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RiverLittle Ouse (Brandon to Thetford) PrefeasibilityStudy Stage 1 Report: Descriptionof Investigations
EnvironmentAgency Anglian Region BBR Ref 0006077/D5/135 EA ProjectRef: LVN17010
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River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibitity Study - Stage 1 Report: Description of lnvestigations
Purpose Draftfor Discussion
Front Cover Photo AbbeyHeath Weir,River Little Ouse, Thet{ord.
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River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Reporl: Description of Investigations
Tableof Contents
|NTRODUCT|ON...... '.....'...... 2 BACKGROUND...... "..""..'....2 TECHNTCALASSESSMENT...... 3 coNcLUstoNS...... "....'...'..9
Appendices AppendixA - Environmentallmpact AssessmentReport Appendix B - PhotograPhs Appendix C - Works Requiredfor Navigation AppendixD - CostEstimates AppendixE - WorkingGroup Consultation Appendix F - AbstractionLicence Summaries
Drawings 0006077/01/01 - StudYArea 0006077101102 - SSSI's 0006077/01/03 - SAC's 0006077/0i/04 - CurrentStructures and Prefened Lock Locations,Forest Enterprises 0006077/01/05 - River CorridorHabitat, Forest Enterprises 0006077/01/06 - PotentialEnhancement Areas, Forest Enterprises 0006077/01/07 - ScheduledAncient Monuments 0006077/D2l08 - HistoricStaunches and ExistingWeirs 0006077/D2l09 - NavigationProposals - Plan & Longsection
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SUMMARY 1.1 This report presentsthe initialenvironmental and technicalassessments for providing enhancementsto the environment,and navigationon the LitfleOuse between Brandon and Thetford.
The areas of potentialenvironmental enhancement have been identifiedbased on informationprovided from a core list of consultees,particularly Forest Enterprises.
1.3 The key engineeringworks requiredfor the navigationto be reopenedbetween Brandon and Thetfordhave been identified.
The costs for these proposalshave been assessed.work on an assessmentof the benefitsin continuing,and will be reporledon in a stage 2 report.
INTRODUCTION 2.'l The River Little Ouse is at presentnavigable by small boats up from its confluencewith the River Great Ouse up to Brandonon the NorfolUsuffolkborder. There is a historyof previous navigationgoing a furtherSkms upstreamto Thetfordbut this has not been possiblefor many years.
2.2 The river between Brandonand Thetfordflows throughthe ThetfordForest, part of which is part of the BrecklandForest SSSI and part of in the Thetfordgolf courseand Marsh J55t.
2.3 The purposeof this prefeasibilitystudy is to exarninethe issuesassociated with reopening the lengthof watercoursebetween Brandonand Thetfordto navigation,and to identifyany potentialenhancements to the amenitiesin the area.
The study has been preparedby Babtie Brown & Root under the NEECA framework agreement. This draft report identifiesthe key environmentalissues and the scooe of work' which would be requiredto reopen the navigation. The final reportwill provide furtherdetails of costs and benefits.
BACKGROUND 3.1 The extent of the study area is shown in drawing 0006027/01101.
3.2 A descriptionof the locationis given in section 2.2 of the EnvironmentReport under AppendixA. Photographsof the siteare shownunder Appendix B.
J.J There is a significanthistorical record of the developmentof this sectionof river and navigationused to go up as far as Thetford. This, however,has been disusedfor manv
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years, althoughthe openingof a lock at Brandonin 1995 has allowedsmall boats to pass upstreamof Brandonsluice to a point upstreamof the 41065 road bridgeat Brandon.
There are some limitationson the size of boats that can navigateto Brandonas follows: o Limited headroomof approximately2.1m at the cut-offchannel near HockwoldCum Wilton,although it is understoodthat this is currentlybeing raised' r There is limitedwidth, length, depth and headroomat BrandonLock (4m wide, 14m long,1.2m deep and 2m headroom).
3.5 There is considerableexisting amenity value along the length of river between Brandon and Thetford,and there are several environmentaldesignations covering this area (see AppendixA). use is made of the watercoursefor canoeingand there are other recreationaluses of the area.
The ThetfordForest Enterpriseshave extensiveresponsibilities for the managementof land adjacentto the river,and are keen to improvethe water level managenrentso as to improvesome of the existingland uses.
3.7 Consultationswith the seven rnembersof the workinggroup have been undertaken during the periodof this study. These are reportedon in Appendix F'
3.8 Historicalsurvey informationhas been used to look at the engineeringrequirements to allow water depths to be increasedfor navigation. These changes in water depth would need to be achievedwith a combinationof raisingwater levels and excavationldredgingol the existingbed. Detailsof these works are given in the followingsections.
TECHNICALASSESSMENT
CurrentWater Level ManagementRegime 4.1.1 A Water Level ManagementPlan exists for the ThetfordGolf Courseand Marsh SSSI. This SSSI containsthe only survivingtrack of BrecklandHeath known as Thetford Wanen.
4.'1.2 Much of the river corridoralso compriseswetland habitat,although no specificwater level managementplan has been identifiedfor these other areas.
4.1.3 The EnvironmentAgency canies out dredgingof the river as required,and weed cutting twice a year (in June and September). Furtherdetails of the resultsof the currentwater level managementare coveredin AppendixA'
4.1.4 The locationof the five historicalstaunches which used to exist on the river between Brandonand Thetfordare shown on drawing0006077/D2i08. These stauncheswere used to impoundwater above them to allow sufficientdepth for navigation. While there
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may be traces of the staunchesremaining. they have no practicalaffect on the current water levels.
4.1.5 The drawing(0006077/D2l08) also showsthe locationof the weirslsluicesalong this stretchof river,which have been built to replace these historicstaunches. ln additionto controllingwater levels,it is understoodthat these structuresalso act as gauging stations to measureflows.
4.1.6 The Agency have advisedthat the current retentionLevels are; o BrandonSluice > upstreamwater level = 3.4 mAOD . Abbey Heath Weir > upstreamwater level approx = 7.4 mAOD o ThetfordNo1 Sluice > upstreamwater level = g.6 mAOD
Requirements for Navigation 4.2.1 The existingriver bed level (and subsequentwater level) rises by approximately7.5 m along the 6 km betweendownstream of BrandonSluice and Thetfordtown centre,which will necessitatethe constructionof locks to enable boats to reach rhetford.
4.2.2 There are essentiallytwo differentnavigation standards that could be adopted;one which would limit the size of the boats to the navigationstandard of the cunent Brandon Lock; and anotherthat would allow largervessels to reach Thetford,but this would necessitate the enlargemenVreconstructionof the BrandonLock. These two standardsare tabulated below:
ExistingStandard I t.gS m
*" Equivalent to navigation standard of Denver Retief Channet Lock
Following discussionsw;th the EA, it was agreed that the above higher standardwould be too onerous,since 90% of the boats using this stretchof rjver only had a draft of 1.2m or less. lt was also acceptedthat the minimum headroomfigure of 3.0 m could be reducedto 2.7m to avoid raising/reconstructingthe A1065 Brandon(Arch) Road Bridge.Therefore, the two navigationstandards considered by this study are as follows:
2.0m I lmprovedStandard 1.35m 2.Vm
4.2.3 The width of the River LittleOuse within the study area generallyvaries between 12 and 15 m for muchof its length,with localwidening to approximately20 m at Brandon.and
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reducedwidths of I and 10 m at Thetfordtown centre and Two Mile Bottom respectively. These widths would appear to be sufficientfor navigationup to Thetford.
4.2.4 To facilitatenavigation up to Thetfordwill requirea combinationof raisingwater levels and bed excavationldredging.Raised water levels will be requiredalong the sectionof river betvveenSanton Downhamand Abbey Heath Weir - where the cunent water depths are limited.There will also be a requirementto raise some of the existingbridges over the riverto accommodatethe minimumheadroom requirement.
4.2.5 New lock constructionwill need to be in accordancewith the EnvironmentAgency's Lock StandardsReport, which stipulatesthe followingminimum gauge and lock draft dimensions:
Length:22 m Width:4.3m Draft:1.7 m
The BrandonLock has a widthof 4 m, which is only marginallysmaller than the EA standardof 4.3 m. lts lock lengthof 14 m, however,is much more restrictiveand there is an option to increasethis up to the EA standardof 22 m or the Denver standardof 30 m.
Outline Proposals/Options 4.3.1 The outlineoptions includedin this study are as follows:
Option Matrix Minimum2.0 m Minimum2.7 m Headroom Headroom ExistingBrandon Lock navigationstandard Option 1A Option 1B retained. New locks to EA standard All locks (includingBrandon) to EA standard Option2A Option2B
All locks (includingBrandon) to Denver standard Option3A Option 38
4.3.2 The key works necessaryto implementthe navigationoptions are tabulatedbelow:
18t2Al28 t'-' New Lock to EA Std New Lock to Denver Std Brandon Lock gate structureraised Brandon Lock rebuiltto EA Std. Brandon Lock rebuiltto Denver Std. X New WeirlSluiceStructure z Footbridgeto be raised 2 Road bridge to be raised
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Lengthof river to be dredged
Lengthof I bankto be raised
4.3.3 The existinglock and Brandonwould need to be rebuiltto meet the EA and Denver standards.
4.3.4 The new locks would be locatedat santon Downham,Two Mile Bottom,Abbey Heath and at rhetford No.1 sluice. lt has been noted that Forest Enterpriseexpressed a preferencefor the lock at Two Mile Bottom to be locatedapproximately g00 m downstreamof the footbndgeat this location(i.e. at chainage2g.z km). However,to achievethis would requirethe footbridgeto be raisedto pennit navigation.
4.3.5 where new locks are to be constructed,the proposalwould be to excavatea new channel parallelto the existingriver and adjacentto an existingor new weir/sluice structure,as appropriate,similar to the arrangementat Brandon.
4.3.6 New hydraulicstructures (weir/stulce)would be requiredat the lock locationsat Santon Downhamand Two Mile Bottomto retain the upstreamwater levelsfor navigation,whilst still allowingthe passageof river flows. No investigationshave been undertakenas to whatform theseshould take or whethergauging stations should be includedat these locations.However, it is envisagedthat the new hydraulicstructures would be similarto the arrangementat Brandon. i1a The proposedlimit of navigationfor all options is immedjatelydownstream of the existing road bridge at Thetfordtown centre (BridgeStreet) at chainage35.9 km. However,should the 2.0 m minimumheadroom option be adopted.navigation could be extendeda further 200 to 300 rn upstreamto the confluencewith the River Thet without needinqto raise the road bridge.
4.3.8 The existingfootbridge at Two Mile Bottom (Chainage29.98 km) is just high enough to accommodatethe 2.7 m minimum headroomrequirement within the centrethird of the river,which equates to a navigablewidth of approximately5.5 m. The headroom, however,falls below the 2.7 m requirementnearer the banks.The bridgewill need to be raisedor renewedshould the navigablewidth be consideredinsufficient. The existing footbridgesat Santoncountry Park (chainagezr "Tkm) and rhetford (chainage35.35 km) wifl need to be raised to facilitatenavigation irrespective of whetherthe 2.0 m or 2.7 m headroomoption is adopted. lt is, therefore,apparent that the 2.0 m headroomoptions (1A,2A & 34) haveno significantflnancial advantage over those far 2.T m.
4.3.9 The existingA1065 road bridge at Brandon,which is made up of three consecutivebrick arches. has sufficientheadroom beneath the centre arch to accommodatethe 2.7 m
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headroomrequirement for navigation.However, with the cunent (and proposed)water level,the minimum headroomrequirement can only be achievedover a 4.5 m width before the arch profilebegins to limit the headroom.
4 3.10 The navigationproposals are detailedunder AppendixC and on Drg 0006077/D2l09' Associatedcosts for the outline proposalsare presentedin Appendix D (Costs are '1 providedfor the 2.7 m headroomoptlons - B, 28 & 38 - only)"
Current Standard of Flood Protection 4.4.1 Flood studieswere undertakenfor Thetfordand Brandonby PosfordDuvivier in 1999/2000.The final reportswere issued in January 2000 (Thetford)and March 2000 (Brandon).
4.4.2 lt is understoodthat there are no significantflood tssueswithin the study area. However, the studies identifiedthe propertymost at risk as being Spring House, Thetford,which lies near the confluenceof the River LittleOuse and River Thet. lt is understoodthat the cellar of this propertywas last flooded in 2002.
4.4.3 The navigationproposals identified under Section4.3 above and on Drg 0006077lD2l0g show that the currentwater levels upstreamof ThetfordNo.1 Sluiceand the currentlevel of flood protectionat Spring House would be maintained.
Flood Plain Restoration 4.5.1 The proposalsto raise the water level along some lengthsof the river,in order to achieve navigation,will be desirableat some locationsas part of a water level management strategyfavoured by Forest Enterprise.
