Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location

Land at Weston Mead Farm, WestonLand at Phase Turville 2 of the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location Environmental Statement:

Nonon behalf Technical of Kingacre SummaryEstates Ltd., Kier Ventures Ltd. and Miller Homes Ltd. September 2017

Environmental Statement: Addendum August 2020 Contact

Nexus Planning 5th Floor Thames Tower Station Road Reading RG1 1LX

T: 0118 214 9340 nexusplanning.co.uk E: [email protected]

Job reference: 33387 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Introduction to ES Addendum

In April 2019 Nexus Planning, on behalf of Kingacre Estates Ltd., Miller Homes Ltd. and Kier Ventures Ltd. (hereafter referred to as ‘the Applicants’) submitted three planning applications to Wokingham Borough Council (‘the Council’) and Bracknell Forest District Council (‘BFDC’) which form part of land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham Development Location (“SDL”) (hereafter referred to as “the Project Development”). The Project Development Environmental Impact Assessment provides the overarching impacts of the whole project. This addendum sets out the changes that have taken place and any necessary updates to the planning application(s).

It should be noted that for each individual application a further site specific EIA Addendum has also been provided. Scope of Structure/update

Background Since the submission of the planning applications and accompanying ES a number of representations have been submitted by consultees raising various matters and requests for additional information and/ or revised technical assessments. During this period there have been a number of discussions with the Council and Stakeholders in relation to various components of the Proposed Development.

As a response to the issues raised, a number of changes have been made in relation to the technical assessments which informed the findings of the South Wokingham ES.

As set out within the revised planning statements, it is important to note that there has been no change to the description of developments for Land at Phase 2a of the South Wokingham SDL and Land to the south of St Anne’s Manor. The following description of developments are therefore still relevant:

Reference: 190914. Land at Phase 2a of the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location:

“Outline application with all matters reserved except for principal means of access to the highway, for up to 215 dwellings, public open space, play areas, associated infrastructure and landscaping.”

Applicant: Kingacre Estates Ltd.

WBC Reference: 190900. BFDC: 19/00414 Land to the south of St Anne’s Manor:

“Full application for the proposed Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with associated landscaping.”

Applicant: Kingacre Estates Ltd.

The description of development has however been amended for Land at Phase 2b of the South Wokingham SDL (ref: 191068) following a detailed review of the illustrative layout to reduce

1 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

numbers from ‘up to 1,495’ to ‘up to 1,434’. Further information on this can be found in the revised planning statement.

As such the description of development has been amended to:

“Hybrid planning application (part outline/ part detailed) comprising an outline application with all matters reserved except principal means of access to the highways, for a mixed use development of up to 1,434 dwellings, a two form entry primary school, local centre (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and D1) including community building D1/ D2), public open space, play areas and associated infrastructure and landscaping; and a full application for the proposed Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), associated landscaping and temporary car park.”

The description of the combined project is therefore updated to:

“Mixed use development of up to 1,649 dwellings, a two form entry primary school, local centre (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, D1 including community building (D1/D2), public open space, play areas, associated infrastructure and landscaping, two areas of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace and principal means of access to the highways.”

For confirmation, the red line boundary of the Project Development and subsequently all planning applications has not changed and the parameter plans have been updated for consistency to reflect the changes as set out below.

In defining the scope of this ES addendum, the consultant team has had regard to Schedule 4 of the 2017 Regulations and guidance in Paragraph 035 of the Government’s Planning Practice Guidance (‘PPG’) which states that the focus of the ES should be on the ‘main’ or ‘significant’ environmental effects and that:

“Whilst every Environmental Statement should provide a full factual description of the development, the emphasis should be on the “main” or “significant” environmental effects to which a development is likely to give rise. The Environmental Statement should be proportionate and not be any longer than is necessary to assess properly those effects… Impacts which have little or no significance for the particular development in question will need only very brief treatment to indicate that their possible relevance has been considered”.

With regard to the covid-19 situation and therefore updated regulations, the ES and ES Addendum will be available to view on the Council’s website in accordance with Part 4 paragraph 15 (i) of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure, Listed Buildings and Environmental Impact Assessment (England) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020. Footnote1 provides the exact location of the documents. Should hard copies be required any requests should be sent to: [email protected] 2.

Some of the issues raised during the consultation period have little or no significance to the EIA process and whilst they may be described elsewhere in the additional information submitted, are not considered relevant to the scope of the ES Addendum.

1 https://planning.wokingham.gov.uk/FastWebPL/detail.asp?AltRef=191068&ApplicationNumber=191068&AddressPrefix=&Postc ode=&KeywordSearch=&Submit=Search 2 Any required charges will be discussed upon any requests, for full pricing please see the submitted EIA.

2 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Examples include amendments to the Design and Access Statement to reflect the amended illustrative masterplan and include vignettes to demonstrate how the development parcels will interlink and could come forward as part of any reserved matters applications.

Issues Addressed in the ES Addendum The key consultation responses that have been taken into account in defining the scope of the ES Addendum include (but are not limited to):

Consultee Date Comments Received ES Topics Addressed

Environment Agency 15/08/2019 Flood Risk and Drainage.

Objection to the use of The Planning Statement for culverts on site. land at Phase 2b of the South Wokingham SDL confirms at paragraph 7.120 that the culverts have been removed as per the Environment Agency’s request. The Project Flood Risk Assessment provides further detail.

Natural England 02/04/2020 Ecology, Landscape and Flood Risk and Drainage. To confirm that whilst the Holme Park SANG shall The Planning Statement for incorporate the SWDR’s Land at Phase 2b of the South drainage features, it shall Wokingham SDL confirms at primarily act as a SANG. paragraph 7.120 that the Holme Park SANG will provide an attenuation basin which holds the SWDR’s drainage but will primarily serve as a SANG. The Green Infrastructure strategy provides further detail.

Wokingham Borough Council 10/10/2019 Ecology, Landscape and – Ecology Officer Flood Risk and Drainage.

Comments regarding the The Planning Statement for configuration of the Land at Phase 2b of the South attenuation basins and the Wokingham SDL confirms at need to calculate the paragraph 7.120 that the biodiversity net gain in attenuation basin which accordance with the DEFRA holds the SWDR’s drainage metric. within the Holme Park SANG has been reconfigured to make the basin shallower and more user friendly. The DEFRA metric calculation has been provided to confirm

3 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

that the Project Development has a net gain. The ecology addendum provides further detail.

Wokingham Borough Council 30/07/2019 Transport. – Highways Officer

The Planning Statement for Requested that a bus strategy Land at Phase 2b of the South and walking/cycling strategy Wokingham SDL confirms at shall be provided. The walking paragraphs 7.72 – 7.79 that a cycling strategy shall bus strategy and walking and demonstrate how the Project cycling strategy has been Development provides provided and the bus stops connections across the Site to will be provided along the the proposed local facilities SWDR. Further information, and connections into the including accident statistics is surrounding area of provided in the Transport Wokingham and Binfield/ Assessment. Bracknell. In addition to this, the location of the bus stops shall be confirmed. Updated accident data shall be provided in addition to a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit.

Wokingham Borough Council 25/10/2019 Ecology, Landscape and – Landscape and Trees Officer Flood Risk and Drainage.

Requests that details of the The updated Arboricultural trees to be retained and those Impact Assessments provide that are to be replaced are further clarity on the trees to detailed. Further detail has be retained and those that been requested to confirm are to be replaced. that the Project Development has been designed in The FRA confirms that the accordance with the South attenuation basins meet the Wokingham SDL drainage requirements and Supplementary Planning are incorporated into the Document, the parameter landscape design. plans and the Environmental Statement. It is requested that the attenuation basins within the Holme Park SANG are reconfigured in order to be shallower and provide further footpaths throughout the SANG.

4 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Wokingham Borough Council 23/10/2019 Ecology, Landscape and – SDL Green Infrastructure Flood Risk and Drainage. Officer The Green Infrastructure The attenuation basins and Strategy provides clarity on network of paths surrounding the open space provision and the basins are to be the network of paths. reconfigured to allow the basins to be designed at a 1:3 level and provide alternative routes for users of the SANG.

Historic England 03/07/2019 Archaeology.

The landscape buffer The Planning Statement for surrounding Lock’s Farm shall Land at Phase 2b of the South be increased in order to Wokingham SDL confirms protect and enhance its that the landscape buffer setting. adjoining Lock’s House has been increased to 20m (paragraph 7.150).

Following a review of the consultee comments and discussions with the technical team further changes have been made to the school site and local centre to reconfigure the area to accommodate the required drainage features in this area and changes to the SWDR application. These changes have led to changes to the parameter plans and therefore have been checked with the technical team to confirm any changes to this ES Addendum.

Scope of the ES Addendum As a result of the above, the table below sets out the changes that have taken place since the March 2019 submission in relation to the ES:

South Wokingham Project Development Summary of Additional/ Amended (March 2019) Information Provided in ES Addendum (August 2020)

Chapter 1 – Introduction Update to description of development and unit numbers for land at phase 2b and overall project development.

Chapter 2 – Methodology Covid regulation update

Chapter 3 – The Existing Site No change

Chapter 4 – Alternative and Design Evolution No change

Chapter 5 – The Proposed Development Updated to reflect the revised timescales for the construction phase and the submission of

5 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Wokingham Borough Council’s Spine Road application.

Chapter 6 – Planning Policy No change

Chapter 7 – Human Health No change

Chapter 8 – Socioeconomic No change

Chapter 9 – Transport Due to the reduction in unit numbers a transport addendum has been provided for both the Project EIA and the individual EIA’s submitted as part of the planning applications.

Chapter 10 – Noise Due to the reduction in unit numbers a noise technical note has been provided for both the Project EIA and the individual EIA’S submitted as part of the planning applications.

Chapter 11 – Air Quality Due to the reduction in unit numbers an Air Quality addendum has been provided for both the Project EIA and the individual EIA’s submitted as part of the planning applications.

Chapter 12 - Hydrology Due to changes to the drainage strategy the Hydrology chapter has been superseded by the document submitted as part of this re- submission.

Chapter 13 – Archaeology and Cultural Due to changes to the landscaping Heritage Update surrounding Locks Barn a update note has been provided confirming any changes.

Chapter 14 - Ecology Due to the reduction in unit numbers and changes to the masterplan and parameter plan the Ecology chapters for both the Project and the individual EIA’s have been updated.

Chapter 15 – Ground Conditions No change

Chapter 16 - Landscape Due to a reduction in unit numbers and landscape updates a landscape addendum has been prepared that covers both the Project EIA and individual applications.

