Statement of Community Involvement HARP Consultation - Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley Section Rossendale Borough Council. Created for United Utilities
Rossendale Borough Council | 1 Contents Page
04 Executive Summary
We keep over 100 06 Introduction reservoirs and 247,000 10 Pre-application Consultation acres of prime North 29 Review of Comments from HARP Virtual Exhibition 38 Response to Comments
West nature open for 41 Pre-application Submission Exhibitions everyone to enjoy. 46 Post-application Consultation 46 Conclusion
47 Appendices
2 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 3 Executive Summary
United Utilities’ Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP) involves the United Utilities has hosted a page on its corporate website dedicated to HARP since December 2019. The replacement of the six existing tunnel sections of the Haweswater Aqueduct with bespoke virtual exhibition was set up via an external website on Friday 31 July 2020 to provide the local five new tunnel sections, totalling over 50km in length. The Haweswater Aqueduct community with the opportunity to find out more about the proposals and to submit their feedback. runs from Cumbria to Greater Manchester, supplying treated drinking water across the North West. A feedback form was made available for visitors to complete online, so they could offer their opinions and views on the proposals. If requested, hard copies of the feedback form and exhibition information were The five new tunnel sections fall within seven it towards Townsend Fold WTW. The Townsend sent to residents enclosed with a Freepost return envelope. The virtual exhibition will remain accessible and local authority areas and nine separate planning Fold WTW Compound would receive the TBM from updated throughout the planning process. applications are required to secure the necessary the New Hall Hey Compound, connecting into the Live chat sessions were held as part of the virtual exhibition that were dedicated to different HARP sections. consent to deliver the programme of works. The existing UU infrastructure at Townsend Fold WTW. local planning authorities that United Utilities A mine grouting area is also required at White Carr In addition to face to face and online exhibitions, United Utilities has engaged with community requires planning permission from are: South Lane to fill existing voids in this area of former representatives, including parish councils, ward councillors and a number of statutory stakeholders such as Lakeland District Council, Yorkshire Dales National mine workings. local planning authorities, the Environment Agency, Natural England and Highways England. Park, Lancaster City Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, Rossendale In addition to the tunnel, the following permanent Following the review of comments, United Utilities held an additional online exhibition to inform and display Borough Council and Bury Metropolitan works are proposed including new access/valve the updated and final planning application proposals. The virtual exhibition was split into each of the five Borough Council. house building, localised ground reprofiling and tunnel sections: Docker, Swarther, Bowland, Marl Hill, and Haslingden & Walmersley. fenced compound with stoned hardstanding A Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) and vehicular access road at Haslingden Road The purpose of the additional online exhibition was to inform and display the final planning application has been prepared in support of each of the Compound, and, access to a proposed chamber on proposals, updated as a result of the consultation and feedback received, ahead of planning application nine planning applications. This SCI has been the Townsend Fold WTW Compound. submission. The virtual exhibition displayed exhibition boards, an interactive map, video as well as a prepared in support of an application to Rossendale Frequently Asked Questions document. Copies of both the exhibition boards and the FAQs were made Borough Council for the proposed Haslingden and As part of the pre-application consultation, United available to view online, download and were posted to those that requested hard copies. A webinar was Walmersley section. Utilities undertook a series of public exhibitions hosted on Wednesday 7 April where members of the HARP team presented and talked through the latest along the proposed route in March 2020 to proposals for the Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley sections and took questions from attendees. The Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley showcase its proposals to the general public. Section extends from Huncoat (the Bolton Avenue These exhibitions detailed the plans, potential This document outlines chronologically the consultation process United Utilities carried out regarding the Compound) in Hyndburn, then through the borough impacts on the highways network and other relevant HARP proposals, to carry out vital work to maintain the water supply across the north west. This document of Rossendale and to the Woodgate Hill WTW information. The exhibitions also allowed for illustrates how United Utilities has clearly demonstrated their commitment to conduct an early and proactive compound. This section replaces two existing members of the public to meet with key members programme of community engagement. tunnel sections with a single tunnel, approximately of the project team, ask questions and submit 3.5m in diameter, and made up of two parts: the feedback. United Utilities will continue to engage with stakeholders and the public to inform them about the progress Haslingden Tunnel (8.8 km) and the Walmersley of the development and to seek further feedback from the community. Tunnel (10.4 km). The total length of pipeline in this However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, five section would be approximately 20.6 km, including further public exhibitions (including those planned approximately 1.4 km of connections between the in Rossendale) were cancelled because of laws multi-line sections of the existing aqueduct and the and guidance around social distancing. In order to Our consultation in numbers proposed replacement section of aqueduct. comply with these new guidelines, United Utilities revised its consultation plans to deliver a digital- Within Rossendale, the development would first programme instead, which continued to give comprise of approximately 13.6 km of replacement as much information as possible to the public, pipeline, including connections to existing UU offer opportunities for residents, stakeholders and infrastructure. To enable the tunnel construction, property owners to submit feedback and, through 20,000 information Over 37 hours of above ground temporary works are proposed online chat services, meet with the project team and at Haslingden Road Compound (a construction ask questions. newsletters delivered 2,000 interviews focus groups compound to launch the tunnel boring machines (TBM) from, going north to Bolton Avenue As well as using this new online ‘virtual exhibition’ Compound and south to Woodgate Hill WTW platform, a Freephone information line and Compound), New Hall Hey Compound and dedicated project email address were made Townsend Fold WTW Compound (a smaller TBM available throughout the course of the pre- drive is required to connect the new section of application stage for interested parties to receive 12,539 virtual 82,486 people Over 2,000 aqueduct with existing UU infrastructure at the further information and provide their feedback to exhibition visits reached on feedback existing Townsend Fold WTW. New Hall Hey the project team. social media responses Compound would receive this TBM from the Haslingden Road Compound before re-launching
4 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 5 1. Introduction
1.1 The Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme 1.2 The Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley Section
1.1.1 United Utilities’ Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP) involves the replacement of the six existing tunnel sections of the Haweswater Aqueduct with five new tunnel sections, totalling over 50 km in length. The Haweswater Aqueduct runs from Cumbria to Greater Manchester, supplying treated drinking water to Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
1.1.2 In 2013 and 2016, investigations commissioned by United Utilities uncovered areas of concern within the existing Haweswater aqueduct that could, if not addressed, result in future disruptions of supply Kendal or detrimental impacts on drinking water quality. South Lakeland Yorkshire Dales 1.1.3 As a result, United Utilities is bringing forward these works to rectify the issue and safeguard the region’s water supply for generations to come.
1.1.4 From 2017 through to 2021, United Utilities have undertaken the largest consultation in its history, engaging with customers and stakeholders across the North West. Lancaster Lancaster 1.1.5 In 2017, United Utilities undertook an extensive consultation exercise, involving 2,500 customers and stakeholders across the North West of England. During the consultation, five potential options to address water quality and supply risks affecting the Haweswater Aqueduct were presented and feedback on the option representing the optimum balance of factors such as cost, risk reduction and Ribble Valley environmental impact was sought. The results of the consultation showed the majority of consultees responded in favour of replacing the existing tunnel sections of the Haweswater Aqueduct. This Preston option was taken forward as preferred and was included in United Utilities Water Resources Hyndburn Management Plan approved by the Secretary of State and Ofwat. Rossendale
1.1.6 Therefore, United Utilities is developing plans for HARP; a proposal to develop new tunnel sections to Bury replace deteriorating parts of the Haweswater Aqueduct between Cumbria and Greater Manchester.
1.2.1 One of the five replacement tunnel sections is the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section, which extends into the local authority areas of Hyndburn Borough Council, Rossendale Borough Council and Bury Metropolitan Borough Council.
1.2.2 The Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley Section extends from Huncoat (the Bolton Avenue Compound) in Hyndburn, then through the borough of Rossendale and to the Woodgate Hill WTW compound. This section replaces two existing tunnel sections with a single tunnel, approximately 3.5 m in diameter, and made up of two parts: the Haslingden Tunnel (8.8 km) and the Walmersley Tunnel (10.4 km). The total length of pipeline in this section would be approximately 20.6 km, including approximately 1.4 km of connections between the multi-line sections of the existing aqueduct and the proposed replacement section of aqueduct.
