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Oxfordshire County Council Local Transport Plan 3 (2011-2030)

Study to Inform Appropriate Assessment (Preliminary Screening Report) July 2009

Halcrow Group Limited

Oxfordshire County Council Local Transport Plan 3 (2011-2030)

Study to Inform Appropriate Assessment (Preliminary Screening Report) July 2009

Halcrow Group Limited

Halcrow Group Limited Burderop Park Swindon Wiltshire SN4 0QD Tel +44 (0)1793 812479 Fax +44 (0)1793 812089 www.halcrow.com

Halcrow Group Limited has prepared this report in accordance with the instructions of their client, Oxfordshire County Council, for their sole and specific use. Any other persons who use any information contained herein do so at their own risk.

Halcrow Group Limited Burderop Park Swindon Wiltshire SN4 0QD Tel +44 (0)1793 812479 Fax +44 (0)1793 812089 www.halcrow.com

Oxfordshire County Council Local Transport Plan 3 (2011-2030)

Study to Inform Appropriate Assessment (Preliminary Screening Report) July 2009

Contents Amendment Record This report has been issued and amended as follows:

Issue Revision Description Date Signed Author Reviewer

1 0 Draft for OCC and S. Isaac COB client comments.

Contents

1 Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Strategic Environmental Assessment requirements 1

2 The Appropriate Assessment Process 2 2.1 Requirements of the Habitats and Birds Directives 2 2.2 Appropriate Assessment stages 3 2.3 Appropriate Assessment and land use planning documents 4 2.4 Role of organisations 5 2.5 AA screening methodology 7

3 Relevant International Sites 10 3.1 Background 10 3.2 Task AA1: Oxfordshire’s international sites that could be affected by the LTP 11 3.3 Oxford Meadows SAC 12 3.4 Little Wittenham SAC 13 3.5 Hartslock Wood SAC 14 3.6 Hackpen Hill SAC 15 3.7 Cothill Fen 15 3.8 Aston Rowant SAC 16 3.9 Chilterns Beechwoods SAC 17 3.10 Other international sites potentially affected 19

4 Potential Impacts of LTP3 20 4.1 Screening Task 2: Connection with SAC Management Requirements 20 4.2 Potential impacts of LTP on international sites 20 4.3 Possible avoidance measures 22

5 Possible In-combination Effects 24 5.1 Introduction 24 5.2 Possible Plans with in-combination impacts with LTP3 24 5.3 Previous and ongoing Appropriate Assessment work in the county and surrounding area 25 5.4 Background information 26

6 Summary of Preliminary Screening 28

6.1 Summary conclusions 28 6.2 Next steps 28

7 Guidance Document References 30

Glossary 32

Tables

Table 1: Stages of Appropriate Assessment, based on (DCLG 2006) Table 2: AA screening methodology for the OCC LTP3 Table 3: Potential (eventual) impacts of LTP3 on Natura 2000 sites

Figures

Figure 1: Hierarchy of avoidance, mitigation and compensatory measures

Appendix

Map of international sites within and around Oxfordshire

1 Introduction

1.1 Background In June 2009, Halcrow Group Ltd was appointed by Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) to undertake an ‘Appropriate Assessment’ (AA) screening of their third Local Transport Plan (LTP).

Appropriate Assessments are required under the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora) and the Birds Directive (Directive 79/409/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds), which apply to proposed plans or projects that may have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site, also known as ‘international’ sites due to their international legislative protection. The AA process and requirements under the Habitats Regulations are described further in Section 2.

The aim of this preliminary screening report is to broadly assess the nature of the LTP and attempt to identify any potential effects on internationally protected sites of nature conservation interest at an early stage. A more comprehensive, updated screening report will be produced at a later stage of LTP3 development, when LTP objectives are more advanced. This later screening report will also include more information on the international sites, including conservation objectives and favourable condition tables from Natural England, where available. This will then allow a matrix assessment of the LTP objectives and their potential effects on the international sites identified.

It is hoped that the preliminary screening report, which includes some baseline information on relevant international sites and potential impacts upon them, will help OCC to identify and avoid potential impacts, rather than have to mitigate them at a later stage of LTP3 development or at project implementation level. Avoidance of impact is the stated priority in the Habitats Directive, as shown in the following diagram:

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Figure 1: Hierarchy of avoidance, mitigation and compensatory measures

Avoidance Mitigation Compensatory Prevent significant Reduce impact to measures effects on the point where it If an adverse European no longer has risk effect cannot be sites from of an adverse ruled out and happening in effect, e.g. the plan is the first place, e.g. • Vegetation buffer necessary, put in • Move zones to prevent / place development reduce compensatory to different disturbance to measures, e.g. location (e.g. sensitive species habitat creation outside river • Creation of new near the catchment) recreational areas Felixstowe Docks; • Change the type to reduce Bathside Bay of development recreational proposed impacts on site

Based on Appropriate Assessment of Plans . Scott Wilson, Levett-Therivel, Treweek Environmental Consultants, Land Use Consultants, September 2006.