Chapter 17 – Cumulative and Interactive Update to cumulative site 1. Effects

Chapter 18 – Summary of Impacts No change.

6 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Structure of the ES Addendum

The structure of the ES Addendum is set out as follows:

 Volume 1 – technical assessments of the key changes to the proposals, additional information requests and clarifications;

 Volume 2 – appendices and figures (where amended or additional documents provided); and

It should however be noted that due to the limited extent of the changes to the South Wokingham Project Development ES (March 2019) and the fact that the conclusions originally made remain valid, no changes are proposed to the Non-Technical Summary and therefore this has not been updated.

Expertise As previously provided the ES Addendum has been undertaken by competent experts. The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 Part 5 Paragraph 18(5)(a) states that in order to ensure the completeness and quality of the environmental statement the developer must ensure that the environmental statement is prepared by competent experts.

ES Addendum Availability As aforementioned given the current Covid 19 situation this ES Addendum has been submitted online and can be viewed on the following websites:

https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/

https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/

This process is in line with the current regulations however should more information be required the following contact details should be used:

[email protected]

Phone number: 0118 214 9340

The original full ES is available for inspection during normal office hours at the following locations:

Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN

and:

Bracknell Forest Council, Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell, RG12 1JD

7 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Copies of this Project ES can be purchased from Nexus Planning. The Project ES is priced at:

 £150.00 for a hard copy of Volume 1  £250.00 for a hard copy of Volume 2  £25.00 for a hard copy of the NTS  £15.00 for a CD of the full Project ES

Given the current Covid-19 situation and regulations hard copies will only be provided for this addendum if justified and requested.

8 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Introduction (ES Chapter 1)

While in the main part chapter 1 has not been updated the only change is the description of developments. While this has previously been mentioned for clarity this is as follows:

 Land at Phase 2a of the South Wokingham SDL - Outline application with all matters reserved except for principal means of access to the highway, for up to 215 dwellings, public open space, play areas, associated infrastructure and landscaping”.

 Land Phase 2b of the South Wokingham SDL - Hybrid planning application (part outline/part detailed) comprising an outline application with all matters reserved except principal means of access to the highways, for a mixed use development of up to 1,434 dwellings, a two form entry primary school, local centre (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and D1 including community building D1/D2), public open space, play areas and associated infrastructure and landscaping; and a full application for the proposed Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), associated landscaping and temporary car park”.

 Land to the South of St Anne’s Manor - Full application for the proposed Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with associated landscaping”.

With the amendments to the description of development for land at phase 2b the overall Project unit numbers have decreased to 1649. Methodology (ES Chapter 2)

The only change to the methodology section is the inclusion of the Covid-19 regulations (Part 4 paragraph 15 (i) of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure, Listed Buildings and Environmental Impact Assessment (England) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 which now set out information should be clearly published on a website for 30 days. The Existing Site (ES Chapter 3)

3.1 No changes are proposed to the entirety of Chapter 3 of the South Wokingham Project Development ES (March 2019). Alternative and Design Evolution (ES Chapter 4)

4.1 No changes are proposed to the entirety of Chapter 4 of the South Wokingham Project Development ES (March 2019).

9 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

The Proposed Development (ES Chapter 5)

5.1 As set out earlier in this addendum, the description of development for land at Phase 2b has been amended to reflect the reduced residential numbers. The description of development for phase 2b is:

5.2 The programme of works and highways identified in chapter 5 is updated as follows:

Programme of works

5.3 As demonstrated on the updated phasing plan (Appendix Project 5.1a) the site will come forward in a single phase and it is expected that reserved matters will be submitted in 2021 with first completions also taking place 2021. The build out is expected to be completed in 2033.

Highways works

5.4 As part of the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location WBC have forward funded the SDR and have secured planning permission for the Eastern Gateway (ref. 172934). The construction of the Eastern Gateway commenced in autumn 2019. WBC also submitted a planning application for the SWDR in November 2019 (ref. 192928). The programme for the full SDR being in place according to WBC project team is 2021. The timeframes set out above mean the SWDR should be in place and open ahead of the Project coming forward.

Operational Development:

Summary of the Proposed Development

5.5 The revised illustrative masterplan for the Project Development is provided at Appendix Project 5.2a.

5.6 The updated Project Development Parameter Plan are shown at Appendix Project 5.3a as set out below.

o Land use parameter plan (drwg. P18-0963_82P_4-01)

o Building heights parameter plan (drwg. P18-0963_82P_4-02)

o Access and Movement parameter plan (drwg. P18-0963_82P_4-03)

o Open space parameter plan (drwg. P18-0963_82P-04)

Land uses

Residential

10 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

5.7 The Proposed Project Development will provide up to 1,649 dwellings of a mixed type and tenure as demonstrated in the Design and Access Statement and the Framework Masterplan (Appendix Project 5.4a).

5.8 The building heights parameter plan has been updated to reflect changes to the density within land at phase 2a which now demonstrates up to 15m along the northern edge of the site and central area within the site.

Primary School

5.9 Provision is made for a 2 Form Entry Primary School as required by planning policy. While this area has changed in shape slightly the land is still dedicated at 1.8ha.

Local Centre

5.10 The local centre has changed in shape slightly but will measure approximately 0.85ha in size and contain a range of uses and services.

Landscape/ Open Space

5.11 As set out within the submitted information a substantial green infrastructure offer will be provided as part of the Proposed Development, which will include two detailed elements of SANG covering a combined total of over 32ha.

5.12 Open space in other varieties will be provided across the Project Site including Open Space, Local Equipped Areas of Play (LEAPs) and Local Areas of Play (LAPS), and these are detailed in the Open Space Parameter Plan. Whilst detailed approval is not currently being sought for individual layouts, it is anticipated that all houses will have their own private gardens whilst flats will benefit from communal gardens. Planning Policy (ES Chapter 6)

6.1 No changes are proposed to the entirety of Chapter 6 of the South Wokingham Project Development ES (March 2019). Human Health (ES Chapter 7)

7.1 No changes are proposed to the entirety of Chapter 7 of the South Wokingham Project Development ES (March 2019). Socio-Economic (ES Chapter 8)

8.1 No changes are proposed to the entirety of Chapter 8 of the South Wokingham Project Development ES (March 2019).

11 Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement 9 Transport, Accessibility and Movement Addendum

Introduction

9.1 This Environmental Statement (ES) Addendum chapter has been prepared by Anthony Jones of Pegasus Group who is competent at producing EIA highways chapters, on behalf of the South Wokingham Development Consortium; comprising Kier Ventures Ltd, Kingacre Estates Ltd and Miller Homes Ltd (the Applicants). It supports a development proposal at Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location (‘the Project’) that will bring forward 1,649 residential dwellings, a primary school, a local centre, public transport and also associated facilities in South Wokingham.

9.2 An Environmental Statement Chapter for the overall project relating to Transport, Accessibility and Movement was submitted in April 2019. This was accompanied by individual Addendum Chapters relating to Transport, Accessibility and Movement which were submitted to support each of the three individual applications. Pegasus Group was not involved in addressing the transportation issues at that time.

9.3 This addendum Chapter considers the likely impacts on; severance, driver stress and delay, pedestrian and cyclist amenity, accidents and safety and impacts of the construction traffic with reference to the original Project Environmental Statement Chapter 9 dated April 2019. This work is referred to throughout this Addendum Chapter as the original Project EIA. This Addendum Chapter does not seek to replace the whole of the original Project EIA Chapter submitted in April 2019 and should be read with it. A Transport Assessment Addendum dated August 2020 is also submitted separately at Appendix Project 9.1A.

Updates contained within this Project Addendum Chapter

9.4 This Project Addendum Chapter has been prepared to reflect changes in the development proposals and also to update and build upon updates to the Council's Wokingham Strategic Transport Model (WSTM4).

9.5 This updated assessment has been carried out to reflect the lower numbers of dwellings now proposed (1,649 instead of 1,710 for the overall Project) and also to more accurately reflect the likely trip assignments on the network using a more recent version of WSTM4. The assumptions of the WSTM4 are set out at paragraphs 9.30 – 9.36 of the original Project EIA.

9.6 The following aspects of the original Project EIA submitted as part of the Project submissions made in April 2019 remain unaffected by the updates set out at paragraphs 9.4 and 9.5 of this Project Addendum Chapter and therefore have not been reassessed. The paragraph references relating to the original Project EIA are also set out below:

• Legislation and planning policy context (paragraph 9.4 – 9.46); • Scope of assessment (paragraph 9.48); • Study area (paragraph 9.51); • Sensitive receptors (paragraphs 9.54 and 9.55); • Assessment methodology (paragraphs 9.65 – 9.106); • Baseline site location and local highway network (paragraphs 9.107 – 9.134); • Baseline pedestrian and cycle network (paragraphs 9.135 – 9.138); Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

• Baseline traffic conditions (2015 WSTM4 Base) (paragraphs 9.152 and 9.153); • The Construction Phase (paragraphs 9.181 – 9.185); and • The Operational Phase (paragraphs 9.186 – 9.189).

Methodology

9.7 The principles of the methodology used to assess the environmental impacts of the scheme broadly remain as per the original Project EIA which is understood to have been prepared in accordance with IEMA and DMRB guidelines. It is acknowledged that DMRB Volume 11 Section 3 has been superseded since the original submission and guidance relating to environmental impacts is now set out at DMRB LA 101 – LA 119. To ensure consistency between the previous assessments and the assessments set out in this Project Addendum, the methodology within the original Project EIA has been applied. It is not considered that this approach materially affects the conclusions of this Addendum Chapter.

9.8 The WSTM4 has been used to forecast the Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) for the scenarios considered within this Addendum Chapter. These scenarios are set out below:

• 2026 Do-Nothing; • 2036 Do-Nothing; • 2026 Do-Something (with SWSDR and partial SWSDL development (450 units)); and • 2036 Do-Something (with SWSDR and full SWSDL development).

Extent of Assessment

9.9 The criteria previously set out within the original Project EIA have been used to consider the limit and extent of assessment. The thresholds for assessment are set out below:

• Include highway links where traffic flows will increase by more than 30% (or the number of heavy goods vehicles will increase by more than 30%); and • include any other specifically sensitive areas where traffic flows have increased by 10% or more.

Sensitive Receptors

9.10 The sensitive receptors set out at paragraph 9.55 of the original Project EIA have been applied within this Addendum Chapter. The criteria previously set out within the original Project EIA have been used to consider sensitive receptors and their classification and also the terms used to define the significance of an impact.