4.s.2 On examiningthe proposedwater levelsand existingbank levels,there appearsto be scope to restorethe flood plain in the vicinityof Two Mile Bottom and to a lesserextent Santon Downham.However, the affectof increasedlevels on the flood defence aspects has not been fully examinedat this stage. The potentialfor causingflooding of properties would need to be checkedbefore proceedingwith such work.
Associated Interests 4.6.1 The followingaspects are covered in the SectionA.3 of the EnvironmentalReport under APPendixA:
. Social Context(Local Communities. Recreation & Amenities) . Nature Conservationand EcologY r Air Qualityand Climate o Landscapeand VisualAmenitY . Water Quality r Land Use r CulturalHeritage, Archaeology and MaterialAssets
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a Trafficand Transport a Soil, Geologyand Hydrography
1.O.1 In addition to the above,there is an existingirrigation pumping station on the righthand river bank between Two Mile Bottom and Abbey Heath at approximatechainage 30.g km (see - Appendix B Photographs). lt is understoodthat the pumpingstation, which is owned by BrecklandGrowers Ltd, abstractswater directlyfrom the LittleOuse during the winter months and pumps it (via a pumping main) to storagelagoons near Attleborough purpose for the of irrigation. The pumpingstation, main and storagelagoons were designed by PlandescilLtd of Attleborough,and were constructedin the mid-1990s.lt is understood that these works were commissionedto mitigatethe abstractionof water from the aquifer (borehole)at Attleborough. lt is not consideredthat the navigationproposals and associatedincrease in river water level will be detrimentalto this pumpingregime.
4.6.3 There are also 3No groundwaterboreholes and a pumpingstation locatedapproximately 80 m from the righthand bank of the riverat approximatechainage 31 km, whichare owned by AnglianWater for water supply. Copies of the abstractionlicence summaries for this and the aforementionedirrigation pumping station in 4.6.2 above are included underAppendix F.
There are variousdischarges into the river from outfall pipes between Branclonand Thetford.The most notableof these are:
a FinalEffluent Outfall from BrandonSTW - Ch. 21.5Skm a surface waterlHighway Drainageoutfalls at A11 Road Bridge- ch. 34.25 km a Final EffluentlStormOutfalls from Thetford STW _ Ch. 34.45 km a SurfaceWater Outfallsnear Thetfordat Ch. 34.7Z& 34.g4 km a SurfaceWater Outfall at CanterburyWay at Ch. 35.03km a surfacewater/Highway Drainage outfalls at old A11 Bridge- ch. 35.80km
Outline Benefits The potentialoutline benefits of the aforementionedproposals are as follows:
a Navigationalong the River Litfleouse from Brandonto Thetfordtown cenre. a Environmentalenhancement along the river corridor. a Potentialfor flood plain restorationbetween santon Downhamand rwo Mile Bottom. a Additionalbusiness and tourismgenerated by navigationup to Thetfordand the effect on Thetford'sstructure plan. Possibilityof EU Funding.
The extent of the above benefitsis cunently being investigatedand the resultsof this will be presentedin Stage 2 of this report.
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CONCLUSIONS 5.1 The conclusionsof this Staoe 1 reoort are as follows: s.1.1 lt is feasibleto extend the navigationfrom Brandonto Thetford.
5.1.2 The minimumengineering works necessaryto facilitatenavigation to Thetfordwould involvethe followinq:
o Constructionof 4No. new locks r Constructionof 2No. new weirlsluicestructures r Raisingof 2No. footbridges r Dredgingof some sectionsof the River LittleOuse (approx 11600 m3) r Raisingof riverbanks (1600 mi r Constructionof boat turningarea and mooringsat Thetford
5.1.3 The viable limit of navigationis cunently consideredto be up to Bridge Street,Thetford. The navigationcould be extendedif Bridge Street Road Bridge is raisedor the headroom requrrementbeyond this point is limitedto 2.0 m.
5.1.4 The estimatedcost for extendingthe navigationup to Thetfordat this stage of the investigationsis f4.95 millionor e5.83 millionif the BrandonLock is rebuiltto meetthe EA's lock standard.lt is estimatedthat this cost would increaseto 16.63 million if the requiredlock length increasedfrom 22 m to 30 m to meet the Denver standard.
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River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Description of Investigations
blank
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AppendixA
EnvironmentalReport
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Appendix A - Table of Contents
SectionA.1 Summary 13
SectionA.2 Introduction 14 A.2.1 Purposeof the document 14 4.2.2 Locationand Site description 15 4.2.3 Backgroundto the project 4.2.4 Objectivesof the project to
SectionA.3 ExistingEnvironment A.3.1 Social Context A.3.2 Nature Conservationand Ecology 17 A.3.3 Air Qualityand Climate 18 A.3.4 Landscapeand visualAmenity ll, A.3.5 Water Quality 19 A.3.6 Land Use t:, A.3.7 CulturalHeritage, Archaeology and MaterialAssets 20 A.3.8 Trafficand Transport ZU A.3.9 Soil, Geologyand Hydro-geology 21 4.3.10 Main Constraintsand Opportunities 21
SectionA.4 AlternativeOotions zz
SectionA.5 Consultation ZJ
SectionA.6 Potentiallmpacts, mitigation measures and enhancement 23 opportunities
SectionA.7 Next steps in the EIA procedures 24
SectionA.8 FurtherInformation 24
Appendix1 EIA Scopinglmpact Matrix Appendix2 CommunicationPlan Appendix3 Citations
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SectionA.1- Summary
A.1.1 This appendixis part of a pre-feasibilityreport undertakenfor the LittteOuse navigationlink between Brandonand Thetford.The objectiveof the pre-feasibilitystage of the projectis to ensure that any key environmentalconstraints and opportunitiesare raised at an early stage in the processso they may influencethe choice of optionsand the businesscase.
A.1.2 The currentextent of navigationalong the LittleOuse stops at Brandon,historically however navigationwas possibleto Thetford,however the stanches,which were used for this purpose' fell into disrepairand resultedin a loweringof the water levels on this stretchof river. so it is now no longer suitablefor navigation.To enable navigationalong the river,lock structures need to be installedalongside existing weirs with the possibilityof more locks and new weirs being required.
A.1.3 The stretchof river between Brandonand Thetfordis approximately8 miles and flows through BrecklandForest and ThetfordGolf Course and Marsh, Sites of SpecialScientific lnterest, the area is also designatedas Brecklandpotential Special ProtectionArea and the heath areas are designatedas a candidateSpecial Area of Conservation. Despitethese designations some of the areas of interesthave suffereddue to the change and reductionin water levels, one of the aims of this projectis to attemptto tie in the need for increasedwater levels for navigationand the benefits,which could be affordedfor conservationfrom increasedwater levels.The majorityof the land is owned by the ForestryCommission and managedby Forest Enterprise.
A.14 Consultationwas undertakenwith the working group,which is headed by Keystone CommunityPartnerships and the EnvironmentAgency. The workinggroup consistsof,
a The Breck'sCountryside Proiect a East Anglian WaterwaysAssociation a EngllshNature a Forest Enterprise a Forest Heath DistrictGouncil a Great Ouse BoatingAssociation a KeystoneCommunitY PartnershiP
A.1.s The outcomesfrom consultationindicate that the boatingcommunity feel there is a need and benefitfrom enabling navigationon the River Little Ouse from Brandonto Thetford,with ForestEnterprise utilising the requirementsfrom boating i.e. increasedwater levels,to improvethe conditionof key habitatsalong the river.
A.1.6 Furthersurvey and consultationwith EnglishNature is requiredto identifywhat impactsthere will be on areas of natureconservation importance, and nationaland internationally designatedareas. The main issuesare with regard to how changes in hydrologymay affect these areas and what impactsthe boatingactivities will have.
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A.1.7 The baselineinformation requirements for this studvincrude.
r Analysisof the potentialboat use of the river including,type, frequencyand numberof boats . Landscapeimpact assessment and visualimpact assessmenr o Data on County Wildlifesites in Suffolk o Water qualitydata for the river ' Survey of the hydrologicalrequirements of the fen system to determinewhat imDactthe change in water leverswill have on this and other designatedareas. r Floodrisk assessment r Flora and fauna surveyof dltch systems r Furtherconsultation with a wider group of consulteessuch as EnglishHeritage and the Crown Estates
A 1 8 The main impactfrom this projectis envisagedto be on the various nationaland internationally designated sites throughwhich the river flows. This is with regard to the hydrologicalsystem of the river and its surroundingarea and throughdisturbance to these areas from increased visitor numbers.To counterthis the main area of mitigationwill be the improvementof habitat in the river corridor,which could be achievedby increasingthe water level. Other ennancementoppoftunities involve increasing access to the river paths from Brandonand Thetfordand the connectionof these paths to a greater networkof long distancepaths in the area. These issueswill be broadenedas the EIA processprogresses and options are identified.
A 1 9 The next steps in the EIA processare to developfurther the baselineinformation for the stuoy area in a scopingreporl which will be usedto aid optionsappraisal, ouuine design, detailed design and projectimplementation.
SectionA.2.Introduction
A.2.1 Purpose of the Document A2.11 This documentis part of a pre-feasibilitystudy undertakeninto the potentialoptions associatedwith the Brandonto Thetfordnavigation link,
A'2.1.2 Babtie Brown and Root have been appointedto undertakethis pre-feasibilitystudy, and this documentwas preparedthrough desktop study and consultationwas undertakenwith specialists at the EnvironmentAgency, relevantauthorities and the working group for this project.
A.21.3 The issuesidentified at this stagewill be addressedduring the subsequentfeasibility, opuons appratsal,design and implementationof the scheme.Relevant interested parties (including environmentarspeciatists) will be consultedas the project progresses.
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River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Description of Investigations Appendix A - Environmental Report
A.2.1.4 This environmentalappendix has been preparedto identifyareas of potentialimpact from initialoptions and possiblemitigation and enhancementmeasures, which can be carriedout to counterthese impacts and to enhancethe area.lt also highlightsthe areasin whichfurther informationneeds to be gatheredand recommendationsmade for furtherstudy etc. This report has been based on the Environmentallmpact Assessrnentguidelines (2002)
4.2.2 Location and Site Description A.2.2.1 The River LittleOuse is a tributaryin the Great Ouse catchmentand togetherwith the River Waveneyforms the boundaryof Norfolkand Suffolkfor much of their length.
A.22.2 The Brandonto Thetfordnavigation link will utilisethe River LittleOuse, a genfly slopingriver that joins the river Great Ouse at Brandon Creek. The river drains the low-lyingland of the Brecksand meandersthrough Hockwold cum Wilton,Erandon, Santon Downham, and ThetfordForest, continuing beyond Thetford,as shown on Drg 0006077101101Study Area.
A.2.2.3 The study area is defined as the river LittleOuse and its approximatefloodplain between the towns of Brandonand Thetford.The Westernextent of the study area is taken to be Brandon lockas this is the pointwhere navigation currently (NGR "?'l extends, TL 869 783).The eastern g Sl ) extent is taken to be Thetfordtown centre at the point where the river splits into the River Little Ouseand the RiverThet (NGRTL 829 87S).This stretchis approximately10 milesin length. i{a-'r r, , A.2.3 BackgroundtotheProject \)'; A.2,31 There is a long historyof navigationon the river LittleOuse, with an Act of parliamentbeing passed in 1670 for improvementsto its navigation.There are recordsfrom the 13thCentury of barges travellingto Thetford,however after the constructionof the Denver Sluice,water levels began to fall and navigationeventually became impossible.
A.2.3.2 As a resultof the 1670 Act, five stancheswere built to hold waterat an appropriatelevel for navigatbn,but therewere long delayswhilst water levelsbuilt up sufficiently.
,4.2.3.3Nowadays, only a remnantof thesestanches remains, and so no structuresexist that can hold the water levelsufficiently for navigationto be undertakenon the river.This changein water regimehas left the watercourseabove Brandonun-navigable due to insufficientdepths.
A.2.3.4 A modernsluice, which is controlledby the EnvironmentAgency, is installedat Thetfordand this controlsthe water level throuqh the towrr.
A.2.3.5 There is also a sluiceinstalled at Abbey Heath,which also controlswater levelsimmediatelv downstreamof Thetford.
A.2.3.6 The proposal is to enable navigationto take place once more along the river Litfle Ouse from Brandon to Thetford;this requires increasingthe depth of water in the river, either by raising levelsor by loweringthe bed in some locations.
Rl2m3\0006077EA Bnndon to t3s Srag€1 Frml-tbc 20/8/03 15of 73 :i-.',i,i l'\\'rlt{}l';\{i:\ i iri!**i .Si; i.:\tl\ i& Brourn&Rwt ""*," River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Descri$ion of Investigations Appendix A - Environrnental Report
4.2.3.7 The majorig of the river valley is managed by Forest Enterpriseon behalf of the Forestry Commission;the valleycontains nationally and internationallyimportant wetland habitats. However,due to the decrease in water level, many of the habitatsare in a less than favourable condition.