1.2 Strategic Environmental Assessment requirements In parallel with the screening under the Habitats Regulations, the LTP will also be the subject of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), which takes a wider approach to broader sustainability and environmental impacts, rather than the narrow approach that AA takes by focusing on the predicted impacts of plans on international sites. Further, Sustainability Appraisal follows the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (2001/42/EC) whereas AA follows the requirements of the Habitats and Birds Directives, as described in Section 2.

SEA baseline collection under the SEA Directive ‘biodiversity’ topic involved collecting data on international sites. Some of these data are provided in section three of this report. The SEA review of plans/programmes may also be useful to determine whether some plans may have ‘in-combination’ effects in AA, once the significant effects of the LTP are known. There will also be opportunities for SEA and AA linkages via informal consultation with stakeholders and the monitoring of environmental impacts on international sites which could be carried out through the SEA monitoring programme.

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2 The Appropriate Assessment Process 2.1 Requirements of the Habitats and Birds Directives Appropriate Assessment is required where any plan, alone or ‘in combination’ with other plans, could have an adverse affect on the integrity of international sites. These sites include Special Protection Areas (SPAs), designated under the Birds Directive 1, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and candidate SACs designated under the Habitats Directive 2. Sites designated under the Ramsar wetlands convention are also included in AAs as specified in Natural England guidance. 3

Article 6 (3) of the Habitats Directive gives the following guidance on when AA should be undertaken:

‘Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public.’

Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive goes on to discuss alternative solutions, the Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI) test and compensatory measures:

‘If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of social or economic nature, the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted.’

The Habitats Directive applies to “Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon” (Article 6(3)).

1 Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds. 2 Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora 3 Natural England 2007. Draft guidance: The Habitats Regulations Assessment of Regional Spatial Strategies and Sub-regional Strategies

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In England, most SACs on land or freshwater areas are underpinned by notification as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)4. AA relates specifically and exclusively to the qualifying interests of international sites and not to the broader conservation interests or requirements under other SSSIs. However, the Scott Wilson guidance 5 argues that the latter should be factored into plan-making as part of the SEA / SA process and the planning authority’s duty under section 28G of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to conserve and enhance SSSIs in carrying out their functions.

2.2 Appropriate Assessment stages AA is an assessment of the potential effects of a proposed plan ‘in combination’ with other plans and projects on one or more international sites. The screening stage is undertaken to determine if a ‘likely significant effect’ will impact on the integrity of an international site.

The ‘assessment’ proper is a statement that says whether the plan does or does not adversely affect the integrity of an international site. The process of determining whether or not the plan will affect the site(s) is also commonly referred to as ‘appropriate assessment’ (AA). The following example of AA methodology is based on the requirements of EU and UK Legislation (described below) and the guidance provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). 6

A summary of where the screening phase fits into the AA process can be seen in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Stages of Appropriate Assessment, based on (DCLG 2006)

Task AA1 Screening – identifying likely significant effects Task AA2 Appropriate Assessment and ascertaining the effect on site integrity Task AA3 Mitigation measures and alternative solutions

4 SSSIs are notified by Natural England 5 Appropriate Assessment of Plans . Scott Wilson, Levett-Therivel, Treweek Environmental Consultants, Land Use Consultants, September 2006. 6 DCLG, 2006. Planning for the Protection of European Sites: Appropriate Assessment. Guidance for Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents.

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This report represents the very first stage of Task AA1; the screening phase. If the final screening assessment, to be undertaken at a later stage of LTP development, found that the LTP was likely to cause significant impacts on any international site then a full AA report incorporating Task AA2 would need to be carried out. This conclusion would need to be made in agreement with Natural England, the statutory consultee.

(a) Tasks AA1 and AA2 Through Tasks AA1 and AA2, Appropriate Assessment promotes a hierarchy of avoidance, mitigation and compensatory measures. First, the plan should aim to avoid any negative impacts on international sites by identifying possible impacts early in plan-making, and altering the plan in order to avoid such impacts. These possible impacts should be identified during the screening phase; Task AA1, and more detailed effects on the integrity of international sites should be identified in Task AA2.