9.11 The sensitivity of receptors is measured in this Addendum Chapter using the following criteria, as per paragraph 9.75 of the original Project EIA:

• Very high – Very high importance and rarity, international scale and very limited potential for substitution; • High – High importance and rarity, national scale, and limited potential for substitution; • Medium – High or medium importance and rarity, regional scale, limited potential for substitution; • Low (or lower) – Low or medium importance and rarity, local scale; and • Negligible – Very low importance and rarity; local scale.

Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

Significance Criteria

9.12 The methodology used to determine the significance level attributed to each impact assessed within this Addendum Chapter has been considered based on the magnitude of change due to the Project and the sensitivity of the affected receptor/receiving environment to change.

9.13 In accordance with IEMA Guidelines the following terms have been used to define the significance of the impacts identified. The quantification of these terms, also set out below, has been applied in accordance with the methodology set out within the original Project EIA:

• Major Impact: significant change in local conditions or circumstances (a change in total traffic or HGV flows of greater than 90% compared to the forecast baseline traffic flows); • Moderate Impact: readily apparent change in conditions or circumstances (a change in total traffic or HGV flows of between 60 and 90% compared to the forecast baseline traffic flows); • Minor Impact: perceptible change in conditions or circumstances (a change in total traffic or HGV flows of between 30 and 60% compared to the forecast baseline traffic flows); and • Negligible Impact: no discernible change in conditions or circumstances (a change in total traffic or HGV flows of less than 30% compared to the forecast baseline traffic flows).

9.14 The individual methodologies used to assess each of the impacts (severance, driver stress and delay, pedestrian and cyclist delay and amenity, accidents and safety and construction traffic) have been applied in accordance with that set out within the original Project EIA and are also summarised below.

Assessment of Severance

9.15 The threshold and classification of severance level throughout this Addendum Chapter has been applied in accordance with Table 9.1 of the original Project EIA which considers the Traffic Flow AADT and Length of Diversion to provide a severance level. The levels of significance are in accordance with Table 9.2 of the original Project EIA.

9.16 It should be noted that the original Project EIA uses the terms 'degree of change' and 'magnitude of change' interchangeably, however for the purpose of this Addendum Chapter, this is referred to as 'magnitude of change' throughout the remainder of the document.

Assessment of Driver Stress and Delay

9.17 The thresholds for driver stress which have been applied throughout this Addendum Chapter are set out at Table 9.3 of the original Project EIA. These consider the average peak hourly flow per lane and average journey speed to categorise the driver stress between high and moderate. The same thresholds at Table 9.3 have been used to establish the level of significance. This is in accordance with the methodology applied throughout original Project EIA.

Assessment of Pedestrian and Cyclist Delay and Amenity

9.18 Qualitative assessment of pedestrian and cyclist links throughout this Addendum Chapter is in accordance with paragraph 9.88 of the original Project EIA. Pedestrian and cyclist amenity is assessed in accordance with paragraph 9.94 of the original Project EIA. The thresholds set out at Table 9.2 of the original Project EIA have been applied to the level of significance relating to pedestrian and cyclist amenity.

Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

9.19 Assessment of pedestrian and cyclist delay is in accordance with paragraph 9.91 of the original Project EIA, which is also applied to the level of significance. This is set out below:

• Low where traffic flows are less than 1,400 vehicles per average peak hour; • Medium where flows are between 1,400 and 2,800 vehicles per average peak hour; and • High where traffic flows exceed 2,800 vehicles per average peak hour.

Assessment of Accidents and Safety

9.20 An assessment has been carried out as part of the work required for this Addendum Chapter which has established that the baseline (Do-Nothing) and Do-Something two-way AADT flows have reduced for all links and that only one accident has occurred during the period between 30 September 2018 and 30 June 2019 on the 'Waterloo Road Byway WOKW BW 30 I and the existing Yard Access' link. Given the reduction in vehicular flows and the absence of accidents on all but one link, it is not considered necessary to determine revised accident rates on all links. COBALT assessment has therefore been used to establish the typical accident rate for the baseline Do- Nothing scenario for the ' Waterloo Road Byway WOKW BW 30 I and the existing Yard Access' link only.

Baseline Conditions

Public Transport

9.21 The nearest bus services are located within approximately 1.5 kilometres at the Tesco store on Finchampstead Road and the junction of Rances Lane and Waterloo Road. These services comprise bus routes 121, 124, 125 and 145. The majority of bus routes within the vicinity of the site are located within Wokingham town centre where bus routes 3, 4, X4, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 128, 129, 145, 151 and 151A are accessed.

9.22 Existing bus routes and timetables within the Wokingham town centre have changed since the COVID-19 Pandemic occurred. The current bus routes (still during the Pandemic at the time of writing) are summarised below at Table 9.1 and are shown at Appendix Project 9.1A.

Table 9.1: Bus Services Available from Wokingham Town Centre Frequency Earliest Latest Departure Departure Service/Route Weekday Saturday Sunday (Town (Town Centre) Centre) 3: Reading – Aborfield - 1 per hour 1 per hour - 05:55 20:19 Wokingham 4: Reading – Wokingham Every 30 Every 30 1 per 05:33 22:30 - Bracknell min min hour 121: Wokingham Tesco – Every 30 6 per day - 10:35 16:35 Wokingham Broad Street min 122/123: Woosehill – Every 30 – 2 per day - 06:51 19:01 Wokingham Broad Street 60 min 124: Waterloo Road to 2 per day - 11:17 13:22 Broad Street - Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

125: Wokingham Broad 3 per day 2 per day - 09:50 11:50 Street - Crowthorne 125 A: Wokingham Station Interchange – 2 per day - - 17:14 18:09 California Crossroads 125 B: Wokingham Station Interchange - 2 per day - - 07:19 08:32 Crowthorne 128: Wokingham Broad Every 2 Street – Twyford - 1 per hour - 08:23 17:00 hours Reading 129: Wokingham Broad Street – Twyford - 5 per day - - 15:30 18:10 Reading 145: Three Miles Cross 1 per day Post Office – - - 10:26 - (Tuesday) Wokingham - Winnersh 151/151A: Bracknell – Every 2 - 3 Every 2 - 3 - 08:37 17:23 Binfield - Wokingham hours hours X4: Reading - Bracknell Every 30 Every 30 1 per 09:40 18:38 min min hour

Network Rail

9.23 The nearest railway station to the Project is Wokingham Railway Station, approximately 2.2 – 2.8 kilometres from the Project Site (via local highway network and depending on the starting point within the Project Site). The station provides direct connections to destinations such as London Waterloo, Reading, Guildford and Gatwick Airport. A summary of direct services from Wokingham Railway Station is shown in Table 9.2 below.

Table 9.2: Summary of Direct Rail Services Servicing Wokingham Railway Station

Frequency First and Last Service PM Peak Last Returning AM Peak Approximate Destination 17:00 - Services from 08:00 – 09:00 Duration 18:00 (Mon – Destination (outbound) (return) Fri) (Mon – Fri) Gatwick First 08:07 1 0 10:30 1h 19 mins Airport First 05:26 Guildford 2 2 22:23 34 mins Last 21:35 London First 06:27 2 3 23:12 1h 14 mins Waterloo Last 23:57 First 06:27 Reading 3 3 23:12 15 mins Last 23:57

Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

Road Safety - Personal Injury Accidents (PIA)

9.24 The original Project EIA reviewed Personal Injury Accident (PIA) data obtained from the highway authority for the five-year period from 01 October 2013 to 30 September 2018.

9.25 Crashmap.co.uk has been used to confirm that there have been a further 19 PIAs within the study area between the period of 30 September 2018 to 30 June 2019. This is the most recent period available at the time of writing. The full PIA reports are provided at Appendix Project 9.1A and a summary of the PIAs recorded within the original five year period assessed and the additional period between 30 September 2018 and 30 June 2019 are shown below at Table 9.3. The additional PIAs are plotted at Appendix Project 9.2A.

Table 9.3: Summary of Personal Injury Accidents

Severity

Location Slight Serious Fatal Total A329(M) (M4 Junction 10 to Coppid Beech Roundabout) 59 4 0 63

A321 Finchampstead Road 11 0 0 11

Molly Millar’s Lane 0 0 0 0

B3349 Barkham Road 5 4 0 9

Easthampstead Road 9 4 0 13

Waterloo Road 3 1 0 4

Heathlands Road 1 0 0 1

Old Wokingham Road 6 2 0 8

Peacock Lane 11 2 0 13

Ellesfield Avenue 8 2 0 10

A3095 Mill Lane 13 3 1 17

Rances Lane 0 0 0 0

Priest Avenue 0 0 0 0

A329 London Road 25 5 0 30

William Heelas Way 0 0 0 0

Whitlock Avenue 0 0 0 0

Murdoch Road 2 1 0 3

Langborough Road 0 1 0 1

Wokingham Town Centre one-way system 36 7 2 45 TOTAL 189 36 3 228 Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

9.26 Table 9.3 suggests that a total of 228 PIAs were recorded during the period between 01 October 2013 and 30 June 2019. Of these recorded accidents, 189 were of slight severity, 36 were of serious severity and 3 were fatal.

9.27 The additional accidents recorded between the period of 30 September 2018 to 30 June 2019 are understood to have involved vulnerable road users. A summary of the vulnerable road users involvement between the period of 01 October 2013 and 30 June 2019 is included below at Table 9.4.

Table 9.4: Summary of Vulnerable Road Users Involvement Vulnerable Users Type

Location M/C P/C Pedestrian Total

A329(M) (M4 Junction 10 to 5 1 0 6 Coppid Beech Roundabout)

A321 Finchampstead Road 1 3 2 6 Molly Milar’s Lane 0 0 0 0 B3349 Barkham Road 1 2 2 5 Easthampstead Road 2 2 0 4 Waterloo Road 1 0 0 1 Heathlands Road 0 0 0 0 Old Wokingham Road 1 0 0 1 Peacock Lane 2 2 0 4 Ellesfield Avenue 2 0 0 2 A3095 Mill Lane 4 0 0 4 Rances Lane 0 0 0 0 Priest Avenue 0 0 0 0 A329 London Road 9 5 6 20 William Heelas Way 0 0 0 0 Whitlock Avenue 0 0 0 0 Murdoch Road 0 0 0 0 Langborough Road 0 1 0 1 Wokingham Town Centre one-way 3 7 18 28 system TOTAL 31 23 28 82

Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

9.28 Table 9.4 suggests that a total of 82 of the 228 PIAs during the period between 01 October 2013 and 30 June 2019 involved vulnerable road users. 31 involved a motorcyclist, 23 involved a cyclist and 28 involved a pedestrian.

