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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: SCOPING REPORT
LAND AT MATTERLEY FARM, ALRESFORD ROAD, OVINGTON, HAMPSHIRE
ON BEHALF OF BOOMTOWN FESTIVAL UK LTD
Prepared by: Sarah Dauncey Pegasus Group
5 The Priory | Old London Road | Canwell | Sutton Coldfield | West Midlands | B75 5SH T 0121 308 9570 | F 0121 323 2215 | W www.pegasusgroup.co.uk
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©Copyright Pegasus Planning Group Limited 2011. The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Pegasus Planning Group Limited
BoomTown Festival UK LTD Matterley Estate, Winchester Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report
CONTENTS:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE APPLICATION SITE AND PROJECT OVERVIEW
3. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND THE EIA PROCESS
4. PROPOSED SCOPE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Introduction EIA Scope and Methodology Application Site Proposed Development and Alternatives Planning Policy Socio Economic Issues Landscape and Visual Ecology and Nature Conservation Transport Noise Environment Summary
5. TOPICS PROPOSED TO BE ‘SCOPED OUT’ AND NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE ENVIROMENTAL STATEMENT
6. STRUCTURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
7. ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT SCOPING SUMMARY
APPENDICES:
APPENDIX A: Site Location Plan APPENDIX B: Zoning Plan APPENDIX C: Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended 2018), Schedule 4 APPENDIX D: Viewpoint Plan
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1. Introduction
Overview
1.1.1 This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report has been prepared on behalf of Boomtown Festivals UK LTD (the “Applicant”) in respect of land at Matterley Farm, Alresford Road, Ovington, Winchester, SO24 OHU (the “Application Site” or "Site") and accompanies a formal EIA Scoping Request to South Downs National Park Authority ("SDNPA") under Regulation 15 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended 2018).
1.1.2 The Scoping Report (and subsequent Scoping Opinion from SDNPA), is intended to identify the necessary EIA requirements which would support a proposed planning application for the following likely "Proposed Development":
"a change of use of land from agriculture to mixed agriculture and holding of one music festival event in any calendar year including retention of wooden structures within woodland and minor alterations to existing access on A31, both associated with festival use. Storage of containers (storage use associated with music event) on Site throughout rest of the year "
1.1.3 For the purposes of this Scoping, the Application Site extends to approximately 445 hectares comprising a series of agricultural fields, farm buildings and farm living accommodation. The Site also benefits from the planning approval for one music festival and one sports endurance event a year until 2024, as permitted December 2019 (ref: SDNP/18/06249/FUL). The Site is situated within the administrative area of SDNPA and lies to the east of Winchester. The location and extent of the Scoping Site is shown on the Site Location Plan provided at Appendix A.
1.1.4 The Applicant has appointed a team of specialist consultants to consider planning and environmental matters in relation to the Proposed Development and to provide input into the production of this Scoping Report, as listed below.
Table 1.1 Consultant Team Topic Consultant Planning Pegasus Group Socio Economic Pegasus Group Landscape and Visual UBU Design Ecology & Nature Conservation ECOSA Heritage Pegasus Group Transport and Access Stadium Management Noise Environment F1 Acoustics Company Limited
1.1.5 The Scoping Report has been produced on behalf of Boomtown Festival UK Ltd by Pegasus Group. Pegasus is registered to the EIA Quality Mark, a scheme operated by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) which allows consultancies that lead the co-ordination of statutory EIAs in the UK to make a
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commitment to excellence in their EIA activities and have this commitment independently reviewed.
Requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Process
1.2.1 The EIA process is the mechanism by which development proposals are appraised in terms of environmental and socio-economic criteria, in addition to the engineering and technical considerations. The EIA process defines the context of the Proposed Development and its construction (or set up), and examines the issues considered pertinent.
1.2.2 The purpose of the EIA is to establish the nature of the existing Application Site and its surroundings (i.e. the baseline) and the nature of the Proposed Development and compare the baseline with the scenario once the proposals are in place, so to identify the likely significant effects that may arise as a result. This requires consideration of effects during construction (or in this case set up), including any demolition or enabling works, and effects once operational. The document produced as a result of the EIA process is known as the Environmental Statement (ES).
1.2.3 The EIA Regulations require that any Proposed Development falling within the description of a ‘Schedule 2 Development’ within the meaning of the Regulations, may be subject to an EIA where such development is likely to have ‘significant’ effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location (Regulation 2b).
1.2.4 Following informal discussions with SDNPA, it was considered the Proposed Development could fall under the category of “Tourism and Leisure” (Schedule 2, 12d) where it is identified that the applicable threshold above which EIA may be required is: The area of the of the development exceeds 0.5 hectares. SDNPA indicated that an EIA may be required.
1.2.5 Given these informal discussions and to ensure a robust approach is taken, the applicant therefore intends to submit an ES in support of a future planning application, the content or ‘scope’ of which is set out and discussed throughout this document for SDNPA’s comment and formal Scoping Opinion.
Purpose of the Scoping Report
1.3.1 This Scoping Report has been prepared to accompany a formal EIA Scoping Request under Regulation 15 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended 2018). The purpose of the Scoping Request is to seek a formal view from SDNPA (with input from other consultees where relevant) on the information to be contained within the Environmental Statement (ES) which will accompany a forthcoming planning application on the above Application Site.
1.3.2 In accordance with Regulation 15, paragraph 2, this Scoping Report contains:
• “A plan sufficient to identify the land;
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• A brief description of the nature and purpose of the development on the environment; • An explanation of the likely significant effects of the development on the environment; and • Such other information or representations as the person making the request may wish to provide or make.”
1.3.3 Specifically, this Scoping Report seeks to identify those potential likely significant environmental effects which could occur as a result of the Proposed Development and are subsequently proposed to be assessed in the EIA process, and reported within the resultant ES. Discussion and reasoned justification is also provided within this report on topics which are proposed to be ‘scoped out’ of the EIA process.
1.3.4 This Scoping Report is submitted to SDNPA as part of the formal request for a Scoping Opinion and we welcome comment on the proposed scope and contents of the ES from SDNPA and other consultees that they wish to nominate, in accordance with Regulation 15. It is anticipated such consultees may include the following:
• South Downs National Park (various departments) • Hampshire County Council (various departments); • Winchester City Council Historic Environment; • Other nearby Local Authorities; • Other Consultees: o Environment Agency o Highways England o Natural England o Southern Water o Historic England • Relevant Parish Councils
1.3.5 It is requested that the Applicant is informed of those consultees who are notified of this Scoping Request.
Structure of the Scoping Report
1.4.1 The remainder of this EIA Scoping Report is divided into the following Sections:
• Section 2: The Application Site and Project Overview o An overview of the Application Site and the Proposed Development. • Section 3: Legislative Requirements and the EIA Process o A summary of the relevant EIA legislation and EIA process which will be undertaken.
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• Section 4: Proposed Scope of the Environmental Statement (ES) o Individual discussions on each topic to be assessed within the ES, including information regarding specific methodology. • Section 5: Topics proposed to be Scoped Out of the ES o Each environmental topic not proposed to be considered in the ES is discussed in turn. • Section 6: Structure of the ES o The structure and format of the ES document is outlined. • Section 7: Environmental Statement Scoping Summary
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2. The Application Site and Proposed Development
The Application Site and Surroundings
2.1.1 The Application Site is located within the Matterley Estate, a large agricultural holding which lies approximately 5km to the east of Winchester. The Application Site itself extends to a total of approximately 445 hectares and is located immediately south of the A31 and east of the A272 between Alresford and Winchester. The Site's eastern boundary lies adjacent to agricultural fields and woodland. The location and extent of the Scoping Site is shown on the Site Location Plan provided at Appendix A.
2.1.2 The Site falls within the South Downs National Park and has a varied landform including the valley floor, the steep scarp slopes and the elevated, rolling open downlands. The lower valley slopes at the north-eastern corner of the Site are at around 75m AOD, whilst the high point of the Site is Cheesefoot Head at 176m AOD. The Site comprises agricultural land and pasture fields, interspersed with woodland, tree belts and hedgerows.
2.1.3 Key features of the Site and its surroundings include:
• The A31 dual carriageway which runs along the northern boundary of the Site and is predominantly tree lined; • The A272 which runs along the south-western boundary of the Site; • The Matterley Bowl which is a natural chalkland amphitheatre; • Areas of species rich unimproved chalk grassland located on the predominantly north-facing horseshoe shaped dry valley, designated as Cheesefoot Head Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for plant life (lowland calcareous grassland) and butterflies; • Various access points to the Site from the A31 and A272; • Beech Hanger on Cheesefoot Head provides a local landmark; • The central area of the Site which is compartmentalised by woodland blocks and ridgelines; • A group of farm buildings on the lower northern slopes of the Site.
2.1.4 The Site includes the Matterley Bowl which is a natural chalkland amphitheatre and has historically formed the centrepiece of music events at the Site, the first being Creamfields in 1998, with Homelands, HiFi South, Sanctuary, and Glade taking place in the following years. Surrounding the bowl is a series of terracets which are designated as SSSIs and are fenced off during events. SDNPA will be aware that the Site benefits from the planning approval for one music festival and one sports endurance event a year until 2024, as permitted in December 2019 (ref: SDNP/18/06249/FUL). As part of this extant permission, a Landscape and Ecology Management Plan was prepared and agreed with SDNPA, which included a number of mitigation measures which ensured the development acceptable in planning terms.
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2.1.5 The Matterley Estate, of which the Site forms part of, is a working farm, which consists of a dairy unit and arable enterprise and is largely accessed via the A31 which divides the sections of the holding. The estate extends to the north of Winchester Road (A31) to include Hampage Wood and Bushy Close woodland and southwards towards the junction with the A272 including Chilcomb Down. The Estate is bounded to the south by the A272 and runs eastwards just beyond Cheesefoot head. To the east, just beyond a neighbouring fields, is Rodfield Lane. The Application Site however forms only part of the Estate as described above.
2.1.6 Matterley Farm and the surrounding area is crossed by a number of public footpaths and other highways including the Kings Way and the South Downs Way long distance footpath. An Esso oil pipeline runs through the Application Site, starting approximately near to Telegraph Clump/Cheesefoot Head SSSI, and heads northwards towards Thornacre Farm/Alresford Road within the valley area.
2.1.7 Magdalen Hill Cemetery is listed as a Grade II Registered Park and Garden and lies approximately 500m to the west of the Site. To the north of the Site, extending to the A31, Avington Park is listed as a Grade II* Registered Park and Garden. Duke’s Drive, a linear landscape feature extending nearly 2km south from the main area of Avington Park, connects to the A31.
2.1.8 There are clusters of Listed Buildings at Chilcomb approximately 1.5km to the west of the Site and approximately 1km north of the Site at Avington Manor Farm. Approximately 500m to the east of the eastern corner of the Site, Ovington Down Farmhouse and Barn are Grade II Listed. A milestone to the west of Magdalen Hill Cemetery is also Listed. Beyond the south-eastern boundary of the Site there are a number of Scheduled Monuments comprising three bowl barrows at Fawley Down, 580m west of Cheesefoot Head, and a bowl barrow on Telegraph Hill.
