Itchen Bank Sewage Treatment Works, Welsh Road West, near CV47 2BH

PLANNING, DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

Installation of a kiosk

Contents 01 Introduction ...... 1 Severn Trent Water ...... 1 Scope of Project/Background ...... 1 STWL/External Driver...... 1 02 Site and Surrounding Area ...... 2 03 Planning History ...... 1 04 The Development Proposal ...... 2 Amount and Scale ...... 2 Layout ...... 2 Appearance ...... 3 Landscaping ...... 3 Access ...... 3 Flood Risk/Drainage ...... 3 Ecology ...... 4 Noise ...... 6 Heritage ...... 6 Odour ...... 7 05 Planning Policy ...... 8 Stratford on Avon District Core Strategy 2011-2031 (July 2016) ...... 8 County Council Waste Core Strategy (July 2013) ...... 13 National Planning Policy Framework NPPF (2019) ...... 15 National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) - Water supply, wastewater and water quality (22 July 2019) ...... 16 06 Planning Policy Assessment ...... 17 07 Conclusion ...... 19

Document Author Version Date Approved By Comments

Antonia Wyatt LLB (Hons) MSc MRTPI A 29/04/2020 Sarah DeRenzy- 04/05/2020 Tomson

01 Introduction

Severn Trent Water

Severn Trent Water Limited (STWL) is a regulated business with statutory responsibilities for the provision of water and sewerage services to over eight million people and businesses in an area stretching across the heart of the UK, from the Bristol Channel to the Humber, and from the West to the East Midlands. STWL is currently implementing its Asset Management Plan for AMP7 (April 2020 to March 2025), which is the mechanism by which the regulator OFWAT defines in a five-year capital expenditure programme for all water companies. Investment during the AMP7 period is in response to a number of key challenges including population growth and the importance of protecting the environment. Investment during this period seeks to build the resilience of water supply, reduce leakage and pollution incidents. There will also be investment in treatment works and plans to protect the environment.

Scope of Project/Background

This document has been prepared on behalf of STWL to support the planning application seeking consent for the installation of a new Motor Control Centre (MCC) Kiosk within the existing sewage treatment works at Itchen Bank, Southam. This application should be read alongside the following plans and documents:

• A7S13288 PA03601 B Site Location Plan

• A7S13288 PA03602 A Existing Site Layout Plan

• A7S13288 PA03603 B Proposed Site Layout Plan

• A7S13281 PA03604 C Motor Control Centre Kiosk Plan & Elevations

• Flood Risk Assessment MWH Treatment Ltd

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Middlemarch Environmental Ltd (May 2019)

• Otter and Water Vole Survey Middlemarch Environmental Ltd (October 2019)

STWL/External Driver

Itchen Bank STW is subject to tightening Phosphorous discharge consents and the proposed works are necessary in order for Severn Trent to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and a growing population in the catchment area.

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02 Site and Surrounding Area

The proposed site is situated to the north-west of the town of Southam, to the north of Welsh Road West, at Grid Reference: SP40697 62786 (Easting: 440697, Northing: 262786). The site falls within the jurisdictional areas of the Stratford on Avon District Council and Warwickshire County Council.

The application site is located within the boundary of the existing sewage treatment works and principally comprises areas of existing hard standing, tall ruderal and amenity grassland. The site is located outside the Built-up Area Boundary of Southam and is surrounded by farmland in arable use and pockets of woodland. The River Itchen runs along the north-western boundary of the site.

Much of Itchen Bank Sewage Treatment Works is located within areas of Flood Zone 2-3, and therefore has a medium-high probability of flooding.

There are a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest within 5km of the application site. The nearest include: & Ufton Woods SSSI approximately 1.1km to the west of the site, Ufton Fields SSSI approximately 2.3km south-west of the site , Harbury Railway Cutting SSSI is approximately 3.2km to the sough-west of the site, Stockton Railway Cutting and Quarry SSSI approximately 3.5km to the north-east of the site, and Calcutt Locks Meadows SSSI is approximately 5.6km to the north-east. Ufton Fields Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is approximately 2.3km to the south-west of the site and Stockton Railway Cutting LNR is approximately 3.7km to the north-east. The nearest heritage assets to the site are Stoney Thorpe Hall and adjoining stable block and outbuildings (Grade II) approximately 650m to the south-west of the site. There are also several II listed assets in Bascote approximately 800m to the north of the site and a large number in the centre of Southam approximately 1.3km to the south-east of the site.