(b) Task AA3 Mitigation measures should also be applied during the AA process to the point where no adverse impacts on the site(s) remain. In fact, if the plan is likely to result in any adverse effects, and no further practicable mitigation is possible, then it will be rejected (i.e. not taken forward in its current form). Under such a worst-case scenario, the plan may have to undergo an assessment of alternative solutions (third stage). Compensatory measures are required, as a fourth stage, for any remaining adverse effects, but they are permitted only if (a) there are no alternative solutions and (b) the plan is required for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (the IROPI test). These are very onerous tests which plans are generally considered unlikely to pass.

2.3 Appropriate Assessment and land use planning documents In October 2005, the European Court of Justice ruled that ‘appropriate assessments’ must be carried out on all land use planning documents in the United Kingdom in order to demonstrate that that their implementation would not adversely affect sites designated as being of European importance. Following the ruling, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published amendments to the Habitats Regulations. The amended Habitats Regulations were laid before parliament on 3 rd July, 2007 and the amendments

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came into force in full on 21 st November 2007. Defra 7 has summarised the amendments as enacting the following changes:

• simplifying the species protection regime to better reflect the Habitats Directive;

• providing a clear legal basis for surveillance and monitoring of European protected species;

• toughening the regime on trading European Protected Species that are not native to the UK;

• ensuring that the requirement to carry out Appropriate Assessments on water abstraction consents and land use plans is explicit.

The Habitats Regulations – formally known as the Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994 – aim to transpose the requirements of the Habitats and Birds Directives into domestic legislation. These amendments apply to England and Wales only.

2.4 Role of organisations (a) Competent Authorities In the case of local transport plans, the plan-making authority, in this case OCC, takes the role of Competent Authority for the purposes of the Habitats Regulations 8.

Competent Authorities are responsible for:

• making an Appropriate Assessment before deciding to undertake, or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for a plan or project likely to have a significant effect on an international site, either alone or in combination with other plans and projects;

• for the purposes of the assessment, consulting the appropriate nature conservation body and having regard to its representations; and

7 ‘European Wild Birds and Habitats Directives’. Available on http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife- countryside/ewd/ewd09.htm , accessed on 23/04/08. 8 The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.)(Amendment)(England and Wales) Regulations 2007. Statutory Instrument No. 1843.

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• ensuring that if there is a negative assessment of a plan or project, agreement to that plan or programme is only given if there are no alternative solutions, it must be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, and any compensatory measures that may be required are secured.

(b) Natural England Natural England implements, on behalf of the Government, international conventions and EC Directives on nature conservation. These are encompassed in the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007, as follows:

• provide advice on whether plans and programmes are likely to have a significant effect (either alone or in combination with other plans and projects) when requested to do so;

• advise Competent Authorities whether a plan or programme is necessary for the management of the site;

• comment on Appropriate Assessments;

• provide advice on the ecological requirements of any compensatory measures; and

• provide advice on the suitability of any proposed compensatory measures.

Regulation 48 of the Habitats Regulations provides that if Natural England advises that a plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on a European site, it must be subject to Appropriate Assessment by a Competent Authority (OCC). The Habitats Regulations (2007 amendment) imply that the competent authority can agree if the strategy is likely to have significant effects, but it cannot ‘give effect’ to the strategy until an Appropriate Assessment has been carried out and determined that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the international site.

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• securing any necessary compensatory measures to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected; • confirming that any compensatory measures are sufficient to maintain the coherence of Natura 2000; • informing the Commission of the measures adopted; and • directing the plan-making authority not to give effect to a plan that may have an adverse affect on site integrity.

2.5 AA screening methodology There is no specific national or European guidance on the Appropriate Assessment of transport plans. However, several of the guidance documents provide enough information to undertake such an assessment. The methodology developed for the AA screening is therefore based upon the following regulations and guidance documents:

• Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites. European Commission (2001).

• The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.)(Amendment)(England and Wales) Regulations 2007. Statutory Instrument No. 1843.

• The Habitats Regulations Assessment of Regional Spatial Strategies and Sub-regional Strategies. Draft guidance by David Tyldesley and Associates for Natural England, March 2007.

• Appropriate Assessment of Plans. Guidance produced by Scott Wilson, Levett-Therivel, Treweek and Land Use Consultants, September 2006.

• Department for Communities and Local Government (2006). Planning for the Protection of European Sites: Guidance for Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents.

The methodology steps to be used are shown in Table 2.