Proposed Development
Project Overview
2.2.1 SDNPA will be aware that the Site benefits from the approval for (ref: SDNP/18/06249/FUL permitted 17 December 2019):
"the change of use of land from agriculture to mixed agriculture and holding of one music festival event and one sports endurance event in any calendar year including retention of wooden structures within woodland and minor alterations to existing access on A31, both associated with festival use".
2.2.2 The application was not EIA development and therefore no ES was produced to accompany the application. This was confirmed via formal Screening Opinion issued by SDNPA.
2.2.3 As part of the permission, Condition 2, part i) stipulated:
"the use of the Site hereby approved shall be restricted to:
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i) One major music festival for operating between a Wednesday and a Monday for a maximum of five consecutive periods of 24 hours a day and limited to 64,999 attendees in total (the total capacity of 64,999 people shall include a number of ticket holders no greater than 48,000) and an additional 1,000 attendees on the Sunday for local residents and shall only take place between 1 May and 15 October in any calendar year. Any work required in terms of setting up and dismantling infrastructure required for the event shall not exceed 9 weeks in total."
2.2.4 The forthcoming Application, which this Scoping Report relates to, seeks to increase this total number of attendees, likely by a total of 11,000, bringing the total capacity to 75,999 people (plus 1,000 attendees on the Sunday for local residents).
2.2.5 Whilst the Proposed Development subject to this Scoping Report is being developed, it is likely to be as follows:
“a change of use of land from agriculture to mixed agriculture and holding of one music festival event in any calendar year including retention of wooden structures within woodland and minor alterations to existing access on A31, both associated with festival use. Storage of containers (storage use associated with music event) on Site throughout rest of the year"
2.2.6 Further information on the various likely stages and elements involved in the festival is described below. The ES submitted with the planning application will clarify these elements as the Proposed Development is finalised. Consideration is also currently being given to the inclusion of a coach pad within the proposals.
Proposed Event Stages – Music Festival Event
2.2.7 The event is likely to involve the following 3 key stages:
• Site Preparation/Set Up/Build: This is likely to extend for approximately 4 weeks and include the following type of works:
o Delivery and erection of temporary structures and siting of temporary units including; solid perimeter fencing c.3.4m in height, c. 5m high watch towers (approx. 20), event tents, lighting equipment and generators; o Maintenance of grounds (tracks and woodlands); o Installation of facilities such as toilets / waste management facilities; o Pre-emptive mitigation for sensitive areas where necessary; o Diversion of South Downs Way around the periphery of the Site enclosure for a duration of c.10 days; o Traffic management on the A31 to facilitate safe operation of cars and trucks
• Operation: The staging of a music festival which is proposed to operate from Wednesday to Monday with a likely maximum capacity of 75,999 (plus 1,000 local residents on Sunday). The following elements are likely to occur:
o The use of existing permitted structures and land for the event; o The use of land for camping;
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o The use of land for parking; o The delivery of amplified music (open air) from stages; o The provision of practical and stage/arena lighting for the duration of the event; o Ongoing environmental monitoring and management throughout the event; and o Traffic management in the surrounding area for the safe management of Cars, Taxis, coaches and shuttle buses
The layout of the festival is designed to optimise use of Site features and contain core activities towards the centre of the Site and woodland areas. A draft Zoning Plan is provided within Appendix B of this Report which identifies the areas within the Site and their likely uses, including where ecological management would likely take place. Key design features include:
o Car parking areas are located near roads (A31 and A272) and accesses; o Camping areas are located towards the periphery of the perimeter fenced area of the Site; o Event activities are located towards the centre of the Site, contained within Matterley Bowl, Upper Blackbushes and Temple Valley and various areas of woodland; and o The SSSI and other ecological areas are fenced and retained free from activity during the festival.
It should be noted that the proposals include the retention of a number of wooden structures within the woodland areas. These are only visible at close range from within the areas of woodland.
• Decommissioning: The take-down period extends for approximately 2.5 weeks following the event and is likely to include such activities as:
o Site clean-up and removal of structures; o The transportation away from the Site of all rubbish and foul waste; o Any necessary ecological reinstatement
Set-up and dismantling of Boomtown is programmed to minimise visual impact, by constructing structures that have greater visual impact at the end of the Site preparation period and dismantling them at the beginning of the dismantling period.
Boomtown Festivals
2.2.8 It is also relevant to understand the ethos of Boomtown Festivals.
2.2.9 Boomtown Fair is a multi-genre music and arts festival that has established itself and grown since first arriving at Matterley in 2011. With a proposed attendance of 7,500 in 2011, it is now licensed for 75,999 plus 1000 Sunday tickets for local residents. It has planning permission for 64,999 plus 1000 Sunday tickets for local residents. The festival centres on a fictional ‘city’ with its own leaders, elections, passports and convoluted political history; offering an eclectic lineup of international musical artists from an eclectic range of genres including folk, world music, ska, reggae, metal, punk, disco, jazz, drum and bass, psytrance, dub, and a huge amount more.
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Boomtown constructs interactive stage sets with large-scale theatrical shows taking over on a nightly basis, as well as smaller immersive and interactive intimate theatrical experiences across the many ‘districts’ and stages.
2.2.10 The festival places emphasis upon sustainability, charity and community responsibility. It encourages, develops and invests in local collaborations through business partnerships, support of charitable initiatives, engagement of educational institutions, families and local events. This is exemplified by the many local schools and young person projects through which Boomtown promotes the arts, inclusive of the annual 2-day workshops that have seen over one thousand local children and their families learn circus skills, carnival costume making and music technology each year at pop-up events in Winchester.
2.2.11 The event is spectacular and relies on creating both atmosphere and theatrical suspense, for which the dramatic and evocative setting provided at Matterley is ideally suited. For this reason, Matterley has proven to be a popular and ideal setting, having regard to location, setting and organisational considerations including transport.
2.2.12 Boomtown is a well-established event that is a mainstay of the UK festival calendar. In its formative years it attracted a niche audience, but since then it has sought to widen its appeal and is now aimed at a wider demographic. Over the past nine years Boomtown has expanded the music genres it celebrates as well as theatrical production, arts and crafts workshops and live music elements of the event.
2.2.13 Its success is reliant on continuing to maintain its appeal and to provide a performance experience which attracts and retains high quality and well-known acts.
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3. Legislative Requirements and the EIA Process
Legislative Requirements
3.1.1 The EIA process will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended 2018), which are referred to in this document as the ‘EIA Regulations’. Specifically, Schedule 4 (Regulation 18 (3)), sets out the information for inclusion in ESs, as replicated within Appendix C and summarised as follows:
Part 1: o ‘A description of the development’ - including information on the location of the development, the physical characteristics of the development, the main characteristics of the operational phase, and estimate of expected residues and emissions. Part 2: o ‘A description of the reasonable alternatives studied by the developer’ – for example with regard to development design, technology, location, size and scale, and an indication of the main reason for selecting the chosen option. Part 3: o ‘A description of the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment (baseline scenario)’- including how the baseline might evolve if the development were not to proceed. Part 4: o ‘A description of the factors specified in regulation 4(2) likely to be significantly affected by the development’ – including with regard to population, human health, biodiversity (for example fauna and flora), land (for example land take), soil (for example organic matter, erosion, compaction, sealing), water (for example hydromorphological changes, quantity and quality), air, climate (for example greenhouse gas emissions, impacts relevant to adaptation), material assets, cultural heritage, including architectural and archaeological aspects, and landscape. Part 5: o ‘A description of the likely significant effects of the development on the environment’ - including with regard to: construction, existence and demolition works, the use of natural resources, emission of pollutants and the disposal of waste, the risks to human helath, cultural heritage or the environment (for example due to accidents or disasters), cumulative effects with other developments, vulnerability with respect to climate change and the technologies and substances to be used. o The description of the likely significant effects should cover ‘direct effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, transboundary, short-term, medium-term and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects of the development’ Part 6: o ‘A description of the forecasting methods or evidence, used to identify and assess the significant effects on the environment’ - including details of difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of knowledge) encountered compiling the required information and the main uncertainties involved. Part 7: o ‘A description of the measures envisaged to avoid, prevent, reduce or, if possible, offset any identified significant adverse effects on the
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environment’ - including where appropriate with regard to: any proposed monitoring arrangements (for example the preparation of a postproject analysis). o The description should explain the ‘extent, to which significant adverse effects on the environment are avoided, prevented, reduced or offset’, and should cover both the construction and operational phases. Part 8: o ‘A description of the expected significant adverse effects of the development on the environment deriving from the vulnerability of the development to risks of major accidents and/or disasters which are relevant to the project concerned’. Where appropriate, this description should include measures envisaged to prevent or mitigate the significant adverse effects of such events on the environment and details of the preparedness for and proposed response to such emergencies. Part 9: o ‘A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 8’. Part 10: o ‘A reference list detailing the sources used for the descriptions and assessments included in the environmental statement’.
The EIA Process
3.2.1 Each of the topic areas ‘scoped in’ the EIA, will undergo the following main steps:
Baseline Studies
3.2.2 In the case of many of the environmental topics which will be covered in the ES, or which are proposed to be scoped-out of the ES, baseline studies have already been undertaken, and details of this work, where relevant, are discussed within each environmental topic within this Report. Baseline conditions will be established within each of the individual environmental assessments through the use of a number of sources including, desk top review of existing available data; Site specific survey work; and consultation. It is also relevant to be aware of the planning permission granted in December 2019, which allows one music festival and one sporting/endurance event a year with specific capacity until 2024. This is an authorised use of the Site and can therefore be considered part of its "current state" until 2024.
Assessment of Environmental Effects and Evaluation of Significance
3.2.3 The EIA Regulations require that the ES identifies ‘likely significant effects of the Proposed Development on the environment’. It is recognised in the EIA Regulations however that not all environmental effects are considered significant.
3.2.4 The evaluation and determination of significant effects will be carried out using specific criteria defined within each of the technical chapters of the ES. Where available, published standards and guidelines will be used as the basis for the significance criteria.
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3.2.5 The proposed methodologies for individual environmental topics are discussed in the subsequent section. However, in many disciplines the following basic approach is utilised:
• The sensitivity of the receiving environmental receptor is evaluated using defined criteria. • The nature of the impact is established in terms of its duration, extent, frequency, likelihood of occurrence, reversibility, and compliance with recognised standards; • The magnitude of the impact is determined. The magnitude of change is a consideration of how much the impact alters the baseline condition. • The significance of the effect is determined by cross referencing the sensitivity of the receptor with the magnitude of change on the receptor.