A.2.3.8 A second element of this project is to integratethe need to change water depths in the river for navigation.with the beneficialeffect that increasingthe water level could have on many of the habitatsin the river conidor.
A.2.4 Objectives of the Project A.2.4.1The mainaims of the projectare to: -
1) Extendthe navigationfrom Brandonto Thetfordby increasingwater level in the river for the benefitof the boatingcommunity and the associatedrecreational opportunities;
2) Taking advantageof the increasedwater level requiredfor navigationto improvethe habitatin the riverconidor. This can be achievedby increasingwater leveland enhancing the wetland habitatswhich have sufferedas a consequenceof the water level in the area falling;
3) Enhancingthe overallamenity value of the area and consolidatingthe attractionand amenityvalue of the area which alreadyexists, such as ThetfordForest NatureReserve, Brandon RiversidePark and other attractionsin the surroundingarea.
4) A further aim of the projectat this pre-feasibilitystage is to identiff a list of consultees, which can be used for consultationas the projectprogresses.
A.2.4.2 The overallenvironmental objectives are to identifyany possibleimpacts and mitigation measures,which arise from the works on the river to enable navigation.Also to investigatethe possibilityof harnessingthe increasedwater level requiredfor navigationand use it to bring into favourablecondition areas of wetland habitatthat have suffereddue to water levels falling.
SectionA.3. ExistingEnvironment
A.3.1 SocialContext A.3.1.1 The River Little Ouse is a popularlocation for walkersand cyclistswho use the dversidepath for recreation.The wider area of the Brecks is also a popularattraction for differenttypes of outdooractivities and visitorattractions. The river Great Ouse, and its connectingnavigable waterways.are used for recreationalsailing and fishing.
A.3.1.2 The re-introductionof navigationon the river LittleOuse would further enhance the recreationalfacilities in the area. These includethe forest villageof Santon Downham,Grimes Graves,which are locatedto the north of the site, Weeting Castle, BrandonCountry Park, and
Ri20O3\00O6077 EA BBrdon lo ThatfordAdm\o@um6*su)/a-135 Slags 1 Fiml.doc 2Ol8/03 16 of 73 :;ifi'$ i:\\ tR{'}\\r!l\ r e"n i" Brown& Root {..;;.r' \;,t '.{'1 G River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Repori: Description of Investigations Appendix A - Environmental Report
Thetford Forest.There is also the benefitto the boatingcommunity, to enjoy this stretchof river.
A.3.1.3 By enabling navrgationon the river,there is the benefitof bringingvisitors to the area as there would be the added attractionof being able to navigateon up the river passed Brandonto Thetfordand visitinoboth of these towns.
A.3.1.4 By increasingvisitor numbersto Brandonand Thetford,these areas could benefitfrom a boosl in income into the town; this could also help them develop as touristdestinations. The local authorityat Thetfordhas alreadyinvested in developingthe riversidearea as an attractionfor visitors.
A.3.1.s However,by increasingthe numberof visitorsto an area, which could alreadysuffer from over-usei.e. erosion of footpaths,trampling of plantsetc. Furthersurvey is reguiredto identify what negativeimpacts increasing visitor numbersto the river could have. Furtherconsultation is requiredto identifywhat affect a change in use of the river could have in terms of changing the characterof the area and its use for quiet recreationalpursuits.
A.3.2 NatureConservation and Ecology A.3.2.1 The sectionof river includedin this study flows throughvarious nature conservation designationsthese include:-
a BrecklandForest Special Site of Scientificlnterest, a Thetford Golf Course and Marsh SSSI, a Brecklandcandidate Special Area of Conservation, a Brecklandpotential Special ProtectionArea a CountryWildlife Sites
A.s.2.2 Drg 0006077/01/02shows Sites of Special Scientificlnterest (SSSI) in the study area, Drg 0006077101/03shows the candidateSpecial Area of Conservation(cSAC) and the potential SpecialProtection Area (pSPA), combinesboth the SSSI and the cSAC. Citationsare includedin Appendix4.
A.s.2.3 ThetfordGolf Course and Marsh SSSI was notifiedin 1968 and containsthe only surviving track of Brecklandheath known as ThetfordWanen, within the SSSI there are also good examplesof lichen heath and heatherheath along with fenland plant communitiesand valley alder woodlandon the wet peaty soils in the low lying ground by the river.
A.3.2.4 A Water Level ManagementPlan existsfor the Thetford Marsh SSSI, an area also known as Horse Meadow.This plan will be used along with further consultation,to determinethe possibleimpact of increasedwater level in this area. A managementagreement exists between Forest Enterpriseand EnglishNah:re as to the managementregime undertakenin this area. ThetfordMarsh covers 119.6 hectaresand extendsfor approximately1 km along the western bank of the LittleOuse.
Rl20o3vxxlm77 EA BEndon to ThetfordlAdm\Do.uments\D4-135Slago I Finar.drc 20/8/03 17oI73 l:\. \ I l{t }\}l l- l. I {i:1.\rr\ & e"bti" Brusn& Root 'l Rlv€r Liftle Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage Report: Description of lnvestigations Appendix A * Environmental Report
As.2.s BrecklandForest SSSI was notifiedin 2000,and is knownto supportWoodlark, and Nightjar, the area supports5 vascularplants listed in Schedule8 of the Wildlifeand CountrysideAct. The area is also known to supportRed Squinel.
A.32 6 Brecklandpotential Special Protection Area is madeup of 28 SSSI'sincluding Breckland Farm SSSI,Breckland Forest SSSI and Thetfordgolf courseand MarshSSSI. The pSpA coversan area of 39'987.60ha and is proposedas it supportsbreeding bird populationsof European importance.These species include woodlark, Nightjar and stone curlews.
A.3.27 As the river forms the divisionof Norfolkand Suffolkfor much of its lengththere are county wildlifesite designationsfrom both Norfolkand Suffolkin the study area. The designations from Norfolkare availablein this report howeverthose designationsfrom Suffolkneed to be obtained.
A 3.2.8 Much of the river corridorin the study area comprisesof wetland habitatincluding fen, alder and carr woodlandetc. The proposalsfor increasingwater levels could have significant beneficialeffects in these areas. However,other sectionsof the study area are made up of habitatsin whicha changeof waterlevel could have quite significant negative impacts. These habitatsinclude the SSSI designationon ThetfordHeath; these areas require their existrnq conditionsto be maintainedin orderfor them to remainin a favourablecondition.
A 3 2.9 To enhance areas which have a less than favourablestatus in the river conidor it is the aim of this projectto utilisethe increasein water levels neededfor navigation,this could be achieved by selectinglock locationswith thrsin mind,and Drg 0006077/01/04shows the preferredlock locationsof ForestEnterorise.
A.3.2.10lt is not knowwhether any of the ditchesin the studyarea contain notable flora or fauna,if so, these requirementswill need to be considered,and managedaccordingly. lf increasedwater levels look likely to effect the drainageditches on site, these areas should be incorporatedinto furtherflora and fauna survevsof the area.
A.3.2.11The river has a moderatefishery, howeverthere is the potentialto improvethis as the habitat improves.Fish populationsbetween Brandon and Thetfordhave shown encouraging signs of improvementsince 1996 due to habitatrehabilitation work and re-stocking.Further consultationwith EnvironmentAgency staff is required.
A.3-2.12The EnvironmentAgency carries out dredgingof the riveras and when required,and weed cutting is canied out twice per year in June and September.
A.3.3 Air Quality & Climate A 3 3 1 The issue of air qualityis addressedby local authorities.as the river forms the boundaryof Norfolkand Suffolk.the areawill be coveredby theirair qualitymanagement plans. Further consultationis requiredwith theseauthorities within a reviewof planningdocumentation to determinethe current baselineconditions.
.t RlAn3\O00fl)77 EA 8nrdon to Thetfo.d'\Adm\Dcumqrt6u)4-135 Stagc Finat. A.3.4 Landscape& Visual Amenity A.3.4.1 The area is predominantlyrural with the small towns of Brandonand Thetfordat either end of the study area, and the small villageand Forest EnterpriseHeadquarters located at Santon Downham.A landscapeassessment and a visual impactassessment are requiredto identify possibleconstraints and mitigationmeasures required. A.3.5 Water Quality A.3.5.1 The River Little Ouse is designatedas a statutorymain river, and is approximately15-20 meterswide and 1-2 meters deep and runs over sand, silt and pebblesubstrate. A.3.5.2 The river quality is affectedby dischargefrom the Thetfordsewage treatment works, and there point ThetfordNo 2 Staunchat NGR TL 8500 8400. Data from this is a sampling situatedat Y: f g + samplingpoint can be collectedin later consultationexercises as required.The river was classifiedas 1b or unpollutedin December1991 ; this classificationwill requireconfirmation from the EnvironmentAgencY. A.3.s.3 lf the water level in the area was increasedby inundationby the river water, there could be issuesrelating to the high nutrientslevel of the river water, Consultationwould need to be canied out to determinethe effectson the low nutrientareas such as heath and the impacton wetland sDecies. A.3.5.4 There is the potentialfor seepageof pollutantsfrom a pollutionlagoon, which adjoinsthe A'11 road which Dassesover the River LittleOuse near Thetford,if water levelswere to be raised the first water body at risk would be a nearby pond. Furthersurveys would need to be undertakento determineat what level there would be a risk of contamination" A.3.s.s Consultationhas indicatedthat if the channel is deepenedto allow navigationit may lead to a disassociationof the river and its floodplain,this has implicationsfor the existingwetland areas and the water balanceof the area. A.3.5.6 Little is known about the hydrologyof the fen area and the functionsof the drains on the site. Thereforefurther consultationand possiblesurvey work is requiredto identifythe current hydrology. A.3.5.7 There are no flood defence improvementworks determinedfor the river, howevera study is to be undertakenby the Agency on the river LittleOuse and Thet at Thetfordto determine whether any flood defeneeimprovements are justified. 4.3.5.8 Any works affectingthe flow of a watercourserequires the prior writtenconsent of the Agency underthe Land DrainaqeAct 1991 A.3.6 Lanciuse A.3.6.1 The main landownerin the study area is the ForestryCommission with Crown Estatesowning the riverbed. The land is managedby Forest Enterpriseon behalf of the Forestry Commission. Rl2m3r0oo6o77EA EEndon to ThetiotdlAdrn\D4umenls\D4'135sraga 1 Final.ooc 20/8/03 19 of 73 ,i*ji;, L\\ rii{!,"\\li.