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Table 2: AA screening methodology for the OCC LTP3

Step Description 1 List any international sites within, adjacent to or associated with the area that the plan covers. Review the site(s)’ qualifying interest features, conservation objectives and Favourable Condition Tables. Analyse any underlying trends. 2 Determine whether the plan is directly connected with or necessary to the management of the international site(s). If it is, then no further assessment is necessary. 3 Identify and discount all policies and proposals that will have no significant impact on the international site(s) (including direct indirect and secondary impacts). 4 Identify any ‘in combination’ effects of the plan with other plans and projects (including direct indirect and secondary impacts). i.e. the cumulative effect of influences of all the plans and projects on the site(s)’ conditions required to maintain integrity. 5 Identify policies and proposals that may have a significant impact (including direct indirect and secondary impacts) to take through to the AA (Task AA2) phase if AA is considered necessary.

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3 Relevant International Sites 3.1 Background The significance of a plan’s effects on an international site depends on whether the “integrity” of the site is affected. Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive requires that:

“the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan... only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned...”

To determine what is meant by the “integrity” of the site, it is important to discover why the site was designated. This is a key stage in the AA process. The following information should thus be collated, where possible, for each relevant international site:

• Qualifying interest features : These are the reasons why the international site has been designated, for instance the endangered species that occupy the SAC; rare habitats that occur there; or threatened birds that breed or over-winter in the SPA. The AA focuses on the qualifying interest features that were the primary reasons for the site’s designation.

• The site’s conservation objectives : These help to focus the assessment. Conservation objectives are a statement of the overall nature conservation requirements for a site, expressed in terms of the favourable condition required for the habitats and/or species for which the site was selected.

• The Favourable Condition Table for the site : Although these tables are designed primarily for monitoring the state of a site, they give information on the trends and environmental conditions required to sustain or promote qualifying interest features and site integrity. However, they should be treated with caution, as favourable conditions as assessed for SSSIs may have little bearing on the conservation status of the features for which a site has been designated.

Source: Appropriate Assessment of Plans . Scott Wilson, Levett-Therivel, Treweek Environmental Consultants, Land Use Consultants, September 2006.

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The EC (2000) guidance states, “a site can be described as having a high degree of integrity where the inherent potential for meeting site conservation objectives is realised, the capacity for self repair and self renewal under dynamic conditions is maintained, and a minimum of external management support is required”. Some habitats already require heavy management to maintain their site integrity, e.g. through drainage or periodic burning.

The integrity of a site relies on the maintenance of an environment which will sustain its qualifying features and ensure their continuing viability. Legally the focus of AA is on the site’s qualifying features and associated conservation objectives, but these rely fundamentally on ecological processes and functions for their maintenance in a favourable condition, and cannot be appraised in isolation from them. Essential to the maintenance of interest features and the integrity of the site are those environmental conditions which enable key ecological processes and functions to persist. These might include the quantity of water reaching a site, the quality of air, the stability of the climate, or a low level of disturbance.

3.2 Task AA1: Oxfordshire’s international sites that could be affected by the LTP The results of screening task 1 are presented in this section. Consultation with Natural England confirmed that the international sites listed below may, theoretically, be affected by the LTP. International sites outside the county border are identified in section 3.3. All international sites are illustrated in the Appendix map.

The sites within Oxfordshire’s county borders are:

• Oxford Meadows SAC;

• Little Wittenham SAC;

• Hartslock Wood SAC;

• Hackpen Hill SAC;

• Cothill Fen SAC;

• Aston Rowant SAC; and

• Chilterns Beechwoods SAC.

These sites are described below.

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3.3 Oxford Meadows SAC

Oxford Meadows SAC Basic Site Information County Oxfordshire Grid reference (central SP492090 point) Latitude/ longitude 51 46 37 N/ 01 17 12 W Status Designated Special Area of Conservation Area (ha) 265.89 Component SSSIs • Wytham Ditches and Flushes • Wytham Woods Source: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/

3.3.1 Qualifying interest features Annex 1 habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

6510 Lowland hay meadows ( Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis )

Annex 2 species that are a primary reason for selection of this site

1614 Creeping marshwort Apium repens

3.3.2 Vulnerability The special interest of the site is critically dependent upon groundwater levels and annual flooding, and the site is very sensitive to changes in groundwater levels. Several of the component parts are dependent upon traditional hay-cutting and aftermath grazing. ESA payments provide financial support for this management. Gravel extraction is taking place adjacent to one of the component parts. Safeguards and monitoring are in place to minimise the risk of damage to the site due to groundwater changes arising from this activity.

Port Meadow is registered Common Land with common grazing rights administered by the Freemen of Oxford and Wolvercote Commoners' Committee.