3.2.6 It should be noted that environmental effects may be direct or indirect, secondary, cumulative, transboundary, short, medium, long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects of the development and this will be noted in the ES. Effects will be considered during the set-up phase, during the operation of the proposals and also the decommissioning / take-down. Consideration will however be given to effects from major accidents and disasters where relevant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Effects
3.2.7 Following the assessment of effects, mitigation measures to reduce and avoid these effects will be identified and detailed. Mitigation measures considered may include modification of the proposals, integral mitigation, or secondary measures. Any residual effects following the implementation of mitigation measures will be determined accordingly. The residual effects represent the overall likely significant effect of the Proposed Development on the environment having taken account of practicable/available mitigation measures.
Cumulative and In-combination Effects
3.2.8 The ES will respond to the requirement in the Regulations to assess the cumulative effects of the Proposed Development which will specifically consider two types of effect:
• Intra-project Cumulative Effects: The combined effect of individual effects (for example noise, airborne dust or traffic) on a single receptor where deemed potentially significant; and • Inter-project Cumulative Effects: The combined effects of development schemes which may, on an individual basis be insignificant but, cumulatively, have significant effect.
3.2.9 With respect to inter-project cumulative effects, the Regulations state that consideration should be given to “other existing and/or approved projects” (Schedule 4, 5e). This is further supported by the National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG) which states “There are occasions.....when other existing or approved development
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may be relevant in determining whether significant effects are likely as a consequence of a proposed development.” (Paragraph: 024 Reference ID: 4-024- 20170728).
3.2.10 The Matterley Estate is a substantial landholding which has led to an extensive planning history involving its mainstream agricultural related projects, oil exploration and motocross related submissions. On review of these, in relation to the Application Site, the following are relevant to note:
• 08/02622/FUL – Retention of existing motocross track including associated works to adapt the landform for such use and use for purposes of occasional elite motocross events. Refused. Allowed on Appeal 21/04/2010. The Site has been used for such uses and is therefore considered in the current baseline.
3.2.11 As discussed above, the Site benefits from the permission for the following:
• SDNP/18/06249/FUL | Change of use of land from agriculture to mixed agriculture and holding of one music festival event and one sports endurance event in any calendar year including retention of wooden structures within woodland and minor alterations to existing access on A31, both associated with festival use. This temporary application was approved on 17 December and expires on 31 December 2024.
3.2.12 Should the Proposed scheme, the subject of this Scoping Report, gain permission, the approved musical festival event (part of SDNP/18/06249/FUL) would not be 'in addition'. In this manner therefore, there would be no cumulative impacts. It is however relevant to acknowledge that this permission could be implemented and therefore is a potential temporary baseline; this is considered accordingly within the proposed scope of the ES.
3.2.13 The team is not aware of any projects within the vicinity of the Site which would be required to be considered as part of a cumulative assessment, however the applicant welcomes confirmation.
Preparation of the ES
3.3.1 In accordance with the Regulations, the ES will be prepared by “competent experts”, as listed at the outset of this report. A statement outlining the relevant experience of the experts who have undertaken the assessment and drafted the technical chapters within the ES will be provided. It is also noted the Regulations now require decision makers to ensure they have ‘necessary skills in house’.
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4. Proposed Scope of The EIA and Environmental Statement Chapters
Environmental Topics
4.1.1 Table 4.1 lists the environmental topics specified within the EIA Regulations as to potentially be considered as part of the EIA process. The table also summarises whether these topics are considered relevant to include within the EIA process, and where such topics will be considered within the ES where applicable. Where a topic has been scoped out, the reasoning is provided within Section 5.
Table 4.1 Environmental Topics as per EIA Regulations
EIA Topic Scoped In Where Addressed within ES / Out
Population Scoped in To be assessed within the Socio Economic chapter Human Health Scoped in To be assessed within various chapters as follows: and out Landscape and Visual, Socio Economic, Transport and Noise. It is not considered necessary to consider health as an individual topic. Biodiversity (e.g. flora Scoped in To be assessed within the Ecology and Nature and fauna) Conservation chapter Land (e.g. land take) Scoped in To be assessed within the Landscape & Visual and Ecology Chapters. Soil Scoped out It is not considered the proposed development will have significant impacts on soil resource or land contamination and is therefore scoped out. (refer to further discussion in section 5) Water Scoped in To be assessed within the Ecology and Nature and out Conservation chapter in relation to foul water and issues surrounding nitrates. It is not considered that Flood Risk and Surface Water Drainage need to be addressed within the ES (refer to further discussion in section 5) Air Scoped out The temporary event is not considered to result in significant long term impacts on air quality and is therefore scoped out of the ES (refer to further discussion in section 5) Climate Scoped out The temporary event is not considered to result in significant long term impacts on or be significantly impacted by climate change and greenhouse gas emissions; therefore this is not proposed to be assessed in isolation. Relevant consideration has however been given to it within other disciplines where relevant. Material Assets Scoped out It is not considered there are any further ‘material assets’ to those already addressed within other EIA topics (refer to Section 5) Cultural Heritage Scoped out The temporary event is not considered to result in (including significant long term impacts on heritage or Architectural and archaeological issues and is therefore scoped out of Archaeological the ES (refer to further discussion in section 5) aspects) Landscape Scoped in To be assessed in the Landscape and Visual chapter Interrelationship Scoped in Within each topic chapter and brought together in between above summary chapter where relevant factors
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4.1.2 In the context of the above environmental topics, it is proposed that the resultant ES will include the following chapters:
• Introduction • EIA Scope and Methodology • Application Site • Proposed Development and Alternatives • Planning Policy • Socio Economic Issues • Landscape and Visual • Ecology and Nature Conservation • Transport • Noise Environment • Summary • A separate Non-Technical Summary will also be provided
4.1.3 The proposed scope of these individual chapters is discussed within the rest of this Section.
Front End Introductory Chapters
Introduction
4.2.1 This chapter of the ES will provide an introduction to the document and present details of the ES’s structure and context, in addition to how consultees and members of the public can comment on the document or obtain additional copies.
EIA Scope and Methodology
4.3.1 This chapter provides a summary of the agreed scope of assessments to be considered within the ES, with reference to consultation responses and explains the methodology used to prepare the technical chapters, including reference to the general approach in determining significance. Information in relation to cumulative impacts is also set out within this chapter, along with any limitations or assumptions used throughout the ES.
Application Site
4.4.1 This chapter will describe the Application Site’s location, context, existing use and features. It will also make reference to the extant planning permission.
Proposed Development and Alternatives
4.5.1 This chapter will provide a description of the Proposed Development, including the likely elements within the set-up, operation and decommissioning stages for the event. This will effectively provide the parameters which the various disciplines will assess.
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4.5.2 A zoning plan of the Music Festival is proposed to be submitted alongside the description to assist in identifying likely parameters. A draft of this zoning plan is provided at Appendix B. This will identify likely areas for specific uses, such as camping, stages, ecological management, car parking and entrance/egress points. Plans in relation to the structures are proposed to be submitted separately outside the ES, however the parameters of these will be noted.
4.5.3 This ensures that key elements are assessed accordingly, and any likely significant effects as defined in the EIA Regulations can be identified. The applicant seeks confirmation that this approach is acceptable.
4.5.4 The chapter will also provide a description of the reasonable alternatives (for example in terms of development design, technology, location, size and scale) studied by the developer, which are relevant, and an indication of the main reasons for selecting the chosen option.
Planning Policy
4.6.1 A summary of the relevant planning policy will be presented, against which the various environmental topics addressed in the ES will be considered. Policy will be identified at the national, regional and local level as appropriate. Further assessment of these policies will be considered in the accompanying Planning Statement.
4.6.2 The Development Plan currently consists of the South Downs Local Plan (2019). Other material considerations include (but are not limited to), the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 219), supplementary planning documents and planning guidance.
4.6.3 The key policies relevant to this application are outlined below:
4.6.4 Policy SD2 – Ecosystem Services requires development proposals to be supported by a statement that sets out how the development proposal impacts, both positively and negatively, on ecosystem services.
4.6.5 Policy SD3 – Major Development states that the National Park Authority will consider whether the development, including temporary events should they be deemed to constitute development, by reason of its scale, character or nature, has the potential to have a significant adverse impact on the natural beauty, wildlife or cultural heritage of, or recreational opportunities provided by the National Park. The potential for significant adverse impact of cumulative development and the individual character of each proposal and its context. If the proposal is deemed to be major development, planning permission will be refused except in exceptional circumstances.
4.6.6 Policy SD4 – Landscape Character states that development proposals will only be permitted where they conserve and enhance landscape character.
4.6.7 Policy SD7 – Relative Tranquillity states that development proposals will only be permitted where they conserve and enhance relative tranquillity and should consider the following impacts:
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a) “Direct impacts that the proposals are likely to cause by changes in the visual and aural environment in the immediate vicinity of the proposals;
b) Indirect impacts that may be caused within the National Park that are remote from the location of the proposals themselves such as vehicular movements; and
c) Experience of users of the PRoW network and other publicly accessible locations.”
4.6.8 Policy SD8 – Dark Night Skies supports proposals where they conserve and enhance the intrinsic quality of dark night skies. Development proposals must demonstrate that all opportunities to reduce light pollution have been taken and must ensure that the measured and observed sky quality in the surrounding area is not negatively affected.
4.6.9 Policy SD9 – Biodiversity and Geodiversity states that the Council will permit development where it conserves and enhances biodiversity and geodiversity, giving particular regard to ecological networks and areas with high potential for priority habitat restoration or creation. Prior to determination of proposals, up-to-date ecological information should be provided.
4.6.10 Policy SD19 – Transport and Accessibility states that development proposals will be permitted provided that they are located and designed to minimise the need to travel and promote the use of sustainable modes of transport. It must be demonstrated that proposals will continue sage and efficient operation of the strategic and local road networks.
4.6.11 Policy SD22 – Parking Provision will require development proposals to provide an appropriate level of private cycle and vehicle parking to serve the needs of the development in accordance with the relevant adopted parking standards for that locality.
4.6.12 Policy SD54 – Pollution and Air Quality states that development proposals will be permitted provided that levels of air, noise, vibration, light, odour or other pollutants do not have a significant negative affect on people and the natural environment now or in the foreseeable future, taking into account cumulative impacts and any mitigation. Development proposals that could have an impact on an Air Quality Management Area, mitigation measures will be required to reduce the potential impact.
Discipline Specific Chapters
Socio Economic Issues
Introduction
4.7.1 This chapter of the ES will provide an assessment of the likely significant socio- economic effects generated by the Proposed Development. This will include the identification and assessment of likely direct, indirect and induced effects in relation
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to visitor spend, employment and contribution to economic output. The assessment will consider effects of the music festival. If applicable, any cumulative effects will also be considered.
Relevant Policy and Guidance
4.7.2 The assessment will take account of adopted and emerging policies of relevance to socio-economics. This will likely include:
• The National Planning Policy Framework1 (NPPF), which is built around a policy commitment to sustainable development and establishes the social and economic role of the planning system; • The South Downs Local Plan (2014-33). Relevant policies to consider include: SD23 (Sustainable Tourism); and SD34 (Sustaining the Local Economy); • The Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Strategic Economic Plan for 2018-20302, which sets out the LEP’s ambition to grow economic output in the area by 4% per annum up to 2030; and • Winchester City Council’s Destination Management Plan3 for 2015-2020, which aims to sustain growth in tourism and ensure that the infrastructure around the visitor experience is developed in keeping with consumer expectations and demands.
