Peak Dales SAC ALSE 2015

Macclesfield Old Road Buxton Assessment of Likely Significant Effects February 2015

Macclesfield Old Road

Buxton

Assessment of Likely Significant Effects Document Reference: 4984.001

Version 2.0

February 2015

Prepared by: Marj Nadouce MCIEEM

TEP Genesis Centre Birchwood Science Park Warrington WA3 7BH Tel: 01925 844004 Fax: 01925 844002 e-mail: [email protected]

for

Persimmon Homes 30 – 34 Crofts Bank Road Urmston Greater Manchester M41 0UH

Written: Checked: Approved: MN LSw LSw

Macclesfield Old Road Buxton Assessment of Likely Significant Effects

CONTENTS PAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 19 2.0 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ...... 21 3.0 FEATURES OF INTEREST IN THE RELEVANT EUROPEAN SITES ...... 22 4.0 BASELINE CONDITIONS ...... 24 5.0 ASSESSMENT OF LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS ...... 31 6.0 SUMMARY ...... 35 7.0 REFERENCES ...... 37

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Designated Site Maps, Citations and Registry Entry Forms

DRAWINGS

G4984.001 Site location, designated sites and surrounding area

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 TEP was commissioned by Persimmon Homes in January 2015 to complete an Assessment of Likely Significant Effects (ALSE) upon a European designated site that might arise as a result of the proposed housing development at Macclesfield Old Road, Buxton.

1.2 The proposed housing development lies 4.5km from the Peak Dales Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Background

1.3 The proposals are for the demolition of an existing dwelling and outbuilding, and the erection of 31 dwellings, access and associated works.

Proximity to European sites

1.4 The Peak District Dales SAC comprises thirteen separate dales, supporting ten interest features regarded as rare or threatened in a European context. The greatest in extent are the ash woodlands and the calcareous grasslands.

1.5 The Peak Dales SAC is designated for containing a number of Annex I habitats including semi-natural dry grasslands and Tilio-Acerion forests, and Annex II species including white clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. A location map and citation for the designated site is presented in Appendix 1. Details are summarised as follows:

Special Area for Conservation (SAC) SAC name: Peak Dales SAC code: UK0019859 Cartesian Areas ha: 2326.33

1.6 The closest part of the SAC to the proposed development site above is a component Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known as The Wye Valley SSSI. This component site is located 4.5km east from the Macclesfield Old Road site at its closest point. The development site is separated from the SSSI/SAC by the Grin Low and Buxton Country Park and the town of Buxton.

Legislative considerations

1.7 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (hereafter referred to in this report as the Habitats Regulations) make provision for implementing the EC 1 Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora in Great Britain (hereafter referred to as the Habitats Directive). The Habitat Regulations detail measures relating to the conservation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs)2.

1.8 The Habitats Directive requires that the interest features (the species and habitats that occur on a European site) should be maintained in favourable conservation

1 Directive92/43/EEC, amended by Directive 97/62/EC 2 Classified under the Wild Birds Directive 79/409/EEC

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status. The Habitats Directive defines the conservation status of a species as favourable when:

— population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and — the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and — there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis;

1.9 The Habitats Directive defines the conservation status of a habitat as favourable when:

— its natural range and areas it covers within that range are stable or increasing, and — the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and — the conservation status of its typical species is favourable

1.10 To ensure European sites are managed to achieve and maintain favourable conservation status, objectives specific to the interest features are identified for each site. These include objectives relating to the maintenance of existing habitats, the monitoring of species distribution and abundance, and the assessment of potentially damaging activities.

1.11 Competent authorities have a statutory duty under Regulation 61 of the Habitats Regulations, to assess the implications of a plan or project on a European site:

61.—(1) A competent authority, before deciding to undertake, or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for, a plan or project which—

(a) is likely to have a significant effect on a European site or a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), and

(b) is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of that site,. must make an appropriate assessment of the implications for that site in view of that site’s conservation objectives

Approach

1.12 The first stage of exercising the duty imposed by Regulation 61 of the Habitats Regulation is therefore to assess whether the proposed housing development at Macclesfield Old Road, Buxton is likely to have a significant effect on the Peak Dales SAC, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. It is also necessary to determine if the proposals are directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site.

1.13 There are no known plans or projects which may have in combination effects relevant to the proposals, however this is addressed later in the assessment.