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Stocking levels are high and grazing takes place throughout the year. The impact of this high grazing pressure upon Apium repens is under investigation as part of a wider programme of research into the ecology of the species. At present, it is thought that A. repens is tolerant if not dependent upon this management regime. Groundwater levels and flooding events on Port Meadows are monitored, as is the distribution of A. repens on the site.

Source: Natura 2000 Standard Data Form

3.4 Little Wittenham SAC

Little Wittenham SAC Basic Site Information County Oxfordshire Grid reference (central SU572929 point) Latitude/ longitude 51 37 53 N/ 01 10 24 W Status Designated Special Area of Conservation Area (ha) 68.76 Component SSSIs • Frilford Heath, Ponds and Fens Source: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/ Accessed on 26.02.08

3.4.1 Qualifying interest features Annex 2 species that are a primary reason for site selection

1166 Great crested newt Triturus cristatus

3.4.2 Vulnerability Little Wittenham is managed primarily for nature conservation and environmental education. The great crested newt population has been the subject of intensive research and ongoing management includes the provision of new ponds and the creation of hibernation sites. The great crested newt population appears to be relatively stable and is not considered to be under any known threat.

Source: Natura 2000 Standard Data Form

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3.5 Hartslock Wood SAC

Hartslock Wood SAC Basic Site Information County Oxfordshire Grid reference (central SU619789 point) Latitude/ longitude 51 30 21 N/ 01 06 27 W Status Designated Special Area of Conservation Area (ha) 34.24 Component SSSIs • Hartslock Source: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/

3.5.1 Qualifying interest features Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site

6211 Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies: on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia ) (important orchid sites)

91J0 Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles * Priority feature

3.5.2 Vulnerability Natural woodland dynamics are allowed to prevail over a significant proportion of Hartslock Wood. Whilst some natural regeneration of yew is occurring, it is not clear how the wood will develop and whether yew will retain dominance in the canopy. The yew on site often exhibits strong indications of chlorosis (yellowing). It is not known whether this is a natural consequence of stress relating to the strongly calcareous soil conditions or a result of some other factor such as aerial pollution. However, the wood is not currently considered to be under any significant threat.

Woodland management is supported financially by a WGS scheme, which promotes retention of yew and removal of non-native tree species.

The grassland area of the site is generally well managed as a nature reserve by the Buckinghamshire, Berkshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. Without sustained grazing the site would quickly become covered with scrub .

Source: Natura 2000 Standard Data Form

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3.6 Hackpen Hill SAC

Hackpen Hill SAC Basic Site Information County Oxfordshire Grid reference (central SU352847 point) Latitude/ longitude 51 33 34 N/ 01 29 31 W Status Designated SAC Area (ha) 35.83 Component SSSIs • Hackpen, Warren and Gramp’s Hill Downs Source : http://www.jncc.gov.uk/

3.6.1 Qualifying interest features Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

6210 Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies: on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia )

Annex 2 species that are a primary reason for site selection

1654 Early gentian Gentianella anglica

3.6.2 Vulnerability A grazing regime which maintains suitable conditions for early gentian is supported financially through a Natural England management agreement. Nevertheless, the site is subject to periodic damage by rapid fluctuations in rabbit numbers. Means of reducing the threat from this source are being investigated.

Source: Natura 2000 Standard Data Form

3.7 Cothill Fen Cothill Fen SAC Basic Site Information County Oxfordshire Grid reference (central SU463999

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point) Latitude/ longitude 51 41 44 N/ 01 19 46 W Status Designated SAC Area (ha) 43.55 Component SSSIs • Cothill Fen Source : http://www.jncc.gov.uk/

3.7.1 Qualifying interest features Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site

7230 Alkaline fens

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior ( Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae ) * Priority feature

3.7.2 Vulnerability The open fen habitats on the site have suffered from the effects of successional change as a result of cessation of traditional management (grazing and peat- cutting). Parts of the site have become dominated by reed, scrub or Molinia , and only relatively small areas of species-rich short fen remain. Efforts to reverse these trends are in place. Natural England has acquired land on site in order to gain management control, and the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust also has control over a significant area. Management involving cutting of reed, cutting of areas of tall fen and removal of scrub has been initiated to increase the area and diversity of the short fen habitat. Management specifically aimed at improving habitat suitability for southern damselfly is also in progress.