The nearest residential property to the site is located at Ford Farm, approximately 350m to the south of the site. The farm buildings adjacent to this property appear to have been converted to industrial units.

The site is not affected by any public rights of way.

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03 Planning History

The site has the following planning history:

• SDC/14CM009 – Internal Improvements with new plant and machinery within the existing site – approved 31/03/2014.

• SDC/11CM021 – New Motor Control Centre Kiosk – approved 10/10/2011.

• 96/00307/FUL (Stratford on Avon Reference) – Proposed mess room, blower house kiosk and sludge thickener kiosk – permitted 23/04/1996.

• 93/01488/FUL (Stratford on Avon Reference) – Improvement of access road – permitted 01/06/1994.

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04 The Development Proposal

The works proposed at Itchen Bank STW are required to upgrade the existing infrastructure on site to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive, and the future needs of the catchment. The works will be predominantly located in the north-western section of the existing STW which currently comprises an area of existing hardstanding and areas of tall ruderal, and will include the installation of:

- An LV Kiosk - A Backwash Returns Pumping Station

- A Dirty Backwash Tank

- A Tertiary Filter Slab - A Clean Backwash Tank

- A Tertiary Solids Removal (TSR) Motor Control Centre (MCC) Kiosk (22m3)

- A Motor Control Centre (MCC) Kiosk - A Tertiary Filter Feed Pumping Station

All of the works proposed above comprise permitted development, as set out under out in Schedule 2, Part 13, Class B of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) () Order 2015, with the exception of the MCC kiosk which will exceed the relevant threshold of 29m3 set out in Part 13 and will require planning permission. This application therefore seeks permission for the installation of the MCC kiosk. However, for completeness and to provide context, the permitted elements of the proposed works have been included on the Proposed Site Layout Plan (A7S13288 PA03603) edged in green.

Amount and Scale

The proposed kiosk will measure 6.0m (L) x 4.0m (W) x 3.0m (H). It will have a capacity of approximately 72m3 and a footprint of 24m2.

For further details see Drawing No. A7S13288 PA03604.

Layout

The layout of the proposed development is shown on Drawing No. A7S13288 PA03603, which has been submitted as part of this application.

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Appearance

The proposed MCC Kiosk will be constructed from Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) and will be coloured Goose Grey (BS4800 00-A-05). On the north-eastern elevation (Elevation A) it will have a double access door with a removable transom panel over the door.

For further information refer to Drawing No. A7S13288 PA03604.

Landscaping

Mature vegetation and trees along the boundaries of the site ensure that it the site is well screened from views from the surrounding landscape. This boundary vegetation will be retained as part of the works, and therefore it is not anticipated that the proposed works within the site will result in an adverse visual impact on the surrounding agricultural landscape.

Access

The site is accessed via a long access track leading north-east from Welsh Road West to the southern corner of the site. There is sufficient space for vehicles to park and turn within the site, and it is not anticipated that the proposed works will adversely affect highway safety, either during construction or post-completion.

Flood Risk/Drainage

The majority of the sewage treatment works, including the application site, is located within an area of Flood Zone 2-3 and has a medium to high probability of flooding. The north-western section of the site, and land adjoining the boundaries of the site also has a low risk of surface water flooding.

MWH Treatment Ltd have prepared a Flood Risk Assessment for the proposed works at Itchen Bank STW which considers the likely flood risk to the site, assesses the suitability of the works for the proposed location and demonstrates that the proposed development will not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere. The report identifies that the most likely source of flooding to the proposed development site is fluvial flooding from the River Itchen. The new works will be positioned adjacent to existing process units within the site and it is not possible to place them out of the flood plain. The works will result in a marginal increase in the extent of impermeable area/ hard standing on site. These areas will drain onto surrounding grassland and as such the proposed development will result in a negligible increase in the volume or rate of surface water leaving the site. Furthermore, all storm drainage will be collected by the existing surface water drainage system on site.

The proposed works fall within the “less vulnerable” land use classification as they come under the definition of “sewage treatment works with adequate measures to control pollution and manage sewage during flood events”. As such, the works are considered suitable for location within Flood Zones 1, 2 and 3a.