1.2.3 The tunnels would be constructed by a tunnel boring machine (TBM) below ground level and the multi-line pipe connections would be constructed by short open-cut surface trenching sections at each end of the tunnels to link back into the existing aqueduct. The new tunnel would be bored in two directions from a launch compound at Haslingden in Rossendale, with reception shafts at the Bolton Avenue Compound to the north and the Woodgate Hill WTW Compound to the south. There would be a separate smaller tunnel connecting the new aqueduct section to existing UU infrastructure at Townsend Fold WTW in Rossendale.
1.2.4 Once the new section of aqueduct has been constructed, tested and commissioned, the sections of the old aqueduct would be decommissioned.
1.2.5 Whilst referencing consultation undertaken in relation to the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section as a whole, this statement focuses predominantly on the proposals subject of the planning application to Rossendale Borough Council.
6 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 7 Haslingden & Walmersley
Tunnel1.3 S Theec Proposedtio Haslingdenn and Walmersley Section | 1.3.4 The Haslingden Road compound has an estimated duration of 6 years, with an estimated earliest Planning Application to Rossendale Borough Council commencement in 2023. The New Hall Hey Compound has an estimated duration of 9 months with an estimated commencement in 2026 and the Townsend Fold WTW Compound has an estimated Rossendale duration of one year and an estimated commencement in 2026. It is estimated that the activity at the White Carr Lane Mine Grouting Area would take approximately 6 months, with an earliest Haslingden Rawtenstall All Saints d commencement date in 2023. What is going to happen? High Haslingden R School
Haslingden Road Compound A68 Haslingden 1.3.5 In addition to the tunnel, the following permanent works are proposed: Road 0 River Irw A tunnelling compound where the Tunnel A56 Compound ell Flax Moss Tesco New Hall Hey Boring Machine will start constructing the superstore New Hall Hey • Access/Valve house building and fenced compound with stoned hardstanding and vehicular access Bent Gate A682 Compound route of the new pipeline. From here the road - on the main Haslingden Road Compound B6527 route runs north to Huncoat, Hyndburn, Holme Townsend Fold Lane WTW Compound and south to Bury. There will also be a Haslingden • Local ground reprofiling in the vicinity of the valve house building on the Haslingden Road Cricket Club Townsend new small pipeline to Townsend Fold Tor Fold compound Helmshore View d B6235 WTW. We will be working in this area d er R
y R for approximately six years. Access to ur • Access to a proposed chamber on the Townsend Fold WTW compound. Rossendale B the Haslingden Road Compound will be Golf Club anchest 14 M
B62 1.3.6 Subject to the grant of planning permission, construction works for the Proposed Haslingden and A56 Walmersley section as a whole would commence in 2023 with an anticipated duration of 6 years. onto Haslingden Road. e ak Rossendale ish R Wastewater F Lane The typical number of vehicle movements Treatment Works KEY to and from the Haslingden Road compound B6527 B62 1.4 Purpose of the Document 14 Irwell Vale Haslingden Road Compound during the four years that tunnelling is ell w er Ir New Hall Hey and Townsend 1.4.1 This document has been produced with the aim of clearly and concisely highlighting the community Riv Fold WTW Compounds New Hall Hey Compound consultation undertaken by United Utilities in respect of the works proposed relevant to Rossendale Lumb Compound Borough Council to construct the Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley Section. A tunnelling compound which a new pipe CofE Haul road School will pass through between Haslingden Tunnel route 1.4.2 This document provides a chronological account of the consultation activity that has been undertaken Road Compound and Townsend Fold WTW during the pre-application stages of the planning application and the activity that United Utilities Compound. We will be wor1.3.1kin g iThen this planning area application for works proposed in Rossendale Borough Council area to construct the for approximately six months. Access to proposes to undertake post-submission. the New Hall Hey construction siProposedte will be Haslingden and Walmersley section includes for: There will be an increase in construction vehicles, but we’ll 1.4.3 In order to assist with the community consultation and communication, United Utilities appointed ‘Proposed works for and use of replacement section of aqueduct, including earthworks, new Built Environment Communications Group (BECG), a specialist communications consultancy. The typical number of vehicle mosupplyvemen tnetworks connection and ancillary infrastructure including: a new valve house building to and from the New Hall Hey compound minimise disruption for the community and on the local within fenced compoundroad netwo rwithk. permanent vehicular access provision; installation of tunnel shafts and open cut connection areas; within temporary construction compounds, to include Townsend Fold WTW Compound site accesses, storage areas, plant andAbno machineryrmal loads: and drainage infrastructure. In addition, A compound at our existing Wamineter grouting works, to facilitate main tunnelling works.’ Treatment Works called Townsend Fold for the new small pipe from 1.3.2the H asWithinlingde nRossendale, theup development to 22m wouldmachi comprisene) of approximately 13.6 km of replacement Road Compound. We will be worpipeline,king including connections to existing UU infrastructure. in this area for approximately one year. Large construction vehicles: Access to the Townsend 1.3.3Fold WTToW enable the tunnel construction, above ground temporary works are proposed in four locations construction site will be from Holwithinme Lan Rossendale:e. The typical number of vehicle movements • The proposed Haslingden Road Compound,Light veh whichicles: is the main tunnel boring machine (TBM) to and from the Townsend Fold WTW Not to scale drive location for tunnelling activitiesC forars theand Proposed transit van Haslingdens and Walmersley Section and per hour. which would include a smaller TBM drive to connect with existing UU infrastructure at the existing Townsend Fold WTW
• The proposed New Hall Hey Compound, which would receive the TBM from the Haslingden Road Compound before re-launching it towards Townsend Fold WTW
• The proposed Townsend Fold WTW Compound, which would receive the TBM from the New Hall Hey Compound, connecting into the existing UU infrastructure at Townsend Fold WTW
• White Carr Lane Mine Grouting Area – to fill existing voids of former mine workings where necessary along the route of the tunnel.
8 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 9 2. Pre-application Consultation
2.1 Statement of Community Involvement 2.1.6 Rossendale Borough Council adopted its SCI in February 2019. The pertinent section of the SCI regarding pre-application consultation is highlighted below: 2.1.1 United Utilities has sought to comply with the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which states that “early engagement has significant potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning application system for all parties.” The 2019 SCI states:
2.1.2 The NPPF also highlights that “good quality pre-application discussion enables better coordination Pre-application Advice Service between public and private resources and improved outcomes for the community.” To obtain formal planning advice on whether a development is likely to be acceptable in planning 2.1.3 Following Government social distancing restrictions being put in place due to COVID-19, MHCLG terms, we recommend that applicants take advantage of the Council’s pre-application advice service. published new guidelines in May 2020 to ensure applicants continued to consult prior to submitting planning applications. The aim of this process is to: 2.1.4 The guidelines advised publicising information regarding planning applications through “the use of • identify key issues and planning policies that need to be taken into account; social media and other electronic communications and must be proportionate to the scale and nature • identify likely issues at an early stage, enabling amendments to be made to a scheme prior to of the proposed development.” submitting a planning application; • enable us to process applications in a more timely way; and 2.1.5 The consultation section in the Town & Country Planning Order 2015 that was amended in May 2020 • to help ensure that development is of a high quality. is detailed below: Pre-application advice is issued on a confidential basis and any views or opinions given are informal and are not binding on any future decision we make. We would encourage you to prepare as much …because it is not reasonably practicable to do so for reasons connected to the effects of information as possible before applying for pre-application advice to allow officers to prepare coronavirus, including restrictions on movement… appropriately and provide useful and relevant advice. (15) In paragraph (13)- We have a schedule of charges for pre-application advice available on the Planning pages of the Council’s website at www.rossendale.gov.uk, which also contains more details on the service. (a)the persons who are likely to have an interest in a planning application must include the persons who live or work in, or otherwise have a direct connection with, the area in which the proposed Early community consultations development is located; and In addition to applying for pre-application advice, developers are encouraged to contact the owners (b)the reasonable steps that are taken by the applicant- and occupiers of neighbouring land and properties with draft plans and invite comments within a specified time period, prior to submitting any formal applications to the Council. This is the best (i)may include use of social media and communication by electronic means; time to discuss potential development ideas, and for those who live nearby to consider whether they might be affected by a proposal and to make their views known. (ii)must include posting on the site a notice containing the information set out in paragraph (13), or publishing in a local newspaper circulating in the locality in which the land is situated a notice There is a regulatory requirement for applicants for larger or potentially contentious developments containing the information set out in that paragraph, to the extent that it is reasonably practicable such as major housing sites or wind turbines of a certain scale to carry out their own pre- to so; and application consultation. This consultation should bring draft proposals to the attention of the public, Town Council and other affected parties and provide an opportunity for them to make (iii)must be proportionate to the scale and impact of the development. comments on the proposals. This consultation will allow information about the proposal to be presented to the community, enable potential issues to be addressed and amendments to be made before an application is submitted. Depending on the scale and likely interest in the proposals, such consultation may take a number of forms including: • Circulation of leaflets with draft proposals; • On-line and / or on-site information on draft proposals; • Arranging public meetings or exhibitions; and • Requesting feedback within a specified time-scale to allow changes to be made. Those submitting major applications are expected to submit a Consultation Statement with their planning application, which describes the community consultation that has been undertaken, sets out the comments received and whether / how they have been taken on board. Developers should also contact statutory undertakers and non-statutory bodies for technical advice where relevant.