Preliminary Assessment of Baseline Conditions
4.7.3 The assessment will establish baseline socio-economic conditions within those areas likely to be affected by the Proposed Development. Study areas are defined based on an understanding of relevant local and wider economic geographies, and the extent to which socio-economic effects are likely to be contained within these established statistical geographies. It is proposed to analyse data (where available) for the following geographies: Alresford & Itchen Valley 2018 electoral ward; Itchen Valley 2011 Census frozen ward; Winchester local authority; Enterprise M3 LEP; the South East region; and Great Britain/UK.
4.7.4 Baseline socio-economic conditions will be established using the most up-to-date available secondary data, establishing the extent to which the following key indicators have changed over time:
• Jobs; • Business base; • Population – past trends and future projections; • Economic output; • Unemployment; • Deprivation; • Qualifications and skills; and
1 MHCLG (2019) National Planning Policy Framework 2 Enterprise M3 LEP (2018) – A Strategic Economic Plan for the Enterprise M3 Area 2018-2030 3 Winchester City Council – Destination Management Plan, 2015-2020.
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• Economic activity.
Potential Impacts/Effects
4.7.5 It is anticipated that the Proposed Development will generate the following socio- economic effects:
• Attracting visitors and traders to Winchester; • Visitor expenditure; • Organiser expenditure; • Supporting jobs; and • Contributing to economic output.
Scope and Methodology of Assessment
4.7.6 There is no overarching Government guidance that sets out the preferred methodology for assessing the likely socio-economic effects of development proposals. Accordingly, the approach adopted for the assessment will be based on professional experience and best practice, and in consideration of the policy requirements/tests set out within the NPPF and the adopted Local Plan.
4.7.7 The first step in the assessment will be to identify the sensitivity of the receptors. In socio-economic assessments, receptors are not sensitive to changing environmental conditions in the same way as many environmental receptors are. To address this, the assessment will draw on a combination of measurable indicators (visitor numbers, spend, jobs etc.) and a consideration of the importance of the receptor in policy terms to gauge the receptor’s sensitivity.
4.7.8 The magnitude of change upon each receptor will then be determined by considering the predicted deviation from baseline conditions, both before and, if required, after mitigation. Previous research4 has been undertaken on the economic impact of activities at the Site of the Proposed Development, and this will be used to inform the analysis.
Preliminary discussions of mitigation and enhancement measures
4.7.9 Following the assessment of effects, mitigation measures to reduce and avoid any negative effects will be identified and detailed if required. Whilst the full assessment is yet to be undertaken, given the nature of the Proposed Development and the research that has been undertaken to date, it is considered unlikely that it will have any significant negative impacts from a socio-economic perspective. If an assessment of any cumulative effects is required, this may change, and the chapter will analyse this accordingly.
4 TSE Research – The Economic Impact of Matterley Estate Events December 2015; Economic Impact Statement Pegasus 2019
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Landscape and Visual
Introduction
4.9.1 The Landscape and Visual chapter will comprise a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) that will assess the likely effects of the proposals on landscape and visual amenity.
Relevant Policy and Guidance
Local Policy
4.9.2 The Site lies in the area of Winchester District which lies in the South Downs National Park (SNDP). The Local Plan for Winchester comprises the Winchester District Local Plan Part 1 – Joint Core Strategy Adopted 2013. The Winchester District Local Plan Part 1 – Joint Core Strategy has been adopted by both Winchester City Council and the SDNPA.
4.9.3 The Landscape and Visual chapter will include consideration of the adopted policies of the local plan. Policies of relevance to the Site include:
• Policy CP19 – South Downs National Park • Policy CP20 – Heritage and Landscape Character
4.9.4 There is no local policy that specifically related to visual impact.
Preliminary Assessment of Baseline Conditions
4.9.5 The Site falls within the South Downs National Park and includes a varied landform including the valley floor, steep scarp slopes and the elevated, rolling open downlands. Distinctive natural features of the landform within the Site are Matterley Bowl and Cheesefoot Head.
4.9.6 The lower valley slopes at the north-eastern corner of the Site are at around 75m AOD, whilst the high point of the Site is Cheesefoot Head at 176m AOD.
National landscape character
4.9.7 The Site and study area predominantly fall within National Character Area (NCA) 130 Hampshire Down as defined by Natural England, published in 2014 and superseding the previous Countryside Agency Character Area profile.
4.9.8 The southern edge of the Site appears to fall within National Character Area 125 South Downs.
Regional landscape character
4.9.9 At a County level, Hampshire County Council have produced the Hampshire County Integrated Character Assessment in 2012. This assessment identifies the area within which the Site falls as the East Winchester Open Downs character area.
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Local landscape character
4.9.10 Winchester City Council has produced the Winchester District Landscape Character Assessment adopted in 2004. This assessment classifies the area within which the Site lies as the East Winchester Downs character area.
4.9.11 The landscape character of the Site itself accords with the local landscape character assessments. The generally north facing scarp of the edge of the downs crosses the Site and creates the sides of the distinctive Matterley Bowl. The rolling downs extend to the east of the scarp, whilst the valley floor extends north and west.
Baseline Visual Assessment
4.9.12 The Site covers a large area of varied landform and vegetation cover. Some areas are more open and visible, whilst other parts of the Site are enclosed by woodland or the landform is not visible from public view.
4.9.13 The South Downs Way (SDW) is a long-distance public footpath which is well used by walkers and cyclists. The views from the route are considered to be of very high sensitivity. Other public footpaths and bridleways are also located within the vicinity of the Site.
Potential Impacts/Effects
4.9.14 The temporary event forming the planning application will not cause any physical permanent change to the landscape of the Site. Temporary structures are erected which are then dismantled after the event has taken place, leaving no physical permanent change on the landscape. The temporary change to the appearance and character of the area occurs for a few weeks while the main visible structures for Boomtown, including the perimeter fencing, are constructed and dismantled.
4.9.15 The temporary event forming the planning application will create some temporary visual effects on views from a number of public footpaths. The earlier stages of construction and latter stages of deconstruction of Boomtown will be visible from a number of footpaths.
4.9.16 The main visible structures are constructed and dismantled within around a two week period, with the full construction and dismantling period extending for approximately 6.5 weeks, therefore outside the peak full impact period, there will be a 4.5 weeks period when during the construction, the impact will gradually increase from no impact, and during deconstruction the impact will gradually decrease back to no impact.
Scope and Methodology of Assessment
4.9.17 The methodology used to carry out the landscape and visual assessment of the proposal is primarily based upon that set out in Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment.
4.9.18 The process follows a standard approach, namely establishing:
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• The baseline conditions, i.e. the character, quality, value and relative sensitivity of the landscape; • The type and relative sensitivity of visual receptors; • The sensitivity to change of the landscape in relation to the proposed development; • The predicted magnitude of impact that the proposed development would bring, allowing for mitigation measures, upon the landscape and upon visual receptors; and • Assessing the significance of effect that would occur, by aggregating the predicted magnitude of change with the sensitivity of the landscape and visual receptors respectively.
4.9.19 A number of potential visual receptors have been identified to provide a detailed assessment of the visual effects of the proposed temporary events. Potential receptors identified includes the following public routes:
• South Downs Way • A272 • A31 • Rodfield Lane • Public footpath from A31 to South Downs Way • Public footpath from A31 north to Hampage Farm • King's Way public bridleway connecting to South Downs Way to south of Site • Fawley Lane public bridleway connecting to South Downs Way to south of Site • Gipsy Lane public bridleway • Public footpath on Magdalen Hill Down
4.9.20 Potential residential receptors include:
• Dwellings to the north of the Site on the A31 • Ovington Down Farm and Ovington Down Cottages on Rodfield Lane to the east of the Site
4.9.21 The Viewpoint Plan within Appendix D shows the viewpoints identified in the LVIA carried out in Dec 2015. These viewpoints will be reviewed as a starting point for the new LVIA, and further viewpoints will be included where necessary to cover any new extent of temporary development. Comments on the suggested viewpoints by the LPA is welcomed by the applicant.
Preliminary Discussions of Mitigation and Enhancement Measures
4.9.22 The temporary event is being carefully designed and programmed to minimise landscape and visual impact through the incorporation of embedded mitigation measures. These are likely to include:
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• Control of noise level from temporary multi day event to comply with noise licensing condition through strict noise management and noise monitoring during the events; • Protection of the SSSI and other areas of ecological importance with fencing to prevent access during the temporary events; • Event activities are located towards the centre of the Site, contained within Matterley Bowl, Upper Blackbushes and Temple Valley and various areas of woodland • Construction and dismantling of Boomtown is programmed to minimise visual impact, by constructing structures that have greater visual impact at the end of the construction period and dismantling them at the beginning of the dismantling period; • The solid perimeter fencing is coloured green to recede into the landscape when seen in distant views; and • The South Downs Way is temporarily diverted for a minimal period of c. 10 days.
Ecology and Nature Conservation
Introduction
4.9.1 To obtain an ecological baseline the Application Site was subject to initial survey work by ECOSA Ltd during 2015 (ECOSA, 2015). Subsequently an Ecological Management Plan (EMP) was prepared in 2018 and updated in 2019. The aim of the EMP was to support the discharge of planning conditions attached to the extant permission for events at the Site and provide a framework for positive ecological management of the Application Site (ECOSA, 2018). The 2019 EMP update included the results of further protected species to obtain a more robust ecological baseline (ECOSA, 2018).
4.9.2 Survey work to support the EMP has included extended Phase 1 Habitat survey and desk-based assessment of biological records undertaken using methodologies recommended by Natural England. Background information has previously been obtained from Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre (HBIC) and will be updated to ensure compliance with standard guidance and reflect any changes in the data.
4.9.3 Further ecological surveys undertaken to date include hazel dormouse, badger breeding, birds, butterflies, moss and bryophyte surveys. The EMP also includes specific recommendations for protection and management of Cheesefoot Head Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is located within the Application Site.
Relevant Policy and Guidance
4.9.4 The following policy, legislation and guidance are considered relevant in relation to the proposals based on the ecological features present comprise:
• The National Planning Policy Framework;
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• DEFRA/ODPM Circular 06/2005; • South Downs Local Plan planning policy; particularly SD9 (Biodiversity and Geodiversity), SD10 (International Sites) and SD11 (Trees, Woodland and Hedgerows); • Advice on achieving nutrient neutrality for new development in the Solent region (Natural England Advice Note Version 4 – March 2020); • Biodiversity: Code of Practice for planning and development. (BS 42020: 2013); • The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949; • The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); • The Protection of Badgers Act 1992; • The Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996; • The Hedgerow Regulations 1997; • The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006; and • The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended).