1.14 To establish the baseline conditions of the site for the ALSE, ecological surveys have been carried out. The survey area includes the site and immediately adjacent land.

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1.15 An extended Phase 1 Habitat survey was undertaken to identify key habitats and botanical species of interest within and adjacent to the proposed development site.

1.16 An appraisal of bird species likely to be using the habitats within the proposed development site was also completed.

2.0 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS

Description of the site

2.1 The location of the site and surrounding area is illustrated at Drawing G4984.001. The site comprises 1.28ha of land which lies immediately adjacent to the south of Macclesfield Old Road at the south western end of Buxton.

2.2 The application site consists of two distinct halves separated by a dry stone wall and fence. The eastern half of the site contains an occupied dwelling which is surrounded by a large unmanaged garden and detached outbuildings. The western half of the application site contains grazed semi-improved neutral grassland bounded by a dry stone wall.

2.3 To the north and north-west of the site the land slopes upwards towards the Peak District National Park. Immediately north of Macclesfield Old Road to the north of the site are a few large grazed improved grassland fields. To the west of this is a strip of woodland plantation known as Burbage-edge plantation. North and west of this is a large area of moorland.

2.4 The town of Buxton borders the east of the site, the closest part known as Burbage. To the south east of the site is an area of new housing. Directly south of the site is an area of marshy grassland on the site of an in-filled reservoir.

Description of works

2.5 The proposed scheme is to build 31 new detached properties. Vehicular access onto the site will be provided via the existing access point on Macclesfield Old Road.

2.6 Car parking provision on the site will be in accordance with Derbyshire County Council’s ‘Car Parking Standards in Derbyshire – Guidance Notes’. Within the site an access road which follows the existing access road will be provided. This will comprise two short (<25m) sections of 3.5m width with a 5.5m passing area.

2.7 The peak increase in traffic generated by the site has been calculated in the Transport Note produced by SBA. It was calculated that the trip generation from the proposed development will result in 19 two-way trips in the morning peak (08:00 – 09:00) and 20 two-way trips in the afternoon peak (17:00 – 18:00). The report concludes that the traffic generated by the proposed development will be minimal.

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3.0 FEATURES OF INTEREST IN THE RELEVANT EUROPEAN SITE

The Peak Dales SAC

3.1 The Peak Dales SAC is of international importance due to the Annex I habitats and Annex II species it supports.

3.2 The majority of the site comprises semi-natural dry grasslands and Tilio-Acerion forests.

3.3 The land use within this area is driven by a combination of agriculture, rough grazing for sheep and grouse shooting. Ecosystem maintenance relies on appropriate management of grazing and burning regimes. Overgrazing by sheep, scrub invasion and inappropriate drainage all present threats to the ecosystem.

3.4 Favourable management is attempting to be achieved through a number of projects, including the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and the White Peak Wildlife Enhancement Scheme.

3.5 Limestone grasslands are susceptible to inappropriate grazing regimes which are in conflict with management more suited to nature conservation purposes. This has resulted in overgrazing or neglect and scrub invasion, leading to losses of vegetation communities.

3.6 Regeneration of shrub and canopy species within the woodland is limited by grazing livestock. This has also resulted in a degraded ground flora. Rhodedendron has also invaded some areas, out competing native flora. Dominance of sycamore is problematic and its eradication forms part of a long term plan to gain a more natural and diverse age structure within the woodland.

3.7 Table 3.2 lists and describes the habitats of interest for which the Peak Dales SAC is internationally important. The registration entries and citations presented in Appendix 1 provide further information.

Table 3.2: Habitats and Species for which the Peak Dales SAC is important Habitat % Cover Function of Peak Dales SAC Importance

European dry 0.5 Acidic heath grassland mosaic with heather International heaths Calluna vulgaris, bilberry Vaccinimu myrtillus, dwarf gorse Ulex gallii and many other calcifugous (lime-hating) species. This heath can grade into a taller scrub dominated by dwarf gorse. Calaminarian 0.6 Large areas of this grassland occur on the International grasslands of the dalesides, often with acid grassland and heath Violetalia on leached soils along the top edges. A calaminariae specialised flora has developed on lead spoil from the old mines scattered across the site and includes the nationally scarce leadwort Minuartia verna. Semi-natural dry 42.3 Peak District Dales is one of the most International grasslands and extensive surviving areas in England of scrubland facies: CG2 Festuca ovina – Avenula pratensis on calcareous grassland. Grasslands at this site range from substrates hard-grazed short turf through to tall herb-rich