\ r rii*$ \r i r .:-r r\. e"U,i" O Brctam& Root River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Description of Investigations Appendix A - Environrnental Report A 3 6.2 The majorityof the area has been afforestedand now the land is managedby Forest Enterprise,in agreementwith EnglishNature, to enhance the conservationvalue it holds. Most of the historicforestry planting took place on higher,drier ground. poplar plantationtook place in the wetter areas of the study area and this is now being managedfor conservation objectives.Drg 0006077/01/05shows the types of vegetationwithin the river corridor.Data collectedby Forest Enterprise@. A.36.3 Apart from the towns of Brandonand Thetford,there is the villageof Santon Downham,in the study area, which is the headquartersof Forest Enterprise.Various publicfootpaths run throughthe study area, these includeHarling Drovewhich is a long distancefootpath which runs to the north of the railwayline boundaryof the study area, and the Litile Ouse path which runs next to the river within the study area and that runs from Erandonto Thetford.In the local area there is also the St EdmundsWay and the HerewardWav. A.3.6.4 There are various land uses in the area, there is a sewagetreptment works at Santon r Downham(NGR 818 875) and one on the outskirtsof Thetford(N,GR golf 835855).A course 9Ss E: s (r, comprisespart of the ThetfordGolf course and Marsh SSSIi6GR A'SeA++;--fne area to the south of Brandon is BrandonCountry Park, which providedvisitor facrlities; there are also g"tet?( various parkingand picnic pointsalong the LittleOuse path. A.3.7 Cultural Heritage, Archaeology & Material Assets 4.3.7.1 Since prehistorictimes. the LittleOuse has been used as a route from the Fens into the area known as the Brecks. The local topographycomprising of also small sandy ridges and peaty flood meadows indicatesthat it has high archaeologicalpotential. Occupation throughout all periodsof historyis known in the area. A3-7.2 Drg 0006077/01/07shows details of ScheduledAncient Monuments located near the study area' howeverconsultation is requiredwith English Heritageand local archaeologicalgroups to identifyfurther areas which maybe subjectto archaeologicalfinds etc. the current SAM's in the area are: r RomanBuildings East of Fen gate Farm o Pepper l-iillBowl Banow o Santon moatedsite and associatesmedieval settlement o St Helen'sChurch, earthworks and HolvWell r BloodHitt o ThetfordWanen Lodge r ThetfordCluniac Priory o Red Castle medievalringworks, church and Saxon setflement o Site of a Saxontown near Thetford r Black friars in Thetford. '7 s3S (tr A.3.8 Traffic& Transport A 3.8.1 The riverLittlg qqge is crossedby the 41065 at Brandon(GDR 369 7e4)Fd the 411 at ThetfordtGRp 834 s56ryhe river is also crossed by a nanow road at Sinton Downham Rl2milDO6077 EA Bnndotr ro Tl*rldrdtil{ftn\Dcums'tst0.t-t35 Stag' 1 Finat.doc 20/g103 20 of 73 Y53 ?3+ t.t'$l* ar:\r'iR{"}\}lt,\ l' t.*," Brcwn& Root :.5.-r \{-:f \{'tr @ River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: llescription of lnvestigations Appendix A - Environmental Report (cOR'878 S18)tfyi is used as accessto FieldBarn (GDR889 825).9e southernlimits of the I , J S I tS study area in pld6es in the B1107 Brandon road, which tinks Elrandonto Thetford q{,s Y?6 A 3.s.2 The northernlimits of the study area are defined by the railway line, which runs from Brandon to Thetford,and links the area to Cambridgeand Noruich. There are variouscycle-ways, which cross the area however none follow the line of the LittleOuse. A.3.9 Soil, Geology & Hydrogeology 4.3.9.1 The River LittleOuse is incorporatedinto the Ely Ouse catchment,which is a combinationof 'l7 sub-catchmentsthat cover2,510 kmz. The principleaquifer is chalkand in areasof higher ground, Bolder Clay and Sands cover the chalk. Additionalsand and gravel depositsoccur within the upland river valleysand form small isolatedaquifers. Water flows from these aquifersfrom springs,and this is the source of the river LittleOuse. 4.3.9.2 ln the Little Ouse catchment,there is an unconfinedChalk aquiferexposed in the river valley' with southernareas being comprisedof fluvial gravel'sand northernpart comprisingo{ alluviumdeposits. Middle chalk lies further up the valleysides and this is coveredby a varlety of drilt materials.Consultation is requiredat the next stage of this prolectto identifysoil type and the geologyof the area, and to identifyany hydro-geologicalfeatures, which may affect the proposedproject. A.3.9.3 Sedge swamp in the area suggeststhat groundwateris responsiblefor water-loggingof the root zone, with the water suppliedby the chalk aguifer,this suggeststhat seepage of the river into these areas has limitedeffect on the hydrology, A.3.10 Main Constraints and Opportunities A.3.10,1At this early pre-feasibilitystage of the project,the main environmentalconstraints appear to be as follows, The various naturedesignations that are found throughoutthe study area, The impacton the river and surroundingarea by the boatingactivities, this reguiresfurther investigationand analysisi The possiblenegative impact which alteringthe water level could have on those habitats which need their cunent water level maintained,such as SSSI and heath land habitats; and. The areas high archaeologicalpotential is a possibleconstraint to the proiectas there is the possibilitythat finds of archaeologicalimportance could be affectedor uncoveredby works undertakenfor the project. A.310.2 The mainopportunities that wilt be gainedfrom this proiect are: r The abilityfor navigationalong the river LittleOuse up to the town of Thetford; Rl20o3\0qlm77 EA Enndon lo ThcttondAdm\D6umoots\Da.l35 Sr8go 1 finat.aoc 2018/03 21 ot 73 ,i,,r{,*r t,\i\ ) Fl{}Nr\tt.:\ I ir*s \{:i..\-ili ft n"uti*Brcwn & Root River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Description of Investigations Appendix A - Environrnental Report r By generatingthis navigablelink there is the possibilityof creatingsignificant environmentalenhancement along the rivercorridor. There is possibleenhancemenr opportunityby raisingthe water level in wetlandareas, which are not in a favourable conditiondue to a decrease in water levels.Drg 0006077101106shows the areas suggestedby Forest Enterpriseas those, which would receivethe most benefitfrom enhancement:this map also shows their preferredlock locationsto enable this ennancement. A.3.10.3other potentialenhancements that couldbe made in the area include. o improvingthe access from Brandonand Thetfordtown centresto the river Little Ouse: 'access r Promotionof for all' along the river,which would requirechanges to the hard coveringof the paths; r Linkingthe LittleOuse path to the larger networkof long distancepaths in the area and encouragingvisitors to the towns of Brandonand Thetford:and. o There are issuesof illegalaccess to the forest via the 411 road bridgeat Thetfordand the dumping of mrs etc. Possibleenhancement works could enable measuresto be Dutin place to preventaccess to the river from this site. SectionA.4. Alternative Options A.4.1 Optionsfor providinga solutionincluding; Do nothing(abandonment); Maintenance(cunent levels); lmprovement; Other. A.4.2 For this projectthe optionsof do nothingand maintenancewould not enablethe objectiveof allowingnavigation to Brandonon the river LiftleOuse. This would only be possibleif the optionof lmprovementwere canied out. A.4.3 The proposedworks to improvethe riverto enablenavigation would entailthe use of lockson the riverto ensurewater levelswere sufficientto allownavigation. The proposedlocations of the lockswould be at the existingweir locationson the riverwith the possiblerequirement of locksat other locations. A4.4 At this pre-feasibilitystage the exact locationsof the locksare unknownas is the size,material and likelydesign. Due to the shallownature of some partsof the river it is envisagedthat dredgingwill be requiredto enablenavigation. lt cannotbe determinedthe exactlocations which require dredging until the locationof lock structures .t Rt2m3\O0l)$77 EA B6.don to ThetfordtAdm\D@umsrs\O4-135 StagE Final. River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Repoft: Descri$ion of Investigations Appendix A - Environmental Report SectionA.5. Consultation A 5.1 A preliminaryCommunication Plan outlining important requirements for consultationduring the projectis includedin the EIA CommunicationPlan (Appendix 2). The Planwill be revised appropriatelyas the projectprogresses. A.S.2 Consultationwas canied out internallywithin the EnvironmentAgency via the customer serviceteam. The followingenvironmental specialists within the Environmentagency were also contactedwith initialdetails of the proposals: r David Smith A.s.3 Consultationwas canied out with the followingexternal stakeholders who form the working party for this project: - r BrandonCommunitY PartnershiP o Brecks CountrysideProiect + o East AnglianWaterways Association + r EnglishNature + e ForestEnterPrise + * r Forest Heath DistrictCouncil r GreatOuse BoatingAssociation + r InlandWaterwaYs Association + o KeystoneCommunity Partnership * o NorfolkCounty Council * o Royal YachtingAssociation r SuffolkCountv Council + * indicatesno response + indicatesrequest to be consultedduring projectdesign; x indicatesrequest to approvethe EnvironmentalReport/statement; # indicatesrequest to sign-offfinal design. A.s.4 As this projectprogresses further consultationwill be carried out to includeall statutory consultees,consultees required for FEPA licensing,and other interestedparties, which were identifiedfrom this initialround of consultation. SectionA.6. Potentialimpacts, baseline information, mitigation measuresand enhancementopportunities A.6.1 FollowingScoping consultationswith stakeholders,as listed above, the key environmente! effects raisedfocused upon the issues identifiedin the Scoping lmpactsTable (Appendix1). Opportunitiesfor enhancementhave also been identified.The Scoping lmpactsTable providesa list of potentialenvironmental efiects, along with what baselineinformation is Ri2OO3VnO6O7?EA B€ndon to Thafo.d\A*n\Ocumenls\D4-135 Srag€1 Fiur.a@ A)18/03 23 of 73 ;,r'fn 1..\\'\ii{ i\}i I \ i ,.,,r_,jtr.\{ i i,\| \ ,lfii e.u,i" Brcwn& Root River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Preteasibitity Study - Stage 1 Report: Ilescription of Investigations Appendix A - Environmental Report availableand what additionalsurveys are requiredand what will be undertaken.However due to the pre-feasibilitystage of this reportfurther survey is requiredto determinethe exact level of impacts,extend baseline information and considermitigation measures and enhancement opportunitiesin greaterdetail. SectionA.7. NextSteps in the EIA procedures A.71 Appropriateconsultation in relationto the issuesidentified will continuethrough feasibility, design and construction.As the feasibilitystudy progresses,the need for and scope of baselineenvironmental survevs can be refined. A.7.2 To meet statutoryrequirements, external consultation will be maintainedas the scheme progresses,including liaison with the followingorganisations: o BrecklandsDistrict Council o NorfolkCounty Council r SuffolkCounty Council . EnglishNature . EnglishHeritage . CountrysideAgency (as partof St 99117S3) A 7,3 The Environmentallmpact Assessment Officer will arrangethis consultationon behalfof the projectmanager if required. The ProjectManager, in consultationwith the EIA Officerand Agency'slegal department,will need to confirmwith the Local PlanningAuthority if pianning permissionis needed. SectionA.8. FurtherInformation This Scoping Report has b'eenprepared on behalf of the ProjectManager. Further information can be obtainedfrom the ProjectManager at the address below: Andy Bennison KingfisherHouse GoldhayWay OrtonGoldhav PeterboroughPEz 5ZR Telephone:01733 37181 1 Rl2m3\Oq)6077 EA B'ftdon to Thsiford\A{tm\D@umsts\Drt-l35 Srage 1 Finat.d@ 20/tU03 24 of 73 o.v ai. EO o bP E == e !ox g? es gE E EE€ oc 5P :di ts9-uE_ c (5s; E'6 6{o (D- c, .bo Ee* 'E,sg (EJi F o +E !ro ig cxJ a.