Future Baseline Conditions

9.29 The growth in travel demand between 2015 - 2026 and 2036 is set out in WSP’s South Wokingham Strategic Transport Model 4 (WSTM4), Highway Model Forecasting Methodology dated August 2019.

9.30 Agreed committed development in the WSTM4 is set out up to 2026 at Appendix Project 9.1A and replaces previous assumptions applied in modelling that informed the original Project EIA. Traffic growth assumptions between 2026 and 2036 have been assumed using TEMPRO, as applied in WSTM4.

9.31 The committed network improvement schemes assumed in WSTM4 includes the following:

• M4 Smart Motorway (junctions 3 – 12); • Elms Road Link Road; • Winnersh Relief Road Phase 1; • Winnersh Relief Road Phase 2; • Arborfield Cross Relief Road (ACRR); • North Wokingham Distributor Road (NWDR); • South Wokingham Distributor Road (NWDR); • Shinfield Eastern Relief Road (SERR); • Nine Mile Ride Extension South; • Coppid Beech Park and Ride; • Barkham Bridge; and • Eastern Gateway.

9.32 The future baseline traffic (i.e. Do-Nothing) data have been extracted from the WSTM4 for the study area. The future baseline traffic conditions (i.e. Do-Nothing with no SWSDL and no SWDR) have been derived from the WSTM4 for both 2026 (end of the local plan) and 2036.

9.33 There are two Do-Something scenarios; one with the SWDR and 450 residential units associated with the Project and 192 units associated with the neighbouring Persimmon Homes application in 2026; and another with the SWDR and the full SWSDL development in 2036.

9.34 The baseline traffic flows presented as AADT data (utilising Passenger Car Unit (PCU)) as a standard unit representing the traffic flows are set out at Appendix Project 9.3A.

9.35 The original Project EIA reviewed the WSTM4 outputs outlined in its Table 9.3 to determine sections of the local highway network within the study area that were required to be assessed in detail based on the methodology set out at paragraph 9.160 of the original Project EIA. These links were contained at paragraph 9.161 and are listed below. This exercise has subsequently been updated within this Addendum Chapter to analyse the outputs contained at Appendix Project 9.3A.

• Easthampstead Road between Peach Street and East Carpark; • Easthampstead Road between East Carpark and West Carpark; • Easthampstead Road between West Carpark and Wescott Road; • Easthampstead Road between Wescott Road and Denton Road; • Easthampstead Road between Denton Road and Goodchild Road; • Easthampstead Road between Goodchild Road and Batty's Barn Close; • Easthampstead Road between Batty's Barn Close and Murdoch Road; Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

• Easthampstead Road between Murdoch Road and Southlands Road; • Easthampstead Road between Southlands Road and Waterloo Road; • Easthampstead Road between Waterloo Road and WRRL Level Crossing (SWDR) • Easthampstead Road between WRRL Level Crossing and Ludgrove School; • Easthampstead Road between Ludgrove School and Access Road; • Easthampstead Road between Access Road and Heathlands Road; • Easthampstead Road between Heathlands Road and Redlake Lane; • Easthampstead Road between Redlake Lane and Old Wokingham Road; • Rances Lane between A329 London Road and Tattersall Close; • Rances Lane between Tattersall Close and Waterloo Road; • Priest Avenue between A329 London Road and Osterley close; • Priest Avenue between Osterley close and Waterloo Road; • A329 London Road between Rances Lane and Binfield Road; • Murdoch Road between Easthampstead Road and Gipsy Lane; • Murdoch Road between Gipsy Lane and Sturges Road; • Murdoch Road between Sturges Road and Purslane; • Murdoch Road between Purslane and Crescent Lane; • Langborough Road between Crescent Lane and Gipsy Lane; • Langborough Road between Gipsy Lane and Denmark Street; • Denmark Street between A321 Wellington Road and Langborough Road; • Cross Street between Rose Street and A329 Peach Street; • Rose Street between A329 Broad Street and Medical Centre access; • Rose Street between Medical Centre access and Cross Street; • Rose Street between Cross Street and A329 Wiltshire Road; • Cross Street; • B3349 Barkham Road between Molly Milar's Lane and Ormonde Road; • B3349 Barkham Road between Ormonde Road and Oxford Road; • Peacock Lane between Vigar Way and Osprey Avenue; • Peacock Lane between Osprey Avenue and Doncastle Avenue; • A3095 Mill Lane Approach (NB Off-slip); • A3095 Mill Lane Approach (SB Off-slip); • Waterloo Road between Easthampstead Road and Rances Lane; • Waterloo Road between Rances Lane and Priest Avenue; • Waterloo Road between Internal Road 1 and Eastern Gateway; • Waterloo Road between Eastern Gateway and Internal Road 2; • Waterloo Road between Internal Road 2 and Byway WOKW BW 30 I; • Waterloo Road between Byway WOKW BW 30 I and the existing Yard Access; • Waterloo Road between the existing Yard Access and Peacock Lane; • William Heelas Way between A329 London Road and Whitelock Avenue; • William Heelas Way between Whitelock Avenue and Bremner Way; • William Heelas Way between Bremner Way and Eastern Gateway; and • Whitlock Avenue between A329 London Road and William Heelas Way.

9.36 The following additional links to those set out at paragraph 9.161 of the original Project EIA have been identified to have changes in traffic volume exceeding the thresholds:

• A329 London Road between Seaford Road to Binfield Road; • Denmark Street between Langborough Road and Denmark Street Car Park; and • Denmark Street between Denmark Street Car Park and Peach Street.

9.37 The following links have subsequently been removed from those set out at paragraph 9.161 of the original Project EIA due to traffic volumes no longer exceeding the thresholds in the data set out in the most recent WSTM4: Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

• Easthampstead Road between WRRL Level Crossing and Ludgrove School; • A329 London Road between Rances Lane and Binfield Road; • Cross Street; • B3349 Barkham Road between Ormonde Road and Oxford Road; • Peacock Road between Vigar Way and Osprey Avenue; • Peacock Lane between Osprey Avenue and Doncastle Avenue; • A3095 Mill Lane Approach (NB Off-Slip); • A3095 Mill Lane Approach (SB Off-Slip); and • Waterloo Road between Internal Road 1 and Eastern Gateway.

9.38 It should be noted that the links listed above include all links where the change in traffic volume exceeds the set thresholds irrespective whether the change is positive (decrease of traffic volume) or negative (an increase of traffic volume).

9.39 The links assessed in detail (i.e. those identified with adverse impact) in this Addendum Chapter are limited to the following and are shown at Appendix Project 9.4A:

• Barkham Road between Molly Millars and Ormonde Road; • Waterloo Road between Eastern Gateway and Internal Road 2; • Waterloo Road Byway WOKW BW 30 I and the existing Yard Access; • Waterloo Road between the existing Yard Access and Peacock Lane; • William Heelas Way between A329 London Road and Whitlock Avenue; • William Heelas Way Whitlock Avenue and Bremner Way; • William Heelas Way between Bremner Way and Eastern Gateway; and • Whitlock Avenue between A329 London Road and William Heelas Way.

9.40 These links were all previously assessed.

Severance

9.41 The assessment of the future baseline severance set out at Table 9.8 of the ES Chapter 9 dated April 2019 has been updated to reflect the changes to the WSTM4 at Table 9.5 below. This assesses the 2026 and 2036 Do-Nothing scenarios.

Table 9.5: Future Baseline Conditions – Severance

Baseline (Do- Nothing) Traffic Level of Severance Link Flows (Two-way AADT) 2026 2036 2026 2036 Barkham Road between Molly Millars and Moderate Moderate Ormonde Road 9,188 9,598 Waterloo Road between Eastern Slight Slight Gateway and Internal Road 2 3,218 3,774 Waterloo Road Byway WOKW BW 30 I and Slight Slight the existing Yard Access 3,386 3,949

Waterloo Road between the existing Yard Slight Slight 3,386 3,949 Access and Peacock Lane

William Heelas Way between A329 London Slight Slight 3,429 3,739 Road and Whitlock Avenue Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

William Heelas Way Whitlock Avenue and Slight Slight Bremner Way 5,365 5,905 William Heelas Way between Bremner Way Slight Slight and Eastern Gateway 3,218 3,774 Whitlock Avenue between A329 London Slight Slight Road and William Heelas Way 1,939 2,169

9.42 Table 9.5 demonstrates that all the assessed links are classified as a slight level of severance, except for the 'Barkham Road between Molly Millars and Ormonde Road' link which is classified as moderate for the baseline Do-Nothing scenarios. This reflects the findings of the original Project EIA and remains unchanged as part of this updated assessment.

Driver Stress and Delay

9.43 The assessment of the future baseline driver stress and delay set out at Table 9.9 of the original Project EIA has been updated to reflect the changes to the WSTM4 at Table 9.6 below. This assesses the 2026 and 2036 Do-Nothing scenarios.

Table 9.6: Future Baseline Conditions – Driver Stress and Delay

Estimated Average Peak Average Hour Flow per Level of Driver Stress Speed (kph) Lane (Do- & Delay Link (Do- Nothing) Nothing) 2026 2036 2026 2036 2026 2036 491 517 30 30 Moderate Moderate Barkham Road between Molly Millars and Ormonde Road

177 219 43 42 Moderate Moderate Waterloo Road between Eastern Gateway and Internal Road 2 182 226 93 93 Low Low Waterloo Road Byway WOKW BW 30 I and the existing Yard Access

182 226 93 93 Low Low Waterloo Road between the existing Yard Access and Peacock Lane 189 212 43 42 Moderate Moderate William Heelas Way between A329 London Road and Whitlock Avenue 298 342 41 40 Moderate Moderate William Heelas Way Whitlock Avenue and Bremner Way

177 219 43 42 Moderate Moderate William Heelas Way between Bremner Way and Eastern Gateway Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

110 129 31 31 Moderate Moderate Whitlock Avenue between A329 London Road and William Heelas Way

9.44 Table 9.6 above indicates all links are forecast to operate with a low or moderate level of driver stress and delay in the baseline scenario. The results at Table 9.6 are consistent with those at Table 9.9 of the original Project EIA except the 'Waterloo Road between Eastern Gateway and Internal Road 2' link which has reduced from high to moderate for both the 2026 and 2036 scenarios.

Pedestrian/Cyclist Delay and Amenity

9.45 The assessment of the future baseline pedestrian and cyclist delay set out at Table 9.10 of the original Project EIA has been updated to reflect the changes to the WSTM4 at Table 9.7 below. This assesses the 2026 and 2036 Do-Nothing scenarios.