4.9.5 The ecology and nature conservation assessment will be prepared in line with the CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland (CIEEM, 2018)
4.9.6 At a national level the NPPF sets out that development proposals should not only minimise the impacts on biodiversity but also provide enhancement. Where harm in relation to biodiversity cannot be adequately avoided then the NPPF states that it should be mitigated for, or as a last resort, compensated for. Where impacts occur on nationally designated Sites, the benefits must clearly outweigh any adverse impact and incorporating biodiversity in and around developments should be encouraged.
4.9.7 The Ecology and Nature Conservation ES chapter (‘the ecology ES chapter’) will make reference to relevant sections of the South Downs Local Plan with a particular focus on the following requirements of Policy SD9:
• Development proposals will be permitted where they conserve and enhance biodiversity, giving particular regard to ecological networks and areas with the potential for priority habitat restoration or creation. • Development proposals with the potential to impact on one or more international designated Site(s) will be subject to a Habitat Regulations Assessment to determine likely significant effects. Where likely significant effects may occur, development proposals will be subject to Appropriate Assessment. • Development proposals considered likely to have a significant effect on nationally protected Sites will be required to assess the impact by means of an EIA.
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Preliminary Review of Baseline Conditions
4.9.8 The Site is located in the catchment of the River Itchen which drains to the Solent and associated European designated Sites, particularly the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This is relevant to the proposal in relation to Natural England’s recent guidance on Nutrient Neutrality (Natural England, 2020). Natural England require that proposals must demonstrate no net increase in the nitrate loading of the Solent European designated Sites as a result of activities.
4.9.9 The Site is mainly composed of improved grassland with low ecological value which is unlikely to be a constraint to the proposal. Surrounding the improved grassland are disjointed areas of broadleaved woodland, plantation woodland, scrub, hedgerows, unimproved and semi-improved calcareous grassland. The unimproved calcareous grassland is associated with Cheesefoot Head SSSI which covers a horseshoe shaped hillside at the southern edge of the Application Site.
4.9.10 A range of bat species are likely to roost within on-Site woodland and nearby (off and on-Site) farm buildings, and there is extensive woodland edge and hedgerow habitat with suitability for foraging / commuting bats.
4.9.11 Hazel dormouse were recorded from on-Site woodland within the Site during 2019, and the species is likely to be present in all suitable woodland / hedgerow habitat within the Application Site.
4.9.12 A badger sett was recorded within the Site during 2015, however updating surveys undertaken in 2018 did not find any active setts within the Site. The Site remains suitable for badger both in terms of sett creation and foraging opportunities.
4.9.13 Breeding birds recorded within the Site include typical farmland species such as yellowhammer, dunnock, linnet and kestrel. Skylark were also recorded, and this species is likely to breed within the areas of longer grassland, particularly Cheesefoot Head SSSI.
4.9.14 Common species of reptile are likely to be present within the on-Site grassland and field margins.
Potential Impacts/effects
4.9.15 This section provides an initial assessment of the likely ecological effects of the proposals on the identified ecological features. The following potential impacts / effects will be assessed as part of the ecology ES chapter:
• Potential for increased discharge of nitrates into European designated Sites associated with the Solent, particularly Solent Maritime SAC; • Potential for impacts on Cheesefoot Head SSSI; • Potential loss of ecological valuable habitats; • Potential for impacts or indirect impacts on protected species, particularly in relation to lighting impacts.
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4.9.16 The impacts / effects will be assessed with reference to the details of the proposals i.e. an increase in visitor capacity for events. It is likely that, for the majority of ecological features, the impacts / effects will not alter compared with those impacts / effects associated with events already held at the Application Site.
Scope and Methodology of Assessment
4.9.17 The evaluation criteria used in the ecology ES chapter will be based on ECOSA’s professional judgement and publicly available publications, survey data and other sources, with reference to guidance in CIEEM’s Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom and Ireland (CIEEM, 2018).
4.9.18 There are a wide range of characteristics which contribute to the importance of ecological features including species rarity/vulnerability, distribution, population size, and habitat quality, connectivity and ecological function. Consideration of these factors may justify an increase or reduction in the value of an ecological feature. Where deviations occur, these will be explained.
4.9.19 Effects associated with the proposals will be assessed in the ecology ES chapter in accordance with guidance set out by CIEEM (CIEEM, 2018). A significant effect, in ecological terms, is defined as “an effect that either supports or undermines biodiversity conservation objectives for important ecological features”. Significant effects are therefore defined as ‘adverse’, if they undermine biodiversity conservation objectives, or ‘beneficial’, if they support these objectives.
4.9.20 The ecology ES chapter will have the following objectives:
• To provide baseline information on ecological features within the Site’s Zone of Influence and determine the importance of these features; • To assess, characterise and quantify the effects on ecological features, including cumulative effects, and identify significant effects in the absence of any mitigation; • To set out measures to avoid, mitigate and compensate for significant ecological effects; • To provide an assessment of the significance of any residual effects; • To outline opportunities for enhancement; and • To set out the requirements for any monitoring.
Preliminary Discussions of Mitigation and Enhancement Measures
4.9.21 Where necessary suitable ecological mitigation, compensation and enhancement will be incorporated into the ecology ES chapter. The scope of potential measures include:
• Suitable mitigation to ensure there are no significant impacts on the Solent as a result of the Proposed Development. It should also be noted that mitigation for
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impacts of additional nitrate inputs into the Solent may be dealt with through Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s nitrate neutrality scheme (https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/news/route-nitrate-neutrality-solent); • Buffers and protection of ecologically sensitive habitats as identified on the draft zoning plan (and similarly have been set out in the LEMP associated with the extant permission) including Cheesefoot Head SSSI; • Consideration of events timetabling in relation to breeding birds, particularly skylark which is a ground nesting species.
4.9.22 Enhancement measures as detailed within the Application Site’s existing EMP may include:
• Management of non-native species within on-Site woodland; • Increase habitat connectivity across the Site through positive ecological management of the hedgerow network; and • Creation of bare earth scrapes for breeding birds and invertebrates
4.9.23 Further detail in relation to these mitigation and enhancement measures will be provided in the ES chapter.
References Bat Conservation Trust and Institute of Lighting Professionals (2018). Bats and Artificial Lighting in the UK. Bat Conservation Trust and Institution of Lighting Professional, UK. ECOSA (2015) Matterley Estate Events, Matterley Estate, Winchester, Hampshire – Extended Phase 1 Ecological Assessment. Ecological Survey and Assessment Limited, North Baddesley, Hampshire ECOSA (2018) Matterley Estate, Winchester, Hampshire – Updating Extended Phase 1 Ecological Assessment. Ecological Survey and Assessment Limited, North Baddesley, Hampshire ECOSA (2019) Matterley Estate, Winchester, Hampshire – Ecological Management Plan. Ecological Survey and Assessment Limited, North Baddesley, Hampshire Natural England (2020) Nutrient Neutrality Technical Note. Version 4 – dated March 2020 CIEEM (2018) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater, Coastal and Marine. Winchester: Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.
Transport
Introduction
4.10.1 Stadium Management Ltd are commissioned by Boomtown Festival UK Ltd to produce the Transport section and Transport Statement (TS) to support the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Proposed Development at Matterley Bowl, Alresford Rd, Nr Winchester. The Site Location Plan is included at Appendix A.
4.10.2 An overview site map of the likely proposals including the car parks, access point and vehicle tracks are shown on the draft Zoning Plan within Appendix B.
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4.10.3 The Site is served by the A31 to the north of the Site, the A272 to the south of the Site and Rodfield Lane to the West. Junction 9 and 10 of the M3 is circa 1.5 miles west of the Site. Winchester City Centre is circa 2 miles from the Site, West of the M3. Winchester mainline rail station is located in the City Centre.
4.10.4 The Boomtown music festival is likely to run from Thursday to Sunday, but attendees have access to the Site from Wednesday to Monday. Ticket holders have a wide variety of travel options available to them, consisting of car, camper van, coach, taxi, shuttle bus, motorcycle and bicycle.
4.10.5 The event organisers have Green travel and environment at the heart of the festival, therefore there is a large marketing exercise to encourage travel by coach, train and car sharing. A transport plan has been developed and refined year on year since Boomtown has occupied the Site.
4.10.6 A transport sub-group has been in operation for a number of years which highways authorities and emergency services in attendance. The transport partners have been involved in reviewing plans and strategies, helping to shape the previous Transport Plan’s (TP)’s. This multi-agency approach has enabled issues to be highlighted, mitigation measures to be developed and then implemented.
4.10.7 The proposed total Site capacity is likely to be 75,999, (76,999 on Sunday) persons, with a breakdown likely to be 58,400 public, 17,599 Crew and Artists and 1000 Local Resident tickets. This is an uplift of 10,000 public and 1000 Crew and Artists from that which was assessed for the extant permission.
4.10.8 The arrival profile for all the different client groups are different and spread out throughout the setup of the festival, the operation / show days and then the decommission.
4.10.9 The TS will analyse the baseline traffic / transport conditions and then review the traffic conditions associated with the proposed capacity increase within the TP and the associated transport modes, capacities and operations.
Relevant Policy and Guidance
4.10.10 The following policy and guidance will be reviewed.
• National Planning Guidance - National Planning Policy Framework updated on 19 February 2019 • Regional Policy Guidance - Hampshire Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2011-2031 • Local Polices – Winchester – TOWN ACCESS PLAN – July 2011 • Guidance on Transport Assessment – DfT • The Purple Guide – H and S and Welfare at Music and Other events
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Boomtown Festival UK Limited Land at Matterley Farm, Winchester Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report
Preliminary Assessment of Baseline Conditions
4.10.11 To the north of the Site is the A31 dual carriageway which has several existing vehicle access points from the Westbound carriageway onto the Site.
4.10.12 To the south is the A272 which is a single carriageway; there are several access points from the Eastbound carriageway onto the Site.
4.10.13 The western section of the A272 joins with the A31 which then connects into the M3 (junction 9 and 10), it therefore offers good connectivity into the national motorway network.
4.10.14 There are local bus services that operates along the A31, but due to low bus capacity and bus frequency of these services we can assume the local bus service will not support mass movement of festival patrons.
4.10.15 Winchester train station is served by two train operators Cross County and South Western Railway, the train services provide direct services to London and Southampton. Therefore, there is good rail connectivity to the rest of the country.
4.10.16 The traffic baseline condition surveys that will be used for this assessment will be August 2019 traffic data, which was collected outside of the dates of the festival for 2019, this will be referred to as ‘background data’.
4.10.17 The baseline traffic data (background data) which will be reviewed in this assessment will be from.
• Background period w 1 13th to 19th Aug • Background period w 2 20th to 26th Aug
4.10.18 The above transport modes will be analysed in detail within the TS against the proposed transport plan for the event.
