departments within the Environment Agency. It was determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not required due to the scale of the works and the minor impacts predicted. However, in line with our environmental management procedures we have produced this Environmental Report to document the environmental appraisal process. Additional survey work was carried out in 2013 subsequent to receiving the comments from the Scoping Consultation Document, which has informed the detailed scheme design and is summarised in this report. All work has been

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carried out in accordance with the relevant disciplines institute or governing body, which where applicable has been summarised in the following chapters. A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be developed for the scheme prior to tender. The draft CEMP is included as part of the application.). The CEMP will include all matters identified in this report as having an environmental impact which requires to be mitigated. The CEMP is therefore a summary of the Environmental Report requirements and reference must be made to this report and its appendices to obtain full information.

4.2 Key Issues

During the Scoping Consultation it was determined that the following receptors required further investigation and a summary of the principal findings from each of these is provided in the subject chapters that follow:  Human Beings,  Recreation and Amenity,  Flora and Fauna,  Landscape and Visual Amenity,  Water Quality and Resources,  Historic Environment, and  Climate Change and Sustainability. It was also determined during the Scoping Consultation that no significant effects were expected on the following receptors. Therefore these receptors have not been considered further during our environmental appraisal of the detailed design and do not form part of this report:  Flood risk,  Traffic and Transport,  Land use,  Air Quality,  Soil and Geology, and  Planning and Policy.

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5 Human Beings

5.1 Existing environment

Industrial uses are located along the river’s edge. These include the treatment works at Stubbins Lane, Cuba Industrial Estate, works off Bolton Road North and the Mill at Stubbins. Upstream of Stubbins Bridge, residential properties are immediately adjacent to the Pin Meadow Conservation area and between the River Irwell and Roberts Street with garden abutting the river bank. Other properties are located in the same area but further away from the rivers edge and Pin Meadow. The Meadow View Memorial Garden is discussed in Section 6 of this document as are routes of public access within the area. Downstream of Stubbins Bridge, residential properties are adjacent to the river on Dales Street before an area of open ground, which has been adopted as private gardens, running parallel to the river. Further downstream, the Cuba Industrial Estate is bounded by the river with the addition of a 1.8m high security fence, at the southern end of the estate the land rises to higher ground.

5.2 Likely significant effects

During the period of construction, indicatively November 2013 to May 2014, access to the 7 gardens adjacent to Pin Meadow on Reach 1 and the 16 gardens on the river’s edge upstream of Stubbins Bridge on Reach 2 will be restricted due to temporary footpath closures and construction working areas. Access to the 3 properties on Reach 3 from the footpath will be restricted and, use of the gardens will be significantly limited as a result of construction activities as will access alongside No. 2 Robert Street. Downstream of Stubbins Bridge, properties on Dale and Industrial Street are likely to be affected by construction traffic and activities, although the exact extent of this impact is unknown until the ‘to be appointed’ contractor produces their traffic management plan. No long term restrictions are expected upstream of Stubbins Bridge during the operation of these defences. It is anticipated that there will be disruption to access and use of the garden areas alongside the river of Nos. 1, 3, 5 and 7 Dale Street during construction. Significant impact to the 3 formalised gardens alongside the river between No. 7 Dale Street and the palisade fence boundary of Cuba Industrial Estate will occur. Access and construction activities will take place within these garden areas and post construction, it is likely that the potential garden areas will be reduced significantly through land take activities. It is anticipated that there will be disruption to access arrangements at Cuba Industrial Estate as a result of increases in traffic associated with

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construction and material deliveries, the details of these impacts cannot be specified until a contractor appointed and the traffic management plan produced.

5.3 Mitigation

A process of iterative design, assessment and environmental management processes have been employed to reduce adverse effects during construction and operation. These are described within Sections 6.2 and 6.3 of the accompanying ‘Planning, Design and Access Statement’ and further in the draft of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), and its Appendix A - The Environmental Action Plan.

5.4 Residual effects

As no mitigation measures are proposed, the residual effects remain as described in Section 5.2.

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6 Recreation and Amenity

A desk top study and a site walkover survey were carried out in April 2013, which were undertaken by a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute. A further site walkover was undertaken in June 2013 with Rossendale Borough Council’s Conservation Officer. The findings from this assessment are provided below. Please note that this chapter only refers to the public realm and for the general assessment of effects on local residents please refer to the chapter on Human Beings.

6.1 Existing environment

Stubbins has a limited range of recreational and amenity assets. It is adjacent to the boundary of the Chatterton & Strongstry Conservation Area which contains Chatterton Park and to the west of the village much of the hillside pasture and woodland is in the care of the National Trust. The East Lancashire Railway (a heritage railway run by volunteers) passes through the village and a section of its eastern embankment is located within the red line boundary. The nearest station is in Ramsbottom. There is formal public access within the red line boundary of the proposed Scheme via 2 Public Rights of Way (PRoW) - Lancashire County Council Footpaths FP 113; and FP 114. FP 113 makes up a section of the Irwell Sculpture Trail (long distance recreation route) between Stubbins Bridge and Pin Meadow and FP 114 runs adjacent to Pin Meadow and Alderway. There are a number of informal permissive public access routes within the area via pavements, off-road parking, ginnels and back alleys. Also within the red line boundary of the proposed Scheme and situated on FP 113 next to Stubbins Bridge is the Meadow View Memorial Garden (part of the Ramsbottom Urban District War Memorial Scheme). This small riverside garden contains a mix of hard surfacing, seating, lawn, trees and shrubs. Finally, the River Irwell flows adjacent to the proposed Scheme. It is not a navigation and therefore there is no boat traffic. It is not believed that there is any public fishing along this stretch of the River. There are no other recreation and/or amenity assets in the locality. The features mentioned above are shown on Figure 4 below.