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The sequential test aims to steer new development to areas with the lowest probability of flooding, and the NPPF advises that development should not be permitted if there are reasonably available sites appropriate for the proposed development in areas with a lower risk of flooding. As the proposed works involve the upgrading of equipment within an existing operational site, it would not be practicable to relocate them to an area with a lower probability of flooding. The report concludes that the infrastructure to be installed will remain operational in times of flooding for the duration of its lifetime taking into account climate change. It will not reduce flood plain storage in the area, will not impede the flow of any flood water, and will not increase the volume or rate of surface water runoff leaving the site. Furthermore, the proposed works at Itchen Bank STW will operate automatically and therefore will not result in an increase in the number of people working in a flood risk area. The works are therefore considered suitable for this location.

Ecology

A Preliminary Ecology Appraisal has been prepared by Middlemarch Environmental Ltd (March 2019) and is submitted as part of this application. Further survey work was undertaken in relation to otters and water voles also by Middlemarch Environmental Ltd (October 2019) and this report is submitted with the application. The report identified no European statutory sites within 5km of the survey area, one UK statutory site within 2km (Long Itchington & Ufton Woods SSSI is approximately 1.1 km to the west) and nine non- statutory sites within 1km (the nearest being the River Itchen Potential Local Wildlife Site (pLWS) adjoining the western boundary of the site and Thorpe Rough (Fox Covert) Potential Wildlife Site/ Ancient & Semi Natural woodland approximately 270m south of the site). The report considers it unlikely that the works will directly affect these sites, however, has included recommendations to ensure the works do not indirectly adversely impact these sites. As the remaining non-statutory sites are located in excess of 270m of the site, and given the nature of the works, it is considered that the risk of significant harm or disturbance to these sites is negligible. With regard to habitats, the report identified that the site as a working sewage treatment works dominated by habitats associated with the built environment. The site mainly comprises areas of hardstanding, buildings and structures, surrounded by areas of amenity grassland, tall ruderal and trees. The areas of amenity grassland and tall ruderal within the site are considered to be reasonably commonly occurring habitats in the area and not a notable consideration for these works. However, the mature and semi-mature trees are considered to be of intrinsic value as they cannot easily be replaced in the short to medium term. The report has recommended that these be retained where possible. The buildings/ structures/ fencing/ and hard standing are considered to have low-species diversity.

The report has also identified records of protected and/ notable species including the following:

Bats The report identified a number of records of bats within 1km of the site. Two mature oaks overhanging the site were considered to provide suitable roosting features and vegetation (trees and tall ruderal) may provide suitable foraging habitat for a range of bat species. The River Itchen is also considered to provide a valuable wildlife corridor providing suitable commuting routes to further habitat in the wider landscape,

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such as pockets of woodland and parkland. Recommendations have therefore been included to prevent any harm to commuting or foraging bats during the development and operational phase of the development.

Badger No records of badger were identified within 1 km of the site and no evidence of badger activity was observed during the field survey. Given the rural setting of the site it is likely that badgers may pass through on occasion or utilise the site for foraging opportunities. Therefore, a recommendation regarding the protection of foraging and commuting terrestrial mammals has been included within the report.

Hedgehog

Five records of hedgehog were identified within a 1km radius of the survey area and the tall ruderal habitats on site offer suitable foraging opportunities with links to suitable habitat in the surrounding area. As such, a recommendation regarding the protection of foraging and commuting terrestrial mammals has been included within the report.

Hare

Three records of brown hare were identified within 1km radius of the site. The report advises that Hares tend to favour vast open habitats which are present in the wider landscape. Although not present within the site, it is considered possible that brown hare may commute through the site and so a recommendation regarding the protection of foraging and commuting terrestrial mammals has been included.

Aquatic Mammals

The River Itchen adjoining the western boundary of the site is noted for the presence of water vole, white- clawed crayfish and as providing suitable habitat for otter. In accordance with recommendations R7 and R8, additional otter and water vole surveys were undertaken (Middlemarch Environmental, October 2019).

These surveys revealed evidence of water vole foraging remains on site which indicated that the watercourse is occasionally used by water vole but revealed no evidence of the presence of otter. As no burrows, holts or lay-ups were observed it is not anticipated that the works will include any licensable activities for either species. Nevertheless, precautionary recommendations have been made to protect any foraging/commuting animals which may use the site, and these will be followed. Refer to the submitted ecology reports for further information on the surveys undertaken and recommendations made.

