Our Ref: OXF9586 E-mail: [email protected] Direct Dial: 01235 838222 Date: 27th July 2016

Development Control and Deane Civic Offices London Road Basingstoke RG21 4AH

Dear Sir/Madam

Motorway Service Area at Kennel Farm, Basingstoke: Formal Request for Screening Opinion

We are writing on behalf of our client, Applegreen Plc (part of Petrogas Group Ltd), in respect of the proposed Motorway Service Area at Kennel Farm, Basingstoke to request that the Council provide a formal Screening Opinion as to whether Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required in connection with the proposed development. This request is made under Regulation 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, as amended. In accordance with Regulation 5 (2) we include:

 A plan sufficient to identify the land;  A brief description of the nature and purpose of the development and its possible impacts on the environment; and  Information on the need for an EIA.

In accordance with Regulation 5 (5) we request that the Council adopt a Screening Opinion within three weeks beginning with the date of receipt of this request.

Site Location

The proposed Motorway Service Area (MSA) is located on the southern side of the M3 to the south west of Basingstoke and to the north east of Junction 7 of the M3. The site is located at Kennel Farm (to the east of the existing farm buildings) close to the existing motorway bridge between Beggarwood Lane, Basingstoke and Farleigh Wallop.

The nearest settlements include Basingstoke to the north (north of the M3), Farleigh Wallop to the south east, Cliddesden to the north east and Dummer to the south west. In addition to the properties located within those settlements, a number of properties and groups of properties also exist in the area to the south and east of the M3 motorway, including Kennel Farm and Kempshott Park, Farleigh Mortimer, Broadmere and properties on The Avenue to the south east. Other than Kennel Farm, there are no residential properties within 500 metres of the site on the southern and eastern side of the motorway. The Tamar Energy AD Plant is located to the south of the site.

The site lies within the administrative area of Basingstoke and Deane Council.

Proposed Development

The current indicative proposals for the MSA include the following permanent features:  The provision of approximately 245 car, 22 Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), 5 coach, 7 caravan and 16 motorcycle parking spaces;  Fuelling facilities for both cars and HGVs (together with dedicated short term parking facilities);  A service area amenity building, with a floor space of approximately 3,365 m2;  A picnic area;  A drainage scheme, which is likely to include attenuation feature(s); and  Associated landscaping and ancillary development.

The total site area is approximately 4.5 hectares (11 acres). During the construction phase, a temporary contractor’s compound and laydown area(s) would be required on the site.

Relevant Legislation

Current EIA law in England is in the form of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (S.I 2011 No. 1824), as amended. Further guidance is provided in the Planning Practice Guidance produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Screening Criteria

The projects for which EIA may be required are detailed in Schedules 1 and 2 of the EIA Regulations.

Schedule 1 Development

Schedule 1 developments require EIA to be undertaken in all cases. The proposed MSA development does not fall within Schedule 1 of the EIA Regulations. Therefore, the proposed development is not classified as Schedule 1 development.

Schedule 2 Development

Schedule 2 development is defined in the EIA Regulations as development, other than exempt development, of a description mentioned in column 1 of the table in Schedule 2 where: a) Any part of that development is to be carried out in a sensitive area; or b) Any applicable threshold or criterion in the corresponding part of column 2 of that table is respectively exceeded or met in relation to that development.

The proposed MSA development does not fall within a sensitive area as defined by the EIA Regulations (Part 1). Therefore the proposed development does not fall within paragraph (a) above.

With respect to paragraph (b) above, motorway service areas are listed within Part 10 (p) the table in Schedule 2 of the EIA Regulations. The applicable threshold for such developments is that ‘the area of the development exceeds 0.5 hectare’.

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As a whole, the area of the proposed development site is approximately 4.5 hectares and, therefore, exceeds the threshold of 0.5 hectares for Schedule 2,10(p) infrastructure development projects. Therefore, it is considered that the proposed development constitutes Schedule 2 development under the EIA Regulations. Screening of Schedule 2 Development

Schedule 2 development does not require EIA to be undertaken in all cases but must be considered against the criteria provided in Schedule 3 of the Regulations to determine whether significant effects on the environment are likely. In doing so, the following aspects have been taken into account, as a matter of best practice:

(a) the size of the project; (b) the cumulation with other development; (c) the use of natural resources; (d) the production of waste; (e) pollution and nuisances; and (f) the risk of accidents, having regard in particular to substances or technologies used.

Location of the Proposed Development: Environmental Sensitivity

The proposed MSA development covers an area of approximately 4.5 hectares of existing agricultural land and woodland to the immediate south east of the M3. The site is adjacent to the highway boundary of the M3. The site is not subject to any statutory national or international designations.

The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is located to the north of Basingstoke, separated from the site by the M3 and Basingstoke itself. A number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are located approximately 10 km from the site, including the SSSI to the west of Basingstoke (near Overton at its closest point), SSSI to the south west of Basingstoke and Butter Wood SSSI to the east of Basingstoke.

There are a number of Scheduled Monuments located within Basingstoke itself and in the surrounding area. The closest to the site is a scheduled windmill mound at Farleigh House located more than 1 km to the south east of the site.