> o trg EgE od. lo o (\a EE 36E EEifr.FgEgE EO .!D o sE f e e6 eF8 t AL -_o €t iIu .q) €; H ;\Y FE :F Se EFE Eii CL= gIFIe pE s* -oR 3E E u-V : gE$i$.=Y b.= d; e& *E+ .Ec -cc So S b E si: EEE o'- O() ;9 es5 o(U t€ $:E 'l-oo :*EEE g 3E -g o.e.g -iEEa >o g d3 9: T E EBE LF #==EEggE€* c =?i:J EEeEE: =x s6 5E 8 Ac lr o o.ij :oo5(!0 iE$E36E c o t! (E CD x (! x z + + + + + + x + + E g*Fgiai + + x t + o 0 o o g ; .F U' F F s IIJ E} ;*O(E X- .9 ? 3 6 o *= +:r o E' ah tr tr tlJ E IIJ o u; $E; 3 o iir GC O-co 0 E rJo ue c o)F Jo 6.O o 3 t! 8^ EEfi 6 .L Eg *e -o :PH 'tr @ iXo -!! 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(/) l- s Yat 5 .c;=-. t E€ 6 f q 5'E i$5 o It EE a*-_E -- c E .-F;i* (E(l)0 Ei l! 385: r.-= *_ iir gEEg c* v uo o=(n : =n;o .So9iQ oFe CLCr =6p !F^ '-.-^- ;s;$c, q I E'i .9 ';gEq*OsOEi iod CL Eg ggd< H'5Fo Gvc e Og o I S =l = dYo- d;"i tro gt dclto .E o o'= p= o {r c.3e* d t et F I ap .e:Eii* 3='E=s E --'Es€ o s.: Ee Eg(! sa G SE r .9 .='! 9; ' g 6Eg .-v-EgEE -rXcEFq) ED c€HEFEE EE a 6 t o I I l'; o lo -U, to iI II = € lo (E o ok E =9 o -9 pE* o = o3)X ,3 9P 6 A A o (E= '{!/ ? .gs Oe (,o .3E * Ps olu G X= o =l A E HA b=5 hE 06l E o6 F E*i '=x,:b(n -a crl 't ho .= 3; (J ol arB o)1, O'F .o .O b Eii .Eo9= c- 6l -o FE o'tro- ol =- oorD: P6-^9 GI .b(l)-o e3 3(a()!! -cl rC PE E; -Eg (rl I i{' 6O 9=Ey cq) bF NE .5 ggF o :EE F 5=h Xq (, 6 +E '€ ueb o X;E ct) EE oE! >Ori: (\a -.5E >!Y o 5*F e*9 g€ I E at, ! >co sE ix i€sr ., >\o H $'; E5= '5aS;Eh fHe CEr6e qo- c) s,giE + t/) o-c E;c i;€ Ft! :b= $! tr; c .E'=. Eeeg E P8 E EE? EE TEE QO =ooG I.E 6E< q o o; -oo 6 PE ES c€H Efi ()Y(E sEErt o gF*ciae x x cI o o '=oEE .9 .cE 6 r! vo =>-. -9 'FO e LE- 6 t o tr ;E !, q) -=ao s uI l2> jjs €c o |J0 c g^ -€.? $:F -9 ogtr, s.YX Eg ghP J(E0) E NO)A Os $Oe P8(/'(l) 3'r g o 't -a^ e (E! o cO F'6o ^=c)\ 6 o OE .:oo t 9E6 Ept- 6* ar c) o E3'trE .a Q, o^ P6tr E o !Y -; e o 69ou.t !e(5.Y € o! tr HE togn o c EE e:q FEE 6a o tEg c(U(0v =oo <9Et CD t o o o c, gO tt o .ct = E o (E tt, .o ya o o = .E I E fiaa S a\ o $$ o rg \!/ .E v frsHF = o E.> HFg; o F g? t cL oo g bE ;e i 3o EO s ;9 'i:z or€ 6 ECL X'(',c- o FO t g^ o FE .t .E eE E E EE sFRE I cE pErI e o AO : EEE ! NE d I a.E L cc o - EE o c! cI5 *E o oc c g o q IuJ c F!r 5r ;< eE8 c 3x o = |Jtt € c t .=t Eb=s o o o c ho E I vcL gEA€ ct c I *--r* zo. g< gurd< F .t t j$.? i:\'! irtr)\\tr.'.i I :: j ti! tr( ii \{l\ t@ Brcnrn& Root ""*t" River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Descrigion of lnvestigations Appendix A - Environmental Report Appendix 2: Communication plan 1. lntroduction This EIA CommunicationPlan sets out the arrangementsfor internaland externalconsultation wtth respectto the Brandonto ThetfordNavigation Link. The EIA Communicationplan aims to: o Clarifythe roles and responsibilitiesof the projectteam for specificaspects of internaland external communication(using a single named contact as far as possible,;; o ldentifykey consulteeswith a likely interestin the scheme;and r Establisha consultationprogramme to providea detailedlist of future consultationrounds. This is version1 of the EIA CommunicationPlan and has been reviewedand updatedas the scheme progressed has in line with adjustmentsto the projecttimetable and evolutionof issuesand ideas. The EIA CommunicationPlan will againbe amendedas necessaryafter significant phases of the project. The Environmentallmpact AssessmentOfficer is responsiblefor updatingthe EIA CommunicationPlan on behalfof the project Manager. 2. Project Team Member Roles and Responsibilities ProjectExecutive John Adams - EnvironmentAgency ProjectManager Andy Bennison- EnvironmentAgency ProjectManager RichardBeck - Babtie Brown and Root 3. ExternalConsultees Externalconsultation has been undertakento those partieswho form the working partywith the aim of improvingthe navigationon the LittleOuse, enhancingthe habitatsthe river corridorand enhancino the existingamenities found in the area. one stated aim from this initiairound of consultationwas to identifyother interestedparties that should be consultedas the projectprogresses. 4. ConsultationProgramme Table 1 shows a proposedprogramme for internaland externalconsultailon. Membersof the project team are nominatedresponsibility for preparingmaterial and undertakingeach round of consultation. This is based on the cunent programmefor the scheme. A named contact is also given in eacn case. As far as possiblea single point of contactwithin the EnvironmentAgency (i.e. the project Manager) should be establishedfor the schemefor atl public consultationto avoid unnecessaryconfusion. ihe oroject is currentlyat the pre-feasibilitystage, and will progressthrough further stages of the EIA orocess.As the scheme progressesfurther consultationrequirements may be identifiedand the consulteelist mav be exoanded. R12003S006077EA Bmndon to TherfordtArtn\Dsumsts\04-135 Stage1 F;mt.dc 20/8/03 30 of 73 5 o E cU E c o oE o o ':.8 E li(s gggl;EpEr ID OtiE .rEE$ o o'E o; rELE-]rj llr J = g g c 9oo€ J $€g€ c I FE f E: eF |I .9PIg i.: o g o G E$g€I E€ o E v o a (9 tr o o FIIgI ;Eu I\ ul o o o 3 -l'F (vt o E 5n q o st rfr E o ci o u .E o o (rt 6 ggg$ o .9 E o6 \ ; o Pg c a .9 r4 E,E E 3 G P o E-q) ! P- E o o c -'- o € r o ti6 .s Ege * s5t E t RA \ o = FF€ F E3*oE =E o qt 0t Q t s= a4 ee5 = isAEHs 6 6.s >+ o o ti N ED Te = o ==f;EiE?fE+{fi a 6tE i- ah FG ea € I lg o- o o eEggEHEEgE€E ss = 'x.o @z.foGF APPENDIX3 _ CITATIONS Rl2m3$q)6077 EA BEndon to TlBtfordtAdr\Ocumststo4"13s St gE 1 Fimt_d@ 20/8/03 34 ot 73 Nature ConservancyCouncil 6O BracondaleNorwich NRI zBE T.lcohoo. Norwich 6 20 558 The Conserrator Youc nLrtnct Forestry Commision (England} { East ConservancYl ou' 'rrF.nc. EA/N/96114 WH$t Creat Eastern House Tenison Road Drrr 2lst August 1985 Cambridge CBl zDU THETFORDGOLF COURSEAND MARSH of tbe l. Tbe area of land showa oa tbe attached nap is of speclal bterest by reason features described oa tbe tevetse of the nap. Thls aotlce constitutcs tlc fornal notificatlon of tte laad by tbe Nature Conservaacy z. of tbe Co'nell as a Site of Special Scicatilic Interest b accordence rpitrh Scction Z8(1) Wildlife aad Countrysidc Act l?81' to 3. The Cognci! cogsiders tlbat ttre operatious listed oYerleaf are likely to causc dauage operationa the special iutercst of the site. This list identifies all readily forereeable. which could daoage faetures of special inl)rest occurring arryrlere- witbin tbc site' Thc Not all featrrrea Jilt o.""ttarity be tept""&tad ou cvery initividutl PloPcrty' tle purpose of tbc list ic to ensute that ibc NCC has the opportuaity,to cousider in posribfc effccts of any listcd operation, but this does not mean ttat it will object if ca*ried out at agreed levels' oa evcry 6.asci Eary -tle*.h op.t.tions will 6" ecc.pteble rainimise c.,t;in parts of ritJ or et puticrdar tiute of thc year. Ia order to pill be iaterfercnce witb curteat utanagenc[t Plactice each owtlsl a,nd occupler prior iaformed ils soau as possible of Jbat .- Le ea.rried out on bis propcrty rvithout coasultatiog. you are required to give wrltten notice to NCC tdirected to the Assistarrt Regional aad. you Eay lot proceed' Officer) of iorrr istentiol to calry out any listed operatic with tbe sork unless: a. tbe operatioa is carried otlt witb the written colseat of tbe NCC; OR 16 of b. it is cagied out in aceordaace wltb a rosaageeeDt agteeuent under Sectiol of the the National Parhs and Access to the Cou:rtrysidc alt l9A9- or Section 15 Countryside Act 1968; OR out c, 3 oooths have expired since NCC received aotlce of yogr proposal to cany tbe work. lk Dr M George Regional Of East ssI r"7 3sltt Ooera!ior,,rt Ref No Tvce of Opera_tion 1 Cultivation, including ploughing, rotovating, hagowing, and re_see rl The changing of warer levels and tebres end wster utirisation andabs*action r"orn fineruding lTi:ililli.sto'ssc existing*"i", noo,.sand through ti Infilling of ditches, Skes, orains, marshes or pits" rn includingpeat, :#ii"*tJuooj,rltn""*, sandand gravel, topsoil,subsoir, L). . Constructiono removal or destruction of roadsr tracks, walls, hardstands,b&nks, ditches or ottrer - fenees, or removal pipelines ll *iffiing, maintenanc€ of and cables, above"artn*ont*., or below g.o*dl" ,q StoFageof m&terials" 41 Ereetion of permanent or temporary structures, or the undertaking engineering works, including drilling. " of use of vehieles or craft likely to damage or disturb features of interest. ?T Reereational of other aetivities eg. motor-cyele serambling likely to damage woodland or weuand vegetation 28.i I of, or ehanges in game and waterfowl manag€ment l?:T.!}!:t"n and huntins s raninis'I' includes any mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, fish or invertebrate. including afforestation, planting, clear and selective felling, thinning, coppicing' modification of the Jtano of unaerwo"c, in soectes "i,"nges T{ft. r Fi]-e Ref,: EA/N/96/14WHM . IUNTY: Norfolk SITE NAME: THETFoRDboIT coURSE & MARSH DIStRfcT: Brecklend itatus: Site of Special Scientific Interest ISSSII notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act !991 Local. Planning Authority: Breckland District Council Nationar Grid Ref,erence: TL s4sgig Area: 119.6[ha] ags.slacJ ( Ordnance Survey Sheet 1r50r000: L44 1:I0r 000: TL ggSE, Sw Date Notified lUnder 1949 ActJ I lgSg Date of Last Revision: Date Notified [under 1981 Actl: l98s Date of Last Revision: other lnforma'-ion: This site is listed in a nNature Conservation Reviewn. ?,=asons ior Notification: This site contains the only surviving area of I once extensive track of Breeklsnd heeth known as Thetford Warren. A wide range of heathtand plant communities stilt occur in the oecasionally mown "rolghs'r on the golf eourse and on other parts of the site. Dry grass heath on both acidic snd calcareous glacial drifts covers mueh of the area but there are also good examples of open lichen heath and heather heath. T'he diverse flora ineludes two IoeaIIy rare plants. Horse Meadows, an aree of low-lying gmund by thelRiver Littte ouse forms a marked contrast to the dry heatNand. The wet peaty soils support a range of fenland plant communities and a fine example of valley alder woodland. Calcareous gtassland occuls where there are chalk lragments in the overlying drift. Areas of "semi-rought' are lightfy mown and the grass sward contains an Lbundsnce of SheeptsFescue lFestuca ovinal, Sweet Vernal Grass llqrthoxanthurn odorqtum] and crested H"it-g_t"@. Associated herb @straw Lag}l* yggl,-I(i , CommonBroornrape tqrod.eh. *t"ort eT.jTFffi [email protected]]ililand is present_on the unmown rough and is dorninatG by Coekrsfoot lDactylis glo.erat$ and- Oat-grasslgrrnenatner"m etaful. Acidjc grassland'_Bracken tptgriOiym agunilU and dry heathland dominated by Heather tcgP.yn1yulFansl-_are prese@ands and gravets. CommonBenf leg!.ggtis 9?pr44ftg,gapillnris]' Wavywavy Hairgrass fDeschampsianexuocal and Sheep'sSheeps Fescue dominate tfrffi;;;the areas of acidic grassland wlth osellal, l{ood Sage tllrrgqtqm rotundif and a population of the uneommon l\laiden Pink thus delt In olaees are alternating stlipes of Heather and acidic w reflect differential--rcrting of the drift rnaterial by frost during a periglacial period. Lichen heath has developed on the lightest sands and gravels in an area of abandoned gravel workings. This is a rare hebitat confined to Breckland and is doninated by low-growing pol;ltrichum lichens lCladolia spp.l and mosseslmostly - piliferur-n]. An uneommon fern, Moonwort tgot"yffiF;*irl oceurs in one pii Continued...... stlg 3rlts THFTFORDGOLF COURSE & MARSH. NOFFOLK l;'if2,i,,/a lt ,l'/6,/ _4 AA ll 4 4. + Ar-. 