Potential Effects
4.10.19 The potential effects on the public highway network with the capacity of the event are:
• risk of increased traffic congestion if the additional vehicles are not spread throughout the car parks and arrive outside of peak times. The aim should be to flatten the arrival and departure profiles. • risk of increased traffic congestion if there is not a well-developed, multi-agency TMP developed and implemented
Scope and Methodology of Assessment
4.10.20 The following points highlight the methodology and process that will be undertaken in order to compile the TS and produce a summary chapter for the EIA.
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4.10.21 Pre-Application meeting (virtual meeting due to COVID-19) will be undertaken with Local Authority (LA) transport planning officers, to obtain feedback from planning previous years events, local insight and ensure we align with planning policies.
4.10.22 The traffic survey assessment will consist of assessing the traffic survey data from 2019, the survey data that we have is as per dates and times below.
• Event period 4th to 12th Aug • Background period w 1 13th to 19th Aug • Background period w 2 20th to 26th Aug
4.10.23 The traffic survey locations are as follows.
• North side of Site – A31 • South Side of Site – A272 • West Side of Site – A31A, 272 and A31. • Winchester City Centre
4.10.24 The traffic survey assessment will assess the baseline survey condition during the ‘background period’ which is then compared against the ‘event period’. The assessment will review and highlight what the traffic flows associated with the festival will be on the surveyed routes to and from the event site.
4.10.25 The assessment will review the number of ticket holders arriving from Wednesday through to Sunday, highlighting peak times of arrival.
4.10.26 The assessment will review build and breakdown with number of crew and artists arriving before and leaving after the show.
4.10.27 An assessment of the transport communications strategy / Travel Demand Management (TDM) plans will be undertaken to understand if transport communications to ticket holders and local residents and businesses.
4.10.28 The assessment will review the current car parking capacity and whether there is adequate capacity on Site.
4.10.29 An assessment will be undertaken of vehicle accident data around the Site during the festival period.
4.10.30 A review of train frequency and capacity will be undertaken to adequate capacity, this will be aligned with the review of the shuttle bus operations.
Preliminary Discussions of Mitigation and Enhancement Measures
4.10.31 To mitigate any impacts, the following projects / measures are being reviewed, the detailed review will be contained within the TS.
• Refinement and improvement to the Green Travel options that are available
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Boomtown Festival UK Limited Land at Matterley Farm, Winchester Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report
• Review and improvement of Travel Demand Management (TDM) Plans, to continuing to flatten the arrival and departure profiles • Review of the transport mode split and whether adjustments / recommendations can be made, based on the results of the traffic survey data • Review train capacity and the associated shuttle bus frequency and management, to ensure the services are being maximised • Reviewing the arrangements for pick up and drop off for coach operations associated with the uplift. • Implementation of a new access point is in the southern section of the Site. This new entrance will improve traffic flow onto the Site by reducing the number of cars that access the Site through Gate K. This new gate was first highlighted in the 2016 traffic survey report as a way of reducing the traffic flows in and out of Gate K, the installation and use of this new gate would improve the traffic plan for southern section of the Site, further reducing impact on the network and improving traffic flows on and off Site. • The South Downs Way is proposed to be used as a new vehicle access route. Accessing this track will be via Rodfield Lane. This route was trialled in 2018 and 2019 and proved successful in reducing the vehicle flows on the wider network.
Noise Environment
Introduction
4.11.1 This chapter sets out the proposed approach to the assessment of the likely significant effects of the Proposed Development on sensitive receptors from audible noise due to the Site construction (preparation/set up), operation (staging of a music festival) and decommissioning (take-down period) of the Proposed Development. This will ensure that sufficient information is provided within the Environmental Statement (ES) regarding any significant environmental effects to allow their consideration in the determination of the Application for development consent in relation to the Proposed Development.
4.11.2 Chapter 2 of this report outlines the study area and the existing environment. This Chapter outlines the Noise Environment relevant planning policy and guidance, scope and methodology of assessment and preliminary mitigation and enhancement measures considered.
4.11.3 This Chapter proposes to scope out the following:
• Music noise from the operational phase of the Proposed Development as noise associated with the provision of regulated entertainment during the event is regulated by the events Premises Licence and The Licensing Act 2003, under the prevention of public nuisance objective and appropriate Conditions.
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• Vibration from the construction and decommissioning phases of the development. During construction and decommissioning phases vibration sensitive receptors will only experience effects if the vibrations produced by the Proposed Development are in close proximity to them. No vibration inducing construction or decommissioning methods are proposed in close proximity to vibration sensitive receptors. • Vibration from the operational phase of the Proposed Development as there are no significant sources of vibration active during this phase. • Tranquillity assessment: The existing Site is generally rural and natural but it is a working farm and will regularly have agricultural sights and sound including sounds of an industrial nature. The Site is also bounded by two main roads to the north and south meaning traffic noise is audible across the Site. The temporary event is not considered to result in significant long term impacts on the visual and aural environment of the Site and immediate vicinity; areas within the National Park that are remote from the Site; or the experience of users of the PRoW network and other publicly accessible locations. Therefore, tranquillity is not proposed to be assessed within the ES as the Proposed Development will be temporary with no residual or permanent effects.
Relevant Policy and Guidance
4.11.4 The following relevant policy, guidance and standards documents will be used in the assessment of noise environment effects from the Proposed Development on the nearest noise sensitive receptors:
• National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. 2019. • Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE). Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 2010 • South Downs Local Plan. South Downs National Park Authority. 2019. • BS 7445-1:2003 – Description and measurement of environmental noise. Guide to quantities and procedures. • BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014 – Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open Sites. Noise. • BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 – Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound. • ISO 9613-2:1996 – Acoustics - Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors - Part 2: General method of calculation • Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN). Department of Transport. 1988.
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Boomtown Festival UK Limited Land at Matterley Farm, Winchester Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report
• DMRB Volume 1, Section 3, Part 7, LA 111 Noise and Vibration. Revision 2. Highways England. 2020.
Potential Impacts/Effects
4.11.5 Potential noise effects associated with the Proposed Development are as follows:
• Construction / Site Set-up- Noise will be emitted by plant, tools, machinery and vehicles associated with construction activities. • Operational - Noise will be emitted by plant associated with operational activities. • Decommissioning - Noise will be emitted by plant, tools, machinery and vehicles associated with decommissioning activities, which is anticipated to be less than that due to construction activities.
4.11.6 Construction (Site set-up), operational and decommissioning works have the potential to generate noise at levels that may be disturbing to people and noise sensitive receptors. Noise effects from all three phases are, however, of a temporary nature, occurring for the duration of the phase only.
4.11.7 Noise impacts are likely from the use of fixed and mobile plant used for the Proposed Development. Noise impacts are also likely from the movement of vehicles on access tracks and on the public road network. The extent and significance of noise effects would depend on the nature and location of plant and vehicles in relation to receptors and the time of day that the noise impacts occur.
Scope and Methodology of Assessment
Baseline Noise Survey
4.11.8 A baseline noise survey will be carried out to inform the assessments of construction, operation and decommissioning. The survey will be conducted at multiple points representative of the nearest noise sensitive receptors to the Proposed Development Site. The baseline noise survey will consider weekday and weekend daytime and night-time sound levels.
4.11.9 The baseline noise survey is proposed to be undertaken in the summer months (June, July and/or August) so that it is representative of the noise conditions during the period the event is usually held. Three noise survey locations are proposed to be used, these are:
• A31 - To be located in Matterley Estate land opposite the nearest noise sensitive receptors to the north of the Proposed Development Site on the A31. This survey location is considered representative of the sound levels experienced at these noise sensitive receptors from the A31 traffic noise.
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• Rodfield Lane - To be located on Matterley Estate land to measure a representative sound environment of the nearest noise sensitive receptors to the east on Rodfield Lane. • Chilcomb - To be located on Matterley Estate land to measure a representative sound environment of the nearest noise sensitive receptors to the west and south west of the Proposed Development Site in the east of Chilcomb and north east of Morestead.
4.11.10 The baseline noise survey will be conducted over a period of 5 days to include one weekend. Guidance in BS 7445-1:2003 ‘Description and measurement of environmental noise. Guide to quantities and procedures.’ will be followed for the baseline noise survey.
Construction (Site set-up) and Decommissioning
4.11.11 The principal construction noise sources predicted as a result of the Site preparation/set up of the Proposed Development and to be assessed include the following:
• Hiab lorries for installation of trackway; • Hiab lorries for installation of perimeter fence; • Erection of scaffolding for watch towers; • Erection of scaffolding for stages; • Generators; • Lighting towers; • Cherry pickers and scissor lifts for erection of sets and scenery; • Hand tools for erection of sets and scenery; • Power tools for erection of sets and scenery; • Telehandlers; and • Delivery vehicles.
4.11.12 Construction and decommissioning noise sources will be assessed using the methodology in BS 5228 Part 1 ‘Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open Sites. Noise.’
4.11.13 Source noise levels for plant, tools and vehicles will be obtained from BS 5228 Part 1 Annexes C and D, source noise measurements and manufacturers data. The source noise level data will be input into noise modelling software and resulting construction and decommissioning noise levels will be predicted at the nearest noise sensitive receptors using ISO 9613 Part 2 ‘Acoustics - Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors - Part 2: General method of calculation’ methodology.
4.11.14 Results of the predicted construction and decommissioning noise levels will be assessed in conjunction with the baseline noise survey data and compared to criteria from BS 5228 Part 1 Annex E to assess the impact and resulting effects of noise.
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Boomtown Festival UK Limited Land at Matterley Farm, Winchester Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report
Operation
4.11.15 The principal operational noise sources predicted as a result of the Proposed Development (staging of a music festival) and to be assessed include the following:
• Event traffic; • Generators; and • Lighting towers.
4.11.16 Operational plant noise sources will be assessed using the methodology in BS 4142 ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound.’
4.11.17 Source noise levels for plant, will be obtained from BS 5228 Part 1 Annexes C and D, source noise measurements and manufacturers data. The source noise level data will be input into noise modelling software and resulting operational plant noise levels will be predicted at the nearest noise sensitive receptors using ISO 9613 Part 2 ‘Acoustics - Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors - Part 2: General method of calculation’ methodology.
4.11.18 Results of the predicted operational plant noise levels will be assessed in conjunction with the baseline noise survey data and compared to criteria from BS 4142 to assess the impact and resulting effects of noise.
4.11.19 Event traffic during the operational period will be assessed using the methodology in DMRB Volume 1, Section 3, Part 7, LA 111 ‘Noise and Vibration. Revision 2.’ and ‘Calculation of Road Traffic Noise’.
4.11.20 Traffic flow data from the accompanying Transport Chapter will be used to compare the baseline and Proposed Development scenarios and assess the resulting noise change.
4.11.21 Results of the predicted noise change from operational event traffic will be compared to criteria from DMRB to assess the impact and resulting effects of noise.
Preliminary Mitigation and Enhancement Measures
4.11.22 The use of quiet plant where necessary is already advocated by the event management (e.g. battery powered lighting towers on vehicle gates close to the noise sensitive receptors on the A31). Further opportunity for mitigation and enhancement measures will be considered in the assessment of the Noise Environment effects.