10 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 11 2.1.7 Government guidance and Rossendale Borough Council’s SCI encourage pre-application discussions 2.2.1 The consultation process for the proposed baseline solution to replace six of the tunnel sections of and community involvement. As a result, the public consultation programme had a number of key the Haweswater Aqueduct began in 2019. To help facilitate and manage the consultation, United objectives, including: Utilities put in place a number of management tools including:
• To encourage as much input as possible from the local community, including residents, 2.2.2 Track Record and Project Mapper. A stakeholder management digital solution for managing, interest groups, councillors and businesses; recording and reporting on interactions with people and organisations impacted by HARP. Track Record contains information of external programme stakeholders and links to an interactive mapping • To provide the community with a genuine opportunity to provide feedback on the plans; tool Project Mapper to allow design developments to be visible and overlaid with areas of interest for stakeholders. • To allow people to become actively involved in the process; 2.2.3 Screenshots from Track Record related to the HARP project are show below: • To identify and where practicable address issues raised by the local community and stakeholders.
2.1.8 Therefore, prior to submitting the planning application for the Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section, United Utilities undertook a detailed programme of community consultation.
2.2. Approach to consultation
MAY 2019 Stakeholder consultation
Physical customer exhibitions MAR 6/11 events completed 2020
JUL 2020 Digital consultation launch
Consultation feedback SEP for Environmental Impact 2020 Assessment
FEB 2021 Digital consultation closed 2.2.4 A dedicated project webpage was created on United Utilities’ company website with information available to view by the public MAR from December 2019. The webpage is hosted Phased virtual exhibition update 2021 at https://www.unitedutilities.com/harp and a screenshot from the website can be found in the image to the right:
APR Completion of 9 statements 2.2.5 A dedicated mailbox was created that 2021 of community involvement facilitated direct contact from stakeholders through to the HARP project team [email protected]
Nine phased planning MAY/ JUN application submissions 2021
12 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 13 2.3 Consultation with Statutory Bodies 2.3.7 Additionally to the working groups, a number of technical groups have been established between UU, EIA specialists and their counterparts in the Local Planning Authorities, Local Highways Authorities, 2.3.1 During the pre-application stage, United Utilities sought to engage with all relevant statutory bodies. Environment Agency, Natural England, along with other statutory consultees; Highways England, The Coal Authority and Historic England. 2.3.2 Initial meetings were held with Heads of Planning from 2018 once the need for the programme of works was confirmed to introduce them to the scheme and discuss the approach to planning and 2.3.8 This engagement has been ongoing at key points in the EIA programme dependant on disciplines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). to ensure officers are fully engaged and to seek agreement to proposals. Technical groups include Planning and development, Highways and Streetworks, Ecology, Landscape, Arboriculture, Water United Utilities formed a working group with representatives from Hyndburn Borough Council, 2.3.3 Environment including Environment Agency and Lead Local Flood Authority, Public Rights of Way, Rossendale Borough Council, Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, Environment Agency, Natural Heritage and Archaeology, Air quality, Noise and Vibration, Land quality and Materials and Waste. England, Lead Local Flood Authority, additional county council officers as required and relevant highways authorities. These working groups met at key points to discuss the plans, identify issues and 2.3.9 Engagement with relevant officers has continued (via telephone , email, online meetings and establish mitigation measures. occasional site visits (COVID restrictions applied)) to help develop the scheme through to planning submission stage. 2.3.4 Physical meetings of this working group took place in November 2019, and March 2020, which respectively were to introduce the scheme prior to EIA scoping submissions and to allow an update to 2.3.10 Engagement with statutory bodies has been undertaken in parallel with the community engagement be provided on the interim design freeze. programme, allowing for feedback from all statutory and non-statutory stakeholders to be considered and used to guide the design process as part of the planning application. 2.3.5 In Spring/Summer 2020, COVID restrictions meant that face to face working group meetings were not possible, so smaller targeted meetings were undertaken online to inform on progress and obtain agreement on e.g. LPA’s planning submission requirements.
2.3.6 Online (MS Teams) working group meetings took place in Nov 2020 which provided details on public consultation feedback, set out how we intend to address that feedback and gather the views of the working group.
14 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 15 2.4 Consultation with Political Stakeholders 2.6 Consultation with Landowners
2.4.1 United Utilities has a track record of proactively engaging with stakeholders across the North West 2.6.1 United Utilities has been working with landowners and occupiers since 2019 throughout the region. As such, United Utilities wanted to discuss the early proposals with local stakeholders in development of the scheme proposals with many approached for access to carry out surveys to advance of the wider community consultation. inform the design and environmental impact assessment. United Utilities produced literature for landowners in 2019 to introduce the scheme and explain surveys. 2.4.2 United Utilities met Rossendale Borough Elected members in July 2019 and February 2021 facilitated by the Head of Planning for Rossendale BC. Included in these meetings were members for wards 2.6.2 A copy of the landowners’ brochure can be found in Appendix 2. Worsley, Greenfield, Longholme and Eden. 2.6.3 The information for dealings with all landowners, occupiers and representatives who have been dealt 2.4.3 United Utilities has kept members briefed on progress and matters relevant to their respective areas with in relation to this scheme are managed through a common system across the programme of as appropriate by email and phone. work, Track record and Project Mapper, as with other stakeholders.
2.4.4 To keep them updated, targeted communications have been delivered with the Member of Parliament 2.6.4 Across the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section, 342 landowners and occupiers were for Rossendale and Darwen and for Hyndburn whose constituency boundary covers part of referenced in relation to the initial scheme proposals. Rossendale. 2.6.5 United Utilities has undertaken targeted communications with 205 landowners and occupiers who 2.4.5 A virtual meeting was also held with Rossendale BC leader and Chief Executive Officer in would be affected by the Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section development, either by above December 2020. ground works such as the compound working areas and mine grouting areas, or the below ground tunnel construction. There are 114 affected by the works within the Rossendale area.
2.6.6 United Utilities land agents have been working with landowners within the above ground working 2.5 Consultation with non-statutory consultees areas to form agreements as to how the work will be carried out during construction.
2.1 United Utilities has engaged with 81 organisations and groups who have specific or localised interests 2.6.7 On 20 November 2020 letters were sent to landowners and occupiers within the refined tunnel in relation to the Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section, 55 of those with an interest in works corridor included in the scoping addendum. within the Rossendale area. These non-statutory stakeholders have been engaged through targeted communications. All identified stakeholders including third party groups, received a direct email from 2.6.8 A copy of the tunnel corridor letter to landowners and occupiers can be found in Appendix 3. United Utilities dedicated HARP stakeholder relations mailbox to advertise the virtual exhibition and the opportunity to provide their feedback via this platform. 2.6.9 On 31 March 2021 letters were sent to landowners and occupiers within the proposed development red line boundary. 2.2 A copy of the full list of stakeholders contacted and engaged with relevant to the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section as a whole can be found in Appendix 1. 2.6.10 A copy of the red line boundary letter to landowners and occupiers can be found in Appendix 4.