4 ^n' i'\' A 4 \.i, A^^ **. t4 ..t ,. ll 4 .^^l ti + ta -t 6t ^al --- 3$ A on*'l A 4 5 i\n n r.. t, ,. I ?r,.-'-'-l't !o{-\ :"-':,' t=A 4. r, ga. t ;:i' . .;. il 1\. ni ^^A NATURECONSERVANCY COUNCTL Site boundary thus - Scale 1:1O00O Q Merrrs 600 0 Y,los 600 tt; thc Ordnence Ssrvcy 1:lO OOO m&p wtlh Baircl on '+ ol the of Het Maicaty.5 '-r*r'' rhr termissron Controll.r "+ I - Crown rcacrvad Statronerv Otlica. Copyrrght r':.ciq'r g1 f .+"... ErI ,"7 Thetford Golf Course & ItrtarshContinued..... Horse lvleadows support a series of fen and fiet grassland communities under scattered plantings of Poplar. Reed Canary-grass _ Ipnalaris afundlnq.csd' Purple Small-reed iCalamiErosris canescensl,- Reed Sweet-grass.-Ipgrrilan-erige tc-lyqggq_Etaximal, Common Reed IPhragmites uffi sedge I c arex i c. eia t ai. pEffi6 finant or co-dominant species on the wet fen. Mueh of the variation in the vegetation is due to the differing degrees of wetness and depth of standing water on the site. The valley carr woodland is dominated by hrge coppieed stools of Al s1l,"l 31f13 THETFORDGOLF COUBSE A MARSH NORFOLK s i':.''i: r A + 1 t4. "i:}, ^ii A iA i"* t l1 A {i\ 1.; ..{i:i!;/--ii'\&) r:.;j: )7 _Ft *AA* a-i i A*. lt i'.\ r-\ A a .1. '\;; i:j l.'...'.. '\- r r\ r j::.- i ' '' j ""' \ nl. F^l;.ii | .,,-',.\. ..'-"==l-=: a' "\.^ ^^ irr"lxxl-:p*&: \ rCr Ji *' A6 L) a;{ \ft t, ': a.: \s, l'11' :. n'iil '):,:i i ..r'' I '.lii .t l: i 4. ,i.. i -t==*...-_ n"].-- - _ t" ;d)ar r | ""' -\-'' li | +t-s!--\= .i-c + 4 i 4 ,t. i A ^i A 4* + ::ir:::::;-- '.'l )t '- , tdEc* as.n ffi"i.^t^;fr NATURECO NSERVANCY COUNCI L Site boundarythus Scale 1:1OO00 Q frlctcs Eascd on tha Ordnancc Survcy l:'lO OOO map wtth _+ lhC pcr{t|ilsron ot thr Cont?oller of Hcr Matclrv's a Sllttontty Of{rce. Crown Copyrrght rcscrvcd 1 85 rr. l.,,.{ lc.rtScrl +D *,reSl- fa,.,,,-ristirnr f-., f.r*. r-u*lc Wild Birds EC Directive ?9/409on the Conservation of Potential SPecialProtection Area (PSPA) Nrme: Brecklartd Unitary AuthorityiCounty:Norfclk' Suffolk' siresof specialscicotifrc Intcrest (sssls) have cons'ttrtion proposer:Alt or parrsof rhcforbwing 28 ogcthg thcysupport brecding rccommcndcdrr po;drl SpccialProtection et (pSpnl Uecarsc bcen CsnnrolrSSSI; Bcrncr's oreurilao-Gciat.":" Brrnharntteatn*SSSt;garnhanrross bird populrtitns & BrcttnhamHcaths SSsLfftfari FarmtudSSSI; Br'*lud F''$ SSSI;Briddrrm I&ad:,tdclindra6 CavcohamHcath (includcsBrcttcnham Hcarh NNR); Cavcnlrar-Icklrrabarn Heaths SSSl(inctudel SSSI lcklisgharnsssl; East cf&bcfryRildt l{od&rm sssl; crmwidrcElnp ssst, Dcadman'sGrave, NNR); SSSI;Foxholc HGEth' WrcthamHcath SSSI; Sr"*ll [.owWanen SSSi; Ficli BamHeat!1'.HilborouBh sssl; Lakrnhcathwarren sssl;Gooderstmrcwanen sssl; GrimcsGrarns sssl; How Hill Trac& EriswBll SSS[;Stanford Trauring SSSI;Lirtc feaeLBamh; iSSf;Ofa noaoey Camp SSSI; Rcx q+.1-Rocr"" (NNR);wangford Wanen & carr ArcasSSlTtretfordcotfca*& Marshsssq naroru ir*tu" SSSI rnd WcstStow Heath SSSI SSSI;Wcathcr & Homii"r-h;, *m"ff Ss5t;'WeaingHcsth SSS1 NNR); Seernap fff dctailof thcpSPA boundary' EastA"4il oo larptl sandv dcscription:The Brecklad of llorfolk rnd suffolk ticsin tha hcartof $itc wastc,with srnrtlpatchcs of of gtrial d'n to thc ninasrrh *t*t G d t * ITP.d a surdy soits 'ito low rainfalland frcc&aining clltivationthat ;-sil ;""d"""d. continintarc[rnatc, with arablc Muci of Brecklandhas bccn tcdo ttrcdeveloprmt of dryhcailr and grassland communrucs' soils, has is thc prcdominrntlmd plantcdwirh ouriftrs tnoubnort tl" t *itit6t ..nutry]anOassse€re rablc frrming use. thesc rtcenr chrngcs s-uPporthcathland The rcrnnantsof dry hcath urd grasslurdwtrich barc sruvivcd to cr.ate *hort tr,'f andopcn brccding birds, $rhere;;;;ttbtits andsheep is su1ficicntly-intarsive Woodlsr* Lullula arborea grumd Tbcsc*€ocs #';6 adaptcAo fivc in iorcstry md arablc babitats' il opanheath arcas'whilsl stonccurlews Buthinus urd nigh$arcqpn'anr W;"fu;brced rnclca-fc[ in thc spring' oedlcnemusestablisho"J ori opcngrarnd p'rovidcdby arablcc'ltivetion Sizcof pSPA:Thc pSPA oovcrs tn rrcaof 39'98?'60ha' asit is uscdresuluty Thesicqulificsun{$ac4.lof thcDircctivc (?9/409/EEC) Quelifyingspccies: Aano I t5 pais - kcoding C.ornt as st 1996 4t5 malcs- brctding C-;ourtrs st 1992 Sourccrofbird countdeta: 1rccqod stonecurlo"t Pmtcc6oa Heyma* p., Rildy,G., A;rio" M. & Roodcl,G 1996. R'gPyhgtith Nenrc 'laport- 1996-F*SPB unpublisbcd rcport - Tbcd- $rns ud distrib'tiouof oigb$us Morris,A., Burges,D., FA; RJ.,Evens, A.D., &. SEi&,K.W. f994. Caprinalgulewp*usinBir'inin1992'At€podbAeBTo'Bi'dsudy||:lEI.l9I. Bt'dsaidv Woiln,SRlLGi{i4s,S.2gg0.Thenuls"f5.tdil;;b*t Lallatao&ooinBritrinislgg?' 47Ql;Zr7'221. srrall numbcrs(lcss than l% of tlrc GB Nonqueli$ing cpecicsof intcrest: Thc pSPArcgrtuly supPorts analrecaing Goshawt Accipiter gcnn/l}' both of population)'t"t of wintenng ffen-{u11 ?r:t:^ry*s i"tt t" listtd in Anncx I of thc BirdsDirccttvt' '' - - sia aaFsPx' 5J Cornpilationdstc: Octobcr 2000' Varsiou:0'? ENGLISH FAlttRE PaP I of I (,if t"7 +,ft: Citation County: Notfolk rnd Suffolk Site neme: Breckland ForcctSSSI rlistrict: ForestHeath, St Edmundsbury,Breckland, Kings Lynn and west Norfolk Status: Sitc of SpecialScientific Interest (SSSDnotified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and CountrysideAct l98l (asamended) Local Phnning Authority: Suffolk Cowny Curncil, Norfolk County Council,Forest Heath Disricr Cdmol, St Edmand*xrryBrcugh Courcit, Breckland Distria Council,Kings Lynn and West Norfolk BoroughCouncil Netioarl Grid Rdcrcnce: TL819839 Ares: 18,188.91(ha) Ordarncc SurvcyShcct l: 50 000: 143,144, 155 ordnence survry shcct l: 10 00o: TFTlsE, TF7oNE, TF?0Sq rFgoNw, TFtosw, TL?gNE, TL?gSE,TL79SW, TL?8NE, TL?8SE,TL?8}.IW, TL??NW, TL?7NE,TL77SW, TL7?SE,TLggl.{!V, TL89SW, TLggSE,TLggtM, TL88NE, TLggSW, TLggSE,TLg?T.tw' TL87NE,TLETSW, TLETSE, TLg9SW, TL9E}NU,TL9ENE, TLgES'ff, TL9SSE DetcNotified (Undcr 1949Act): Not applicable Drtc Notificd (Undcr lgEl Act); 15 Novenrber200O Rcrsonsfar Notificrtion : Thc clesrfdl areasurd ]roiutgplrfadms within Brrckland Forcst SSSI providezuitable breeding habitat for uoodlark fuIlula uborea ard nigtrtjarCryimulgts earcWus, qfrich occur in intcrnationallyimponurt numbers 'trcuhr,plants BrecklandForcst slppons fi16 listed on-schedde & of ttre-\A4difc-and Coumy,idaAct perennialknawel &leruttlrus peretmtssubsp. prosrrorur(an Englishsndenric restrictedto ttrc East futgliart Brcckland), red-tippcd cudweedFilago luteserrs,maiden pink Diantlws umeria, Brccldand mugwort Artemisia Mmpestris and spiked spccdwellVeroniu .spt'mtas$sp. .ptcaa thc las of whichwas introduced rt this site but within thc tiK is restricted to Breddend.Ttle for€$(also qrppdls anirnportant assernbfue of Natiorully Rarernd nationally flloc rasartarplan ry€ies , a nmter of urbichare largely tltri"t.C to EastAnglil andocurpy habiatg drareasistic of Brecldand. Breckhnd Forest SSSI also $rpports an exceptionallyrictr invertebratefauna with Red Dd& Book andnationallyscarcc species across most ta(onomic groups that havebcen sildicd, A mammalspecics associated wi& the conifer plantationsis ths rsd squirrel,Scfunrswlgaris. Althougtrthc populationis smaltit is the only onc e,cantin EastAngtia Contdl... tl,7 within BrecklandForest SSSI are three important geological areas, formerly notifiedas separare SSSIs. WarrenHill, High Lodge and BeechesPit all provide evidencefor interpretingand understandingthe tinks between the geography,climate, environment and hurnarhistoryof East Angliaduring the Mddle Pleistocene. GcncrelDcscription BrecklandForest SSSI lies between Bury St Edmundsin Sufttk and Swaffiramin Norfolk. The majority of the sile is within ThetficrdForcst Park, the largest commercial firrest in lowtand England Brecklandis characterisedby its climateard its soils. Its climate is descriH as serni- continental,being the driest region of the Brhish ldes and subject to great extremesof temperatwe. The soils are comploq but are 4'pically very sandyfree{raining mixesof challg sand,silt, clayud flints. Plantingof the site with conifersbegan in 1922. Prior to this the land was mainlyBreckland heatLunsuble sand dunes and mar$qlgricr.dnre. Corsicanprc Pirus nigra subsp.lariciois J.t'l thedomiruntspecies comprising all plantrngs. pineP. 7 9vt(ry9of Scots sylwstris, Dou8l$ fir Pxttdot*ga netztesi rrtct f*it$ aho featureio tt torest and ten p€rcentof tnffrees y:D.fr 11tr{ Y ",i " arebroadleave. The mnjorityofthe initial plantingsreacfrcd the end of their first rotation in\trrd iA.f ,trui: mid l97os. Sirrcethen thc turvestiqgof theceand urbscquent plantings has createda continuotrs supplyof clear-felledareas and young plantationswhich are zuitableas breedingterritories for woodlarkand nightjar, which occur in intemational$important nurnbers. I(,TldJgc,fu r*[ firn(*tg rhe ssslregutarly suppons smalt numbers (tess than l% ortheGB o"oJffigf,#t$fA$ thft Accipitergentilis. In additionto the importantasscmblage of ScJrcduleE speciesthc SSSI supporrsa further fwe NationaltyRare (Red Data Book) andeleven nationally scarce vascular plant species.A number of theseare largely rqstriaed to Eas Anglii aad occupy habitatswhich are characteristicof BrecHtrtd tn thefor€s rnanyof ttremare mnfined to fidd edgcsand tracksides,on grassybanks and alongopen rides whereremnants of characteristicBreckland grass-heath hsbitats survive. '-J An oorrpfe is Brecklandthyme Thyntusscrpyllun which occtrrsin short Brecklandgrass-heath swards,usually rabbit or sheepgrazcd. Howeva r few speciessrch rs tower mustardArabis glahra, anddetrse silky-bent Aperaintentpta colonizbopan ground within the mainplantation blocks following"clear-felling or other disturbarccs. Spccies such as smooth rupturewort Herniaria glabra, mossyston€crop Crassnla ltllaea and purple-stemmedcat's tail Phletm phleoidesalso favour open"disturbed arcas oa droughtprone sandyor stony soils. BresklandForest zupports an occeptionallyrich invetebratefrunr with Red Data Book and Nationdlyscarce spcies acrossmo6t toonomic groupsthat havebeen sttrdied. At least3? Red Data Book speciesand 129nationally scarcc spccies havc beenrecordod frorn rarious partsof the forest. Thui mainlyoccupy remnants of habitatswhich haveffi-.,e{ afforestationqrch as dry grasslud, wetlards urd ternporarypools VU hrwL6ttL. A mammalspecies associated with thc c'oniferphntations is the red squirrel ,scrnrnswlgaris. Aithoughthe populationis smallit is the only oneocanr in EastAnglia. Contd/ I k:1,1 + tlts ''f ithinBrecklard Forest SSSI arc tlrree important geological areas, fiormerly notified as separate -iSls. Warren Flill, High Lodge and BecchesPit all provide evrdencefor interpretingand understatdingthe linl The sequenceat Waren Hill is divided into two units; the Warren l{itl Sandsand Gravels(of variablc thic'hess) ald the Warren Hill sandsand silts (over 4.6m thick). Clast lithological uulysis is importantin the interpretationofthe gravelsat this site. Early workers interpretedthe deposits as being glacid in origin, but the absenceof characteristicAnglian lithologies sr.rchas Rhaxella chcrq indicatesthat thc depositswere not laid down under glasiil