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Figure 4 - Recreation and Amenity 6.2 Likely significant effects

It is considered that there will be temporary adverse effects on FP 113 & 114 during construction, as it is likely that a temporary diversion order will be required for both footpaths, to facilitate the construction works. It is likely that any temporary diversions will remain for a maximum duration of 7 months.

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The temporary diversion along FP 113 will also include access to the memorial garden, which is part of the footpath. Access to the remainder of FP 113 through Pin Meadow and FP 114 via a subway under the East Lancashire Railway will remain open as usual during the works. It is also considered that there will be temporary adverse construction effects to some of the informal permissive public access routes within the area. This will include the temporary closure of the ginnel adjacent to No. 2 Robert Street and temporary parking restrictions to Alderway and the alleyway to the back of Dale Street, Nos 1 to 35 (odd). During operation the current alignment and accessibility along FP 113 & 114 will remain unchanged. It is considered that the resurfacing will have a beneficial effect by providing a consistent quality surface along this length of the 2 paths. It is also considered that the new wall within the memorial garden will have a beneficial effect by providing new high quality stone seating to tie in with the existing. The raising of the footpaths will have a negligible effect as current accessibility will remain unchanged. The Scheme will not impact upon the running of the East Lancashire Railway. It is considered unlikely that there will be any further effects on recreation and amenity. To summarise it is considered that there will be temporary adverse impacts on public access, especially on the 2 PRoW (FP 113 & 114) due to the construction phase. These temporary effects are not considered to be significant. No permanent adverse effects are considered for recreation and amenity. However, there may be some permanent beneficial effects due to the resurfacing of the footpaths and the provision of new seating within the memorial garden.

6.3 Mitigation

A process of iterative design, assessment and environmental management processes have been employed to reduce adverse effects during construction and operation. These are described within the design evolution available within the accompanying ‘Planning, Design and Access Statement’, draft of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), and it’s Appendix A - The Environmental Action Plan. Therefore, no further mitigation measures are proposed as everything possible has been embedded in the Scheme design, EAP and CEMP.

6.4 Residual effects

As no mitigation measures are proposed, the residual effects remain as described in Section 6.2.

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7 Flora and Fauna

Following the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (June 2011), further surveys were carried out on 29th April and 20th May 2013. These included a preliminary bat roost assessment; an otter and habitat appraisal; a white- clawed crayfish habitat appraisal; and a badger survey. The surveys were undertaken by suitably experienced ecologists and members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). The key findings from these surveys are provided below.

7.1 Existing environment

Bats The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal identified mature trees and a retaining wall, located along and in proximity to the proposed flood defence works, which had potential to support roosting bats. Within these mature trees the preliminary bat roost assessment identified three mature trees as having bat roost potential, with the rest being assessed as having negligible bat roost potential. No evidence of bat usage (a confirmed roost) was recorded in any of the trees assessed. A mature sycamore located along the boundary of Pin Meadow and a mature ash located on the right bank of the river (adjacent to No. 6 Robert Street) have been assessed as having low and moderate bat roost potential respectively. It is not considered that these trees support bat roost features capable of supporting significant roosts, e.g. maternity or hibernation roosts. A mature crack-willow located on the left bank of the river (opposite Cuba Industrial Estate) has been assessed as having high bat roost potential. It is considered that this tree supports bat roost features capable of supporting maternity roosts and/or hibernation roosts. The riverside stone wall adjacent to Stubbins Bridge was assessed as having negligible bat roost potential. However, it was not possible to fully inspect the entire wall and, therefore, there are sections which may be in a poor state of repair and which consequently could provide bat roost potential. Otters The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal concluded that the River Irwell within the extents of the proposed Scheme provides suitable habitat for otter. From the otter appraisal it is evident from two recent spraints, which were both recorded on the right bank, that otters are utilising the River Irwell along the length of the proposed Scheme, although no actual resting sites were identified. However, potential resting sites, in particular potential hovers and couches, along the right bank of the river in crevices between loose boulders and amongst dense vegetation were noted. White-Clawed Crayfish The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal provided information from the Environment Agency (EA) stating that there is a remote population of white- clawed crayfish within the River Irwell catchment in the vicinity of Hareholme, Rossendale (located approximately 7 km upstream of the scheme), with no other populations known on the river.

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The white-clawed crayfish habitat appraisal identified that the predominant channel substrate of cobbles provide potential refuge for white-clawed crayfish. In addition, the presence of earth banks and submerged tree roots also provide suitable refuge features. However, the EA have also provided information stating that signal crayfish are present in the River Irwell, within the extents of the proposed Scheme. The presence of this non-native species is a principal cause of decline of the native white-clawed crayfish, resulting from direct competition and the spread of disease (i.e. crayfish plague). Badgers The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal concluded that the embankment of the East Lancashire Railway line along the boundary of Pin Meadow provides suitable habitat to support badgers. The badger survey concluded that there is no evidence of badgers inhabiting or using this area. Invasive Non-Native Plant Species Himalayan balsam was recorded in scattered locations along both banks of the river (including along the boundary of Pin Meadow and Alderway) and there are extensive stands of Japanese knotweed along the right bank of the river, particularly downstream of and immediately adjacent to the Stubbins Bridge. Nesting Birds The riparian habitat of the river, in particular bank-side trees and scrub has potential to support nesting birds.