The nearest settlements to the site are identified above and include Basingstoke to the north (north of the M3), Farleigh Wallop to the south east, Cliddesden to the north east and Dummer to the south west.

The site is not located in close proximity to wetlands, coastal zones, mountain or forest areas. It is noted that in relation to Schedule 3 (2, c) (vi) ‘areas in which the environmental quality standards laid down in EU legislation have already been exceeded’, much of the UK currently exceed the standards for nitrogen dioxide set at a European level. However, the site is not located within an Air Quality Management Area. There are currently no Air Quality Management Areas within Basingstoke and Deane.

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Characteristics of the Potential Impacts

Landscape and Visual Resources

There are no National Parks or AONBs close to the site or in the surrounding area. The closest AONB is the North Wessex Downs located to the north of Basingstoke more than 5 km to the north west.

The site is located on agricultural land with a wooded strip between the site and the M3 and areas of existing woodland adjacent to the motorway bridge and along the western boundary of the site. It lies within the ‘Hampshire Downs’ National Character Area.

During construction and operation there would be some effects on the landscape character of the site itself. The character of the area surrounding the site is varied and includes both the existing M3 and the large settlement of Basingstoke to the north and areas with a more open and less densely populated character (but including some larger developments, such as the Tamar Energy AD plant) to the south. The proposed development would include a landscape strategy in order to retain some of the existing vegetation and provide new planting as screening in keeping with the existing woodland strips and blocks.

The potential effects on visual receptors in Basingstoke would be limited, given the separation provided by the M3 and its woodland/planting strips on either side. Effects on Kennel Farm and Kempshott Park to the west would also be limited due to intervening vegetation, including woodland belts. From more distant receptors to the south the MSA would be seen against the context of Basingstoke and the existing motorway. Views would be filtered by the existing woodland areas and landscape planting on the site.

Historic Environment

The site is not subject to any statutory heritage designations. The closest Scheduled Monument to the site is a windmill mound at Farleigh House located more than 1 km to the south east of the site.

There are a number of Conservation Areas in Basingstoke to the north and within Dummer to the west of the site. The site itself and the surrounding areas are not affected by any Conservation Area designations. The nearest listed buildings include Kempshott House to the west, buildings in Farleigh Wallop to south east, the Church of St Andrew to the south east, buildings in Cliddesden to the north east and in Basingstoke to the north.

Given the disturbance likely to have been associated with the construction of the M3, the associated motorway bridge and agricultural activity, the potential for the presence of archaeological deposits is low.

The potential for effects on historic environment resources is therefore considered to be limited.

Ecology and Biodiversity

The site is currently not in agricultural production and there are no statutory designated sites either on the proposed MSA site or nearby. A number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are located approximately 10 km from the site, including the River Test SSSI to the

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west of Basingstoke (near Overton at its closest point), Micheldever Spoil Heaps SSSI to the south west of Basingstoke and Butter Wood SSSI to the east of Basingstoke. There are no National Nature Reserves or internationally designated sites within 10 km of the site.

The site and surrounding agricultural land, including wooded areas, field margins and hedgerows, may support a range of farmland birds and mammals. A Phase 1 habitat survey will be undertaken to accompany the application, with species surveys if required. Design proposals will seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity networks in accordance with Policy EM4 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.

Transport

Due to the nature of the proposed development i.e. it is not a ‘destination’ development in itself but would be used by traffic already using the M3, it is not anticipated that there would be a significant effect on vehicle numbers and flows on the M3 and adjoining roads once the MSA is fully operational.

During the construction phase, some additional vehicle movements would be created which would use the existing highway network and would enter/exit the site via a new slip road junction from the M3. The temporary traffic generated during the construction phase is not likely to be perceptible in terms of the existing flows on the M3. It is not anticipated that construction traffic would result in increased delays on the M3 or increase road safety concerns on local roads and therefore no significant effects on driver delay or road safety are expected. No significant effects on safety, severance, amenity or delay for pedestrians and cyclists are anticipated.

Noise and Vibration

The nearest settlements to the site include Basingstoke to the north (north of the M3), Farleigh Wallop to the south east, Cliddesden to the north east and Dummer to the south west. As indicated earlier, away from these settlements there are also a number of properties and groups of properties in the surrounding area. These include Kennel Farm and Kempshott Park to the south west of the site, Farleigh Mortimer, Broadmere and properties on The Avenue to the south east, Foxhall Cottages and the Manor Farm (Insights Centre) to the south and properties at Farleigh Lane/Nutley Lane to the south west. Apart from Kennel Farm, there are no other residential properties within 500 metres of the site to the south and east of the motorway.

Given the location of the site adjacent to an existing motorway and close to other potential noise sources, such as the Tamar Energy AD Plant, the potential for noise and vibration effects associated with construction of the MSA is likely to be limited. No changes to operational traffic levels on the M3 are expected as a result of the proposed development. Overall, therefore, it is not considered likely that there would be any significant noise and vibration effects.

Air Quality and Climate

The nearest residential receptors in terms of air quality would be as set out above for noise and vibration. Existing emissions to air include traffic emissions from the existing road network, including the M3 motorway and emissions from existing plant, such as the Tamar

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Energy AD Plant to the south of the site. The site is not located within a designated Air Quality Management Area.