2.3 Following on from feedback, United Utilities arranged a mixture of 1-1 MS Team meetings with 2.6.11 All landowners and occupiers have been included in the public consultation communication which individual representatives and our internal subject matter experts. United Utilities have also arranged provides the facility to provide consultation feedback. Where feedback has been received through interactive briefings on certain topics such as ‘ecology’ or ‘non-motorised users’ providing the other means such as in meetings with the team and via United Utilities land agents this has opportunity for multiple interested representatives to attend. East Lancashire Railway attended been provided directly to the designers for consideration in development of the planning meetings with United Utilities regarding the proposals for the tunnel to pass under the East Lancashire application proposals. Railway line.
2.5.1 The targeted communication detailed above ensured that a broad range of stakeholder groups representing interests across Rossendale were informed and engaged with, providing them with the opportunity to discuss the proposals with members of the project team and ask any questions they had with regards to the project
16 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 17 One of the biggest consultations in United Utilities’ history
18 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 19 2.7 Public Exhibitions 2.8 Virtual Exhibition
2.8.1 As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of five physical exhibitions, United Utilities adapted their consultation process to a digital first programme.
2.8.2 This enabled the consultation on the HARP proposals to continue and ensured that local communities and stakeholders could continue to be informed and engaged with, that questions could still be asked, and feedback could still be submitted and received.
2.8.3 As part of United Utilities’ online consultation, and to abide by social distancing guidelines, United Utilities held a virtual public exhibition to display its proposals to develop the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section.
2.8.4 The exhibition was open to the public to view and provide their feedback from July 2020. An interim review of the feedback was taken in September 2020 to inform the design and EIA and then the feedback function was finally removed in February 2021.
2.8.5 The exhibition displayed details about the wider HARP scheme via its homepage which could be accessed at – harpconsultation.co.uk. The homepage displayed the following information:
• An overview of HARP;
• A video showcasing the proposals; 2.7.1 Following initial conversations with stakeholders, United Utilities then began preparing for • Details and the timeline of the consultation; engagement with the wider local communities that could be impacted by the proposals. • An interactive map presenting the programme of works across the entire pipeline. 2.7.2 This began in March 2020, with 11 physical public exhibitions planned across the pipeline route. 2.8.6 The proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section had a dedicated area within the virtual exhibition, 2.7.3 United Utilities held six of the planned physical exhibitions, with over 250 people attending. The which could be accessed via the homepage and through this link – physical exhibitions provided local communities the opportunity to view information, meet and ask https://harpconsultation.co.uk/ . A screenshot of the virtual exhibition homepage can be found below: questions of the project team, and provide feedback. haslingden-walmersley/
2.7.4 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, United Utilities cancelled the remaining five physical exhibitions (including those in Rossendale). The same 14,143 addresses who were sent the invite to the exhibitions were issued a cancellation letter on 13 March 2020 and an electronic copy was also sent by email to each of the relevant stakeholders.
2.7.5 A copy of the cancellation letter can be found at Appendix 5.
20 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 21 2.8.7 Information on the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section was presented on a series of 2.8.17 A copy of the hard copy feedback form covering letter can be found at Appendix 10. boards, via an interactive map, animated video, including downloadable information and an online feedback form. Contact details were made available and requests for offline copies of the information 2.8.18 On Tuesday 25 August at 5pm and Thursday 3 September at 10am United Utilities provided an online were responded to, with information posted to those that required it promptly. chat function which was active for two hours. This allowed members of the public to talk to the project team, ask any questions and provide any feedback they had regarding the proposals. 2.8.8 Details displayed in the virtual exhibition included:
• United Utilities’ proposal for the section, aerial images, site plans and technical charts; 2.9 Project Newsletter • An overview of preparation surveys and investigations; 2.9.1 A project newsletter was produced to provide a summary of the proposed Haslingden and • Benefits of the proposed development; Walmersley section, along with the other proposed sections comprising the HARP.
• The need for HARP; 2.9.2 The project newsletter contained the following information:
• An overview of the compounds and their potential impacts; • An outline of the proposals
• The proposed construction working hours; • How to provide feedback online;
• Highway effects, access points and expected construction vehicle movements; • How to obtain a hard copy feedback form;
• Construction plans; • Details about United Utilities;
• An interactive map displaying the proposed locations of United Utilities’ compounds • Background to HARP;
• The proposed timeline and next steps for the planning application; • Why HARP is needed;
• Further public consultation options including the live chat sessions; • Project timescales;
• A feedback form for members of the public to provide their views; • Contact details.
• Contact details. 2.9.3 A copy of the project newsletter can be found at Appendix 11.
2.8.9 From Monday 3 August 2020 to Wednesday 10 March 2021, the number of unique visitors to the 2.9.4 The project newsletter was posted to 14,755 addresses in total inside a 1km radius of the proposed virtual exhibition during this time was 12,539. The area of the virtual exhibition focusing on the Haslingden and Walmersley compound areas in August 2020. proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section was viewed by 4,128 users overall. Visitors were able to view all the material available on the virtual exhibition at any time. 2.9.5 Illustrations of the Haslingden and Walmersley project newsletter distribution areas, covering specifically the Rossendale Borough Council area, are shown below: 2.8.10 A screenshot of the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section virtual exhibition homepage can be found at Appendix 6.
2.8.11 Screenshots of the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section virtual exhibition boards can be Haslingden & Walmersley newsletter found at Appendix 7. distribution area around proposed Haslingden Road compound site 2.8.12 Residents were able to provide feedback from Monday 3 August 2020 to Thursday 11 Monday February 2021 via an online feedback form in the virtual exhibition. The virtual exhibition has been maintained throughout the consultation period and will remain available throughout the planning process.
2.8.13 Residents could also request a hard copy of the plans, a feedback form and Freepost return envelope to be sent to them.
2.8.14 The feedback form enabled residents to indicate whether they were/were not supportive of United Utilities’ proposals and provide feedback on the scheme.
2.8.15 Screenshots of the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section virtual exhibition feedback form can be found at Appendix 8.
2.8.16 A copy of the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section hard-copy feedback form can be found at Appendix 9.
22 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 23 2.10 Media Relations Haslingden & Walmersley newsletter distribution area around proposed 2.10.1 To further publicise the virtual exhibition, , a press release was issued to local and regional press New Hall Hey compound site outlets, including Lancashire Telegraph and Lancs Live.
2.10.2 The press release contained the following information:
• An overview of the United Utilities project;
• Virtual exhibition details;
• Engagement with wider stakeholders;
• Virtual and hard copy feedback details;
• Contact information including website, Freephone and email.
2.10.3 A copy of the press release can be found at Appendix 12.
2.10.4 The table below summarises and provides links to the media coverage secured in relation to the Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley consultation.
Haslingden & Walmersley newsletter distribution area around proposed Media Outlet Article Date Townsend Fold WTW compound site Water & Wasterwater https://wwtonline.co.uk/news/north-west-s-biggest-plumbing- 12/10/2020 Treatment Online job-done-on-time-in-a-storm-despite-covid
https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/18623829.united- Lancashire Telegraph utilities-water-companys-virtual-exhibition-showcase-aqueduct- 02/08/2020 proposal/
https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2020/04/28/bid- Construction Enquirer 28/04/2020 timetable-for-1bn-hawesworth-aqueduct-contest/
https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/feedback-sought-on- New Civil Engineer 28/04/2020 800m-lake-district-aqueduct-plan-28-04-2020/
Haslingden & Walmersley newsletter distribution area around White Carr https://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/18282498.roadshow-explain- Lane Mine Grouting Area Bury Times 04/03/2020 repairs-burys-main-water-source/
https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/haweswater- New Civil Engineer 25/04/2019 aqueduct-investigation-set-to-begin-25-04-2019/
24 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 25 2.10.5 Information about the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section was posted on the local and 2.11 Social Media Adverts regional media pages. Screenshots of some examples are below: 2.11.1 United Utilities promoted the HARP site through its social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter. 12 November 2020 2.11.2 These posts were seen 378,328 times and reached over 82,000 people.