Amphibians A number of amphibian records were identified within 1km of the site, including 16 records of Great Crested Newt (GCN). There are no ponds present on site; however, there are four ponds within 500 m. The nearest pond is located 190 m to the south-east, and the other ponds are located over 250 m from the site – one was located on the opposite side of the River Itchen and the other two were located to the south of Welsh Road West. These features are considered to provide barriers to migration and as such connectivity between the ponds and the site is restricted. The habitats present on site were considered sub-optimal for terrestrial amphibians and the pond located to the south-east was set among arable

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farmland, which provides sub optimal terrestrial opportunities. Considering the habitats present, it is not considered likely that amphibians would be encountered during the works, although a precautionary recommendation has been included in the report.

Reptiles Records of two reptile species have been identified within 1km of the site, grass snake and common lizard. The site and surrounding habitats are considered to provide suboptimal habitats for reptiles, although the tall ruderal vegetation located along the boundary shared with the River Itchen provided suitable opportunities for temporary shelter and connectivity to the wider landscape. Considering the habitats present it is considered possible that individuals may pass through the site on occasion; however, it is not considered likely the site would support a dependent population. Any reptiles present on site at the time of potential future construction works could be adversely impacted and as such, a recommendation has been included within the report.

Birds

The report identified a number of bird species listed as Species of Principal Importance for Nature Conservation in England, and during the survey, moorhens were noted to be nesting within the settling tank and further potential for nesting birds in the trees and buildings was identified. It is considered that there may be potential for nesting birds to be affected by the works, but due to the presence of alternative habitats in the surrounding area, it is considered that birds should not be adversely affected in the long- term. A recommendation regarding nesting birds has been included.

White-clawed Crayfish

No records of white-clawed crayfish were identified in proximity to the site; however, the River Itchen is known to support this species. Due to the proximity of the site to the River Itchen, in the absence of appropriate pollution prevention, there is the potential for any works to adversely impact white-clawed crayfish indirectly. Therefore, recommendations to protect this species have been made.

Conclusion It is proposed to undertake the works in accordance with the recommendations set out in the report in order to avoid adversely impacting any protected/ notable species and habitats present on and around the site.

Noise

There may be temporary short-term impacts associated within the installation of the proposed works. However, once the upgrading works are complete, it is not anticipated that the site will generate increased levels of noise which could adversely affect local amenity.

Heritage

The nearest heritage assets to the site are Stoney Thorpe Hall and adjoining stable block and outbuildings (Grade II) approximately 650m to the south-west of the site. There are also several II listed assets in

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Bascote approximately 800m to the north of the site and a large number in the centre of Southam approximately 1.3km to the south-east of the site. As the proposed works will all be within the existing boundaries of the operational site, which benefits from dense and mature screening along its boundaries, it is considered unlikely that any of these heritage assets will be adversely affected by the proposed works. Any impact to their setting resulting from construction is likely to be temporary in nature.

Odour

It is considered unlikely that the proposed works will generate levels of odour which would adversely affect local amenity.

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05 Planning Policy

Planning policy relating to the application site is formed through:

• Local Planning Policy

• National Planning Policy

Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires applications for planning permission to be determined in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The development Plan material to the proposal consists of:

• Stratford on Avon Core Strategy 2011-2031 (adopted July 2016)

• Warwickshire County Council Waste Core Strategy (adopted July 2013)

In addition to the Development Plan, applications should also have regard to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), National Planning Practice Guidance and Landscape Character and Design Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which are material considerations in any determination.

Stratford on Avon District Core Strategy 2011-2031 (July 2016)

Summarised below are the most relevant policies:

Policy CS.1 – Sustainable Development (23)

The Council supports and will apply the principle that planning to secure a high-quality environment, managed economic growth and social equity are of equal importance.

All development proposals should contribute towards the character and quality of the District and to the well-being of those who live and work in and visit the District. Development should be located and designed so that it contributes towards the maintenance of sustainable communities within the District. When considering development proposals, the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It will work proactively with applicants to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area.

Planning applications that accord with the policies in the Core Strategy (and, where relevant, with policies in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

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Where there are no polices in the Core Strategy that are relevant to the application, the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise, taking into account whether:

• Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the NPPF when taken as a whole; or

• Specific policies in the NPPF indicate that development should be restricted.