7.2 Likely significant effects

The scheme will not result in any significant change in land-use or large- scale loss of habitat but is likely to require the removal of a number of trees in order to facilitate the construction of the raised linear flood defences, particularly at Pin Meadow. Construction activities associated with the proposed scheme may result in the direct damage and loss of bank-side habitat, degradation and pollution of the watercourse and associated habitat of legally protected and notable species, and the loss of or disturbance of any legally protected and notable species. Bats It is considered that during construction there will be temporary adverse effects on roosting bats should they be present in the mature ash at the time of the works, due to increased noise from the construction of the Scheme. However, it is not considered that these construction activities will cause any significant disturbance. There will also be temporary adverse effects on breeding or hibernating bats should they be present in the mature crack- willow at the time of the works, due to the noise generated from the piling construction activities. There is the potential for this to cause significant disturbance if not mitigated. There will be temporary adverse effects on roosting bats should they be present in the mature sycamore at the time of the works, due to this tree requiring felling as part of the works. However, it is not considered that these construction activities will cause any significant disturbance if mitigated.

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The removal of riparian habitat if required, in particular any bank-side trees along the right bank of the river adjacent to Cuba Industrial Estate, may result in the minor loss or fragmentation of foraging and commuting habitat. However, it is considered that any minor loss or fragmentation will not be significant and will not result in a permanent barrier to bat commuting and dispersal and, therefore, there will be no loss or severance of habitat connectivity. Construction activities, if undertaken at night, may also disturb and/or disrupt foraging and commuting bats. During operation it is not considered that there will be any adverse significant effects on roosting or foraging bats. Otters The removal of riparian habitat if required, in particular any bank-side trees along the right bank of the river adjacent to Cuba Industrial Estate, may result in the minor loss of potential resting sites. However, it is considered that any minor loss would not be significant in terms of loss of habitat quality The scheme does not involve river working or work to the channel banks and therefore impact to otters will be negligible. Construction activities, if undertaken at night, may also disturb and/or disrupt foraging and commuting otters. White-Clawed Crayfish No work proposed in the channel therefore impacts will be negligible. Badgers There are no recommendations for further survey or mitigation measures with regard to badgers due to there being no evidence of inhabitation during the survey. Invasive Non-Native Plant Species Construction activities along the river bank, including any vegetation clearance (and subsequent disposal) required to facilitate the proposed scheme may cause the spread of invasive non-native plant species to immediate areas currently unaffected and far wider locations. Nesting Birds Construction activities may result in the disturbance of nesting birds (should they be present) depending on the timing of the works. Vegetation clearance during the nesting bird season (which is considered to be February to September inclusive), could cause loss of some species if no protective measures and appropriate practices in place. Significant impacts will be the removal of nesting and foraging opportunities as a result of tree loss and vegetation removal during construction and immediate period afterwards while vegetation is re-establishing.

7.3 Mitigation

Bats A pre-felling inspection will be undertaken on all trees requiring felling for which potential bat roosting opportunities have been identified. A more

Stubbing and Ramsbottom Flood Risk Management Scheme 23 thorough off-the-ground assessment of the Ash will be completed as this was not possible during the initial survey. All trees to be felled taking reasonable avoidance measures, e.g. soft-felling techniques. The mature crack-willow on the left bank, assessed as having high bat roost potential, does not require felling. However, to avoid any potential disturbance to breeding or hibernating bats, it is recommended that the proposed works in proximity to this tree, e.g. within 30 m of the tree, are timed to avoid the breeding and hibernating season for bats. To avoid these seasons and the risk of committing an offence, it is recommended to undertake the proposed works within 30 m of the tree in either September or April. September is too early for construction to start and April is potentially too late. In order to avoid the disturbance of foraging and commuting bats, it is recommended that the proposed works do not involve night-time working and do not involve the illumination of the River Irwell and its riparian habitat outside of standard working hours. Otters There will be no work completed within the river channel; all work will be completed on the river bank, and therefore little mitigation is required. In order to avoid the disturbance of commuting and foraging otters, it is recommended that the proposed works do not involve night-time working and do not involve the illumination of the River Irwell and its riparian habitat outside of normal working hours. If construction is undertaken in the winter months, site lighting will be required and a Site lighting plan will be completed by the contractor to minimise out of daylight light pollution. Further to this, a Precautionary Method of Working (PMW) is recommended for use throughout the duration of the works. It is also recommended that pollution prevention guidance is followed to reduce the risk of pollution incidents and accidents affecting the water quality of the river. In particular, it is recommended that the Environment Agency’s Pollution Prevention Guide notes (PPGs) are followed, for example:  PPG01 General guide to the prevention of water pollution;  PPG05 Works in or near or liable to affect watercourses. White-Clawed Crayfish There are no recommendations for further survey or mitigation measures with regard to White-Clawed Crayfish. Badgers There are no recommendations for further survey or mitigation measures with regard to badgers. Invasive Non-Native Plant Species It is recommended that advice for the specific control of these species should be sought from a specialist contractor with reputable experience in dealing with invasive non-native plant species. The construction Method Statement to be provided prior to any construction activities and to comply with the recommendations outlined in EA’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines.

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Nesting birds Tree and vegetation removal to be completed outside of bird nesting season, February to September.

7.4 Residual effects

Bats If the construction work near the mature crack-willow cannot be undertaken in April or September additional measures may be required. Prior to their adoption, a presence and absence survey should be completed to determine the need for additional measures. If required, mitigation such as acoustic barriers and lighting screens should be considered. There have been no residual effects identified for Otters, White-Clawed Crayfish, Badgers, Invasive Non-Native Plant Species, and Nesting birds.

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8 Landscape and Visual Amenity

A desk top study and a site walkover survey were carried out in April 2013 by a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute. A further site walkover was undertaken in June 2013 with Rossendale Borough Council’s Conservation Area Officer. A tree survey was also undertaken by a qualified Arboriculturalist in June 2013. The key findings from these surveys / assessments are provided below.

8.1 Existing environment

The proposed Scheme is located adjacent to the River Irwell within Stubbins, a small industrial village located in the Rossendale Valley, Lancashire, and just half a mile north of Ramsbottom town centre on the A676.