2.11.3 On 6 August, United Utilities issued a message via Twitter inviting the public to view the plans.
2.11.4 Promoted adverts were set up on Facebook to encourage users to view the HARP proposals and provide their feedback. The following information was displayed on the Facebook adverts:
• The HARP consultation website address; 17 November 2020 • The HARP Freephone number;
• The HARP Consultation email address
2.12 0800 Comment Facility
2.12.1 During the consultation, access to a freephone telephone enquiry line was offered to those who
14 April 2020 wished to find out more about the proposals, or to register their comments via the telephone. 2.12.2 The telephone number used (0800 298 7040) was in operation Monday-Friday between the hours of 9.00am and 5.30pm. Outside of these hours a message facility was available for voicemails to be left and responded to at the earliest opportunity to ensure information was readily available and queries or concerns addressed.
2.12.3 Information was given to callers where possible and if questions were of a technical nature, these were passed on to project team members.
2.10.6 Information about the plans was posted on the Lancashire Telegraph social media pages. 2.12.4 28 members of the public telephoned the freephone line directly related to Haslingden and A screenshot of the social media coverage is below: Walmersley section. Themes of the calls included general queries for more information, hard copy pack requests and questions around construction timelines/locations.
2.13 Consultation Email Address
2.13.1 A consultation email address was provided for respondents who wanted to request further information or speak directly to a member of the project team. The email address provided was [email protected] and was checked regularly throughout the consultation period.
2.13.2 Information was given to residents where possible and if questions were of a technical nature, these were passed on to project team members.
2.13.3 In total, 32 emails were received from members of the public and other stakeholders to the feedback email address directly related to the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section. Themes included general queries for more information, hard copy feedback form requests, job queries, meeting requests and environmental standards.
26 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 27 3. Review of Comments from HARP Virtual Exhibition 3.1 Overall HARP Feedback Summary
3.1.1 2,355 responses were received during the HARP virtual exhibition across all five sections, via website feedback form submissions, email, freephone and hardcopy feedback forms.
3.1.2 Responses to the HARP consultation came in from locations across the North West, from Cumbria to Greater Manchester. The below maps demonstrate where respondents provided their views from:
A map illustrating the geography of the feedback submitted for the HARP as a whole
A map illustrating the geography of the feedback submitted for the HARP as a whole, magnified to show responses in the locality of South Lakeland, Yorkshire Dales national Park and Lancaster
28 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 29 3.1.7 Below is an overview of the support received, and the frequency with which comments appeared: A map illustrating the geography of the feedback submitted for the HARP as a whole, magnified to show responses in Comment Frequency the locality of Ribble Valley, Hyndburn, Rossendale and Bury. HARP is needed 67%
Supports HARP proposals 64%
Securing water is vital 59%
3.1.8 The below table details the frequency with which other comments appeared:
Comment Frequency
Highways impact 30%
HARP will increase traffic 27%
3.1.3 A high level of support was received from the feedback received across all HARP sections, with 101 Safety concerns during construction 18% out of 157 respondents (64%) in favour of the plans. Respondents generally noted the importance of HARP for the wider North West region and understood any local impacts would be temporary. This Negative impact for pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders 17% was reflected in the low level of opposition to the plans, with only 23 respondents objecting (15%). Noise/vibration/tunnelling concerns 7% 3.1.4 Additionally, 28 respondents were recorded as unsure in their support of HARP (18%) and five had no view (3%). A relatively high level of respondents were recorded as unsure, with local people often preferring to read more widely about the plans instead of objecting outright. 3.2 Haslingden and Walmersley Feedback- Rossendale Borough Council
3.1.5 Of the respondents who offered their support for HARP, many provided specific reasons for 3.2.1 Of the 64 responses received during the Haslingden and Walmersley virtual exhibition, 22 were from supporting the proposals. These included the need for HARP; the importance of securing the North residents living in the Rossendale Borough Council area. West’s water supply and general support due to investment. 3.2.2 The below table provides a summary of the level of support received throughout the consultation 3.1.6 Overall, the feedback on United Utilities’ HARP plans has been very positive. The below pie chart period from residents living in the Rossendale Borough Council area. provides an overview of the feedback received:
Total no. of responses Support No View Unsure Oppose
25 (100.00%) 23 (92.00%) 0 (0.00%) 1 (4.00%) 1 (4.00%)
Support Object Unsure No view
30 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 31 3.3 Overall Haslingden and Walmersley Feedback Q2. Do you have any issues to raise regarding the compounds in the Haslingden & Walmersley sections?
Total no. of Postcode of 3.3.1 In total, 64 responses were received regarding the proposed Haslingden & Walmersley section. 61 Example comment responses were provided via website feedback form submissions with two respondents sending in responses respondent hard copy feedback forms, and one respondent submitting their views via the Freephone information Traffic management will include the central roundabout in Rawtenstall. BB4 8UW line. No feedback was provided via email. This is already a bottleneck at rush hour periods.
3.3.2 Out of the 64 responses received, a large majority of respondents (57; 89.06%) were in favour of BL9 5LE None but I do not live very close to the designated compounds. United Utilities’ HARP plans for the proposed Haslingden & Walmersley section. Two respondents (3.13%) were recorded as being unsure about the proposals, two had no view (3.13%) and only three (4.69%) objected to the proposed Haslingden & Walmersley section plans. 44 BL9 6SR None at this stage as location of compounds is not indicated so far.
3.3.3 The below table provides a summary of the high-level of support received throughout the BB4 6DP No. Not after reading it all. consultation period. Noise levels, damage to already poor roads, increase in traffic on already BB4 6UB Total no. of responses Support No View Unsure Oppose busy roads, pollution and damage to waterways, damage to wildlife.
64 (100.00%) 57 (89.06%) 2 (3.13%) 2 (3.13%) 3 (4.69%) Q3. Do you understand where the Hyndburn works will be located?
3.3.4 The below table details the frequency with which positive comments appeared: Total no. of responses Yes Unsure No
57 51 3 3 Comment Frequency
HARP is needed 58 Q4. Do you understand the potential impacts on the local highways network?
Supports HARP proposals 57 Total no. of responses Yes Unsure No
Securing water is vital 46 57 49 7 1
3.3.5 The below table details the frequency with which other comments appeared: Q5. How do you normally travel?
Comment Frequency Total no. of responses Car Cycle Bus Walk
Highways impact 23 57 46 1 3 8
HARP will increase traffic 17 Q6. What times of days do you normally travel? Safety concerns during construction / negative HGV impact 14 Total no. of Before 7am - 9am 9 - 11am 11am - 1pm 1pm - 3pm 3pm - 5pm 5pm - 7pm After 7pm Negative impact for pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders 13 responses 7am 54 3 20 15 2 4 2 7 1 Noise/vibrations from construction 11
3.3.6 The tables below provide an analysis of the response received to the specific questions asked on the Q7. What times of days are the busiest locally on the roads? online and hard copy feedback forms. Total no. of Morning Midday Afternoon Evening Q1. Do you understand why we need this to work? responses 57 47 1 4 5 Total no. of responses Yes Unsure No
60 58 1 1
32 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 33 Q8. If you are a pedestrian, cyclist and / or horse rider, taking into account the potential traffic routes, how Q14. What are the three biggest issues facing your local area? do you think you may be affected by the proposals? (Eg, Health, local park funding, youth services, etc)
Total no. of Postcode of Total no. of Postcode of Example comment. Example comment. responses response responses response
Like many others I’m a weekend cyclist so I’m hoping that a few extra heavy BL9 6RS BL9 7RR Health facilities for young people, state of the roads. vehicles won’t make as much difference as roadworks would.