Policy CS.4 – Water Environment and Flood Risk (36)

All development proposals will take into account, dependent on their scale, use and location, the predicted impact of climate change on the District’s water environment. Measures will include sustainable use of water resources, minimising water consumption, protecting and improving water quality, and minimising flood risk from all sources, as set out in the most up-to-date Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.

A. Flood Risk Areas

All development proposals should be located in Flood Risk Zone 1 (Low Probability Flood Risk).

Development within the Environment Agency’s flood risk zones 2 and 3a will only be acceptable when the sequential test and, where applicable, the exception test have been satisfied, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. Land use in High Probability Flood Zone 3b should be restricted to water compatible or, with the exception test, essential infrastructure. The flood plain will be maintained and, where opportunities arise, restored in order to maximise natural storage of flood water, reduce flooding problems and increase landscape, ecological and conservation value.

B. Surface Water Runoff and Sutainable Urban Drainage Systems

This states that development will not be permitted where it would result in an increase in the risk of flooding elsewhere, and requires surface water to be appropriately managed.

C. Enhancing and protecting the Water Environment.

It states that development proposals that lie adjacent to a canal, river, or tributary should ensure that the natural features and functions of the water course and its wider corridor are retained, or where possible reinstated and that appropriate habitat buffers are established. It states that development proposals will take full account of the biodiversity value of watercourses and river corridors and their role in supporting local ecological networks. Impacts from lighting, noise, and visual disturbances should be avoided and mitigated and opportunities to create, enhance and restore adjacent habitats for biodiversity will be encouraged.

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D. Water Quality

In accordance with the Water Framework Directive’s Objectives, development must not affect the water bodies’ ability to reach good status or potential as set out in the Rivers Severn, Humber and Thames River Basin Management Plans (RBMP). Development will not be permitted where proposals have a negative impact on water quality, either directly through pollution of surface or ground water, or indirectly through the overloading of Wastewater Treatment Works. Prior to any potential development, consultation must be help with Severn Trent Water or Thames Water as appropriate to ensure that the required wastewater infrastructure is in place in sufficient time.

Policy CS.5 – Landscape The landscape character and quality of the District will be maintained by ensuring that development takes place in a manner that minimises and mitigates its impact and, where possible, incorporates measures to enhance the landscape. The cumulative impact of development proposals on the quality of the landscape will be taken into account.

Policy CS.6 – Natural Environment

Development will be expected to contribute towards a resilient ecological network throughout the District that supports ecosystems and provides ecological security for wildlife, people, the economy and tourism. Developments that are likely to have an adverse effect either directly, indirectly or cumulatively upon a site designated through the EC Habitats Directive or Birds Directive will not be permitted.

A. Biodiversity Proposals will be expected to minimise impacts, and where possible, secure a net gain in biodiversity, and this policy sets out a number of ways in which this might be achieved.

Policy CS.8 – Historic Environment

A. Protection and Enhancement The District’s historic environment will be protected an enhanced for its inherent value and for the enjoyment of present and future residents and visitors.

Priority will be given to protecting and enhancing the wide range of historic and cultural assets that contribute to the character and identity of the District, including: 1. Designated heritage assets such as Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Registered Gardens, the Battle of Edgehill Historic Battlefield, Scheduled Monuments, and sites of archaeological importance, and their settings; 2. non-designated heritage assets and their settings;

3. Stratford-upon-Avon’s historic townscape and street scene, and sites associated with William Shakespeare, to maintain the town’s international and cultural importance; 4. the distinctive character of the market towns, villages and hamlets, including their settings, townscapes, streets, spaces and built form;

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5. features that reflect the historic interaction of human activity on the landscape, including local vernacular building styles and materials, traditional farm buildings, and historic features associated with canals, navigations and railways;

6. working with the highways authority and infrastructure providers to ensure works to streets and the public realm do not detract from the historic value of the street scene; and;

7. seeking to reduce the number of heritage assets at risk.

Policy CS.9 – Design and Distinctiveness A. Ensuring Local Distinctiveness

All forms of development will improve the quality of the public realm and enhance the sense of place, reflecting the character and distinctiveness of the locality. Proposals that would damage or destroy features which positively contribute to local distinctiveness will not be permitted. Understanding local context is key to achieving good design and proposals should take into account any relevant design principles and contextual analysis set out in local guidance. Where required as part of a planning application, Design and Access Statements will set out how new development responds to its unique context and enhances local distinctiveness.