Summary Chapter and Non-Technical Summary
4.12.1 A chapter summarising each of the above discipline’s findings will be presented. A separate Non-Technical Summary will also be provided in accordance with the EIA Regulations.
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Boomtown Festival UK LTD Land at Matterley Farm, Winchester Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report
5. Topics proposed to be scoped out and not included within the Environmental Statement
Air Quality and Dust
5.1.1 While it is recognised that there will be localised temporary effects on air quality during the operation of the event due to the use of generators and the number of vehicles arriving at the Site, the nearest AQMA is located over 5km from the Site in Winchester (Winchester Town Centre AQMA). The limited duration of these localised impacts are not considered to be significant in EIA terms.
5.1.2 There could also be the potential for dust, as well as atmospheric emissions from vehicles during the Site set-up and decommission, and during the event, however, these would be managed through an Event Management Plan. Such measures include: a) using a tractor and bowser that drives the tracks to provide dust suppression and (b) providing security and stewards at key locations with water supply to dampen roads where possible. Furthermore any impacts would be limited to the period of set up, operation and decommission and therefore are unlikely to give rise to significant adverse effects in EIA terms.
5.1.3 It is therefore proposed that Air Quality is scoped out of the EIA.
Flood Risk and Surface Water Drainage
5.2.1 Whilst it is acknowledged the Site is over 1ha, the Proposed Development is a change of use on a very temporary basis which does not result in operational development which would significantly alter the existing flood regime of the Site.
5.2.2 Furthermore, as illustrated on the Environment Agency webSite, the Site lies within Flood Zone 1 which is of low probability of flooding and there is no knowledge of any significant flooding issue on the Site which has impacted its established use for events previously.
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5.2.3 On this basis, it is therefore considered appropriate that flood risk and surface water drainage are scoped out of the EIA and resultant ES.
Lighting
5.3.1 It is acknowledged that the Application Site (and South Downs National Park) lies within an International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) and the nature of the Proposed Development would inevitably bring a number of additional temporary lighting sources to the area. This can be considered to fall into two separate categories; practical lighting which is required to ensure safe operation of the festival for both workers and ticket-holders, and; stage and arena lighting which is used during the event as part of the festival's entertainment. As has been shown in past events, the Festival is committed in working with the SDNPA to consider what can reasonably been done to minimise the impact from both these types of lighting.
5.3.2 In relation to practical lighting, the following measures would be proposed to minimise any impact:
• Work closely with the lighting and power contractor (currently Powerlog) to consult on lighting requirements across Site, ensuring the least number of lights are used to achieve the level of lighting required for a safe Site, but generating the least unnecessary lighting. • Work closely with Powerlog to ensure that all lighting is:
o Appropriate for the job
o Not over-bright
o Is pointing in the right direction
• All lighting is only used in locations where it is necessary and switched on at times that it is required. In addition to the aim of limiting potential light pollution, this is in line with aims to reduce the environmental impact of the festival by reducing power consumption on-Site. • All practical lighting is installed angled downwards to maximize effectiveness and minimise light pollution beyond required area. • Lighting is only installed and switched on in areas as they start being used during build, ensuring areas are not lit unnecessarily. Only core areas of the Site are lit in early and late parts of the build, when limited areas of the Site are in use. Lighting is also used in key areas as a security measure to reduce the risk of theft. • Boomtown takes full responsibility for ensuring all Site lighting is turned on or off depending on necessity. • All contractors and staff are instructed to turn off lights when they are not in use and members of crew ensure Site lighting is turned off at the end of the working day/when it is no longer required.
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• Lighting in car parks is installed ready for arrival of ticket-holders, but only switched on when these areas are in use. • Lamp tests are carried out on the lux levels of LED festoon and perimeter lighting to monitor their impact. The most recent tests showed that the affinity levels from the 6w bulbs were 4.1 at a 1 metre distance gradually reducing to 0.46 at a distance of 12 metres. • The majority of tower lights are on lux meters meaning they switch on and off automatically at dusk and dawn. • All festoon uses LED bulbs and is strung as low to the ground as possible while still being effective.
5.3.3 Creative stage and arena lighting is a core part of the lighting design and immersive atmosphere of the Festival. Over many years, the Festival has developed a Site-wide lighting design which illuminates the elaborate stages and sets which the Festival has gained an international reputation for. Whilst the lighting will inevitably vary each year, the lighting is designed to create safe and comfortable lux levels across Site, while aiming to limit the potential for light pollution.
5.3.4 The vast majority of the venues and arenas are covered, meaning that the impact of the light shows on these stages is well contained, however there will also be a number of outdoor stages that could have potential impact on darkness levels. This type of lighting however is only in use during the event, so the potential impact is limited to just 5 days (after dusk), plus a very short period of testing in the week leading up to the Festival.
5.3.5 Boomtown have previously had a meeting with the Dark Skies Officer for SDNPA where he identified a number of ways impacts could be further reduced. Ideas discussed included:
• Identifying areas which have the biggest lighting impact, either in terms of duration or coverage, and focusing attention on reviewing lighting plans for these areas; • Undertaking a review of the specifications of the lighting currently used to consider whether the sky scanner lighting used during the live event could be directed away from the dark sky reserve; • Investigate the possibility of using red (or other non-white) light for the sky scanners to reduce the impact of this light on the dark sky; • Festival to look at avoiding any lighting above 3000 kelvin wherever possible; • Investigate whether any lights currently using white light could be changed to red or another colours.
5.3.6 Boomtown are keen to work collaboratively with the dark skies officer going forward to minimise impact where possible.
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Boomtown Festival UK Limited Land at Matterley Farm, Winchester Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report
5.3.7 Overall, it is considered that the emission of light would be a temporary nuisance of relatively short duration and allied with the design of the lighting and relevant mitigation measures noted above and the fact there are a limited number of nearby sensitive receptors, it is not considered that lighting would give rise to significant environmental effects in EIA terms.
5.3.8 It is however acknowledged that there is the potential to disturb wildlife, therefore lighting is proposed to be considered within the ecological chapter of the ES (as noted in the ecology section) and not as a stand alone topic.
Soils, Waste and Land Contamination
5.4.1 It is acknowledged that there could be temporary impact on the condition of the soil during the very limited period of the event as a result of compaction. However, this is only for a short duration in identified (less sensitive) areas, which is unlikely to impact on the long term integrity of the soil resource. It is envisaged that the land would return to its agricultural use for the rest of the year.
5.4.2 There are a number of products used to ensure a safe experience for all workers and audience. The organisers work closely with the landowner when deciding which products to use for these purposes to ensure those selected will have the lowest long-term impact to the Site. In consultation with the landowner and Natural England, the products and methods proposed are deemed suitable for the indigenous soil types, flora and fauna. The fact that it’s farmland is also taken into account as the landowner is keen to maintain the quality of the soil. Such products include woodchip, sand and dust suppression techniques using recycled rain water.
5.4.3 In relation to land contamination, there is no land use history which would indicate significant contamination on the Site which would impact on its proposed temporary use. The Site has been managed to accommodate such events to date in accordance with the requirements of appropriate licensing regimes, and therefore is not considered to be an issue that is likely to result in significant impacts.
5.4.4 The wellbeing of the Site is a key consideration for the Event Directors and forms part of the long-term goal for the festival. The festival is assessed annually by independent environmental body, A Greener Festival. As part of this, two assessors carry out on on-Site audit during the festival looking at key areas such as; waste, energy, travel, procurement and behaviour change. In 2018 the audit stated
“Boomtown Fair have demonstrated excellent work to lessen the events impact on the environment and communicate with the audience. The team have also pushed boundaries to innovate and find unique solutions and shown a clear determination to break ground going forwards”.
5.4.5 In 2019 Boomtown was one of 37 recipients across 15 countries of “A Greener Festival’s Award”.
5.4.6 A number of initiatives are proposed as part of the Festival to reduce waste and contamination, examples of which are summarised below:
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Boomtown Festival UK LTD Land at Matterley Farm, Winchester Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report
• Joined Festival Industry movements such as the ‘Green Deal Circular Festivals’ to create a more sustainable future through collaborations with international festivals as well as being signed up to the Festival Vision: 2025 pledge with a view to meet the UK national target of 50% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2025, in line with global climate change commitments; • No single use plastic: single use plastic bottles will not be sold at the food traders and bars (in 2019 this initiative prevented 225,000 plastic bottles from being sold); • refill stations: promoting the free refill stations, increasing the number of water refill stations, encouraging everyone to refill their reusable bottle including selling Boomtown branded bottles to refill; • 100% compostable: Ensure all trader and bar serveware is compostable; • Providing a Dedicated Zero Waste Campsite • Say no to single use tent campaign: Boomtown is part of a campsite waste industry steering group and played a leading role in helping to create an industry wide campaign to raise awareness around the issue of single use tents; • Tent deposit scheme: Festival attendees can pre order a quality tent to collect on their way to the main fields. After the festival, we’re encouraging everyone to keep their tent to reuse or it can be sold back at the collection point on the route home. All returned tents are cleaned up ready to be sold next year. The 2019 festival saw a huge surge in the number of citizens who took responsibility and took their tents & equipment home. Boomtown saw a 50% reduction in tents and equipment left behind across the main campsites. Boomtown will continue this good work going forward. • Salvage Operation: a salvage operation with registered charities to allow them on Site to collect reusable and recyclable items that are left on Site; • South Downs Eco Warriors: sending a large team of enthusiastic volunteers around the campsites to engage with festival goers about the environmental initiatives at the festival, handing out recycling bags and encouraging people to pack their tents home on Monday morning using games and rewards throughout the show; • EcoBond Project - When each adult and teen festival ticket is purchased, a £10 Ecobond is paid at the point of sale and an Ecobond ticket generated. The bond is refunded at the end of the event when exchanged for the bag of rubbish or recycling and the Ecobond ticket. • Cigarette litter prevention: distributing portable ashtrays to the audience and staff and collecting the butts via ballot voting bins to increase engagement;
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Boomtown Festival UK Limited Land at Matterley Farm, Winchester Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report
• Recycling points located within the campsites operating a recycling and general waste system using the three bin system to sort waste - the right way ○ Green = cans, plastic bottles ○ Brown = all bar cups and food serve ware ○ Black = crisp packets, wrapper, tissues • Production, Trader and Office Waste: Recycling initiatives and containment put in place for build and break waste, food waste and office waste; • Pre-pitched tents: pre-pitched tent options to allow festival-goers to bring less gear with them which also reduces the amount of waste left behind. One of the pre-pitched tent providers uses tents that have been left behind at other festivals that then have then been thoroughly refurbished; • Cycle to Boomtown: ○ 2-day Cycle experience Bristol / London to Boomtown - Our cyclists are rewarded with a free Camp Orchid wristband to get unlimited access to the facilities to use the luxury showers and toilets plus they receive a free programme, free drinks, group photo on arrival. • Food waste: Working to collect any surplus food left by traders and donate to local food banks – Previously 1.32 tonnes of surplus food was distributed to local causes. (1.32 tonne = 1,320kg = 5.28 CO2 saved = 4,142.92 meals). The food was donated to Trinity Winchester: http://trinitywinchester.org.uk/. Fareshare South West: https://fareshare.org.uk/. Harvest UK: https://www.ukharvest.org.uk/.; and • Every Can Counts: working with ECC to promote can recycling through engaging bin designs, rewards and games. Plus a team will be talking to the audience with can backpacks on to encourage recycling.