8.1.1 Landscape Character

Stubbins and Ramsbottom are located within Natural England’s National Character Area (NCA) 36: Southern Pennines. This NCA forms part of the Pennine ridge of hills, lying between the Peak District National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park. This is a landscape of large-scale sweeping moorlands, pastures enclosed by drystone walls, and gritstone settlements contained within narrow valleys. The red line boundary sits within Lancashire County Council’s Regional Character Area (RCA) 8a: Irwell Settled Valleys. This RCA is characterised by the narrow, high sided valleys of the River Irwell with its tributary streams dissecting the high moorland plateau of the Rossendale Hills, which provide one of the most distinctive landscape types in Lancashire. The urban landscapes generated by the process of industrialisation are one of the special and significant features of these valleys. They are dominated by large textile mill buildings with terraces of stone cottages with their characteristic contrasting stonework and pointing, running along the lower valley sides. At the local level, as mentioned above, there are numerous terraces of stone cottages within Stubbins but there is also an area of modern housing between the River, the East Lancashire Railway, Pin Meadow and Bolton Road North (A676). Industry is dominated by the modern Cuba Industrial Estate. Stone property and field boundary walls are prominent features along the river, with the exception of the industrial buildings that abut the river: here these are generally of red brick. Vegetation within the locality of the Site is dominated by deciduous species. In general, the trees are typical self-set river bank species with scrubby willow under sycamore and ash. There are no trees afforded protection by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) within the Site boundary, however, the northern extent of the Scheme borders the Chatterton & Strongstry Conservation Area. The trees along the edge of Pin Meadow/Alderway are rather different in that they are well spaced and mature, ash, sycamore and common lime. These are large and

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open-grown trees of visual significance, although their conditions are variable. The accompanying Arboricultural Assessment identifies 12 individual trees and 10 tree groups. It provides further details on the quality of trees within the study area and makes recommendations on mitigating the effect of the Scheme upon them. There are no significant areas of ornamental shrub planting within the area except for the small Memorial Garden situated adjacent to Stubbins Bridge and within residential gardens located alongside the river bank. The edges to FP113 have been colonised in places by adjoining garden and self set herbaceous plants, which provide a pleasant walk and a distinct local character.

8.1.2 Visual Amenity

The visual envelope of the proposed Scheme is the area from which the proposed Scheme or part of it may be viewed either directly or indirectly. Visual connectivity with the river is generally limited from within the immediate Stubbins area. At this stage it is assessed that the main visual receptors that may be affected by the Scheme will be local residents situated directly adjacent to the Scheme, recreational walkers using the local path network and some local businesses. These are: 1. Public Right of Way FP113, which forms part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail;  Close views of the river from the riverbank, with wider views into the Chatterton & Strongstry Conservation Area across Pin Meadow and over the river. Views are often constrained where the path passes through residential riverside back gardens (Robert Street) and by bankside vegetation. 2. Public Right of Way FP114;  Wide views into the Chatterton & Strongstry Conservation Area across Pin Meadow, filtered in places by the low canopy of the mature line of trees along the boundary of Pin Meadow. Some filtered views where the path bisects residential meadow side front gardens (Alderway). 3. East Lancashire Railway;  Intermittent filtered views of the river from the raised railway embankment. Would most likely only be experienced adjacent to Pin Meadow. 4. Residential properties on Alderway, Stubbins;  Filtered views from the front of the properties across Pin Meadow which is within Chatterton & Strongstry Conservation Area. Some open views from ground level beneath the canopy of the mature line of trees along the boundary of Pin Meadow. 5. Residential properties on Robert Street, Stubbins;  Close views of the river from their riverside back gardens, with wider views into the Chatterton & Strongstry Conservation Area

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over the river. Wider views are often constrained by bankside vegetation. Wider views of the river and across into Chatterton are also experienced from some of the properties especially from their 1st floor, but these are mostly filtered by bankside vegetation. 6. Workers and visitors to warehouse and mill at Chatterton;  Open views are appreciated across open fields down to the river and across to Pin Meadow and Stubbins. 7. Stubbins Memorial Garden;  Close views of the river from the riverbank, with wider views into the Chatterton & Strongstry Conservation Area over the river. Views are mainly filtered by bankside vegetation. 8. Stubbins Bridge (Bolton Road North, A676);  Close views of the river both upstream and downstream, with wider views into the Chatterton & Strongstry Conservation Area appreciated upstream from the pedestrian footbridge. 9. Workers and visitors to Croft End Works, off Bolton Road North;  Close views of the river from inside the factory. 10. Irwell Sculpture Trail inc. FP104 (South of Stubbins Bridge);  Close views of the river from the riverbank, which widen out as the trail travels through an open agricultural field. Views are constrained where the path passes a thick area of bankside vegetation. 11. Residential properties on Dale Street, Stubbins;  Most properties appreciate limited views of the river from their 1st floor back elevations, which are mainly filtered by bankside tree planting. However, a few properties have riverside back gardens that have open views of the river. 12. Workers and visitors to Cuba Industrial Estate;  Close views are possible of the riverbank, however the river is heavily vegetated in this location and security fencing and large industrial buildings also limit views. The visual receptors mentioned above and typical views from these receptors are shown in the Appendix B.