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Habitat % Cover Function of Peak Dales SAC Importance

(Festuco- vegetation, with transitions through to Brometalia) calcareous scrub and 9180 Tilio-Acerion forests – a diversity of structural types unparalleled in the UK. There is also a great physical diversity due to rock outcrops, cliffs, screes and a variety of slope gradients and aspects. In contrast to examples of Festuca – Avenula grassland on chalk to the south, these grasslands are less at risk from the threat of invasion by upright brome Bromopsis erecta and tor-grass Brachypodium pinnatum, which are at the edge of their range here and have limited vigour. The relatively cold oceanic nature of the climate means that there is enrichment with northern floristic elements, such as limestone bedstraw Galium sterneri and globeflower Trollius europaeus. Alkaline fens 0.1 A number of the dales also support fen International vegetation associated with springs and flushes. These include alkaline fen vegetation, which supports species such as the common butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris. Calcareous and 1.2 This habitat is considered to be rare as its total International calcshist screes of extent in the United Kingdom is estimated to be the montane to less than 1000 hectares and the Peak Dales alpine levels SAC supports a significant presence. (Thlaspietea rotundifolii) Calcareous rocky 0.5 Rock outcrops are typically colonised by early International slopes with flowering species such as rue-leaved saxifrage chasmophytic Saxifraga tridactylites and shining cranesbill vegetation Geranium lucidum. Smaller species of ferns are often abundant and these include rusty- back Ceterach officinarum and green spleenwort Asplenium viride. This habitat in the Dales is one of the strongholds for the endemic moss Brachythecium appelyardiae. Dove Dale is one of the richest sites in the Peak District for lichens, in particular for saxicolous (rock- loving) species, such as Clathroporina calcarea, which occurs on vertical limestone crags, and Solorina spongiosa and Verrucaria murina. Tilio-Acerion 37.5 Representing the north-central part of its UK International forests of slopes, range, this site in the English Midlands screes and contains a large area of Tilio-Acerion, ravines dominated by ash Fraxinus excelsior. Locally, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus is abundant. The Dales provide good examples of woodland-scrub-grassland transitions, with associated rich invertebrate populations and plant communities. Among the uncommon plants present in the woods are mezereon Daphne mezereum and green hellebore Helleborus viridis, as well as whitebeams Sorbus spp. on the crags. Austropotamobius The River Dove represents white-clawed International

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Habitat % Cover Function of Peak Dales SAC Importance

pallipes crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes in a high- quality, upland limestone river, in the north- east of the species’ UK range. (See below also) Lampetra planeri Many dales are dry but some have streams in International winter only and some, permanent or semi- permanent rivers. These watercourses support important populations of brook lamprey Lampetra planeri, bullhead Cottus gobio and white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. Cottus gobio See above.

Conservation objectives

3.8 Subject to natural change, the conservation objectives for the Peak Dales SAC are as follows:

“Ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate ensure that the site contributes to achieving Favourable Conservation Status of its qualifying features by maintaining or restoring:

 The extent and distribution of qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species;  The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats;  The structure and function of the habitats of qualifying species;  The supporting processes on which qualifying natural habitats of qualifying species rely;  The populations of qualifying species;  The distribution of qualifying species within the site.”

4.0 BASELINE CONDITIONS

Habitats within the site

4.1 An extended phase 1 habitat survey was conducted by NLG Ecology on the 18th December 2012 (see Appendix 2). The survey area encompassed the entirety of the application site and immediate surrounding habitats. The survey approach adhered to the standard methodology as detailed in JNCC guidelines (JNCC, 2010).

4.2 The habitats are illustrated at the drawing presented in Appendix 2. Target notes and descriptions of habitats of note are also presented in Appendix 2.