B. Ensuring High Quality Design High quality design will be achieved by ensuring that all development is:

1. Attractive: Proposals will be of a high-quality architectural design and include appropriate landscaping to create places where people want to live, work and visit. Proposals should use a limited palette of materials to give coherence to the overall design. The provision of landscaping will be accompanied by appropriate mechanisms to ensure its ongoing management and maintenance.

2. Sensitive: Proposals, including layout and orientation, will be sensitive to the setting, existing built form, neighbouring uses, landscape character and topography of the site and locality. Proposals will reflect the context of the locality, ensuring a continuity of key design features that establishes the identity of the place, making best use of on-site assets including landscaping features as well as public views and vistas and not harming existing ones. 3. Distinctive: The layout of proposals will be easy to navigate with buildings designed and positioned to define and enhance a hierarchy of streets and spaces, taking account of the relationship between building height and street width. Public and private spaces should be clearly defined and areas that have little or no public or biodiversity value should be avoided. Densities should be appropriate to the site taking into account the fact a key principle of good design is the relationship between the height, width and depth of buildings.

4. Connected: Proposals will be well-integrated with existing built form, enhancing the network of streets, footpaths and green infrastructure across the site and the locality, and retaining existing rights of way.

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5. Environmentally Sustainable: Proposals will respond to climate change. Measures should include energy efficiency technologies, low carbon and renewable energy sources, the use of local materials where possible, effective water management and flood protection, and appropriate landscaping. 6. Accessible: Proposals will encourage walking and cycling and provide for or be close to, community facilities, having good access to public transport.

7. Safe: Proposals will incorporate effective measures to help reduce crime and the fear of crime and to minimise danger from traffic. Schemes linked to the evening and night-time economy will incorporate measures to help manage anti-social behaviour and to avoid unacceptable impact on neighbouring uses, residents and the surrounding area. Measures should include pedestrian and cycle friendly streets and opportunities for natural surveillance whilst avoiding large parking courts and blank building elevations.

8. Healthy: Proposals will ensure a good standard of space and amenity for occupiers. Occupants of new and neighbouring buildings will be protected from unacceptable levels of noise, contamination and pollution, loss of daylight and privacy, and adverse surroundings.

C. Design Innovation High quality design innovation will be encouraged where it reflects and complements the immediate local environment and maximises sustainability benefits. Where such an approach is appropriate it should be based on the characteristics of the built environment in the local area and have a beneficial purpose.

Policy AS.10 – Countryside and Villages

In order to help maintain the vitality of rural communities and a strong rural economy, provision will be made for a wide range of activities and development in rural parts of the District.

All proposals will be thoroughly assessed against the principles of sustainable development, including the need to:

• minimise impact on the character of the local landscape, communities and environmental features;

• minimise impact on the occupiers and users of existing properties in the area;

• avoid a level of increase in traffic on rural roads that would be harmful to the local area;

• make provision for sustainable forms of transport wherever appropriate and justified;

• prioritise the re-use of brownfield land and existing buildings; and

• seek to avoid the loss of large areas of higher quality agricultural land.

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Policy CS.25 – Healthy Communities

A. Infrastructure, Services and Community Facilities With the release of land for development, suitable arrangements will be put in place to improve infrastructure, services and community facilities to mitigate impact of development and integrate it with the existing community.

Warwickshire County Council Waste Core Strategy (July 2013)

Policy CS2 – The Spatial Waste Planning Strategy for Warwickshire

This policy sets out the locations where preference will be given for the location of waste management facilities. Within the broad locations identified, the policy states that new waste developments will be directed to certain kinds of sites, including:

• land within or adjoining a sewage treatment works.

Policy CS8 – Safeguarding of Waste Management Sites The County Council will seek to safeguard existing waste facilities and sites in suitable locations with a permitted permanent waste management use. The County Council will object to proposals for non-waste development within or adjacent to these sites where they may prevent or unreasonably restrict the use of that site for waste management purposes.

Policy DM1 – Protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment

New waste development should conserve, and where possible enhance, the natural and built environment by ensuring that there are no unacceptable adverse impacts upon:

• Natural resources (including water, air and soil);

• Biodiversity

• Geodiversity

• Archaeology

• Heritage and cultural assets and their settings

• The quality and character of the landscape

• Adjacent land uses of occupiers; and

• The distinctive character and setting of the County’s settlement.