8.2 Likely significant effects

8.2.1 Landscape Character

It is considered that there will be temporary adverse effects on landscape character during construction, due to increased noise and movement of plant and the setting up of site compounds. There will be some direct temporary effects on the landscape fabric that contributes to the local character due to the construction of the stone wall along Pin Meadow / Alderway (temporary loss of a boundary line of mature trees and some boundary meadow grass)

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and the construction of the raised footpath along Robert Street (temporary loss of path side vegetation). There will be no permanent construction effects on landscape character, but it is likely that the removal of the line of trees within Pin Meadow will take many years to fully re-establish following replanting. During operation it is not considered that there will be any adverse significant effects on landscape character. It is considered that the introduction of the new stone boundary wall to Pin Meadow will have a beneficial effect by replacing the old concrete boundary wall with a high quality stone wall that enhances the local character of the conservation area and visually reflects the existing context of stone field boundary walls. It is also considered that the resurfacing of the footpaths will have a beneficial effect by providing a consistent quality surface along this length of the 2 paths and that the new wall within the Memorial Garden will have a beneficial effect by providing new high quality stone seating to tie in with the existing. Also selected garden perennials will be re-planted at the base of the fence lines along the edge of the reinstated footpath (Robert Street) and the new footpath surfacing will allow for further garden plants to colonise the edge, as presently happens. Some willow infill planting is also proposed along the Cuba Industrial Estate riverside boundary, which will strengthen and improve the habitat along this stretch of the riverside. There will also be some bankside grass seeding adjacent to the new stone wall opposite Dale Street. The loss of the current mature line of trees along the boundary of Pin Meadow will have a temporary adverse effect on the character of the Conservation Area in the short to medium term. However, in the long term it is considered that the replanting will maintain the character to this boundary of the Conservation Area by re-establishing a formal tree line. The existing line of trees is currently getting old and one is already diseased. It is considered unlikely that there will be any further effects on landscape character. To summarise it is considered that there will be temporary adverse impacts on landscape character due to the construction phase. These temporary effects are not considered to be significant. During operation no permanent significant adverse effects are considered likely to occur for landscape character. However, the loss of the current mature line of trees along the boundary of Pin Meadow will have a temporary adverse effect on the character of the Conservation Area in the short to medium term. There may be some permanent beneficial effects due to the introduction of the new stone boundary wall to Pin Meadow, resurfacing of the footpaths, the provision of new seating within the Memorial Garden, willow infill planting alongside Cuba Industrial Estate and bankside grass seeding opposite Dale Street.

8.2.2 Visual Amenity

It is considered that there will be temporary adverse effects on most of the visual receptors mentioned previously during the construction phase, which will mainly be associated with the construction activity (plant & workforce).

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There will be no permanent construction effects on visual amenity but it is likely that in the short to medium term thereafter that the users of FP113 & 114 and residents on Alderway will experience more open views as the new tree planting establishes within Pin Meadow. However, during consultation some residents on Alderway did comment that more open views across Pin Meadow would be appreciated. During operation it is not considered that there will be any adverse significant effects on visual amenity. A change in the view will be appreciated by the residents along Alderway and the users of FP113 & 114 but replanting will frame views from Robert Street & the footpath and allow more open views for residents on Alderway through the strategic planting of the new trees, which will enhance the views. The new stone wall in Pin Meadow will have a beneficial effect on views from the footpath (FP113 & Irwell Sculpture Trail) within Pin Meadow by replacing the old concrete boundary wall with a high quality stone wall that enhances the local character. The new railings above the wall will be painted a recessive colour and will be of a pattern suited to the character of the area. Some residents on Dale Street will lose their current very open views of the river from their riverside back gardens but views will still be appreciated of the river over the new low stone wall. There will also be a change in the view from the Irwell Sculpture Trail looking towards Dale Street due to the introduction of the stone wall. However, it is likely that this will be an improvement on the existing fragmented garden boundaries with a new unified stone wall that ties into the existing riverside boundary wall. To summarise it is considered that there will be temporary adverse impacts on visual amenity due to the construction phase. These temporary effects are not considered to be significant. During operation no permanent significant adverse effects are considered for visual amenity. It is considered that there will be beneficial effects to views from the footpath within Pin Meadow due to the new stone wall replacing the old concrete wall.

8.3 Mitigation

A process of iterative design, assessment and environmental management processes have been employed to reduce adverse effects during construction and operation. These are described within the design evolution available within the accompanying ‘Planning, Design and Access Statement‘, draft of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), and its Appendix A - The Environmental Action Plan..

8.4 Residual effects

As no mitigation measures are proposed, the residual effects remain as described in Section 8.2.

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9 Water Quality and Resources

The proposed options, listed below, identified as part of the detailed design were considered in terms of their impact on both the current and future WFD status of the water body and potential measures that may be put in place to mitigate any possible impacts.  Raised flood defence wall at area of Pin Meadow  Raised footpath and walls to rear of Robert Street  Raised flood defences along the right bank between the downstream extent of the wall of No. 2 Dale Street and downstream extent of the Cuba Industrial Estate

9.1 Existing environment

The River Irwell at Stubbins is part of the River Irwell (Rossendale STW to Radcliffe) Water Framework Directive (WFD) water body. The ID of this water body is GB112069064620. The current overall status of the water body is classified as Moderate, with the overall status objective given as Good by 2027. Further details concerning the current status of the water body are identified in Table 9.1 below.

Predicted status by 2015 (and justification Current Status for not achieving Good status) River Irwell (Rossendale STW to Water body name and ID - Radcliffe) – GB112069064620 Current overall status Moderate - Status objective (overall) Good by 2027 - Freshwater Fish Protected area Directive, Urban Waste - designation Water Treatment Directive Hydro-morphological Not designated - designation A/HMWB Current ecological status Moderate (Quite (and certainty that status - certain) is less than good)

Biological elements: Moderate (Uncertain) Moderate Fish (Disproportionately

expensive, technically Moderate (Quite infeasible) Invertebrates certain) Good

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Predicted status by 2015 (and justification Current Status for not achieving Good status) Supporting conditions: Quantity and dynamics Supports Good Supports Good of flow Supports Good Supports Good Morphology

Chemical status Good - Chemical elements: High High Pentachlorophenol Table 1 - Current status of water body GB112069064620

During high flows Pin Meadow acts as a flood plain, bounded by the existing raised footpath on Alderway, which acts to intercept flow through the floodplain. The footpath and raised walls on the footpath to the rear of Robert Street do not interfere with flows in the channel or in the floodplain. The right bank at the downstream extent of the Stubbins Bridge consists of a stone wall which runs from the bridge to the downstream extent No. 2 Dale Street property boundary. From this point downstream, the channel is not bounded and out of bank flow and through floodplain flow could occur.