It’s possible the compound on Bolton Avenue could impact on local walking Unemployment/food poverty. routes - it’s difficult to tell from the maps that you been provided. These BB5 6DB BB4 4JY Health concerns. paths are frequently used by local people and is very close to a football Road maintenance (or lack of). 25 pitch used by a local football team. The increase in construction traffic will make bolton avenue a no go area 48 BB4 7UF Police funding, Health Services & Flooding. BB5 6HA for most residents, its not so much the A56 and even Burnley Road but you have an industrial estate nearby plus a further one at Altham. Ensuring adequate funding for local services through less financial Hard to say without knowing where the places will be. In the last week or BB4 6QH wastage and equitable taxation, traffic management, improved health BB4 5LY so I have seen work going on where there used to be a load of wild through awareness campaigns. raspberries which some people liked to pick. Lack of investment in infrastructure. BB4 8FT Poor roads. Q9: Do you understand where the Rossendale works will be located? Heavy traffic.
Total no. of responses Yes Unsure No Q15. Do you have any further comments? 60 50 4 3 Total no. of Postcode of Example comment responses response Q10. Do you understand where the Rossendale and Bury works will be located? The length of time the project will take and ongoing impact on BB5 6JJ local services, roads and environment. Total no. of responses Yes Unsure No As mentioned earlier, this could be a great opportunity to extend the recent 58 48 6 4 cycle developments in Rossendale to extend within & out of the valley. The BB4 6SA positive human impact & environmental opportunities are great & rarely will such an opportunity come around again. Q11. Do you support United Utilities’ proposals? Such a large project may be of interest to local schools. Are there any plans to interact with the schools and offer educational sessions? Total no. of responses Yes Unsure/No view No BB5 6XL If the drilling will be running 24hrs, what are the noise & vibration impacts 64 57 4 3 for properties that are close to the tunnelling? 39 Traffic management throughout the area will be vital. In the area near to Q12. Do you understand the timeline of the project? the Woodgate hill WTW traffic to and from the hospital already creates problems for residents with access from side residential roads to the Total no. of responses Yes Unsure No main Rochdale Old Road , which will be an access route for traffic up BB5 1EW to the WTW compound, is difficult and there are issues with emergency ambulances going to the hospital. The road surface on Castle Hill Road is 59 53 5 1 appalling and the road itself is very narrow in places particularly but not only near the proposed northerly access route adjacent to Walmersley Golf club. Q13. As well as the benefits identified on this image, do you believe that securing water services is vital? You mention huge inward investment into the area. I would hope that means Total no. of responses Yes Unsure No BB5 1EW local people employed but suspect the work will involve ‘specialist’ workers who will come in from far away. 58 41 14 3
34 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 35 Our consultation has seen the majority of respondents support the plans, with 64% of people approving of them
36 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 37 4. Response to Comments
4.1 Introduction Haslingden Road, New Hall Hey and Response to comments 4.1.1 All comments received have been reviewed by the project team and, where possible, amendments Townsend Fold made to the proposal. Many of the issues raised are covered in the application documents which WTW Compounds accompany this report. Loss of water or Your day to day water and wastewater services will not be affected by United Utilities is encouraged by the very high level of respondents in the Rossendale area (92%) wastewater 4.1.2 our proposed work. who stated they supported the proposals. Overall, a very large majority of respondents across the services proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section supported the plans (57 / 89.06%) Some elements of the construction will require specialist skills and the workforce 4.1.3 United Utilities would like to thank those residents and stakeholders who took part in the consultation will temporarily move into the area requiring accommodation and making use of Local investment and provided their feedback. local amenities. There will be opportunities for a wide range of sub-contractors and material suppliers 4.1.4 Where questions were asked, or a response was requested, United Utilities project team has endeavoured to respond to those consultation participants in writing. We have assessed flooding as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. The results of the assessment are contained within Chapter 8 Flood Risk and the accompanying Flood Risk Assessment (Appendix 8.1) which forms part of the Flooding Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley Environmental Statement which has been 4.2 Responses to comments submitted as part of the planning application. No issues with respect to flooding are envisaged. 4.2.1 The main themes which arose during the pre-application consultation, and United Utilities’ response, to each are detailed below. This focusses on the areas specifically within the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section, namely the Haslingden Road Compound, New Hall Hey Compound, Impact on East United Utilities met with the East Lancashire Railway to outline the proposed works Lancashire Townsend Fold WTW Compound and the Mine Grouting Areas within the locality. on the Haslingden and Walmersley Section and agree any required mitigation. Railway
Vibration has been assessed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment in Chapter 17 Noise and Vibration of the Environmental Statement to consider the impacts on residential properties and other community assets in the areas adjacent to our works. We will mitigate any impacts and will be closely monitoring levels of vibration throughout construction. When carrying out works of this nature close to Structural damage properties, it is our standard procedure to have a structural survey carried out on to buildings nearby properties. This is just to give occupiers peace of mind, we do not envisage any structural damage to property In the unlikely event that there is unplanned damage to structures such as buildings, roads or bridges or to underground utilities such as water, gas or electric that has been caused by our works we will work with the owner to rectify the problem.
The Haslingden Road Compound has been sited directly adjacent to the strategic road network significantly reducing the impact of traffic movements along the more residential roads and reducing the impact on local businesses. We appreciate this Impact on work can be especially inconvenient for those running a business in an area affected businesses by our work. We always endeavour to keep disturbance to a minimum and work closely with the local highways authority to ensure effective traffic management is in place to reduce the impact on your business.
The Haslingden Road Compound has been sited directly adjacent to the strategic road network significantly reducing the impact of traffic movements on the local Traffic on River road network. The New Hall Hey Compound and Townsend Fold WTW Compound Irwell Bridge, are required for the smaller tunnel connection to existing UU infrastructure at impact on Townsend Fold WTW. The New Hall Hey roundabout, Rawtenstall interchange and New Hall Hey River Irwell bridge would be used for access to the New Hall Hey Compound and roundabout Townsend Fold WTW Compound for up to 9 months and 12 months respectively. The and Rawtenstall Construction Traffic Management Plan submitted as part of this application provides interchange further details including mitigation such as reducing the size of vehicles entering the New Hall Hey Compound to 16m in length.
38 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 39 5. Pre-application submission exhibitions
White Carr Lane 5.1 Following the review of comments, United Utilities presented the application proposals on the virtual Response to comments Mine Grouting Area exhibition platform so residents, businesses and stakeholders could view the plans and how the consultation had been incorporated. We have assessed the impact on public rights of way as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. The results of the assessment are contained within Chapter 5.2 The virtual exhibition was split into each of the five tunnel sections: Docker, Swarther, Bowland, Impact on 13 Public Access and Recreation which forms part of the Proposed Haslingden and Marl Hill, and Haslingden & Walmersley. walking routes Walmersley Environmental Statement submitted as part of the planning application. Although some Public Rights of Way require temporary closures and diversions we 5.3 The virtual exhibition displayed exhibition boards, an interactive map detailing the HARP sections, will work with relevant stakeholders to keep disruption to a minimum. a video on the consultation, animations and a Frequently Asked Questions document. Copies of both the exhibition boards and the FAQs were made available to view online, download and were posted to those that requested hard copies. We have assessed the impact on air quality as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. The results of the assessment are contained within Chapter 18 Air Quality which forms part of the Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley Environmental Air pollution Statement submitted as part of the planning application. With the use of appropriate 5.1 Updated Project Website mitigation and the adoption of a Construction Code of Practice no significant effects have been identified. 5.1.1 An update was made to the dedicated consultation website, hosted on www.harpconsultation.co.uk
We have assessed the impact on the water table as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. The results of the assessment are contained within Chapter 7 Water Environment and Chapter 8 Flood Risk which forms part of the Proposed Impact on the Haslingden and Walmersley Environmental Statement submitted as part of the water table planning application. The Construction Code of Practice would be adopted and additional mitigation would be carried out including groundwater mine grouting risk assessment for short and long term impacts on both levels and quality.