4.3 Habitats identified in accordance with JNCC 2010 classification methods within the survey area include:

 Mature scattered broad-leaved and coniferous trees  Semi-improved neutral grassland  Amenity grassland  Tall herb

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 Continuous introduced shrub  Scattered scrub  Dry stone walls  Rubble/brash piles  Buildings

4.4 The application site consists of two distinct halves separated by a dry stone wall and fence. The eastern half of the site contains an occupied dwelling which is surrounded by a large unmanaged garden and detached outbuildings. A significant proportion of this side of the site contains hard standing associated with the access tracks and gardens. The eastern half of the site can be seen in Figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1: Eastern half of the site

4.5 The western half of the application site contains grazed semi-improved neutral grassland bounded by a dry stone wall. The western half of the site can be seen in Figure 4-2.

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Figure 4-2: Western half of the site

4.6 The main access track leading into the eastern section of the application site is lined with mature broad leaved trees. The main species present include beech (Fagus sylvatica) and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). Coniferous trees also occur along the main access track and comprise mature Leyland Cyprus (Leylandii) .

4.7 The semi-improved grassland occurring along the western half of the site is generally species poor, although floristic species associated with spring and summer periods may have not been detected due to the timing of the survey. The main species present include Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), crested dog’s tail (Cynosorus cristatus), perennial rye-grass (Lolium perenne) and cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata). The dominant herbaceous plant is creeping buttercup. Within the eastern section of the application site are small patches of unmanaged semi- improved neutral grassland. Amenity grassland comprised of a regular mown lawn extends around the occupied dwelling.

4.8 Much of the site is covered in tall ruderal herb, characteristic of the abandoned character of the garden. This is dominated by rosebay willow-herb (Chamerion angustifolium) and nettle (Urtica dioica).

4.9 Introduced shrub, dominated by snowberry (Symphoricarpos sp.) is located along the boundary edges of the eastern half of the site and has extended into the tall herb. Some native shrubs are starting to colonise, such as goat willow (Salix caprea).

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Habitats in the vicinity of the site

4.10 Directly north of the site, on the far side of Macclesfield Old Road lies a few large open fields containing cattle and sheep-grazed improved grassland. Goslin Bar Farm is located in the south west corner of this field. A band of mixed woodland plantation (Burbage-edge Plantation) separates this field from moorland further north and west. Figure 4-3 shows the field and woodland plantation.

Figure 4-3: Macclesfield Old Road and adjacent fields and further plantation.

4.11 The ground rises steeply to the north of the track to the west of the site. This area is within the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA and the South Pennine Moors SAC. Both of these sites have previously been subject to HRA as part of the proposed development.

4.12 The land is cattle grazed, and contains rough grassland and blanket bog with no sphagnum species present. The land to the west and north west of the plantation is shown at Figure 4-4.

4.13 The thin strip of the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA and the South Pennine Moors SAC which connects the main body of this protected area to the end of Macclesfield Old Road, consists of a steep grass bank between the track and a dry stone wall at the base of the plantation.

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Figure 4-4: Land to the west of the site, north of the track.

Figure 4-5: Land to the north west of the woodland.

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4.14 Directly south of the site is a narrow valley created by the watercourse that runs through it. The valley is partially wooded along the watercourse. This area is shown at Figure 4-6.

Figure 4-6: Narrow valley to south of site.

Figure 4-7: Area of marshy grassland on area of disused reservoir to south of the site. A new housing area can be seen beyond.

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4.15 To the south of the valley is an area of marshy grassland located on the site of the disused and in-filled Burbage reservoir. Beyond this is an area of new housing within the south of Burbage. This area is shown at Figure 4-7

4.16 The land further south, on the far side of a disused railway bridge, contains a steep sided river valley, sheep-grazed short grassland and bracken. The A54 skirts along the side of the valley in this location. This area is shown at Figure 4-8.

Figure 4-8: Grazed steep sided valley to south west of the site, with A54 in background.

Key ecological features

4.17 Table 4.2 summarises the key ecological features of value within and adjacent to the proposed development site, which are considered to be potential ecological receptors. These receptors are identified as SAC features for which the proposed works may have legal or policy implications.

Table 4.1: Potential ecological receptors

European dry heaths SAC Annex 1 habitat This habitat is not present within or adjacent to the site.

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Calaminarian SAC Annex 1 habitat This habitat is not present within or grasslands of the adjacent to the site. Violetalia calaminariae Semi-natural dry SAC Annex 1 habitat This habitat is not present within or grasslands and adjacent to the site. scrubland facies: on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) Alkaline fens SAC Annex 1 habitat This habitat is not present within or adjacent to the site.