9.2 Likely significant effects

At the area of Pin Meadow there may be a very small reduction in the extent of the floodplain. However, the impact to the flood plain connectivity is likely to be minimal. The effect of the raised footpath and wall to the rear of Robert Street is expected to be negligible. There may be a minor loss of floodplain via the length of bank that is currently not walled (between the property boundary and industrial estate downstream of Stubbins Bridge on the right bank). Otherwise there will be negligible impact on the channel capacity. The proposed defence line downstream of Dale Street to the Cuba Industrial Estate boundary will result in minor loss of floodplain within the developed area.

9.3 Mitigation

The scheme as a whole is considered likely to have negligible effect on the current WFD status and wider environment of the water body. Given that works will be set back from the bank top, is unlikely that there will be any impact upon channel capacity and thus quantity and dynamics of flow. Any

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impact on chemical status and water resources has been screened out from further assessment as it is considered negligible.

9.4 Residual effects

There have been no residual effects identified.

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10 Historic Environment

A heritage desk based assessment and a site walkover survey were carried out in June 2013 by Oxford Archaeology North. A summary of the findings from this assessment is provided below.

10.1 Existing environment

Nine heritage assets have been identified that are located in the near vicinity of the proposed Scheme and, therefore, might be affected by the development. There are no listed buildings or scheduled monuments within the study area that might be affected in terms of visual impacts upon their settings, although two of the heritage assets (Stubbins Bridge; and Terraced houses, south of Bolton Road North) are historic buildings, without statutory designations, that might be affected in terms of visual impact. All of the nine heritage assets that might be affected by the proposed Scheme date to the industrial period and relate to the industrial development of Stubbins and comprise the locations of several mills and associated housing and communication routes. The northern stretch of the proposed Scheme (upstream of Stubbins Bridge) lies immediately adjacent to, and partially within, the Chatterton/Strongstry Conservation Area. These assets include:  Chatterton Mill Tail Race Aqueduct (slight sub-surface remains) of Local/Borough importance (16);  Chatterton Mill Culvert (sub-surface remains) of Local/Borough importance (17);  Ramsbottom Mills Head Race Goit (sub-surface remains) of Regional/County importance (18);  Workers’ Cottages (terraced houses south of Bolton Rd North) of Local/Borough importance (19);  Stubbins Bridge (Bolton Road North, A676) of Local/Borough importance (20);  Flood Embankment (above and below remains) of negligible importance (21);  Gas Works (sub-surface remains) of Local/Borough importance (22);  Sluice stonework (above and below remains) of Local/Borough importance (23); and  Chatterton/Strongstry Conservation Area of Regional/County importance (26). The heritage assets mentioned above are shown in Figure 4.

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Figure 5 - Location of Heritage Assets/Gazetteer Sites (Extract) 10.2 Likely significant effects

It is considered unlikely that there will be any adverse effects on the sub- surface remains of the former Chatterton Mill Tail Race Aqueduct (16) and Culvert (17) during construction. Portions of the sub-surface remains of the former Ramsbottom Mills Head Race Goit (18) and Gas Works (22) may be subject to disturbance during ground works, which it is considered will be of minor adverse significance. The proposed ground works in these areas is likely to comprise sheet piling, which will not require preparatory foundation excavation. The stonework associated with the sluice (23) may be disturbed as a result of ground works, which it is considered will be of intermediate adverse significance. The proposed ground works in this area is likely to comprise sheet piling, which will not require preparatory foundation excavation. There may be possible disturbance of above and below ground remains during ground works to the former flood embankment (21), which it is considered will be of neutral significance. There will be no permanent adverse construction effects on the visual setting of the Workers’ Cottages (19); Stubbins Bridge (20); and the Conservation Area (26). However, it is likely that the removal of the line of trees within Pin Meadow will take many years to fully re-establish following replanting. It is not considered that there will be any further direct physical impacts upon above ground and sub-surface remains of archaeological interest as a result of the ground works for the proposed Scheme.

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During operation it is not considered that there will be any adverse significant effects on the visual setting of the Workers’ Cottages (19); Stubbins Bridge (20); and the Conservation Area (26). However, it is considered that the introduction of the new stone boundary wall to Pin Meadow will have a beneficial effect by replacing the old concrete boundary wall with a high quality stone wall that enhances the local character of the conservation area and visually reflects the existing context of stone field boundary walls.

10.3 Mitigation

A watching brief will be implemented during excavations in the immediate vicinity of the former Chatterton Mill Tail Race Aqueduct (16) and Culvert (17) during construction. The former sluice stonework (23) will be subject to topographic and photographic survey in advance of the piling works and, due to the removal of the stonework to facilitate the piling, the structure will be exposed and subject to full building recording in advance of any disturbance. It is not considered that any further mitigation is required for any other potential above ground and sub-surface remains of archaeological interest as a result of the ground works for the proposed Scheme. A process of iterative design, assessment and environmental management processes have been employed to reduce adverse effects during construction and operation. These are described within the design evolution available within the accompanying ‘Planning, Design and Access Statement‘, draft of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), and its Appendix A - The Environmental Action Plan. Therefore, no further mitigation measures are proposed as everything possible has been embedded in the Scheme design, EAP and CEMP.