c-ondilions. The prcsenc€of quartzitq quartz and Carboniferqrschert indicates thu the depositsmay bc the productof thc rittr Ersqn that d€positedthe krgham sand and gravelsto the east. This, coupled with the tlding $tructuresand ooarsegravds, lcnds nrppon to thc idca of a larger river nowing from the Midlands,&cross the prescntFen.Basin and East Anglia into theNorth Sea. This was the Eytham,or [nghamRiver. tfigh Lodgs is a srrall clearingin MildenhallWoods about 3km eastof Mldenhrll This classic site has been thc xrbject of a numberof investigationsand is of grcat importaneeoo. -th br its relerranccto the interpretationof the Pleistocrncsrcccssion of ttre uca and srriderrcefor the prescrrccofrnan in Britain prior to the furglian Gtacirtion. Chronologically,the successionsiarts with clays organic material Tlt"i_ttitS of lacustrincori$n (High Lodge Clayey Silts and High Lodge Sands). Thesehave beendeformed by glacial proccss€s. Physicallyundertying the laqstrinc sequcrreis a lodgementtill belonglngto the Anglian Glaciation. The herstrineilays areorrcrlainby sands and gravels of a fluvio-glacialorigin (Mildenhalt Sandsand Gravels)and a till which is lithotogicallyidentical to the lodgctncnttill. The lacuscrineclays haveprovided a pollen assemblageindicative of cool-temperatecorrditions. Evidencefrom fossil insect faunas complerrentthe pollanevidence. Fossil vstebrate renrainsfrom the claysinclude Dicerorlrymts wdPalwonffin. Artifacts rocoverd from the day provide evidencefor the prescnceof p.e- fu8lian humrosin Britain. The deformationof the thesedeposits during the Angiian Glaciation, makestheir interpretationcontleversial, and tbis rcsnainsa key site wiih muctr furthcr research potential. Bmhes Pit is a srnall,distsd brick pit situatedin a plartation close to the village of West Slow, about 8km northwestof Bury St Edmunds" BeechesPit hasb€€n the subjectof severalercavations. Scveralmetrcs of sedimentsare present, andthese include tufr, calcarcoussiltq organicclays and sands. The relationshipsbetween these sedimentsare complicated by rapidlateral changes and the interdigitationof differentunits, but they rest on a chalky till. A fossil molluscanfruna occurs in the tufa and other scdiments.The faunal compositionsuggests thrt the tuh fonned in I temperateforest with deepwater nearby. This fauna is exceptionalin bGtngcomposed of tas which are eittrerextinct, oi-to.* modern ranges do not overlaptoday. Fossil vertebratcsincluding fish, amphibirnsand mararnalsare present. This fauna is compatiblewith the srvironmental interpretation dcduced from the molluscs, and the prescnceof the water nole (Anricota cantiaru), the pine vole fiyrymys srabtenroeuslatd ttte auroch(&as pnrugenius)indicatethat the sedimentswere depositeaoinng the Hoxnianinterglacial. A numberof artifactshave also been found which date to the Hoxnian intergiacial.fui uraniunr-series date indicatcs that the tufa is over 300,000years old, andwhich is consistentwith theage indicated by theyertebrates Contd/ . t+lt1 Otherinformation Woodtarkand goshaurk are specially protected by beinglisted on ScheduleI of theWildlife and CountrysideAct t98l(as amended). Nightjar,woodlark and goshawk are included on Aruree(I ofthc EuropcanCommunities Direcrive 79l409lF-F;Con the Conscwationof Wild Birds. Perennialknarrysl, Breckland mugwort, maidenpinlq red{ippcd ordwecd and spikedspeedwell aregpwially proteaed by bcinglisred on Schdulc g of ttre wildlife and countrldde Acr l9E I (as amended). Perennidknawel, maiden pinlc, red+ipped cudweed, tower mustard,red squirrel,nightjar and woodlarkare priority speciesof the UK BiodivenityAction plan WanenHill, tfigh Lodge Mildenhall and BeectrosPit are sites which havebecn setccted by the GeologicalConservation Review (CCR). . BeechesPit SSSIpreviously notified (under lg8l Act): tggg i) Ifigh Lodge,Mldenhall SSSIpreviously notified (under t949 Acr): l9?l Ac$: le86 warrenrfilr sssr previousry notified t""o"r(lllfljSrll 's qsf r"l 4 tl'tz Operations likely to damage the features of special interest Site narne: BrecHrnd Forest County: Notfolk end Snffolk This is a list of all operationswhich could possiblydamage the intqest featurcsin this site of specirl scientificinterest. Thc lis coversthe whole site although some ofthe operationsmay be dam-4dng only on partsof thc site or at particulartimes of year or if canied out in particularways. The list of operationsis not a lisr of prohibited activities. Howevir, thc law rcquiresyou to give written noticeto English Nanrre beforc any of theseopcrations is undertakenon your land This allows us to discussthe proposalswith you and considertheir effects on the featuresof interest. In sontecases the proposalswill bo datnagingand in other circumstancesthcy will be beneficial. useif you need W to tcll us sbout any operationswhich are proposedon pru landardTor:Eh-fiffiruuld like con*nt. Furtheradvice can be found in the cnclosedbooklel Stendard Ref No Typc of Opention l. cultivatioru inctudingploughing rotovating, harrowing and re-seeding. 2. The introductionof grazingand alterationsto the grazing regime(including rype of stock, intensityor sasonal pattemof grazing) 3. The introductionof stock feedingand alterationsto stock feedingpracticc. 4. Mowing or urtting vegetation,the introduction of mowing and altentions to the mowing or cutting regirne. 5 fuplication of maflure,slurry, silageliquor, fertiliscrs and lime. 6. ApplicationofPedidd€qhchl&tg hsbicides(weedkillers) whethcr tenestrial or aquatic,and velefinsryproducts. 7. Dumpingspreading or dischargeof anymaterials. 8. Buming and alterationsto the patternor frequencyof burning. 9. Rdeasointo tln siteof nnywild, feral,captivebrcd or domesticanimalr, plant,sead or misro- organism(including gmetically modified orgarrisms). 10. Killing-, io;1uring,taking or rernoval of any wild animaF, (including dead animalsor parts thd60, or their eggsand nestg includrngpest controt and disturbingthem in tbeir placesof shdtar I I Destructibn,displacement, removal or cutting of any plant or plant remains,including tree, shrub,hetb, hedge, dead or decayrngwood, moss,licheq fungus,leaf-mould, turf anJpeat. trltl tz Tree and/or woodlandmanagement and alterationsto tree andlor woodlandmantgement flncludingplanting, felling pruningand tree $urgery, thinning, coppicing, changes in ipecies composition,removal of fallentimber)^ I 3a. Drainage(including moor-gripping, the useof mole,.tile,tunnel or otherartificial drains). r3b. Modificationofthe srnrctureofwatercourses (rivers, streafils,springs, ditches, dykes, drains), including their banksand beds, as by re-alignment,regrading, damming or dredging. l4 Alterationsto water levelsand tablesand water utilisation (includinginigation, storageand abstractionfrom existingwater bodiesand through boreholes). Also the modificationof currentdrainage oper ations. l5 Infilling or diggingof ditchcs,dykes, drains, marshes and ponds. 20 Extraction of minerds,including peaq sand and gravel, topsoil subsoil,chalk, and spoit. 2l. Destruction, constructiorgr€moval, rerguting, Or regrrding of roads,track5, walls, fences, hard*ands,banlcs, ditches or other earthworkq including soil and soft rock exposuresor the layrng,maintenance or removalofpipeliras and cabteq above or below ground. 22. Storageof materials. 23. Erectionof permancntor tefiiporarystructures or the undertakingof engineeringworks, includingdrilling. 24a. Modification of naturalor man-madefeatures and clearanceof boulders,large stones, loose rock or scree ?y';b. Banering,buttressing or gradingof geologicalexpo$tres. 26. Useof vehicles. 27. Recreationdactivities. c 28 Gamemanagement and huntingpractices and alterationsto gnmemansgement and hunting pfactice. ilanirul" includesany mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, fistr or invertebrate(including honcy bees) etI,") 4tfts n"uti" Brcrvn @ & Rodt River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Description of Investigations Appendix A - Environmental Report blank R12m3\00O6077 EA BEndon to Th€tford\Adm\D@uhFrsitX-135 Stage 1 Fimt.dc 2O|UO3 48 of 73 tt l,"] i#ll {;\\ r}i{}\\ilr\r a"mi"tsrown &Root aq. tr \l: I .i t.1' @ River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Description of Investigations Appendix B - Photographs AppendixB Photographs Rl20O3\0006077EA BEndon to Thotfon \Adnu)@uments\D4-135Sttge I Faml.ds 2Ol8/03 49 of 73 hl,,J t;:.a.;*r *:\\ i iit)[i.r,1!.\ ! ff;F .\{:i \rt! Brcrvn& Root @ ""urt" River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Description of lnvestigations Appendix B - Photographs Photo1: BrandonLock(Ch.21 .82km) Photo 2: A1065 Road Bridge,Brandon (Ch. 22.42 km) Rt2m3\0006077 €A Erandon to Thatford\A ),lrci j:d{1 {'\t tsls.rNlrfvi :1r1.,:'r{ a"mi"tsrown & Root \ili."i 1' @ River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Descrigion of lnvestigations Appendix B - Photographs Photo3: SantonDownham Road Bridge(Ch. 26.69 km) -:? ,, .J .1, .'f' ',1.! i J .t: Photo4: Footbridgeat Two MileBottom (Ch. 29.98km) 135 Sbgs I fiml.d6 51 of 73 *ttlt.7 ,rii-ii [:\r !r{{}Nrrr.]\| ".iii,: t(.i \r \ ,.& t"*," Brown& Root River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Description of lnvestigations Appendix B - Photographs rfai; Photo5: BrecklandGrowers lrrigation Pumping Station (Approx Ch. 30.8 km) Photo6: AbbeyHeath Weir (Ch. 33.17km) '1f,5Stags I Final.doc 52 oI 73 1r"| ,;2 , .r:ll. i. \. \. i ii! ! \ \! l.:\ ! lll-. :: ii . I .,{ \ BabtleBrcwn&Root River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: tlescrision of lnvestigations Appendix B - Photographs l ;.l .; l;:. ,. . r' -?" I -t,. ... l:,ir: i*-" ''9q,"-'* ':. i'- j i ai:i Photo7: A11 Road Eridge,Thetford (Ch. 34.28km) -;rffj,-": ti ';ti* ! 4-.. ,. :-'-.Ti i. ,1F. r: 11 :,"- r ? i'r.-l*.+ Iti r ,rrlI-'' '.! aJ8/03 53 of 73 l3l t"l @ e"Hi" Brqun& Root River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Descrigion of Investigations Appendix B - Photographs Photo9: CanterburyWay Road Bridge,Thetford (Ch. 34.99km) ,...cFi;_ {\ ***4, j.tl,.j ; q{*i: Photo10: Thetford No.1 Sluice {Ch.35.08 km) R120O3V)006077 €A BmDdon to ThetfordArlrn\Dcumsts\D,a-135 StagE I Fiml.doc 20/8/03 54 oi 73 I y{r."i, ,ri;'i.. *: lltlr\ut\t -li' "r 1 i, 1 @ a"uti" Brown& Root River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Descrigion of Investiga6ons Appendix B - Photographs Photo 11: Footbrdge,Thetford (Ch. 35.35km) Photo12: Otd Al l RoadBridge, Thetford (Cn. lS.Za tm) 3 R12003trfi)6077 EA BEndon to Thetfor(iA{kn€€umsrs\tx-tX5 Stago 1 Fimt-d@ 20/U03 55 ol 73 ')slr"7 l;$ l:\\.tit{}\11!'.\I ii-'j' \ n"uti* Brcnnn& Root \\.: { \ @ River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage I Reportr Descri$ion of lnvestigations ,nrppendix B - Photographs Photo13: LittleOuse River.Thetford looking upstream from Ch"35.80km :€F... R:\2m3V)0O6O77 EA B.andon lo Th6trord\Adm\0@umili6\04-taq StagE I FiMl.dc 56 of 73 t 't( I ll.r'1 r,iltir t1\\ tR{}\\n \r 1tl_,i'{.1r {.ilf ..r a"uu"Brown & Root \ @ River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Descrifrion of Investigation-s Appendix C - Works Required for Navigation AppendixC WorksRequired for Navigation Rl2m3\0006077EA Braftdonto ThetfordAdn\Deumsts\O4-135 Stage1 Fiml.d@ m/8/03 57 of 73 1?f t') t\\tt..