5.4.7 In addition to the above initiatives, reputable waste and recycling management contractors are employed to manage the collection of waste on Site and its removal offsite. A material recovery facility is operated at the festival to sort the recyclable materials before it’s transferred to a local waste facility. Full details of measures will be set out in a Waste Management Plan.
5.4.8 In relation to grey waste, the waste water created from the use of crew kitchens and traders, this wastewater is removed from Site by a professional wet waste removal company with extensive experience of festival Sites. Professional contractors and suppliers supply and install all kitchen equipment to ensure it is fit for purpose (e.g. does not leak), minimising the risk of contaminated water entering the local environment. All traders are required to properly dispose of grey water generated by their operations festival by ensuring there is ample drainage available. All traders must pay a deposit before arriving at the festival, which is only returned on the condition that the trader leaves their pitch in an acceptable condition. All traders are
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aware that should they be found to have dumped any grey waste or oil into the ground, that they would forfeit their deposit.
5.4.9 An appropriate number of toilets and waste water tanks are proposed to be installed to ensure that no contaminated water reaches watercourses or land. The majority of toilets proposed are compost toilets which are supplied, installed and serviced by two separate contractors. Plastic chemical toilets are now only used at a small proportion at the gates and externally, as these locations are too far away from power for composts to be effective. These toilets are supplied and continually serviced by a professional contractor to ensure good quality products (no leaks etc.) and ensure that the lowest amount of chemicals is used as possible. Each toilet block also has large tanks in reserve to ensure there is no overflow. The waste is transferred to large artic trailers via a filtration system whereby it is taken off Site to be processed. Replacing traditional chemical toilets with compostable toilets reduces the amount of chemicals (blue recirculated chemical wash) required and the amount of water.
5.4.10 Separate specific discussions in relation to the potential impact of increased nitrates on The Solent has been considered earlier in this Scoping Report.
5.4.11 Given the above proposed measures, it is therefore considered appropriate that Soils, Waste and Land Contamination are scoped out of the EIA and resultant ES.
Cultural Heritage
5.5.1 A review has been undertaken of the cultural heritage assets recorded in the vicinity of the Site, and consultation responses given for the temporary planning permission granted for the festival 18/06249/FUL.
Designated Heritage Assets
5.5.2 No designated heritage assets (Listed buildings, Scheduled Monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens, Conservation Areas, Registered Battlefields) lie within the Site.
5.5.3 Designated heritage assets in the immediate vicinity of the Site comprise following:
• The end of Dyke’s Drive, the approach to Avington Park Grade II* Registered Park and Garden, which is included in the designated area; • Scheduled tumuli to the south-west of the Site, and in its wider vicinity; • Listed buildings at Chilcomb to the west; • Magdelen Hill Cemetery to the west, which is a Grade II Registered Park; and • Listed buildings at Kington Manor Farm to the north.
5.5.4 The event for which permission is sought may result in changes to the landscape that will be visible from these assets. However, due to the temporary nature of the events and the entirely reversable nature of the changes, no significant effects to their heritage significance are anticipated.
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Archaeological Remains
5.5.5 Romano-British and prehistoric remains have previously been recorded within the Site, and WW2 practice trenches are also known to have been excavated in the area. These are considered to be non-designated heritage assts.
5.5.6 No objection was made to the temporary planning permission granted for the Site (18/06249/FUL) by the Archaeological Advisors to the LPA. Their consultation responses stated:
"There is no objection in principle to the proposal however safeguarding conditions are recommended as previously advised in connection with the 2016 consent (DNP/15/06486/FUL)"
5.5.7 Hence, with appropriate mitigation secured through appending the same archaeological conditions, no significant effects on the archaeological resource are anticipated. The set up of the festival does not require any substantial excavation or ground disturbance.
Cultural Associations within the Site
5.5.8 The Site contains a natural amphitheatre known as Matterley Bowl that has been used for several mass events. Most significantly, it was at this location that General Eisenhower gave a speech to thousands of US troops who were camped in the vicinity prior to D-Day. The natural amphitheatre (now known as Matterley Bowl) at Cheesefoot Head was where General Eisenhower gave one of his most famous speeches to the thousands of US troops who were camped there just before the invasion. Joe Louis, who was a PE teacher to the troops, held and took part in a boxing tournament for entertaining troops prior to the Operation Overlord. Witnesses speak of the banks of the Matterley Bowl at Cheesefoot Head being crowded with spectators.
5.5.9 Since the late 20th century, the area has been used for music events of some note, including Creamfields and Homelands. Boomtown Fair is itself an internationally renowned cultural event.
5.5.10 These events, particularly Eisenhower’s speech, give the area historical interest. However, this interest will not be harmed by the use of the area for the events for which permission is sought, which are in line with the historical mass-gathering uses that similarly exploited the natural topography.
Conclusion
5.5.11 In conclusion no heritage effects that would be significant in EIA terms are anticipated. It is therefore considered appropriate that cultural heritage is scoped out of the EIA and resultant ES.
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Wind Microclimate
5.6.1 It is not considered the Proposed Development would result in significant effects on human receptors in relation to wind micro climate. The Application Site is located in a predominantly undeveloped area, and the few structures proposed are unlikely to result in such impacts. It is considered appropriate that wind microclimate is scoped out of the EIA and resultant ES.
Daylight, Sunlight, Overshadowing and Glare
5.7.1 The Application Site is located in a predominantly undeveloped area, and there are no residential buildings or other sensitive uses close enough such that the proposed built form on the Site could cause significant changes to daylight, sunlight or cause overshadowing. The nature of the Proposed Development and its temporary status is also unlikely for this to be a significant issue. It is therefore considered appropriate that impacts on daylight, sunlight, overshadowing and glare are scoped out of the EIA and resultant ES.
Electronic Interference
5.8.1 It is not considered that the Proposed Development would cause electronic interference; this is therefore proposed to be scoped out of the EIA and ES.
Material Assets
5.9.1 Material assets in EIA is a very broad term which considers both physical and non- physical sectors that could be said to have material value. On review of the Application Site’s location and context, it is not considered there are any further ‘material assets’ to those already addressed within other EIA topics, and therefore no further consideration of material assets is proposed within the EIA and resultant ES.
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6. Structure of the Environmental Statement (ES)
6.1.1 The ES will report the findings of the EIA and will address the requirements of Schedule 4 of the EIA Regulations, as set out in section 4.
6.1.2 The ES is anticipated to include 3 volumes:
• Volume 1: Environmental Statement Main Text: sets out the findings to each of the environmental disciplines, including accompanying Figures (i.e. plans/drawings) • Volume 2: Accompanying Technical Appendices: supports the main assessments within Volume 1; and • Volume 3: Transport Assessment • Non-Technical Summary (NTS) would also be provided as a separate document
6.1.3 The anticipated structure and content of Volume 1 (and Volume 2 where applicable) of the ES is likely to be as follows:
• Chapter 1 Introduction • Chapter 2 Assessment Scope and Methodology • Chapter 3 The Application Site • Chapter 4 Proposed Development and Alternatives • Chapter 5 Planning Policy • Chapter 6 Socio Economics Issues • Chapter 7 Landscape and Visual • Chapter 8 Ecology and Nature Conservation • Chapter 9 Transport • Chapter 10 Noise Environment • Chapter 11 Summary
6.1.4 Within each of the assessment chapters the main structure of the information presented, although not exclusively, will be as per the following headings:
• Introduction • Assessment Approach (including methodology, assessment of significance, legislative and policy framework, scoping criteria, limitation) • Baseline Conditions • Assessment of Likely Significant Effects (Assessment of Impacts, including set- up, operation and decommissioning) • Mitigation, Enhancement and Residual Effects • Cumulative and in-combination effects • Summary
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Boomtown Festival UK LTD Land at Matterley Farm, Winchester Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report
7. Environmental Statement Scoping Summary
7.1.1 This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report has been prepared on behalf of Boomtown Festival UK LTD (the “Applicant”) in respect of land at Matterley Estate, Winchester (the “Application Site”).
7.1.2 This Scoping Report has been prepared to accompany a formal EIA Scoping Request to South Downs Nation Park Authority under Regulation 15 of the Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations 2017 (as amended 2018) and has set out the proposed scope of the EIA and resultant Environmental Statement (ES) which is anticipated to support a forthcoming planning application.
7.1.3 From the initial assessments undertaken to date and as outlined and justified within this Scoping Report, it is proposed the ES will consider the topics listed in Table 7.1.
Table 7.1 Summary of Proposed ES Scope
EIA Topic Scoped In Where Addressed within ES / Out
Population Scoped in To be assessed within the Socio Economic chapter Human Health Scoped in To be assessed within various chapters as follows: and out Landscape and Visual, Socio Economic, Transport and Noise. It is not considered necessary to consider health as an individual topic. Biodiversity (e.g. flora Scoped in To be assessed within the Ecology and Nature and fauna) Conservation chapter Land (e.g. land take) Scoped in To be assessed within the Landscape & Visual and Ecology Chapters. Soil Scoped out It is not considered the proposed development will have significant impacts on soil resource or land contamination and is therefore scoped out. Water Scoped in To be assessed within the Ecology and Nature and out Conservation chapter in relation to foul water and issues surrounding nitrates. It is not considered that Flood Risk and Surface Water Drainage need to be addressed within the ES. Air Scoped out The temporary event is not considered to result in significant long term impacts on air quality and is therefore scoped out of the ES. Climate Scoped out The temporary event is not considered to result in significant long term impacts on or be significantly impacted by climate change and greenhouse gas emissions; therefore this is not proposed to be assessed in isolation. Relevant consideration has however been given to it within other disciplines where relevant. Material Assets Scoped out It is not considered there are any further ‘material assets’ to those already addressed within other EIA topics Cultural Heritage (incl Scoped out The temporary event is not considered to result in Architectural and significant long term impacts on heritage or Archaeological archaeological issues and is therefore scoped out of aspects) the ES Landscape Scoped in To be assessed in the Landscape and Visual chapter Interrelationship Scoped in Within each topic chapter and brought together in between above summary chapter where relevant factors
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Boomtown Festival UK Limited Land at Matterley Farm, Winchester Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report
7.1.4 The Applicants look forward to receiving the Local Planning Authorities Scoping Opinion within 5 weeks, as set out within Regulation 15 of the EIA Regulations 2017 (as amended).
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APPENDICES:
APPENDIX A: Site Location Plan APPENDIX B: Zoning Plan APPENDIX C: Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended 2018), Schedule 4 APPENDIX D: Viewpoint Plan