Table 9.7: Future Baseline Conditions – Pedestrian and Cyclist Delay

Average Peak Hour Level of Pedestrian Flow (Two-way) (Do- and Cyclist Delay Link Nothing) 2026 2036 2026 2036

Barkham Road between Molly Millars and 983 1035 Low Low Ormonde Road Waterloo Road between Eastern 353 439 Low Low Gateway and Internal Road 2 Waterloo Road Byway WOKW BW 30 I and 364 452 Low Low the existing Yard Access

Waterloo Road between the existing Yard 364 452 Low Low Access and Peacock Lane

William Heelas Way between A329 London 377 424 Low Low Road and Whitlock Avenue William Heelas Way Whitlock Avenue and 596 684 Low Low Bremner Way William Heelas Way between Bremner Way 353 439 Low Low and Eastern Gateway Whitlock Avenue between A329 London 220 258 Low Low Road and William Heelas Way

9.46 As shown in Table 9.7 above the level of pedestrian and cyclist delay is forecast to be low across all the assessed links. This is consistent with Table 9.10 of the original Project EIA.

9.47 Table 9.11 of the original Project EIA provided a qualitative assessment of the exiting pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure on the links. Given the existing highway network has not materially changed in these locations, this table has not been changed; although is included below at Table 9.8 for completeness.

Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

Table 9.8: Future Baseline Conditions – Pedestrian and Cyclist Amenity

Pedestrian Cyclist Amenity Amenity (Do- (Do-nothing) Link nothing) Comments 2026 2036 2026 2036 Footways on both Barkham Road between Very Very sides, no tactile Good Good Molly Millars and Ormonde Poor Poor paving, No specific Road cyclist facilities. Subject to change Waterloo Road depending on Very between Eastern Very Poor Poor Poor infrastructure Poor Gateway and Internal delivered as part Road 2 of Eastern Gateway

Currently no Waterloo Road Byway Very provision for WOKW BW 30 I and the Very Poor Poor Poor Poor cyclists or existing Yard Access pedestrians Only short section Waterloo Road between of shared the existing Yard Access Poor Poor Poor Poor pedestrian/ cyclist and Peacock Lane facility

William Heelas Way High quality between A329 London Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent pedestrian/cyclist Road and Whitlock Avenue facilities

William Heelas Way High quality Whitlock Avenue and Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent pedestrian/cyclist Bremner Way facilities

William Heelas Way High quality between Bremner Way and Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent pedestrian/cyclist Eastern Gateway facilities High quality Whitlock Avenue pedestrian facilities but no between A329 London Excellent Excellent Good Good Road and William Heelas provision for Way cyclists. Quiet residential street.

Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

Accidents and Safety

9.48 Table 9.12 of the original Project EIA determined typical accident rates for each of the links using COBALT which uses the baseline and forecast AADT and accidents on each link to provide a typical accident rate. COBALT assessment has been used to establish the typical accident rate for the baseline Do-Nothing scenario for the 'Waterloo Road Byway WOKW BW 30 I and the existing Yard Access' link only. This is set out below at Table 9.9 and the output is contained at Appendix Project 9.5A. This assesses the 2026 and 2036 Do-Nothing scenarios.

Table 9.9: Future Baseline Conditions – Typical Annual Accident Rates

Baseline Traffic Flows Typical Accident Rate Link (Do-Nothing) (Two-way AADT) 2026 2036 2026 2036

Barkham Road between Molly Millars and - - Ormonde Road 9,188 9,598 Waterloo Road between Eastern - - Gateway and Internal Road 2 3,218 3,774 Waterloo Road Byway WOKW BW 30 I and 0 0 the existing Yard Access 3,386 3,949

Waterloo Road between the existing Yard - - 3,386 3,949 Access and Peacock Lane

William Heelas Way between A329 London - - 3,429 3,739 Road and Whitlock Avenue William Heelas Way Whitlock Avenue and - - Bremner Way 5,365 5,905 William Heelas Way between Bremner Way - - and Eastern Gateway 3,218 3,774 Whitlock Avenue between A329 London - - Road and William Heelas Way 1,939 2,169

9.49 The forecast typical accident rates presented in Table 9.9 indicate that there will be no material increase in the number of accidents on each link during the 2026 Base year and 2036 Do-Nothing scenarios according to the COBALT assessment when compared with those contained at Table 9.12 of the original Project EIA.

Impacts of the Proposed Development

Severance

9.50 The level of severance has been assessed for both the 2026 and 2036 Do-Something scenarios. The forecast severance for the assessed links is summarised in Table 9.10 below with the level of significance also provided.

Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

Table 9.10: Do-Something Conditions – Severance

Do-Something Level of Severance Link (Two-way AADT) 2026 2036 2026 2036

Barkham Road between Molly Millars and Ormonde Road 9,697 10,847 Moderate Moderate Waterloo Road between Eastern Gateway and Internal Road 2 10,012 10,681 Moderate Moderate Waterloo Road Byway WOKW BW 30 I and the existing Yard Access 9,391 9,331 Moderate Moderate

Waterloo Road between the existing Yard 9,391 9,331 Moderate Moderate Access and Peacock Lane

William Heelas Way between A329 10,621 11,502 Moderate Moderate London Road and Whitlock Avenue William Heelas Way Whitlock Avenue and Bremner Way 14,076 15,324 Moderate Moderate William Heelas Way between Bremner Way and Eastern Gateway 13,646 15,377 Moderate Moderate Whitlock Avenue between A329 London Road and William Heelas Way 3,453 3,812 Slight Slight

9.51 Table 9.11 above sets out the forecast severance levels for both Do-Something scenarios. These range between slight and moderate. Whilst the findings set out at Table 9.11 have not materially changed from that at Table 9.13 of the original Project EIA, some links have resulted in a benefit as a result of the changes assessed within this Chapter. The 'William Heelas Way Whitlock Avenue and Bremner Way' and 'William Heelas Way between Bremner Way and Eastern Gateway' links have seen a reduction from significant to moderate levels of significance for the 2036 scenario.

9.52 Appendix Project 9.6A provides a comparison of both future Do-nothing and Do-Something scenarios with the level of severance also provided.

9.53 Whilst the magnitude of impact varies between no change and a major impact, the results shown at Appendix Project 9.6A are largely consistent with those shown at Table 9.14 of the original Project EIA. The exceptions to this are set out at paragraph 9.51 which suggests the 'William Heelas Way Whitlock Avenue and Bremner Way' and 'William Heelas Way between Bremner Way and Eastern Gateway' links will see a betterment with regard to the level of severance when compared to the results of the original Project EIA. It is not considered that the updates to housing numbers and the WSTM4 materially impact the severance magnitude of impact.

9.54 Appendix Project 9.7A provides an indication of the sensitivity (environmental value) for each of the assessed links and in combination with the magnitude of impact identified in Appendix Project 9.6A. This provides the resulting significance of effects for the links within the study area.

9.55 The results of the assessment of the severance indicate that the proposals are likely to have a direct, permanent, long-term effect on the level of severance. The significance of the effects varies in both the 2026 and 2036 scenarios from neutral to moderate or large. It is not considered that the content of Appendix Project 9.7A materially differs from that contained at Table 9.15 of the ES Chapter 9 April 2019. Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

Driver Stress and Delay

9.56 The levels of driver stress and delay based on the estimated speeds and average peak-hour flows per lane in both 2026 and 2036 Do-Nothing scenarios have been assessed for the identified links. The results of the assessment are summarised at Appendix Project 9.8A.

9.57 Appendix Project 9.8A indicates that driver stress and delay has increased on the 'Barkham Road between Molly Millars and Ormonde Road' link for the 2036 scenario from moderate to high. Change has also occurred on the 'Waterloo Road Byway WOKW BW 30 I and the existing Yard Access', 'Waterloo Road between the existing Yard Access and Peacock Lane' and 'William Heelas Way between A329 London Road and Whitlock Avenue' links. The first two links reduced from moderate to low for both the 2026 and 2036 scenarios and the latter reduced from high to moderate for the 2036 scenario.

9.58 Appendix Project 9.9A provides a comparison between Do-Nothing and Do-Something scenarios with the magnitude of impact also provided.

9.59 Appendix Project 9.9A shows that the results relating to the level of driver stress and delay and the magnitude of impact have changed since the original Project EIA. It suggests that the magnitude of impact has generally reduced on links where change has occurred with the exception of the 'B3349 Barkham Road between Molly Millar's Lane and Ormonde Road' link which has increased from no change to negligible for the 2036 scenario.

9.60 Appendix Project 9.10A provides an indication of the sensitivity (environmental value) for each of the assessed links and in combination with the magnitude of impact identified at Appendix Project 9.9A. Appendix Project 9.10A provides the resulting significance of effects for the links within the study area. Appendix Project 9.10A also identifies the type of the identified effects.

9.61 The results of the assessment on driver stress and delay associated with the summarised in Appendix Project 9.10A indicate that the proposals are likely to have a direct, permanent, long-term effect on the level of driver stress and delay. The significance of the effects varies in both 2026 and 2036 scenarios from neutral or slight to moderate or large. The links are generally considered to have a greater significance of effect when compared with that set out at Table 9.18 of the original Project EIA.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Delay and Amenity

Pedestrian and Cyclist Delay

9.62 The level of pedestrian and cyclist delay has been assessed for both 2026 and 2036 Do-Nothing scenarios. The forecast pedestrian and cyclist delay for the assessed links is summarised in Table 9.11 below.

Table 9.11: Do-Something Conditions – Pedestrian and Cyclist Delay

Average Peak Hour Flow Level of Pedestrian and Link (Two-way) Cyclist Delay 2026 2036 2026 2036

Barkham Road between Molly 1140 1256 Low Low Millars and Ormonde Road Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

Waterloo Road between Eastern 1019 1009 Low Low Gateway and Internal Road 2

Waterloo Road Byway WOKW 934 811 Low Low BW 30 I and the existing Yard Access Waterloo Road between the 934 811 Low Low existing Yard Access and Peacock Lane

William Heelas Way between A329 1024 1127 Low Low London Road and Whitlock Avenue

William Heelas Way Whitlock Avenue 1392 1511 Low Medium and Bremner Way William Heelas Way between 1327 1512 Low Medium Bremner Way and Eastern Gateway

Whitlock Avenue between A329 367 384 Low Low London Road and William Heelas Way

9.63 As shown in Table 9.11 above, the level of pedestrian and cyclist delay is reflective of that set out at Table 9.19 of the original Project EIA.