3.8 Aston Rowant SAC Aston Rowant SAC Basic Site Information County Oxfordshire (99.1%) Buckinghamshire (0.9%) Grid reference (central SU727972 point) Latitude/ longitude 51 40 06 N/ 00 56 55 W

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Status Designated SAC Area (ha) 127.75 Component SSSIs • Knightsbridge Lane Source : http://www.jncc.gov.uk/

3.8.1 Qualifying interest features Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site

5130 Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

9130 Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests

3.8.2 Vulnerability Approximately 95% of the site is designated as a National Nature Reserve and is under the direct management control of Natural England. The size and health of the juniper population is being assessed as part of a wider project to improve the prospects for this species in the Chilterns. However, despite carefully controlled grazing and scrub management, the juniper population at Aston Rowant is declining because of a very low rate of reproduction. The reasons for this are not yet fully understood. A management strategy to protect existing plants, to promote reproduction and to protect young plants is being actively pursued.

Source: Natura 2000 Standard Data Form

3.9 Chilterns Beechwoods SAC Chilterns Beechwoods SAC Basic Site Information County (% cover) Buckinghamshire (43.19%) Hertfordshire (35.07%) Oxfordshire (15.03%) Berkshire (6.71%) Grid reference (central SP975134 point) Latitude/ longitude 51 48 39 N/ 00 35 07 W

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Status Designated SAC Area (ha) 1276.48 Component SSSIs • Ashridge Commons and Woods • Tring Woods • Bradenham Woods, Park Wood and The Coppice • Aston Rowant Woods • Bisham Woods • Ellesborough & Kimble Warrens • Hollowhill & Pullingshill Woods • Naphill Common • Windsor Hill

Source: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/

3.9.1 Qualifying interest features Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site

9130 Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

6210 Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies: on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia )

3.9.2 Vulnerability The majority of beechwoods in the Chilterns are very uniform in terms of age-class and species composition, as a result of historical promotion of beech as a timber tree. Significant changes to the structural and species diversity of these woods are required in order to promote a more natural composition.

Beech woodland in the Chilterns is currently facing a decline due to very low market value for timber and damage to young trees by grey squirrels. The availability of financial support through the Woodland Grant Scheme goes some way in helping to address this issue but it is not clear whether this offers sufficient incentive to woodland managers to continue to manage in ways which will promote an increase in structural and species diversity of the characteristic beechwood communities. In particular, there may be a lack of sufficient financial

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support to provide for the retention of a larger proportion of mature trees in order to increase the provision of dead-wood habitat. This latter issue is the subject of a joint national review by Natural England and the Forestry Commission.

The long-term sustainability of the juniper populations is uncertain due to the lack of natural regeneration and a poor ability to compete with other scrub species. Means of improving the prospects for juniper in the Chilterns are currently being investigated; a joint initiative between Natural England, local authorities and the local wildlife trust is in place.

Source: Natura 2000 Standard Data Form

3.10 Other international sites potentially affected Due to the nature of the LTP and its influence on traffic and transport infrastructure, the effects of the LTP may not be restricted to the Oxfordshire county boundary. The following international sites may also be potentially affected:

• Kennet and Lambourn Floodplain SAC

• River Lambourn SAC

• Kennett Valley Alderwoods SAC

• Burnham Beeches SAC

• South-west London Waterbodies SPA

In the full screening report these sites will also be screened to determine whether they will be potentially impacted upon by the LTP.

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4 Potential Impacts of LTP3 4.1 Screening Task 2: Connection with SAC Management Requirements Following a review of the previous LTPs, the findings of Task 2 were that the LTP is not directly connected with the management of any international sites within Oxfordshire or adjoining areas and therefore the remaining screening methodology steps (3 to 5) will be followed in the full screening report.

4.2 Potential impacts of LTP on international sites LTP3 will need to follow key objectives set out in the Department for Transport’s ‘Developing a Sustainable Transport System.’ These are as follows:

National Objectives • to support national economic competitiveness and growth , by delivering reliable and efficient transport networks;

• to reduce transport’s emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, with the desired outcome of tackling climate change ;

• to contribute to better safety, security and health and longer life expectancy by reducing the risk of death, injury or illness arising from transport, and by promoting travel modes that are beneficial to health;

• to promote greater equality of opportunity for all citizens, with the desired outcome of achieving a fairer society; and

• to improve quality of life for transport users and non-transport users, and to promote a healthy natural environment.

The LTP3 objectives will need to take into account national, regional and local objectives. In some cases the objectives may be broad in coverage but the implications of the objectives may be interpreted in lower tier plans, programmes or projects. The following table provides a theoretical overview of the potential impacts of transport plans on international sites.