Waste management proposals should demonstrate that valued landscapes and sites, species, habitats and heritage assets (and where relevant, their settings) of international importance will be preserved or conserved and where possible, enhanced.

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Proposals should also maintain or, where possible, enhance biodiversity and recognised sites, species, habitats and heritage assets of sub-regional or local importance, as well as designated Local Green Spaces or open space, sports and recreational facilities and land identified in Local Development Documents as of specific importance. If it is considered that the development is justified against the above criteria, proposals will only be permitted where the adverse impacts will be: i) avoided; or

ii) satisfactorily mitigated (where it is demonstrated that adverse impacts have been avoided as far as possible); or iii) adequately compensated or offset as a last resort where any adverse impacts cannot be avoided or satisfactorily mitigated.

Policy DM2 – Managing Health, Economic and Amenity Impacts of Waste Development Planning permission will not be grated for waste management proposals which have unacceptable adverse impacts on the local environment, economy or communities though any of the following:

• Noise

• Lighting/illumination

• Visual intrusion

• Vibration

• Odour

• Dust

• Emissions

• Contamination

• Water quality

• Water quantity

• Road traffic

• Loss of best and most versatile agricultural land

• Land instability

Either individually or cumulatively with other existing or proposed developments.

Proposals will only be permitted where the adverse impacts will be

i) Avoided; or

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ii) Satisfactorily mitigated where an adverse impact cannot be avoided or the adverse impacts have been avoided as far as possible.

Policy DM6 – Flood Risk and Water Quality

Planning permission will not be granted where waste management proposals would be at risk of flooding or would be likely to increase the risk of flooding elsewhere. Planning permission will not be granted where waste management proposals would have a detrimental effect on water quality or achieving the targets of the Water Framework Directive.

National Planning Policy Framework NPPF (2019)

National planning policy guidance is set out in the NPPF, the relevant paragraphs are summarised below:

Paragraph 8 states that the planning system has three overarching objectives, which are interdependent and need to be pursued in mutually supportive ways. The first of these is an economic objective, to help build a strong, responsive and competitive economy by ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth, innovation and improved productivity; and by identifying and co-ordinating the provision of infrastructure.

Paragraph 11 states that there should be a presumption in favour of sustainable development. Local plans should positively seek opportunities to meet the development needs of their area and development proposals which accord with an up-to-date development plan should be approved without delay. Where there are no relevant development plan policies, or the policies are out-of-date, permission should be granted unless policies in the Framework that protect areas or assets of particular importance prove a clear reason for refusing the proposed development, or the adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in this Framework taken as a whole.

Paragraph 12 states that where a planning application conflicts with an up-to-date development plan Local Planning Authorities may take decisions that depart from an up-to-date development plan where material considerations in a particular case indicate that the plan should not be followed.

Paragraph 20 states that strategic policies should set out an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and quality of development, and make sufficient provision for: b) infrastructure for transport, telecommunications, security, waste management, water supply, wastewater, flood risk, coastal change management and the provision of minerals and energy. Paragraph 25 states that authorities should collaborate to identify the relevant strategic matters which they need to address in their plans, and should engage with infrastructure providers.

Paragraph 26 states that effective and on-going joint working between strategic policy-making authorities and relevant bodies is integral to the production of a positively prepared and justified strategy. In particular, joint working should help to determine where additional infrastructure is necessary.

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Paragraph 28 non-strategic policies should be used by local planning authorities and communities to set out more detailed policies for specific areas, neighbourhoods or types of development. This can include the provision of infrastructure.

Paragraph 80 states that planning policies and decisions should help to create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt.

Paragraph 81 states that planning policies should seek to address potential barriers to investment, such as inadequate infrastructure, services or housing, or a poor environment. Paragraph 122 states that planning policies and decisions should support development that makes efficient use of land, taking into account the availability and capacity of infrastructure and services – both existing and proposed – as well as their potential for further improvement. Paragraph 149 confirms that plans should take a proactive approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change, taking into account the long-term implications for flood risk, coastal change, water supply, biodiversity and landscapes, and the risk of overheating from rising temperatures. Policies should support appropriate measures to ensure the future resilience of communities and infrastructure to climate change impacts.