As set out above, no changes to operational traffic levels (and therefore traffic emissions) on the M3 are anticipated as a result of the proposed development. Air quality effects are likely to be limited to those associated with dust emissions during construction. Such emissions can be effectively controlled through the adoption of dust control measures. No significant air quality effects are anticipated in relation to construction traffic (as no significant changes to traffic flow are predicted to occur).

Hydrology and Flood Risk

There are no watercourses located within or adjacent to the site. Due to the location of the site close to the motorway, associated drainage features may be located close to the northern boundary of the site.

The site is located in Flood Zone 1 where flooding from rivers and the sea is very unlikely (less than 1 in 1,000 annual probability). Environment Agency mapping indicates that the risk of flooding from rivers, the sea and surface water is very low.

The Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029 state that an FRA is required for:

 All sites of 1 hectare or more in Flood Zone 1;  All sites in Flood Zone 2 or 3;  Sites that have a record of localised or groundwater flooding from the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment; and  Sites in critical drainage areas and upstream of critical drainage areas.

With respect to groundwater, the site is located on the edge of a catchment scale groundwater source protection zone (SPZ) (within Zone 3). The site is located approximately 1.4 km from the inner and outer zones of the SPZ. The site is located down hydraulic gradient of the inner and outer source protection zones.

Environment Agency mapping indicates that the site is considered to be located above a ‘major aquifer – intermediate’ in terms of groundwater vulnerability. A medium scale abstraction licence is located approximately 500 metres west of the site in Farleigh Hill coppice.

Taking into account the above, it is proposed that a Flood Risk Assessment would accompany the planning application, including a drainage strategy that takes into account the need to ensure appropriate treatment for the runoff from the site. The drainage strategy would include measures to mitigate any risks associated with the spillage of fuel oils etc.

Potential effects on water quality and flood risk could be adequately controlled through the planning process and existing regulatory regime. This would ensure that significant effects are not likely.

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Ground Conditions and Hydrogeology

The proposed MSA site is not anticipated to be subject to material levels of contamination. No geological features or landfill sites have been identified on or in the vicinity of the site. The geological profile of the surrounding area includes Lewes Nodular, Seaford and Newhaven Chalk Formations with no intermittent clay, silt, sand and gravel and alluvial superficial deposits. The chalk is porous by nature. However, due to the location of the site immediately adjacent to the existing motorway, it is not considered to be particularly sensitive to development.

The proposed development would be required to incorporate appropriate drainage measures to ensure that the potential for contamination to arise from the use of the site as a service area would be reduced in accordance with best practice and other regulatory frameworks as far as possible.

Taking these factors into account, it is considered that the proposed development can be constructed without significant impacts on existing ground conditions.

Land Use, Recreation and Socio-economics

The MSA site comprises land currently used for agricultural purposes and is classified under the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) as undifferentiated grade 3. The proposed development would result in the loss of approximately 4.5 hectares of agricultural land and wooded areas, which would be limited in terms of the effect on agricultural land quality, farm holdings and agricultural productivity.

There are no existing recreational resources on or adjoining the site. There is no public access to the site and there are no Public Rights of Way located within the vicinity of the site.

It is estimated that the proposed development would generate a considerable number of jobs during the construction phase and a number of permanent jobs once operational, which would have a beneficial effect on the local economy over the short and longer term.

Inter-relationships and Cumulative Effects

There are a number of other proposed developments and allocated sites for development in Basingstoke to the north of the M3. These include applications and allocations for residential development within Basingstoke and in the immediate surrounding area. No significant cumulative effects are anticipated in relation to such developments north of the M3 that would be relevant to the MSA.

The Tamar Energy AD plant was consented in 2012 and is now operational. The Tamar Energy site is located to the south of the proposed MSA site and was subject to EIA screening but no significant effects were considered likely (and no EIA therefore required). The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment for the site indicated some localised effects in relation to landscape character. Given the existing and proposed landscape screening and the location of the MSA site adjacent to the existing M3, significant cumulative effects are considered unlikely.

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Conclusion

This letter identifies available information regarding the likely effects associated with the proposed development and has confirmed that the proposed development is not Schedule 1 development.

The proposed development is considered to be Schedule 2 development but is not located within a ‘sensitive area’ as identified in the EIA Regulations. Therefore, EIA is required only if it is considered that there are likely to be significant environmental effects as a result of the proposed development.

The potential effects of the development have been considered above and no significant environmental effects that could not be mitigated through the adoption of established and effective measures have been identified. It is therefore considered that the proposed development is not EIA development.

Notwithstanding the above conclusion, the applicants will prepare and submit a range of studies and reports covering relevant environmental and other matters in support of a planning application. The scope of this material will be agreed with the Local Planning Authority.

We request a formal screening opinion from Basingstoke and Deane Council under Regulation 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, as amended.

We look forward to receiving the Council’s formal screening opinion in due course.

Yours sincerely

Amy Robinson

For RPS

Enc. Site Location Plan Indicative Layout Plan

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