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Table 3: Potential (eventual) impacts of LTP3 on international sites

Source of impact Impact type Potential Receptor SACs in Oxfordshire most likely 9 to be affected

Motorised vehicles Air pollution EU qualifying species and Oxford Meadows, Chilterns habitats sensitive to air Beechwoods, Aston Rowant, pollution Hartslock Wood

Road construction/ upgrading Habitat fragmentation or All EU qualifying habitats All SACs loss

Road construction/ upgrading Water table level changes Sites dependent on water levels Oxford Meadows, Little Wittenham, to retain integrity Cothill Fen

Increased traffic or accessibility Recreation impacts Sites vulnerable to visitor Chilterns Beechwoods, Aston pressure, such as those with Rowant, Hartslock Wood, Little ground-nesting birds Wittenham

9 The term ‘most likely’ is not intended to preclude other international sites from experiencing the same impact. It is based on known site vulnerabilities, previous AAs in the county (described in section 5.2) and proximity to existing roads.

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4.3 Possible avoidance measures There are various potential measures that OCC could take to prevent significant impacts on an international site. These include dropping or re-wording a plan element, shifting any development to a different location or changing the nature of plan implementation. To avoid recreational pressure on sites sensitive to this impact Natural England also advocates the promotion of Suitable Accessible Natural Greenspace (SANGS) 10 . The idea behind SANGS is that they will absorb some of the visitors that may otherwise choose sensitive international sites to visit.

It would be prudent to avoid significant impacts at an early stage to prevent plan delays and extra costs at a later stage of the LTP.

10 Background information available on Natural England website: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/places/greenspace/greenspacestandards.aspx

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5 Possible In-combination Effects 5.1 Introduction Unless the LTP were to have a ‘de-minimis’ effect on the site integrity of all international sites, the Habitats Directive would require that other plans that may have an ‘in-combination effect’ with the LTP need to be considered. The Scott Wilson guidance describes this as ‘assessing the impacts arising from the combination of the relevant plan components, existing trends, and other plans and projects on the integrity of the relevant sites’. These plans might include, for example, Minerals and Waste Development Frameworks and Local Development Frameworks (LDFs) as well as national or international transport, development or climate change related plans. Plans that are incomplete or in draft at the time of the assessment may also need to be considered. According to the Scott Wilson guidance, projects could include ‘projects that have been given consent but which are not yet completed; projects that are subject to applications for consent; and ongoing projects subject to regulatory review, such as discharge consents or waste management licenses. Projects include ‘the execution of construction work’. They may also involve the intensification of use even if this does not involve new development (e.g. the increased use of an airport runway).’

Often it is just one element of an in-combination plan that has a likely in- combination effect with the plan in question. This process therefore requires a thorough analysis of the most relevant plans in order to identify all possibilities for potential combined impacts. However, many of the most relevant plans for the LTP3 screening have already been collated and summarised as part of the Plans and Programmes Review for the SEA.

5.2 Possible Plans with in-combination impacts with LTP3 The following plans represent a list of indicative examples of plans that could potentially cause an in-combination effect with LTP3. The list will change as new plans emerge and plans included are discounted due to lack of predicted in- combination impact. These plans were considered to be of importance due to either;

• their proximity to the international sites identified in section 3

• their potential environmental impacts that could exacerbate impacts that the LTP alone could cause (including cumulative, synergistic and indirect impacts)

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National

It has not been possible, at this stage, to identify any national level plans that could have a detrimental impact on international sites

Regional

• South East Plan • South East Regional Transport Strategy Local

• West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 and emerging LDF 2011-2026 • South Oxfordshire Local Plan and LDF • Cherwell Local Plan 1996, Non-Statutory Local Plan 2011 and LDF, 2011 – 2026 • Vale of White Horse Local Plan and LDF • Oxford City Local Plan 2001 – 2016 (Adopted 2005) and LDF • Oxfordshire County Structure Plan • Oxfordshire Minerals and Waste Core Strategy • Minerals and Waste Core Strategies of neighbouring counties (Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire • Local transport plans of neighbouring counties • Thame and South Chilterns, Thames Corridor, Cotswolds, Cherwell and Vale of White Horse Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) • Catchment Flood Management Plans • LDFs of district councils neighbouring Oxfordshire

5.3 Previous and ongoing Appropriate Assessment work in the county and surrounding area The following AA work has been identified to be important to cross-reference during the screening of LTP3 in order to analyse other predicted impacts on international sites in the county and surrounding area:

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• AA of Draft South East Plan • AA of South Oxfordshire District Council’s Core Strategy • AA of Oxford’s Core Strategy • AA screening of Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2008-2013 • AA screening of North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan • AA of Wokingham Borough Council Core Strategy 5.4 Background information Up-to-date information on trends, including climate change, housing and employment growth and others will feed into the screening report. This will include analysis of background reports, such as the Regional Flood Risk Appraisal for South East England, which, although not expected to lead to detrimental impacts themselves, will provide information vital to assessing LTP3 and in- combination impacts.