Paragraph 193 states that when considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance of a designated heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset’s conservation. This is irrespective of whether any potential harm amounts to substantial harm, total loss or less than substantial harm to its significance.

Paragraph 196 states that where a development proposal will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, this harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal including, where appropriate, securing its optimum viable use.

National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) - Water supply, wastewater and water quality (22 July 2019)

The NPPG provides guidance on water supply, wastewater and water quality. It states that adequate water and wastewater infrastructure is needed to support sustainable development. A healthy water environment will also deliver multiple benefits, such as helping to enhance the natural environment generally and adapting to climate change.

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06 Planning Policy Assessment

This application seeks consent for the installation of a new Motor Control Centre (MCC) Kiosk within the existing boundaries of Itchen Bank STW, near Southam. This kiosk forms part of a wider scheme of works being undertaken on the site to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and a growing population in the catchment area. The provision of infrastructure to meet existing and future requirements is supported in both local and national planning policy, and local authorities should seek to address potential barriers to investment, such as inadequate infrastructure, services or housing, or a poor environment (NPPF Paragraphs 8, 20, 25, 28 and 81).

The NPPF (paragraph 11) states that there should be a presumption in favour of sustainable development and that local authorities should positively seek opportunities to meet the development needs of their area. Proposals which accord with an up-to-date plan should be approved without delay. Policy CS.1 states that the Council will adopt this principle of sustainable development and will work proactively with applicants to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. The proposed works have been designed to be the minimum necessary to meet operational requirements, and the units will be coloured to assimilate within the existing site. Policy CS2 supports the development of waste management facilities on land within existing sewage treatment works, and it is considered that the vegetation along the boundaries of the site will ensure that the proposed works do not result in an adverse visual impact on the surrounding landscape. It is therefore considered that the works accord with Policies CS.5, CS.9, AS.10 and DM1.

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal has been undertaken by Middlemarch Environmental (May 2019 & October 2019) and has set out a number of recommendations to ensure that the proposed works do not adversely affect local ecology or any protected/ notable species or habitats. It is proposed that these will be adhered to and as such, it is considered that the proposed works are in accordance with Policies CS.6 and DM1. The proposed works are located within an area at risk of flooding, and as such a Flood Risk Assessment has been prepared to accompany this application. This report identifies that sewage treatment works are identified as “less vulnerable” land use classification so long as adequate measures are in place to control pollution and manage sewage during flooding events, and such less vulnerable uses are appropriate within Flood Zone 1, 2 and 3. It also concluded that the infrastructure to be installed will remain operational in times of flooding for the duration of its lifetime taking into account climate change. It will not reduce flood plain storage in the area, will not impede the flow of any flood water, and will not increase the volume or rate of surface water runoff leaving the site. Furthermore, the proposed works at Itchen Bank STW will operate automatically and therefore will not result in an increase in the number of people working in a flood risk area. The works are therefore considered suitable for this location and furthermore, as a driver of the works is to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive which seeks to protect and improve the water quality and water environment and it is also considered that the proposed works will comply with Policy CS.4.

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As the proposed works will all be within the existing boundaries of the operational site, which benefits from dense and mature screening along its boundaries, it is considered unlikely that any of the heritage assets in the areas surrounding the site will be adversely affected by the proposed works in accordance with Policy CS.8 and NPPF Paragraphs 193 and 196. The nearest residential property to the site is located at Ford Farm, approximately 350m to the south of the site. Given the distance and screening between this property and the site it is considered unlikely to be adversely impacted by the proposed works.

The proposed works are considered to accord with both local and national planning policy.

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07 Conclusion

This application seeks consent for the installation of a new Motor Control Centre (MCC) Kiosk within the existing boundaries of Itchen Bank STW. These features form part of a wider scheme of works being undertaken on the site to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and a growing population in the catchment area. The proposed works will be positioned within the boundaries of the existing operational site. They have been designed to be the minimum scale necessary to meet operational requirements, and existing boundary screening will help to ensure they do not have an adverse visual impact on local distinctiveness and the character of the surrounding landscape.

The works are not considered likely to result in any significant adverse impacts on any nearby heritage assets, local ecology, flood risk or amenity. The works are considered to accord fully with all relevant national and local planning policy, and it is respectfully requested that the application be approved.

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