\'t .'r,,i il\\ lltr j, :i :i:' ttt," Brown& Root "\{.; I \{ l' @ River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stago 't Report: Descrision of Inyostigations Appendix C - Works Raquired for Navigadon Required Works to facilitate Navigation Criteria: Minimum Depth of Water = 1.35m Minimum Headroom= 2.7Om Lock Length: Existinglock at Brandon= 14m, Denver Standard= 30m. ** Minimumworks requiredto achieve navigationin bold, Comments in italic. New Strucures & Modifications to Existing Structures Location Proposed Works/Gomments * BrandonSluice Existing hsad structure to be raised to accommodate minimum headroom Existing lock would need to be rcconstructed to meet EA or Denver standard 41065 Road Bridge.Brandon HeadroomOK overcenter 4.5m width. Arch springing levelsbelow min headraomlevel Santon Downham Road Bridoe Headroom OK * No modifications required SantonDownham New Lock and weir/sluicestructure to be constructed Santon Park Footbridge Bridge to be raised Two Mile Bottom Footbridge Headroom OK at center of iver but becomes restrictive near the banks due to the bridqe profile. Two Mile Bottom New Lock and weirlsluice structure to be constructed lrrigationPumping Station (LH bank) Not considered to be a problem - increased water level may remave cunent restnctlons on abstraction. Abbey Heath Weir New Lock to be constructed A11 Road Bridge Headroom OK - No modifications reouired Thetford STW Outfall Considerationto be given to providing additional energy dissipation at outfall structure Abbey Heath Estate SW Outfall Considerationto be given ta praviding additional energy dissipation at outfall structure Wav Road Headroom OK - No modifications required ThetfordNo.1 Sluice New Lock to be constructed Footbridge upstream of Thetford Bridge to be raised No.1Sluice Old 411 Road Bridge,Thetford Headroom OK - No modifications required Bridge Boat turnlng area and moorlngs to be provided Proposed Limit of Navigation 35 sirgr I Fiml.da 2{Y8m3 58 of 73 7t1,1 {a& F\\-IR{}\ \!u \ I h4.s' a"uti"Brcwn & Root \1.1 'it \ @ River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stagp 1 Report: Ilescription of Investigations Appendix C - Works Required for Navigation Dredging Requirements Location RequiredDredging Estlmated Volume{m3) Brandon MinimalDredging Required 100 Santon Downham Dredgingrequired for approx 2.2km downstreamof Santon DownhamRoad Bridge,average depth 0.5m. 6600 Two Mile Bottom Dredgingrequired for approx350m downstream of TwoMile Boftom Footbridge, average depth 0.3m. 600 Abbey Heath Weir Dredgingrequired for approx 1.0 km downsbeamof Abbey Heath Weir, averagedepth 0.4m. 2400 i Thetford No.1 Sluice Dredgingrequired for approx600m downstream of ThetfordNo.1 Sluice, average depth 0.5m. 1800 Thetford Town Centre 1.0!_ i Total Estimated Volume: 11600 Nofe: Estirnated volumes based on 6m wide channel. Raising of River Banks Location Sectlonsof Bank to be Ralsed Approx Lenoth{m) Brandonto Santon No worksrequired Downham 0 Santon Downhamto LH bank immediatelyupstream of Santon Downham Two Mib Boftom Road Bridge and proposedlock location,and RH bank near Little Lodge Farm 700 Two Mile Bottom to LH bank immediatelyupstream of Two Mile Boftom Abbey Heath Weir Footbridge and LH bank downstream of Abbey Heath Weir 900 Abbey Heath Weir to No works required Thetford Town Centre 0 i'Total Length of Bank iuworks: 1600 R:\2d)310006077EA Bnndon to Th.{io.rtl^.ln\Oaummts\IX-135 StNgtrI Flml.dc m/8m3 59 of 73 :1 I,") 1:l\! I l\,:irii\, /n\-. - ii' \{ i {r\i'\ (_) Babtie Brcwn & R@t 'l River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage Report: Description of Investigations Appendix D - Cost Estimates Blank Rl2m3\0006077EA gmndoo to Thetford\Mm\O@umsts\lx-135 StagEt Fimt.d€ 20lUO3 60 of 73 ll l,^/ iFS F'\\'rR{}\\t*:\ | a.uriuBrovnn & Root €.i*- \rll \{ \ @ River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Description of lnvestigations Appendix D - Cost Estimates AppendixD CostEstimates Rfm3\0006077 €A BEndon to 35 StagpI Frml-d6 m/&03 61 of 73 ;:ilrr: } \l\ l!:l{t\\$ \ i liiiJJ.ril \( ;t nru,i"Bmrn & ]lr ! O Root River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage I Report; Description of tnvestigations Appendix D - Cost Estimates Cost Estimatesfor NavigationProposals (Base Option - 1B) Item Description Estimate(t) 1 Existinghead gate structureat BrandonLock to be raised 2000q '1 2 500 m3 Excavationfor Santon Downham Lock & Weir structure 45000 3 Constructionof 22m L x 4.3m W x 3m D Lock at Santon Downham 800000 4 Constructionof 10m wide Weir/Sluicestructure at Santon Downnam. 150000 incorporatingseparate weir and sluice qate. Raisingof existingSanton CountryPark Footbridge 40000 19Q9mS Excavationfor Two Mile Bottom Lock & Weir structure 35000 ; ConstructionoI 22m L x 4.3m W x 3m D Lockat Two Mile Bottom 800000 8 Constructionof 10m wide Weir/Sluicestructure at Two Mile Bottom, 150000 incorporatingseparate weir and sluiceqate. o Excavationand constructionof new 80m L x 6m W x 1.5m D navioation 50000 passchannel around HeathWeir 10 Constructlonof 22m L x 4.3m W x 3m D Lockat Abbey Heath 800_0_qq 11 , Modifyexisting SW ou$alllgglwglllg_rngglpglqlg el9rgy dissipation 10000 12 . Excavationand constructionof new 80m L x 6m W x 1.5m D navioation 50000 * P.ypasqchannel around Thetford No.1 .Sluice 13 Constructionof 22m L x 4.3m W x 3m D Lock at Thetford 800000 14 Raisingof existingFootbridqe at Thetford 40000 15 Dredgingof LittleOuse river(11600 m3) 35000_0 Raisingof riverbanks (1600 m) by approx0.5 - 1.0 m 100000_ n Construction of boat turning91{ n'gglrng&g!l!y-gl tg{grd 700000 Total (Option 1B): 4950000 Additional/OptionaI Works: Item Description Estimate (E) 18 Additionalcost to rebuild BrandonLock to EA standard 900000 19 Additionalcost to rebuildBrandon Lock to Denver standard 11 00000 ti I Additionalcost to provide30m long Locksat SantonDownham, Two Mile 600000 Bottom,Abbey Heathand Thetford. zl r Additional cost of raising/rerewing footbridge at Two ry!]!9Boltom 40000 z1 Additionaldredging costs of extendingnavigation to confluencewith River 30000 Thet(900 m3). l3 Additionalcost of raisingtimber footbridgein Thetfordtown centre to 50000 facilitatenavigation to confluencewith River Thet. .l R:\2003\0006077 EA B6rdon to Thoford\Ad.n\Oocummts\OGtei Shge Fiml.doc 2OI8|O3 62 of 73 I t z t I "1 il(trs(,s 14 SummaryTotals: Calculation Estimate(f) (as calculatedabove) As Option1B (-20000 + 900000) As Option1B (-20000 + 1100000 + 600000) R1200310006077€A Brandonto Th6tfo.dAdn\Documents\O{-135Stage I FiMt.d@ 20/8ro3 63 of 73 9 S t" (r,,rr, I 1 rr6c €,r, Blank R12m3VXX)6O77 EA Bratrdon to Thofo.d\A AppendixE WorkingGrou p Consultation Notes of meetingfrom Working Group 2414103and 217103 RJ2$3\0006077EA BEndoo !o Thettord\Adm\Documsts\tx-135Staga I Finsl.d@ 2018/03 65 of 73 1,I r.1 ;:a;ii ir\\ rii{ }\ \!!:\ ! iar.:l \illr,t I ffi e"mi"Brcurn &Root River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Description of lnvestigations Appendix E - Working Group Gonsultation Blank R:\2m3VD06077EA BBodo. ro Tb6tfordl^dn\oaumetsllx-135 StagEI Finat.d@ 2018/03 66 of 73 1*1,"1 & Root Notesof Meeting @ e"ur" alown Babtie Brown & Root JV 8 The Square Martlesham Heath lpswtch Client: EnvironmentAgency Suffolk IP5 3SL to ThetfordNavioation Job title: Brandon Tel: 01473 624326 Fax: 01473 62302'l Purpose of meeting: ProjectGroup Meeting Date of meeting: 2 July2003 Place of meeting: Thetford Ref: 000607711/3038 Date of Distribution: 18July2003 Bennison(AB) EnvionmentAgency {EA) Yes NickGibbons (NG) Forest Enterprises(FE) Yes Faulkner(AF) East AnglranWatenuays Association (EAWA) Yes Bob Wells (BW) GreatOuse BoatingAssociation (GOBA) Yes Bradley(DB) Inland WaterwaysAssociation (lWA) Yes TonyJones (TJ) KeystoneCommunity Partnership (KCP) Yes RichardBeck (RDLB) Babtie Brown & Root (BBR) KaySiddall (KS) BabtieBrown & Root (BBR) Yes File VickyStone, BrecksCountryside Project Sarah Anton Nature The main pointsfrorn the draft report on the feasibilityof reopeningthe navigationon the LittleOuse between Brandonand Thetfordwere presented. The updatessince the last meetingof 24 April 2003 were: 1.1 Area designatedas SAC has been conected to reflectnew citations. 1.2 Area of potentialenvironmental enhancement has been identifiedwith ForestEnterprise; these show area {pafticularlyof Alder Can, Fen grazingor popular)which are likely to be improvedby raisedwater levels. Engineeringproposals for navigationhave been examinedtwo standards. The lower standardwould only extendthe existingstandard at BrandonLock (1.2mdepth and 2m headroom)while a second higher standardwould require Brandon Lock itselfto be enlarged. The lower standardwould probablyneed four locks, the higherstandard, 5. Bridgesto be raised includedone at Stantonand a footbridgein Theford. Babtie Grcup Lrmt€d Helltxrtor ErNn & Ret Limited Regisiered in S@il€nd RegEtered in tngland Regjstered No SC 14'1100 Ps'ct#ad N^ tualrq Registtred Offr€ RegFtered Office 95 Sothwell Street Hit Park Court Glasgow Springf;eld Owe G2 7HX Lealfrerhead Surey KI 22 7NL R12003\0006077 EA B€ndon lo I hetford\Adm\Minut6s\3038 Proiact Grep 2-7-03 doc Qt le |,"1 t tlts ,fD e"*i"ercwn&Roor I ltem i Minute 2.0 Discussionon DraftProposals 2.1 The headroomat the cut off channelwas beingraised (from the existing2.'1 m to 3m). This would mean that the heightrestriction below Brandonwould now be the railway bridge (2.7m). This heightwould be adequatefor a full standardin the future. General standardof 1.2m- 1.35m depth with 2.7m heaoroomwas seen as acceotable. 2.2 concern aboutBrandon Lock was its length(currenUy about 14 metres). Manyboats are longerthan 33 - 37 feet,and 50 or more is not uncommon.Andy Bennisonto send BBR resultsof recent survey on boat lengths,depths and heights,and detailsof EA's standardlock design. EA (AB) Discussionon planninggain opportunities would be arrangedwith RogerVallentine by AB in week commencing22 July 2003. EA (AB) Draft report on current proposals,without economicappraisal would be issuedto EA in Wyoweeks. Minutesbv RichardBeck Rr\m03\0006077 LA Bmndon to Thetford\Admi.Minutes\3038 prcied Grae 2 7-{l:i doc Page 2 of 2 a", lrlro7 rr { tr $'\\iii!'|\1{r'r\, ':' j (ntsabtieBrcwn&Root iS \:t-j\ y7- River Little Ouse Brandon lo Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Report: Ilescription of Investigations Appendix F - Abstraction Licence Summaries AppendixF AbstractionLicence Summaries Rj2OO3\00(477EA Bnndon to ThetfordlAdrn\D@umnt6\04.135Sbgo 1 Fiml.dG 20/8ru3 69 of 73 n1fr"1 ,: i,_'. {i\'\ !lii{t\\Jt.:\ ! ..ir ,i .,i.i. trr. I G n"ut. Brcwn& Root 'l River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage Report: Descrip{ion of lnvestigations nppendix F - Abstraction Licence Summaries Rl20O3\0006077 EA Bmrdon to TlElfordA.trtr\Ocumsts\D4-l35 StagE 1 Finat.d@ 2AlAn3 7Q ol 73 . I :..'.t iili.i\\il\l r:; , \1.! -"{'"\' ffil A.Uti"Brown & Root River Little Ouse Brandon to Thetford Prefeasibility Study - Stage 1 Reporl: Description of Investigations Drawings Drawings 0006077101/01 - StudyArea 0006077101102 - SSSI's 0006077101/03 - SAC's 0006077/01/04 - CurrentStructures and Prefened Lock Locations,Forest Enterprise 0006077/01105 - River CorridorHabitat, Forest Enterprise 0006077/01i06 - PotentialEnhancement Areas, Forest Enterprise 0006077101/07 - ScheduledAncient Monuments 0006077/D2108 - HistoricStaunches and ExistingWeirs 0OO6O77lD2lOg - NavigationProposals - Plan& Longsection R:\2003SO06077 EA B€ndonto Th6tfordlAdrn\D@umentsiD4-135 Staga 1 Fiml.d6 20/8103 73 of 73 rc) F- E N d sq ! 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