9.64 Appendix Project 9.11A provides a comparison of both future Do-Nothing and Do-Something scenarios with the magnitude of impact also provided.

9.65 Appendix Project 9.11A shows the changes in the level of pedestrian and cyclist delay on the assessed links. The level of the delay remains unchanged on the majority of the links.

9.66 Appendix Project 9.12A below provides an indication of the sensitivity (environmental value) for each of the assessed links and in combination with the degree of change identified in Appendix Project 9.11A. Appendix Project 9.12A provides the resulting significance of effects for the links within the study area. Appendix Project 9.12A also identifies the type of the identified effects.

9.67 The results of the assessment of pedestrian and cyclist delay associated with the Project are summarised at Appendix Project 9.12A indicate that the proposals are likely to have a direct, permanent, long-term effect on the level of pedestrian and cyclist delay. The significance of the effects have changed since the original Project EIA which ranged between neutral and moderate. The significance of effects now ranges between neutral/slight and moderate/large. This represents a broader scope of significance of effect.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Amenity

9.68 Table 9.12 below summarises the forecast 2026 and 2036 (Do-Nothing scenarios) pedestrian and cyclist amenity. As per paragraph 9.54, the baseline qualitative assessment of the network is unchanged. No additional proposals are sought on these links as part of the Phase 2 proposals that would materially affect the conclusions previously gathered, therefore the content of Table 9.12 is unchanged.

Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

Table 9.12: Do-Something Conditions – Pedestrian and Cyclist Amenity

Pedestrian Cyclist Amenity

Amenity (Do- (Do- Something) Link Something) Comments 2026 2036 2026 2036 Footways on both Barkham Road between Very Very sides, no tactile Good Good Molly Millars and Ormonde Poor Poor paving. No specific Road cyclists' facilities. High quality Waterloo Road pedestrian /cyclist facilities as part of between Eastern Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Gateway and Internal Eastern Gateway Road 2 and Proposed Project Dev. High quality Waterloo Road Byway pedestrian/ cyclist WOKW BW 30 I and the Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent facilities as part of existing Yard Access Proposed Project Dev. High quality Waterloo Road between the pedestrian/ cyclist existing Yard Access and Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent facilities as part of Peacock Lane Proposed Project Dev.

William Heelas Way between High quality A329 London Road and Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent pedestrian/cyclist Whitlock Avenue facilities

William Heelas Way High quality Whitlock Avenue and Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent pedestrian/cyclist Bremner Way facilities

William Heelas Way between High quality Bremner Way and Eastern Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent pedestrian/cyclist Gateway facilities

High quality pedestrian Whitlock Avenue between facilities but no Excellent Excellent Good Good A329 London Road and provision for William Heelas Way cyclists. Quiet residential street.

Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

9.69 The assessment of pedestrian and cyclist amenity summarised in Table 9.12 indicates that the levels of amenity for both pedestrians and cyclists are forecast to improve significantly with the provision of high-quality pedestrian/cyclist facilities and connections associated with the Proposed Project Development and the SWDR (both 2026 and 2036 Do-something scenarios). The amenity identified for the links not directly connected to the Proposed Project Development is forecast to remain unchanged.

9.70 Appendix Project 9.13A provides a comparison of both future Do-Nothing and Do-Something scenarios with the magnitude of impact also provided. The thresholds associated with the magnitude of impact are applied to a change in AADT on each link while considering a change in HGV traffic as the main factor.

9.71 Appendix Project 9.13A shows the changes in the level of pedestrian and cyclist amenity on the assessed links which are largely consistent with the results shown at Table 9.20 of the original Project EIA. With the exception of the 'Barkham Road between Molly Millars and Ormonde Road' link, the magnitude of impact remains the same for all links and scenarios. The magnitude of impact has risen from no change to negligible for the 2036 scenario on the 'Barkham Road between Molly Millars and Ormonde Road' link.

9.72 Appendix Project 9.14A provides an indication of the sensitivity (environmental value) for each of the assessed links and in combination with the degree of change identified in Appendix Project 9.13A. Appendix Project 9.14A provides the resulting significance of effects for the links within the study area. Appendix Project 9.14A also identifies the type of the identified effects.

9.73 The results of the assessment of pedestrian and cyclist amenity associated with the Project summarised in Appendix Project 9.14A indicate that the proposals are likely to have a direct, permanent, long-term effect on the level of pedestrian and cyclist amenity. The significance of the effects varies in both the 2026 and 2036 scenarios from neutral to large with the higher significance levels expected to be on the links within or adjacent to the Project. This appears to be marginally worse than the results set out at Table 9.21 of the original Project EIA which range between neutral and moderate.

Accidents and Safety

9.74 For the reasons set out at paragraph 9.55 it is not considered necessary to update the typical accident rates for all assessed links.

9.75 Table 9.13 below provides a comparison of both Do-Nothing and Do-Something scenarios with the magnitude of impact also provided. The thresholds associated with the magnitude of impact are applied to a change in the number of accidents on each link.

Table 9.13: Do-Something Conditions – Typical Annual Accident Rates

Do-Something Traffic Flows (Two-way Typical Accident Rate Link AADT) 2026 2036 2026 2036

Barkham Road between Molly Millars - - and Ormonde Road 9,697 10,847 Waterloo Road between Eastern Gateway - - and Internal Road 2 10,012 10,681 Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

Waterloo Road Byway WOKW BW 30 I 0 0 and the existing Yard Access 9,391 9,331 Waterloo Road between the existing Yard - - Access and Peacock Lane 9,391 9,331

William Heelas Way between A329 London - - 10,621 11,502 Road and Whitlock Avenue

William Heelas Way Whitlock Avenue and - - 14,076 15,324 Bremner Way William Heelas Way between Bremner Way - - and Eastern Gateway 13,646 15,377 Whitlock Avenue between A329 London - - Road and William Heelas Way 3,453 3,812

9.76 Appendix Project 9.15A provides an indication of the sensitivity (environmental value) for each of the assessed links.

9.77 The results of the assessment of accidents and safety associated with the Project summarised in Appendix Project 9.15A indicate that the proposals are likely to have a direct, permanent, long-term effect on the level of accidents and safety. Given that only one link has been assessed which represent an accident rate of 0, the results are significantly lower than those contained within the original Project EIA. The significance of the effects in both the 2026 and 2036 scenarios is neutral. Therefore, there it is unlikely to be any real change in the absolute number of accidents occurring on the links analysed. Where appropriate and in agreement with the highway authority at Wokingham Borough Council. The forecast increase in traffic is proposed to be mitigated by new road designs and junction improvements schemes.

Cumulative Impacts

9.78 It is necessary to assess the effects of the Proposed Development taking into account the potential cumulative and in-combination effects as a result of other developments in the vicinity of the Application Site.

9.79 The assessment of the Do-Nothing and Do-Something scenarios (both 2026 and 2036) is based on the traffic flow information extracted from the WSTM4, which include all committed development in the area and their associated mitigation measures including those proposed. The cumulative impact of the development and our Project is therefore considered to have been assessed robustly.

Mitigation

Operational Phase

9.80 To ensure that the Proposed Development is planning policy compliant, a range of measures to encourage walking, cycling and public transport is promoted through the development. These measures include:

Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

i. The internal layout has designed with principles of Manual for Streets (MfS and MfS2) in mind in order to deliver a high-quality streetscape supporting sustainable living of future residents when reserved matters applications come forward in due course. The layout of the Project Site has been developed considering the user hierarchy recommended by MfS and connectivity through the site for uses of all modes, including pedestrians and cyclists. The provision for non-motorised users is taking into consideration factors such as perceived safety and general amenity. ii. The proposals are complemented by the SWDR providing safe and convenient access for all modes including public transport. This includes for the provision of a bus service through the SWSDL on a 30 minute frequency throughout the day, Monday – Saturday. New pedestrian and cycle facilities provided as part of the SWDR will lead to enhanced safety for these vulnerable user groups as well as promote uptake of the sustainable modes of travel and subsequently increase health and well-being of its users. iii. The permeable layout and extensive network of pedestrian and cyclist facilities, as well as improved public transport services, will promote sustainable methods of travel not only for the residents of the proposed development but also for the existing communities in the area. iv. The layout and associated infrastructure has been designed to provide sustainable development with a number of ancillary facilities to cater for some of the resident’s needs, thus reducing the need for travel and dependence on a private car. v. The Applicants are committed to the Wokingham Borough Council 'My Journey' initiative in the form of a contribution to be secured via S106 to, in principle, providing up to five car club spaces.

9.81 The Project also proposes a number of mitigation measures at surrounding junction. Mitigation measures, set out at Chapter 9 of the associated Transport Assessment Addendum are proposed at the following junctions (subject to negotiations with Highways Officers and a review of the mitigation on the WSTM4 model):

• Junction 2 – Barkham Road/ Molly Millars Lane; • Junction 3 - Easthampstead Road / Heathlands Road; • Junction 4 – Molly Millars Lane/ Finchampstead Road; • Junction 5 - B3430 Nine Mile Ride/ Heathlands Road; • Junction 8 – Finchampstead Road/ Tesco Access/ Landen Court; • Junction 9 – Old Wokingham Road/ Waterloo Road/ Peacock Lane (Bracknell Forest Council); • Junction 11 – B3430 Nine Mile Ride/ Honey Hill; • Junction 12 – Peacock Lane/ Vigar Way (Bracknell Forest Council); and • Junction 14 – Barkham Road/ Bearwood Road.

9.82 It should also be highlighted that the sections of the SWDR that are already in place (i.e. William Heelas Way) had been designed and constructed with the Project Site in mind and as such, the potential impacts of the Proposed Development have been already mitigated.

Residual Impacts

Operational Phase

9.83 The proposed mitigation measures, as outlined earlier, would seek to reduce the overall vehicular traffic generated by the Proposed Development. This would lessen the residual adverse environmental effects of the Proposed Development caused by an increase in traffic.

9.84 The Proposed Development will look to promote sustainable travel choices to reduce the proportion of private car trips through the travel plan. Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL ‘Project’ EIA Environmental Statement Addendum Vol 1: Transport, Accessibility and Movement

Severance, Pedestrian / Cyclist Delay and Amenity

9.85 It is acknowledged that the levels of severance and pedestrian/cyclist delay and amenity associated with the Proposed Development will increase as a result of the increase in traffic volume, especially on the links in the immediate vicinity of the Application Site.

Driver Stress and Delay

9.86 It is not considered that the impact of the Project on driver stress and delay is likely to be material. The impact is forecast to range between low and moderate.