As part of this programme of works we will need to access and carry out work in private land. We have already contacted those that maybe affected and will continue to work closely with them on an individual basis in accordance with our standard Impact on Code of Practice. landowners and farms / stables / We appreciate this work can be especially inconvenient for those running a business businesses in an area affected by our work. We always endeavour to keep disturbance to a minimum and work closely with the local highways authority to ensure effective traffic management is in place to reduce the impact.
We have assessed the impact of other development (including the Bevis Green Interaction Works) as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. The results of the with other assessment are contained within Chapter 19 Cumulative Effects and Interaction of local housing Effects which forms part of the Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley Environmental development Statement, submitted as part of the planning application. No significant cumulative (White Carr Lane) impacts have been identified and we would work with the local planning authority and other developers to keep disruption to a minimum.
A number of measures have been incorporated into the Construction Traffic Suitability of Management Plan including to review plant requirements and minimise numbers the road for and size of HGV deliveries when the construction contractor is appointed. A 10 construction mph speed limit is proposed for construction vehicles along White Carr Lane. HGVs traffic (White would wait under the M66 motorway bridge on Bentley Lane and contact site. Carr Lane) Banksmen in 2-way radio communication would hold traffic and allow the HGVs to drive up White Carr Lane before traffic is released.
Impact on horse Bridleway 15 BUR would be kept open during the works and a system would be put riding: Bridleway in place to monitor equestrians approaching the bridleway to give priority to horse 15 BUR (White riders ahead of HGVs to avoid the horses getting startled with passing HGVs. A 10 Carr Lane) mph speed limit is proposed for construction vehicles along White Carr Lane.
40 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 41 5.2 Updated Virtual Exhibition 5.3 Interactive Map
5.2.1 United Utilities updated the virtual exhibition for each of the five HARP working areas. 5.3.1 As part of the updated Haslingden and Walmersley virtual exhibition, a new version of the interactive map was included. This detailed the compound areas, mine grouting areas, and associated 5.2.2 The virtual exhibitions provided local communities and stakeholders the opportunity to view the final construction traffic routes throughout the areas covered by the Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley planning application proposals and understand how the feedback had shaped them. Section.
5.2.3 The Haslingden and Walmersley section virtual exhibition was updated on Friday 26 March 2021, and 5.3.2 A screenshot of the interactive map, as part of the Haslingden and Walmersley updated virtual could be accessed via https://harpconsultation.co.uk/haslingden-walmersley/ exhibition page, can be found below: 5.2.4 The information provided within the Haslingden and Walmersley virtual exhibition included:
• United Utilities’ final planning application proposals for the Haslingden and Walmersley section, including aerial images, site plans and technical charts;
• An overview of the consultation process;
• An overview of the feedback responses received;
• Explanations of the key changes made to the proposals, as a result of the feedback received;
• An outline of the final compound areas, mine grouting areas, traffic routes and proposed construction;
• An interactive map displaying the proposed locations of United Utilities’ compounds;
• The proposed timeline and next steps for the planning application;
• Both online and offline contact details; 5.4 Project Newsletter
5.2.5 A screenshot of the Haslingden and Walmersley virtual exhibition room, displaying the final planning 5.4.1 To ensure that local communities and stakeholders were made aware of how to access information on application proposals, can be found below: United Utilities’ planning application proposals for the Proposed Haslingden and Walmersley Section, newsletters were sent to 14,755 addresses around the associated compounds and mine grouting areas corresponding with the areas in the pre-application consultation virtual exhibition communication.
5.4.2 A copy of the pre-application submission exhibition newsletter can be found in Appendix 13.
5.5 Webinars
5.5.1 As part of their commitment to community engagement and to further ensure local communities and stakeholders had the opportunity to find information about the final planning application proposals, a webinar was hosted by United Utilities.
5.5.2 The webinar invited those interested to attend and view a presentation from members of the HARP project team.
5.5.3 The webinar talked through:
• The history of HARP
• The need for the work and in particular the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section
• The consultation undertaken by United Utilities
• The feedback and how this helped shape the application proposals
• An audience Q&A
5.5.4 The webinar for the Haslingden and Walmersley section was held on Wednesday 7 April 2021 at 6pm and was attended by 27 residents.
42 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 43 5.6 Media Relations 5.7 Social Media Adverts
5.6.1 To further publicise the virtual exhibition showcasing the final planning application proposals for the 5.7.1 United Utilities again promoted the HARP through its social media platforms including Facebook and Haslingden and Walmersley section, a press release was issued to the local and regional press outlets, Twitter. including Lancashire Telegraph and Lancs Live. 5.7.2 These posts were seen 54,700 times and reached over 35,148 people. 5.6.2 The press release contained the following information: 5.7.3 United Utilities issued a message via Twitter inviting the public to view the virtual exhibition displaying • An overview of the United Utilities project; the final planning application proposals for the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section.
• Virtual exhibition details; 5.7.4 Promoted adverts were set up on Facebook to encourage users to view the final planning application proposals and access the updated virtual exhibition for the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley • Engagement with wider stakeholders; section. The following information was displayed on the Facebook adverts:
• Virtual and hard copy feedback details; • The HARP consultation website address;
• Contact information including website, Freephone and email. • The HARP Freephone number;
5.6.3 A copy of the press release can be found at Appendix 14. • The HARP Consultation email address 5.6.4 The table below summarises and provides links to the media coverage secured in relation to the HARP consultation.
Media Outlet Article Date
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/six-years-works- Lancs Live 19/02/2021 disruption-huge-19809672
https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/final-plans-for-haweswater- InYourArea 14/04/2021 aqueduct-refurbishment-released-online/
https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/water-firm-switches-to- InYourArea 06/08/2021 virtual-public-exhibitions-to-showcase-aqueduct-plans/
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/mammoth-109km- Lancs Live 04/10/2021 pipeline-project-across-19045644
44 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 45 6. Post-Application Consultation
6.1 On-going Stakeholder Engagement 7.3 United Utilities has clearly demonstrated their commitment to conduct an early and proactive programme of community engagement 6.1.1 Given the interest shown by residents and stakeholders, United Utilities will ensure information continually flows through existing channels to interested parties. a. The HARP website, dedicated email address and Freephone information line for the project will remain active throughout the application process.
b. Given the interest shown by residents and stakeholders in the proposal, United Utilities will ensure 6.2 Updating Materials information flows through existing channels to interested parties.
6.2.1 The project webpage, https://www.unitedutilities.com/harp will be updated at key milestones 7.4 United Utilities will continue to engage with stakeholders and the public to inform them about the throughout the application process and the virtual exhibition will remain in place for local people progress of the development to seek further feedback from the community. to view.
6.3 Updating the Community 8. Appendices
6.3.1 United Utilities will update the local community and stakeholders at key stages throughout its application process for the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section. Appendix 1 - Full-List of Non-Statutory Consultees Appendix 2 - Landowners’ Brochure 7. Conclusion Appendix 3 - Tunnel Corridor Landowners & Occupiers Letter Appendix 4 - Red Line Boundary Landowners & Occupiers Letter
7.1 This Statement of Community Involvement summarises the extensive engagement activities, Appendix 5 - Physical Exhibition Cancellation Letter consultation and feedback received during the pre-application period. Appendix 6 - HARP/Haslingden and Walmersley Virtual Exhibition Homepages 7.2 The consultation process covered in this document details the largest consultation United Utilities has ever conducted. The infographic below illustrates the timeline and scale of United Utilities’ Appendix 7 - Haslingden and Walmersley Virtual Exhibition Boards consultation on the HARP proposals: Appendix 8 - Haslingden and Walmersley Virtual Exhibition Feedback Form
Appendix 9 - Haslingden and Walmersley Hard Copy Feedback Form Digital Digital Completion of Stakeholder consultation consultation 9 statements Appendix 10 - Haslingden and Walmersley Covering Letter consultation launch closed of community involvement Appendix 11 - Haslingden and Walmersley Project Newsletter
Appendix 12 - Haslingden and Walmersley Virtual Exhibition Press Release
Appendix 13 - Haslingden and Walmersley Pre-application Submission Exhibition Newsletter
Appendix 14 - Pre-application Submission Exhibition Press Release
MAY MAR JUL SEP FEB MAR APR MAY/ JUN 2019 2020 2020 2020 2021 2021 2021 2021
Physical customer Consultation Phased virtual Nine phased exhibitions 6/11 feedback for exhibition update planning application events completed Environmental submissions Impact Assessment
46 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 47 Appendix 1 - Full-List of Non-Statutory Consultees Appendix 2 - Landowners’ Brochure
Contents What are we doing?