Calcareous and SAC Annex 1 habitat This habitat is not present within or calcshist screes of the adjacent to the site. montane to alpine levels (Thlaspietea rotundifolii)

Calcareous rocky SAC Annex 1 habitat This habitat is not present within or slopes with adjacent to the site. chasmophytic vegetation Tilio-Acerion forests of SAC Annex 1 habitat This habitat is not present within or slopes, screes and adjacent to the site. ravines Austropotamobius SAC Annex II No records of Austropotamobius pallipes Species pallipes within at least 1km of the site.

Highly unlikely that this species uses habitat within at least 1km of the site. More likely to be within dale streams. Lampetra planeri SAC Annex II No records of Lampetra planeri within Species at least 1km of the site.

Highly unlikely that this species uses habitat within at least 1km of the site. Cottus gobio SAC Annex II No records of Cottus gobio within at Species least 3km of the site.

Highly unlikely that this species uses habitat within at least 1km of the site.

5.0 ASSESSMENT OF LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS

5.1 The following potential impacts on the Peak Dales SAC have been identified which could result directly or indirectly as a consequence of the proposed housing development:

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 Habitat Loss

 Increase in pollution or contamination leading to damage or loss of SAC qualifying features.

5.2 The potential impact will now be assessed relating to each of the qualifying features for the SAC in order to determine whether the proposed development could have a significant effect on either the Peak Dales SAC.

Annex II SAC Species

Austropotamobius pallipes

Habitat loss

5.3 The Peak Dales SAC is located 4.5km east of the proposed development site. It is possible that white clawed crayfish could be present within the reach of the River Wye south of the proposed development, however, there is no evidence that this is the case. This species is not widespread is known to be largely restricted to the upland dale streams to the east.

5.4 As the site itself does not contain any suitable breeding or feeding habitat for this species there will be no direct loss of breeding habitat for white clawed crayfish through the development of the site.

Pollution

5.5 There is a negligible increased risk of indirect habitat degradation as a result of accidental pollution incidents due to increased domestic habitation.

5.6 There will be no changes to local hydrology or nitrification of surface water via foul water discharges into the River Wye. Foul water discharge will be taken via a separate piped system into the adopted Severn Trent Water assets. It is therefore considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in any negative impact on white clawed crayfish.

5.7 Ongoing monitoring of phosphate levels by Severn Trent Water in consultation with The Environment Agency and Natural England, will ensure that phosphate levels do not exceed the conservation target level of 0.04mg/l and are maintained at an acceptable level.

5.8 The proposed development will therefore not have any direct or indirect disturbance impacts on white clawed crayfish due to increased pollution or contamination, on this species.

Overall Assessment

5.9 There will be no direct loss of white clawed crayfish breeding habitat. There may be a negligible increase in risk of contamination from domestic pollution incidents into the River Wye however, this is considered highly unlikely. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on white clawed crayfish will be no more than negligible.

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Lampetra planeri

Habitat loss

5.10 The Peak Dales SAC is located 4.5km east of the proposed development site. It is possible that river lamprey may use the reach of the River Wye area to the south of the proposed development however, there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case.

5.11 As the site does not contain any suitable breeding or feeding habitat for this species there will be no direct loss of breeding habitat for river lamprey through the development of the site.

Pollution

5.12 There is a negligible increased risk of indirect habitat degradation as a result of accidental pollution incidents due to increased domestic habitation.

5.13 There will be no changes to local hydrology or nitrification of surface water via foul water discharges into the River Wye. Foul water discharge will be taken via a separate piped system into the adopted Severn Trent Water assets. It is therefore considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in any negative impact on river lamprey.

5.14 Ongoing monitoring of phosphate levels by Severn Trent Water in consultation with The Environment Agency and Natural England, will ensure that phosphate levels do not exceed the conservation target level of 0.04mg/l and are maintained at an acceptable level.

5.15 The proposed development will therefore not have any direct or indirect disturbance impacts on river lamprey due to increased pollution or contamination.

Overall Assessment

5.16 There will be no direct loss of river lamprey breeding habitat. There may be a negligible increase in risk of contamination from domestic pollution incidents into the River Wye however, this is considered highly unlikely. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on river lamprey will be no more than negligible.