Summary

9.2 Table 9.14 below provides a summary of the proposed mitigation measures and subsequent residual impacts associated with the Proposed Development. Construction traffic is not assessed within this Addendum Chapter but the conclusions of the original Project EIA are repeated here for ease of reference. The general conclusions relating to the impacts assessed within this Addendum Chapter have not materially changed from those within the original Project EIA, therefore the summary of impacts has not been amended as part of this assessment.

Table 9.14 Summary of Impacts

Mitigation Measures Receptor Residual Impact Proposed

Construction Phase

Severance, Pedestrian / Cyclist Delay and Amenity Construction Traffic Temporary Negligible Adverse Driver Stress and Delay Management Plan

Accidents and Safety

Operational Phase

My Journey, SWDR and Severance, Pedestrian / Cyclist Delay associated high-quality Permanent Negligible Adverse and Amenity pedestrian/cyclist facilities

Driver Stress and Delay SWDR and improved links Permanent Minor Adverse

SWDR and associated high- Accidents and Safety quality pedestrian / cyclist Negligible facilities Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Noise (ES Chapter 10)

LAND AT PHASE 2 OF THE SOUTH WOKINGHAM SDL ES CHAPTER SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE : NOISE AND VIBRATION

ENSAFE PROJECT REFERENCE: AC105877-5R2

PREPARED FOR: KINGACRE ESTATES , KIER VENTURES AND MILLER HOMES

CHALLEN COMMERCIAL INVESTIGATIONS LIMITED T/A ENSAFE CONSULTANTS 2 BROWNS ROAD, DAVENTRY, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, N11 4NS T: 01604 878190 www.ensafe.co.uk [email protected] REGISTERED IN ENGLAND NO: 03426833, VAT NO: 669400520 ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

Issue/revision Issue 1 Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3

Remarks Draft for comment Final Final

Date 14/08/2020 19/08/2020 27/08/2020

Prepared by Dr Nicholas J Haigh Dr Nicholas J Haigh Dr Nicholas J Haigh

Signature

Senior Acoustic Senior Acoustic Senior Acoustic

Position Consultant Consultant Consultant

Checked by Elizabeth Samphier Elizabeth Samphier Elizabeth Samphier

Signature

Senior Acoustic Senior Acoustic Senior Acoustic

Position Consultant Consultant Consultant

Verified by Conal Kearney Conal Kearney Conal Kearney

Signature

Head of Acoustics and Head of Acoustics and Head of Acoustics and

Position Air Quality Air Quality Air Quality

Project number AC105877-5r0 AC105877-5r1 AC105877-5r2

CONTACT DETAILS

Ensafe Consultants, 2 Browns Road, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 4NS

T: 0845 676 9303 E: [email protected] www.ensafe.co.uk

Page i ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Ensafe Consultants Ltd has been commissioned by Kingacre Estates, Kier Ventures and Miller Homes to produce a technical note relating to recent changes to the proposed development at Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL.

Impacts found in the previously produced ES chapter are summarised, and changes considered to have occurred in these impacts as a result in the reduction in unit numbers are described.

In general, changes to the detailed assessments are either none or marginally beneficial, while significance of impacts are unchanged.

There are no changes to the conclusions of the ES chapter.

Page ii ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Changes to Proposed Development 1 1.2 Limitations 1 1.3 Confidentiality 1 2. COMPARISON OF SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS 2 2.1 Significance of Impact Matrix 2 2.2 Note on the decibel scale 2 2.3 Construction Phase 2 2.3.1 Construction Noise 2 2.3.2 Construction Generated Road Traffic Noise 3 2.3.3 Construction Vibration 3 2.4 Operational Phase 4 2.4.1 Existing Receptors – Changes in Road Traffic Noise 4 2.4.2 Proposed Receptors – Railway Vibration 4 2.4.3 Transportation noise impacts upon the Proposed Project Development – External Amenity 5 2.4.4 Transportation noise impacts upon the Proposed Project Development – Internal Amenity 5 2.4.5 Transportation noise impacts on Land to the South of St Anne’s Manor 6 2.4.6 Proposed Commercial Sound Impact upon Proposed and Existing Receptors 6

3. SUMMARY OF IMPACTS 8 4. CONCLUSION 9

Appendix I Limitations Appendix II Glossary of Acoustic Terminology Appendix III Figures

Page iii ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

1. INTRODUCTION

Ensafe Consultants has been commissioned by Kingacre Estates, Kier Ventures and Miller Homes to provide a summary document in relation to any changes in Noise and Vibration Impacts which may occur as a result of recent changes to their development at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL .

The previously issued ES chapter considered the potential impacts of noise and vibration upon the proposed receptors due to existing and proposed sources, as well as the impact of the Proposed Project Development, construction and operational phases, upon existing noise and vibration sensitive receptors.

Acronyms used within this report are defined in the Glossary presented in Appendix II.

1.1 Changes to Proposed Development

Since the ES chapter AC105877-1r5 was produced, plans for the development have been altered to include for up to 1649 rather than 1710 residential units. Impact significances are therefore potentially altered.

An updated parameter plan is shown in Figure 1 of Appendix III.

• P.0963_82_4-04 Building Heights Parameter Plan (Phase 2) by Pegasus Urban Design dated 26/08/2020.

1.2 Limitations

The limitations of this report are presented in Appendix I.

1.3 Confidentiality

Ensafe Consultants has prepared this report solely for the use of the Client and those parties with whom a warranty agreement has been executed, or with whom an assignment has been agreed. Should any third party wish to use or rely upon the contents of the report, written approval must be sought from Ensafe Consultants; a charge may be levied against such approval.

Page 1 ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

2. COMPARISON OF SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS

2.1 Significance of Impact Matrix

The following section covers in turn each of the potential impacts considered in the previously issued ES chapter. All receptors considered are of high sensitivity; the following table provides Significances of Impact for the assigned Magnitude of Potential Impact, as derived from the full matrix provided.

Table 1: Determination of significance of impact

Magnitude of Potential Impact Sensitivity / value of receptor Major Moderate Minor Negligible

High Major Major / Moderate Moderate Negligible

2.2 Note on the decibel scale

The decibel scale is a measure of ratio expressed logarithmically. For acoustic quantities in air, this is a ratio with respect to the reference sound pressure of 2 x 10 -5 Pa. However, it is legitimate to express any ratio in terms of decibels.

It may be useful to consider that the reduction in units considered here from 1710 to 1649 may be expressed by the following decibel change:

10 * log 10 (1649/1710) = -0.16 dB

This suggests that any sound source directly proportional energetically to the unit count would be expected to drop in level by 0.16 dB as a result of the proposed change in unit number. While this is a gross simplification of most processes, it is a useful figure to carry in mind.

2.3 Construction Phase

2.3.1 Construction Noise

Any impacts due to construction noise would be expected to be lower as a result of the reduction in unit numbers.

A simple scaling of the expected noise level in proportion to the scaling of unit numbers would yield a reduction of 0.16 dB, as derived above.

Such a scaling may be applicable to receptors at distance when considered over long periods; nearby receptors are likely to experience no change or an equivalent level for a slightly shorter duration as exposure is dominated by individual sources rather than the overall project.

The ES chapter finding was:

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Considering the above it is therefore considered that the revised finding will remain of negligible significance of impact, without mitigation.

2.3.2 Construction Generated Road Traffic Noise

Any impacts due to construction generated road traffic noise would be expected to be lower as a result of the reduction in unit numbers. The ES chapter finding is:

The sensitivity of the residential receptors is categorised as high and the magnitude of impact is categorised as negligible . Accordingly, there is predicted to be a negligible impact at all receptors. Furthermore, it should be noted that any increase in noise levels associated with construction generated road traffic is expected to be limited to the daytime hours only.

The revised finding is therefore also for a negligible significance of impact.

2.3.3 Construction Vibration

Any impacts due to construction vibration will be expected to be lower as a result of the reduction in unit numbers.

The submitted ES chapter finding:

“Most receptors will benefit from at least 100m stand-off from the closest boundaries; where a distance of at least 60m would result in a negligible [magnitude of potential] impact….. “

…The most adverse impact would occur at R1 [60m from boundary] during driven cast piling and at R2 [adjoining boundary] during the use of vibratory rollers, driven cast piling, rotary bored piling and HGV movements. During these activities, the sensitivity of the receptors is categorised as high and the magnitude of impact is categorised as moderate . Accordingly, there is predicted to be an adverse temporary short-term impact categorised as major/moderate significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures. This is not considered significant given the short operational duration of piling operations close to the receptors.

It should be noted that this is a worst-case assessment based on the minimum possible distances at which construction activities could reasonably take place from existing vibration sensitive receptors. In reality, for the large majority of the earthwork / construction phase, it is expected that activities will take place at greater distances from such properties thus leading to lesser significance of effects. Furthermore, it should be noted that the vibration predictions have used a large data set covering a range of measured levels applicable to each operation. It is evident from this dataset that, for the majority of operations (approximately 95% in most cases), predicted levels will be lower than those presented above.

Accordingly, the impacts are likely to be less than those above and furthermore, will be short term in nature. Whilst important, the impacts are not considered significant and can be suitably controlled by best practicable means and by informing residents of any works.”

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

Impacts from vibration are in general limited to receptors at relatively close range to the source, when viewed in the overall context of Noise and Vibration. Exposure to vibration is therefore generally due to individual vibration sources rather than the combination of many individual sources. Considering then the receptors and vibration sources that will exist during construction, it is considered that receptors will exist at the same separations considered and will at times be exposed in the worst-case manner considered there.

Therefore it is considered that there will be no change in the findings.

The following finding from the ES chapter is following ‘best practice’ mitigation:

Accordingly, the sensitivity of the residential receptors is categorised as high and the magnitude of impact following mitigation is categorised as negligible. Accordingly, there is predicted to be a negligible impact on existing receptors.

The revised finding is therefore unchanged with regard to potential impacts.

2.4 Operational Phase

2.4.1 Existing Receptors – Changes in Road Traffic Noise

Any impacts due to changes in road traffic noise as a result of the development will be expected to be lower as a result of the reduction in unit numbers.

The analysis presented in the ES chapter demonstrates extremes of changes in noise levels in the range of -4.0 dB to +3.9 dB for the most affected roads.

Assuming that all roads are affected approximately equally by the reduction in units, the change in unit numbers would be expected to modify this range to -3.9 to +3.8 dB for the most affected roads.

The changes seen, up to a maximum of +0.1 dB at the extremes (and for a typical road of the order of 0.03 dB) are so small as to be insignificant with respect to the DMRB category widths and can reasonably be said to be insignificant. A change of 3 dB is generally considered to be the smallest detectable by the ear/brain, and any differences here are around 60x smaller (in linear energy units).