What are we doing? 3 The Haweswater Aqueduct (HA) was built In October 2013 and again in October 2016, by Manchester Corporation between due to the ongoing demand for water we 1933 and 1955, to transport water by were only able to shut off the HA for a short We need your help 4 gravity from the Lake District through period of time. These inspections revealed Cumbria, Lancashire and down to Greater areas of concern regarding potential risks Ecology 5 Manchester to support the growing to both water quality and supply to our population in all these areas. customers. - Types of ecology surveys 5 Like us all, sometimes we need a little care We took action straight away to begin and attention and our aqueducts are no minimising these risks including carrying Ecology survey timetable 8 different. In 2005 we began preparations to out targeted maintenance work in the tight carry out inspections of the 109km HA - but four week time frame during the shut off in this wouldn’t be a simple task! It took eleven late 2016. We have already started further Contact 8 years, and included building another large extensive repair work in Cumbria in 2019. aqueduct to transport water from other areas However, there is still a lot more work to do to to help keep our customers taps flowing ensure we are able to provide drinking water whilst we temporarily shut off the HA for to our customers for generations to come. To the first time in 58 years! reduce these risks and secure long term future resilience, we now need to replace some sections of the HA.
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Keeping the North West flowing Information for landowners and occupiers – ecology surveys
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Birds This is a walkover survey using binoculars or We need your help! Types of ecology surveys we telescopes to record bird species at varying times of the day. Our engineering team would like to access the land to carry out walk-over inspections and environmental surveys. may need to carry out • Winter and Migratory Birds – These will include at least monthly visits between These site investigations are required to give our engineers a clear picture of the local Habitat September and April. environment to help with planning and designing the replacement sections. A walkover survey to map habitats and look for areas to support notable species of plants and • Breeding birds – This will include at least Most surveys are relatively non-intrusive, and require access to land to observe and record animals. This will be undertaken between April and September. three visits between April and September. site specific environmental information.
We have included a summary below to explain what this ecology survey work might entail. Amphibians Ponds will be surveyed for Great Crested Newts, Badger these will include night time and torch lit surveys, The initial survey is to determine the location Ecology DNA analysis of the water and bottle traps – leaving of any badger setts. If badger setts are found, bottle traps in the pond overnight and collecting them then further surveys will take place. This Certain plants and animals are protected by UK and European Law and need to be protected the following morning. A number of visits will be could mean up to 21 visits and temporary from the impacts of development. Other species are classed as ‘invasive species’ and we need undertaken between March and June. installation of recording equipment to identify to make sure that we don’t spread them when we are carrying out any work. badger activity which can be done at any time of year any further surveys will be in Differing species have different home ranges, for example amphibians live on land within 250- spring or autumn. 500 metres of their breeding ponds, so we try to survey ponds within at least 250 metres of our proposed working and access areas. This means that we can protect them during our project if Bat they are present. Buildings, trees, dry stone walls, bridges and other Otters structures will be surveyed to determine whether Suitable watercourses will be surveyed to there is evidence of roosting bats. These can be search for signs of otters. If signs of otters are undertaken at any time of year, and specialist discovered, up to four repeat visits may be equipment may be used. If there is evidence of bat required over a single year to determine the roosting habitat, then further surveys will take place level of otter activity. at dusk and dawn between May and September. Surveys may also be undertaken across the landscape ol) Water vole to record patterns of bat activity. A number of visits Suitable watercourses will be surveyed will be carried out between April and October when to search for signs of water vole. This will surveyors will walk across the land during the dusk require at least 2 visits between April and to dawn period recording bat calls and sightings. September. Specialist recording equipment will also be installed Civil Aerodromes for a week at a time to gather additional bat call data. Red squirrel This will involve walking the woodland and using binoculars and telescopes to record squirrel activity and the location of squirrel dreys. The survey can be undertaken at any time of year weather permitting.
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White-clawed crayfish Suitable watercourses will be surveyed to Ecology survey and disturbance timetable determine if the habitat supports white- The following table provides a basic overview of the periods when species commonly clawed Crayfish. Where the watercourse encountered can be both surveyed and disturbed. a.co.uk' has a depth of 60cm or less, if practical, the survey will involve manually searching Further information including details regarding the licensing process can be obtained from the .uk' the watercourse either during the day or at main ecological guidelines and directly from UU Ecology. m' night time using torches. Where manually searching is not practical, baited traps will be Species Works Licensed JFMAMJJASOND left overnight. These will be undertaken Breeding and Breeding bird Breeding and migrant between July and October. Survey NO Winter bird surveys migrant bird Winter bird surveys surveys bird surveys surveys Birds No tree, hedgerow, scrub removal/works or works within/affecting Undertake Tree/Habitat Undertake Tree/Habitat Disturbance NO/YES dense vegetation/grassland unless approved Clearance Works Clearance Works Reptile by an ecologist ch.co.uk Habitats found to be suitable for supporting Survey NO Optimal Survey Period Sub-Optimal Survey Optimal Survey Period reptiles will need a more detailed survey to Badgers See Disturbance YES No Badger/Sett Disturbance Badger Disturbance – blocking of holes etc Jan to determine if reptiles are present. Weather June
permitting, we would temporarily place Limited Limited Survey for Survey YES Survey for Hibernation Sites Survey for Breeding Sites materials on the ground two weeks ahead of survey survey Hibernation Sites Maternity roost Bats No Maternity Roost Works Maternity Bats roost works undertaking 7 visits which are likely to be in works Disturbance YES either September or April and May. No Hibernation No Hibernation Hibernation Roost Works Roost Works Roost Works
Survey NO No Survey Survey Works No Survey
Fish Water Voles No Works Affecting WV Disturbance WV Disturbance No Works Affecting Disturbance YES No Works Affecting WV Habitat Suitable watercourses will be surveyed to WV Habitat Works Works WV Habitat
determine whether the habitat supports fish. Survey NO Surveys can be undertaken at all times of year although weather conditions and vegetation cover may affect survey efficiency Surveyors will use specialist electrofishing Otters Disturbance YES Otter disturbance can potentially be undertaken at any time unless individuals are breeding equipment and a boat. Fish caught will be Survey NO Surveys can be undertaken at all times of year although weather conditions and vegetation cover may affect survey efficiency unharmed, identified, sexed and measured Red Squirrels Works within red No Disturbance YES No Works within Red Squirrel Habitat (Felling or Works Close to Sensitive Trees) before releasing them back into the squirrel habitat Works
watercourse. This is likely to be undertaken Survey YES No Survey Survey Limited Survey No survey
between June and September. Amphibians No Fencing/ No Fencing/ Disturbance YES Trapping or other Fencing/Trapping or other Disturbance Trapping or other Disturbance Disturbance
Survey NO No Survey Survey Sub-Optimal Survey Survey No Survey
Reptiles No Fencing/ No Fencing/Trapping or other Disturbance NO/YES Fencing/Trapping or other Disturbance Trapping or other Disturbance Disturbance
Survey YES No Survey Survey No Survey White Clawed No In-river Crayfish Disturbance YES No In-river works/Disturbance Trapping & Disturbance Works works/Disturbance
Survey YES No Survey Survey No Survey
Trout & Salmon No Riverine Disturbance YES No Riverine Disturbance/In-River Works Riverine Disturbance/In-River Works Disturbance/In- River Works
To find out more information see our website unitedutilities.com/harp Still got a question? Call us on 0345 672 3723, quoting project number 80061155. We’ll be happy to help.
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48 | Statement of Community Involvement Rossendale Borough Council | 49 Appendix 3 - Tunnel Corridor Landowners & Occupiers Letter Appendix 4 - Red Line Boundary Landowners & Occupiers Letter