10.4 Residual effects

There is one residual impact that cannot be fully mitigated, which is that in the area of the former Ramsbottom Mills Head Race Goit (18) and Gas Works (22) the Scheme will be piled, which means that there will be no preparatory excavation ground works. Therefore, in the absence of such ground works any potential disturbance will not be able to be mitigated through a watching brief and the residual effects will remain as described in Section 10.2

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11 Climate Change and Sustainability

This project has followed the principles of the Environment Agency Guidance Note: ‘Adapting to Climate Change: Advice for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Authorities’. The over-riding principle is to introduce flexibility into flood defences for future change, but without investing in precautionary measures for something that is not yet fully understood, i.e. the current understanding of climate change on river flows is subject to a range of uncertainties. The guidance requires that the impact of the changing climate must be taken into account when evaluating the measures or effects of the scheme. The scheme should not promote options with associated high levels of carbon dioxide emissions and should seek to encourage climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. Furthermore the scheme should seek locally sourced materials when and where appropriate.

11.1 Existing environment

There are no flood defences in place in the areas covered by this scheme and therefore the impacts of climate change have not been incorporated within existing flood defences. The gravel management works undertaken downstream of Stubbins Bridge under EA’s maintenance works programme does deliver short term benefits to help manage impacts of climate change for a finite period of time. This approach is unsustainable and detrimental to the ecological environment. Although there are uncertainties regarding the effect of climate change on river flows, predicted increasing temperatures and rising sea levels indicate that rainfall will change across the UK. This will modify patterns of river flow and groundwater recharge, affecting the availability of water. We anticipate that the defences will require raising in 2040 and again in 2070 to maintain the 1 in 75 year standard of protection. These dates are indicative at this stage and are subject to change as the actual flood risk becomes apparent. Manufacturing, delivery and construction activities produce a significant portion of a scheme’s carbon emissions throughout the whole life cycle of the scheme. Sustainable construction can minimise carbon emissions from these processes.

11.2 Likely Significant effects

Patterns of river flow and groundwater recharge are likely to change in the future, though this is subject to a degree of uncertainty. This may affect the availability of water.

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11.3 Mitigation

The following measures will be incorporated into the design to mitigate the likely significant effects:  The defences will be designed to allow appropriate and required raising in the future  The alignment will be set back from the river bank where possible to minimise constraining impact to future channel flow  Existing features, or re-built features will be used to form the defence, such as the railway embankment and riverside walls  Reclaimed stone will be used for the wall cladding rather than new quarried stone where possible Sustainable construction procedures will be implemented and managed accordingly:  Ensuring that construction, demolition and excavation waste to landfill is reduced by reusing materials where possible  Carbon emissions from construction processes and associated transport are reduced by using local suppliers thereby reducing transport times  Responsibly sourcing of products from reliable, and where possible local suppliers  Reducing water usage during the construction process

11.4 Residual effects

The residual effects of the scheme will be the use of new and recycled materials. The defences have been designed, where feasible, so as to accommodate future water level rises as a result of climate change to 2040 with a design solution enabling increasing of defence heights thereafter.

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12 Other issues

12.1 Traffic Management and Site Access Upstream of Stubbins Bridge

Properties upstream of Stubbins Bridge on Robert Street and Alderway are accessed via un-adopted roads for which local residents are responsible for maintenance and general upkeep.

12.2 Likely Significant effects

Construction traffic is likely to use the un-adopted roads as a means of access to reaches 1 and 2. During consultation, residents identified a concern that construction traffic may potentially cause damage to the road which they may be liable to repair. There may be restrictions to vehicle access and parking space availability as a result of site traffic within the Robert Street area.

12.3 Mitigation

It is expected that the contractor, once appointed, will undertake a pre- commencement survey including a photographic record the existing condition of the road. Upon completion of the construction works, any damage or impacts caused by the construction traffic will be repaired to the condition of pre-commencement survey.

12.4 Residual effects

Residual effects are not expected based upon repair of the roads on a like- for-like basis following completion of construction activities.

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13 Cumulative effects and inter- relationships

Work has been completed at the Chatterton recreation ground, Chatterton Road on the left bank to reduce the point at which the onset of flooding occurs in order for the recreation area to act as a floodplain. The impact of this will be a reduction in downstream water levels during lower order events for which the recreation area is flooded. Immediately upstream, options to breach the low height embankment on the right bank have been investigated for the purpose of ‘reclaiming’ natural floodplain areas. These options are only under consideration at this time and nothing has been formally consulted upon or agreed. Should this proposal be progressed in the future, the impact would be to reduce water levels downstream during high water events.

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14 References

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY, 2009. The River Irwell Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP) – Managing Flood Risk. Warrington: Environment Agency

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15 List of abbreviations

EA Environment Agency FRMS Flood Risk Management Scheme WFD Water Framework Directive PAR Project Appraisal Report PAB Project Appraisal Board CFMP Catchment Flood Management Plan CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan EAP Environmental Action Plan TPO Tree Preservation Order FP Foot Path RCA Regional Character Area NCA National Character Area PMW Precautionary Method of Working PPGs Pollution Prevention Guide notes CIEEM Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management PRoW Public Rights of Way EIA Environmental Impact Assessment NRD National Receptor Dataset MARIO Maps and Related Information Online AEP Annual Exceedence Probability

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16 Glossary

An area specified by Local Planning Authorities to help protect Archaeological archaeological remains that might be affected by Priority Areas development.

A description of the present state of the environment with the consideration of how the environment would change in the Baseline future in the absence of the plan/programme/project as a result of natural events and other human activities.

Baseline studies/ Collection of information about the environment which is likely survey to be affected by the project

A surface water catchment is the total area that drains into a Catchment river. A groundwater catchment is the total area that supplies the groundwater part of the river flow.