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6 Summary of Preliminary Screening 6.1 Summary conclusions The report aims to provide a summary of the international sites that could potentially be affected by LTP3 and ways in which they could be affected. This includes seven international sites within Oxfordshire, which are described in the report, and five outside of the county boundary. Potential impacts from LTP3 were identified to be:

• Air pollution effects

• Habitat loss and fragmentation

• Water table effects

• Recreation effects

The report has also identified plans that could potentially cause significant impacts on international sites in-combination with the LTP. These include regional and local spatial development plans, minerals and waste plans and water abstraction and flood management plans. A draft list of Appropriate Assessment work that has already taken place in the Oxfordshire area has also been provided. This work has been used to help determine potential vulnerabilities of the international sites to specific plans and environmental pressures.

6.2 Next steps At present LTP3 is not sufficiently developed to determine likely significant effects on any of the international sites identified in section 3. A further screening report that uses the baseline data collected in this report will be issued when objectives are sufficiently advanced.

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7 Guidance Document References 1. European Commission (2001). Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites.

2. The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.)(Amendment)(England and Wales) Regulations 2007. Statutory Instrument No. 1843.

4. Department for Communities and Local Government (2006). Planning for the Protection of European Sites: Guidance for Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents.

5. European Communities (1992) Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the “Habitats Directive).

6. European Communities (1979) Council Directive 79/409/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds

7. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Ramsar, Iran, 1971.

8. Appropriate Assessment of Plans. Scott Wilson, Levett-Therivel, Treweek Environmental Consultants, Land Use Consultants, September 2006.

9. The Habitats Regulations Assessment of Regional Spatial Strategies and Sub- regional Strategies. Draft guidance by David Tyldesley and Associates for Natural England, March 2007.

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Glossary

Habitats These transpose the requirements of the European Union Habitats Directive into Regulations domestic legislation. Habitats Assessment under the UK Habitats Regulations to determine whether a plan or Regulations programme will have potentially significant impacts on an international site, either Assessment (HRA) alone or in combination with other plans. HRA screening will also determine whether a full Appropriate Assessment will be needed. Appropriate An assessment of the potential adverse impacts of a proposed plan on an Assessment (AA) international site, either alone or in combination with other plans. Appropriate Assessment follows a preliminary screening phase to see if ‘Appropriate Assessment’ is necessary. Natura 2000 A network of European-wide sites designated under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC), comprising Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites. Only Special Areas of Conservation are relevant to this report. Natural England Natural England is the government agency responsible for nature conservation in England. It was previously part of two separate bodies, the Nature Conservancy Council, and the Countryside Commission, which merged in 1991. Natural England is in charge of designating SSSIs and NNRs, and other functions, including advising the government and undertaking research. Special Area of SACs are designated to protect the 220 habitats and approximately 1000 species Conservation (SAC) listed in Annex I and II of the Habitats Directive which are considered to be of European interest following criteria given in the directive. Each SAC has various conservation objectives. Site of Special SSSIs are designated by Natural England. They underpin other nature conservation Scientific Interest designations, such as Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation. (SSSI) SSSIs can be of biological interest (Biological SSSIs), or geological interest, (Geological SSSIs). A minority of sites are notified for both biological and geological interest.

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Oxfordshire County Council Local Transport Plan 3 (2011-2030)

Study to Inform Appropriate Assessment (Preliminary Screening Report) July 2009

Appendix: Map of International Sites within and around Oxfordshire

Halcrow Group Limited

Legend

Oxfordshire Boundary

1 Special Area of Conservation

1. Kennet & Lambourn Floodplain 2. Hackpen Hill 3. Oxford Meadows 4. River Lambourn 5. Cothill Fen 6. Chilterns Beechwoods 7. Hartslock Wood 8. Little Wittenham 9. Kennet Valley Alderwoods 10. Aston Rowant

1 Ramsar

1. South West London Waterbodies

Special Protection Area 6 1

5 1. South West London Waterbodies 3

5 6 6 10 0 5 10 20

Kilometres ã 9 This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil 6 proceedings. 2 6 Oxford County Council; Licence No. 100023343, 2009

7 Project: Oxfordshire County Council 1 Local Transport Plan 3: AA Screening 4 Title: 1 International Sites within 9 1 and around Oxfordshire 9 1 \\swin-fs-04\Consulting\we\SEA & Sustainability\Projects\CTFANG Oxon LTP\GIS\Project_Files\International_Sites_Oxfordshire_Plan3.mxd