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Cottus gobio

Habitat loss

5.17 The Peak Dales SAC is located 4.5km east of the proposed development site. It is possible that bullhead could be present within the reach of the River Wye south of the development site however, there is no evidence that this is the case.

5.18 As the site does not contain any suitable breeding or feeding habitat for bullhead, there will be no direct loss of habitat for this species through the development of the site.

Pollution

5.19 There is a negligible increased risk of indirect habitat degradation as a result of accidental pollution incidents due to increased domestic habitation.

5.20 There will be no changes to local hydrology or nitrification of surface water via foul water discharges into the River Wye. Foul water discharge will be taken via a separate piped system into the adopted Severn Trent Water assets. It is therefore considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in any negative impact on bullhead.

5.21 Ongoing monitoring of phosphate levels by Severn Trent Water in consultation with The Environment Agency and Natural England, will ensure that phosphate levels do not exceed the conservation target level of 0.04mg/l and are maintained at an acceptable level.

5.22 The proposed development will therefore not have any direct or indirect disturbance impacts due to increased pollution or contamination, on this species.

Overall Assessment

5.23 There will be no direct loss of bullhead breeding habitat as a result of the development. There may be a negligible increase in risk of contamination from domestic pollution incidents into the River Wye however, this is considered highly unlikely. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on bullhead will be no more than negligible.

Annex 1 SAC Habitats

5.24 There are none of the Annex 1 SAC habitats within the vicinity of the proposed development site. As such, the following assessments are applicable to all of the habitats as listed below:

 European Dry Heath

 Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia calaminariae

 Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies: on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia)

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 Alkaline fens

 Calcareous and calcshist screes of the montane to alpine levels (Thlaspietea rotundifolii)

 Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation

 Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines

Habitat Loss

5.25 There are none of the Annex 1 SAC Habitats as listed above, within the site or within the vicinity of the site. The proposed development will therefore not result in any direct loss of this habitat type.

Pollution/Contamination

5.26 It is considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in any negative impact on any of the Annex 1 SAC Habitats listed above, through habitat degradation and loss as a result of surface and foul water discharges into the River Wye (from changes to local hydrology or nitrification).

5.27 The peak increase in traffic generated by the site has been calculated as 19 two- way trips in the morning peak (08:00 – 09:00) and 20 two-way trips in the afternoon peak (17:00 – 18:00) each day. This is considered to be a minimal traffic increase and increased traffic levels are therefore highly unlikely to negatively impact European dry heath habitat through a change in air quality.

Overall Assessment

5.28 There are none of the Annex 1 SAC Habitats listed above, within the site or within the vicinity of the site. Any increase in damage to this habitat type through pollution is likely to be negligible. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on this habitat within the SAC will be no more than negligible.

In-combination Effects

5.29 A search of planning applications was made for any residential development of 2 properties or more within 2km of the proposed development.

5.30 There are no known planning applications for new residential development of more than 2 properties within 2km of the proposed development.

5.31 There are therefore considered to be no significant effects on the Peak Dales SAC either from the proposed development alone, or in-combination with other relevant developments.

6.0 SUMMARY

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6.1 The proposals are for 31 new detached houses at the south western end of Buxton. This proposed site lies approximately 4.5km from the Peak Dales SAC.

6.2 The SAC is designated for supporting a number of Annex 1 habitats, including European dry heath, calaminarian grasslands, calcareous rocky slopes and alkaline fens. None of these habitats are present within the proposed development site and will not be directly impacted upon by the development.

6.3 The proposed development will not result in a direct loss of any of the species which are qualifying features of the Peak Dales SAC which are river lamprey, white clawed crayfish and bullhead. Any negative impacts on these species through pollution or contamination are highly unlikely and are therefore assessed as negligible.

6.4 Management and monitoring of phosphate levels by Severn Trent Water, the Environment Agency and Natural England will ensure that levels are maintained at an acceptable level conducive to retaining water quality critical to these SAC species.

6.5 There will be no likely significant effect upon the Peak Dales SAC as a result of the proposals.

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7.0 REFERENCES

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APPENDIX 1. Designated Site Maps, Citations and Registry Entry Forms

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DRAWINGS G4984.001 Site location, designated sites and surrounding area

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