A high level plan carried out by the Environment Agency in Catchment Flood order to manage the risk of flooding to people, property and Management the environment in an integrated way. These plans form the Plan (CFMP) basis of future flood risk management proposals.

An area of land with distinctive landscape features resulting Character area from an interaction of wildlife, landforms, geology, land use and human activity as defined by the Countryside Agency.

Conservation An area designated under the Town and Country Planning Area Act, 1990 to protect its architectural or historic character.

Sub-divisions of England into areas with similar landscape Countryside character as categorised by the Countryside Agency. These Character Areas are used when assessing the impact of a plan/programme/project on its local landscape.

An assessment of the potential effects of a proposed Ecological Impact development on species, habitats and sites that are of value Assessment to conservation or protected by national and/or international (EcIA) legislation.

English Heritage Government statutory advisor on the historic environment, funded jointly by the government and by revenue from (EH) properties and members.

A standalone report or section within another environmental impact assessment document which ensures that constraints, Environmental objectives and targets set in the main Environmental Action Plan Report/Statement are actually carried out on the ground. (EAP) Actions are separated into those to be carried out before, during and after construction.

Environmental “EIA is an assessment process applied to both new

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Impact development proposals and changes or extensions to existing Assessment developments that are likely to have significant effects on the (EIA) environment. The EIA process ensures that potential effects on the environment are considered, including natural resources such as water, air and soil; conservation of species and habitats; and community issues such as visual effects and impacts on the population. EIA provides a mechanism by which the interaction of environmental effects resulting from development can be predicted, allowing them to be avoided or reduced through the development of mitigation measures. As such, it is a critical part of the decision-making process.” www.iema.net/eiareport

(1) The document produced for projects that do not require statutory environmental impact assessment, but where environmental impact has been carried out. This includes projects that require planning permission from the local authority but the effects of the proposal will not be significant. Environmental An ER usually follows the same template as an Environmental Report (ER) Statement, but is less detailed.

(2) The document produced to describe the strategic environmental assessment process carried out for strategies. This report can be standalone or contained as an appendix to a strategy.

Flood alleviation Scheme designed to reduce the risk of flooding in a given scheme (FAS) area

A discrete area subject to flooding from failure of defences at Flood Cell a specific point or length.

A structure (or system of structures) that reduce flooding from Flood defence rivers or the sea

Environment Agency flood warning system, accessible by Floodline telephone or internet and updated every 15 minutes

Flood risk A long term (50 years or more) plan for coastal or river management management to reduce the risk of flooding and carry out. strategy (FRMS) They are more detailed than CFMPs.

A system of maps created by the Environment Agency to Flood risk show areas that are at risk of a flood that has a 1 in 100 mapping chance (or higher) of occurring in any given year

EC Directive (92/43/EEC) on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. Implemented (with the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC)) in the UK as the Conservation Habitats Directive (Natural habitats and wild flora and fauna) Regulations (1994). This establishes a system of protection of certain flora, fauna and habitats considered to be of International or European conservation importance. Sites are designated as Special areas of conservation (SACs), special protection areas

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(SPAs) and/or Ramsar sites. Any developments in or close to these designated areas are subject to the Habitat Regulations for approval of English Nature. Together these sites are referred to as the Natura 2000 network.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works) Regulations (SI 1999 No. 1783) apply to Land Drainage improvement works to land drainage infrastructure undertaken Regulations by land drainage bodies, including the Environment Agency. Such works are permitted development and therefore not subject to the Town and Country Planning EIA requirements.

A watercourse designated by DEFRA. The Environment Agency has permissive powers to carry out flood defence Main river works, maintenance and operational activities on main rivers. Responsibility for maintenance rests on the riparian owner.

Mitigation Actions that are taken to minimise, prevent or compensate for measures adverse effects of the development.

Natural England is an Executive Non-departmental Public Body responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Their purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people Natural England to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings. Their aim is to create a better natural environment that covers all of our urban, country and coastal landscapes, along with all of the animals, plants and other organisms that live with us.

A watercourse not designated as main river. The local Ordinary water authority or Internal Drainage Board has permissive powers to course maintain them.

Riparian Area of land or habitat adjacent to rivers and streams

The process of deciding the scope or level of detail of an EIA/ Scoping SEA. During this stage the key environmental issues (likely significant effects) of a project/strategy are identified so that the rest of the process can focus on these issues. Issues may result from the proposal itself or from sensitivities of the site.

(1) For environmental impact assessment, the process of deciding which developments require an environmental impact assessment to be carried out and whether this will be statutory. Screening (2) For strategic environmental assessment, the decision on which plans, strategies or programmes require strategic environmental assessment to be carried out and whether this will be statutory.

Screening Statutory opinion from the competent authority as to whether opinion a proposed project requires statutory environmental impact assessment according to the Environmental Impact

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Assessment Regulations.

Nationally important sites designated for their flora, fauna, Site of Special geological or physiographical features under the Wildlife and Scientific Interest Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and the Countryside (SSSI) Rights of Way (CRoW) Act (2000).

Special Area for Sites of European importance for habitats and non bird Conservation species. Above mean low water mark they are also SSSIs. (SAC)

The level of protection from flooding, for example an SoP of 1 Standard of in 100 means that the flood defences in an area provide protection (SoP) protection from floods up to a size of flood with a probability of occurring of 1 in 100 in any year

Strategy See Flood Risk Management Strategy

A concept defined by the Brundtland Report (1987) as Sustainable “Development that meets the needs of the present without development compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”

EC Directive (2000/60/EC) on integrated river basin management. The WFD sets out environmental objectives for Water Framework water status based on ecological and chemical parameters, Directive (WFD) common monitoring and assessment strategies, arrangements for river basin administration and planning and a programme of measures in order to meet the objectives.

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