A small number of roads may technically have their magnitude of impact modified by marginally shifting across a category boundary but any such change is well within the levels of uncertainty in the process and should not be considered significant.

Therefore the revised findings for all roads are unchanged with regard to potential impacts.

2.4.2 Proposed Receptors – Railway Vibration

Impacts are determined by the proximity of the proposed receptor (generally residential dwellings) to the vibration source location, namely the railway line.

The ES chapter determined:

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

Accordingly, the sensitivity of the residential receptors is categorised as high and the magnitude of impact is categorised as negligible. Accordingly, there is predicted to be a negligible impact on proposed receptors along the boundaries with the railway line.

It is understood that in general separations between proposed housing and the railway line are not likely to change considerably.

The vibration levels found are, for the daytime and night-time periods respectively, 17% and 14% of the maximum for the ‘negligible’ category.

Therefore it is considered that the revised impacts as a result of the change in unit number will be unaltered, and will remain, in all cases, negligible .

2.4.3 Transportation noise impacts upon the Proposed Project Development – External Amenity

The reduction in unit number would be expected to result in a small reduction in road traffic noise levels. As determined above, if determined by road traffic in direct proportion to the unit number in the development, a reduction of 0.16 dB would be anticipated. Other factors and contributions to traffic flow (i.e. traffic unrelated to the development) would likely reduce the magnitude of this figure.

The ES chapter finds, prior to mitigation:

The sensitivity of the receptor is categorised as high and the magnitude of impact is categorised as minor . Accordingly, there is predicted to be a moderate effect at the receptor.

Following standard mitigation in the form of standard fencing and suitable site design with gardens behind housing from the perspective of the road, the finding is:

With appropriate Site design, it is considered that a negligible impact would be experienced in the garden areas, as exceedances are modest. The context of any site design and mitigation measures is important as the maximum mitigation may not be achievable due to other factors and such a compromise would be required.

The scale of required mitigation is unlikely to change, as it is only potentially required close to the South Wokingham Distributor Road (SWDR). A change of the order of 0.16 dBA will likely move only a very small number of plots at most out of the requirement for mitigation.

Therefore, it is considered that the revised impacts as a result of the change in unit number will be unaltered, and will remain, following mitigation, negligible .

2.4.4 Transportation noise impacts upon the Proposed Project Development – Internal Amenity

The ES chapter finds, prior to mitigation:

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

“It is noted that both for daytime and night-time conditions, the majority of dwellings meet the required criteria with no mitigation due to distance from the road/railway or shielding by closer dwellings. However, primarily the initial ‘row’ of dwellings fronting onto the link [South Wokingham Distributor Road (SWDR) ] road and limited facades of dwellings behind do experience exceedances.

The sensitivity of the receptor is categorised as high and the magnitude of impact is categorised as Major . Accordingly, there is predicted to be a Major effect at the receptor.”

Following standard mitigation of alternative ventilation to allow ventilation without opening windows:

With the above mitigation allowing all habitable rooms to meet the BS8233:2014 internal target criteria, a negligible impact would be experienced.

As above, a small reduction in traffic flow will likely move only a very small number of plots at most out of the requirement for mitigation.

Therefore, it is considered that the revised impacts as a result of the change in unit number will be unaltered, and will remain, following mitigation, negligible .

2.4.5 Transportation noise impacts on Land to the South of St Anne’s Manor

Potential impacts on the SANG are due to road traffic noise from the A329(M) and railway line. The criterion, defined by the LPA, is to not exceed 70dBA L Aeq,16hr .

The ES chapter found that the entirety of the SANG does in fact meet this criterion. Neither of these noise sources are anticipated to change as a result of the change in unit number, and so the following finding will remain unaltered:

The sensitivity of the receptor is categorised as high and the magnitude of impact is categorised as negligible . Accordingly, there is predicted to be a negligible effect at the receptor.

2.4.6 Proposed Commercial Sound Impact upon Proposed and Existing Receptors

The assessment specified plant noise emission limits for representative periods (weekdays and weekends, daytime and night-time) derived from measured background sound measurements. The lowest, over the days surveyed, of the median measured daytime and night-time background sound levels were used.

The criterion supplied by the combined LPA department based at West Berkshire Council is that the sound rating Level, from any single or combined plant items, should not exceed the existing background noise level minus 8 dB when measured or calculated at the façade of the closest proposed residential receptor

This determination was not influenced by the scale or details of the proposed development, being primarily influenced by existing ambient noise sources, primarily roads. Therefore changes to the unit count of the development will not change the outcome of the assessment.

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

The ES chapter finds:

Provided the derived rating levels are not exceeded at the receptors, a negligible impact should be observed due to fixed plant noise. The sensitivity of the existing and proposed noise sensitive receptors is categorised as high and the magnitude of impact is categorised as negligible . Accordingly, there is predicted to be a negligible impact at the noise sensitive receptors.

Therefore, it is considered that the revised impacts as a result of the change in unit number will be unaltered, and remain negligible .

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

3. SUMMARY OF IMPACTS

The table below lists where changes have occurred in the significance of impacts between those determined by the full ES chapter and as revised in this document.

Table 1: Change of significance of impact Altered by revised unit Potential Impact numbers?

Construction Phase

Construction Noise No change

Construction generated road traffic No change

Construction Vibration No change

Operational Phase

Existing Receptors – Changes in Road Traffic Noise No change

Proposed Receptors – Railway Vibration No change

Transportation noise impacts upon the Proposed Project Development – No change External Amenity

Transportation noise impacts upon the Proposed Project Development – No change Internal Amenity

Transportation noise impacts on Land to the South of St Anne’s Manor No change

Proposed Commercial Sound Impact upon Proposed and Existing Receptors No change

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

4. CONCLUSION

Ensafe Consultants Ltd has been commissioned by Kingacre Estates, Kier Ventures and Miller Homes to evaluate any changes in significance of impacts for those assessments contained in the ES chapter for the development at Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL.

Potential impacts are discussed, and any changes considered.

In general, changes to assessments are either none or marginally beneficial, and in all cases significance of impacts are unchanged.

There are no changes to the conclusions of the ES chapter.

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

LIMITATIONS

APPENDIXI

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

1. This report and its findings should be considered in relation to the terms of reference and objectives agreed between Ensafe Limited and the Client as indicated.

2. The executive summary, conclusions and recommendations sections of the report provide an overview and guidance only and should not be specifically relied upon without considering the context of the report in full.

3. Ensafe cannot be held responsible for any use of the report or its contents for any purpose other than that for which it was prepared. The copyright in this report and other plans and documents prepared by Ensafe is owned by them and no such plans or documents may be reproduced, published or adapted without written consent. Complete copies of this may, however, be made and distributed by the client as is expected in dealing with matters related to its commission. Should the client pass copies of the report to other parties for information, the whole report should be copied, but no professional liability or warranties shall be extended to other parties by Ensafe in this connection without their explicit written agreement there to by Ensafe.

4. Where a noise survey is required to inform the assessment, Ensafe will endeavour to ensure that all noise measurements taken are robust, representative and reliable in order to inform an accurate noise impact assessment. Where limitations or constraints exist which prevent a suitable noise survey being completed, Ensafe will take all reasonable steps to make the client fully aware of any such limitations or constraints with a view to achieving the best possible outcome for the client. Where additional sound surveys are required, over and above those specified in our scope of works, then Ensafe reserves the right to charge additional fees.

5. Where mitigation measures are specified in our report, it should be noted that these measures are relative to a specific sound source, both in terms of the measured sound pressure level and the character of the source. Where either the sound pressure level or the character of the sound varies following completion of the sound survey, Ensafe cannot be held responsible for any subsequent variations in the proposed mitigation performance.

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

GLOSSARY TERMINOLOGY ACOUSTICALOF

APPENDIXII

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

Noise

Noise is defined as unwanted sound. Human ears are able to respond to sound in the frequency range 20 Hz (deep bass) to 20,000 Hz (high treble) and over the audible range of 0 dB (the threshold of perception) to 140 dB (the threshold of pain). The ear does not respond equally to different frequencies of the same magnitude, but is more responsive to mid- frequencies than to lower or higher frequencies. To quantify noise in a manner that approximates the response of the human ear, a weighting mechanism is used. This reduces the importance of lower and higher frequencies, in a similar manner to the human ear.

Furthermore, the perception of noise may be determined by a number of other factors, which may not necessarily be acoustic. In general, the impact of noise depends upon its level, the margin by which it exceeds the background level, its character and its variation over a given period of time. In some cases, the time of day and other acoustic features such as tonality or impulsiveness may be important, as may the disposition of the affected individual. Any assessment of noise should give due consideration to all of these factors when assessing the significance of a noise source.

The most widely used weighting mechanism that best corresponds to the response of the human ear is the ‘A’-weighting scale. This is widely used for environmental noise measurement, and the levels are denoted as dB(A) or L Aeq , L A90 etc., according to the parameter being measured.

The decibel scale is logarithmic rather than linear, and hence a 3 dB increase in sound level represents a doubling of the sound energy present. Judgement of sound is subjective, but as a general guide a 10 dB(A) increase can be taken to represent a doubling of loudness, whilst an increase in the order of 3 dB(A) is generally regarded as the minimum difference needed to perceive a change under normal listening conditions.

An indication of the range of sound levels commonly found in the environment is given in the following table.

Table A1 Typical Sound Pressure Levels Sound Pressure Level Location dB(A) 0 Threshold of hearing

20 - 30 Quiet bedroom at night

30 - 40 Living room during the day

40 - 50 Typical office

50 - 60 Inside a car

60 - 70 Typical high street

70 - 90 Inside factory

100 - 110 Burglar alarm at 1m away

110 - 130 Jet aircraft on take off

140 Threshold of pain

Page 1 ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

Table A2 Terminology Descriptor Explanation

The scale on which sound pressure level is expressed. It is defined as 20 times the dB (decibel) logarithm of the ratio between the root-mean-square pressure of the sound field and a reference pressure (2x10-5Pa).

A-weighted decibel. This is a measure of the overall level of sound across the audible dB(A) spectrum with a frequency weighting (i.e. ‘A’ weighting) to compensate for the varying sensitivity of the human ear to sound at different frequencies.

LAeq is defined as the notional steady sound level which, over a stated period of time LAeq, T (T), would contain the same amount of acoustical energy as the A - weighted fluctuating sound measured over that period.

LAmax is the maximum A - weighted sound pressure level recorded over the period stated. L Amax is sometimes used in assessing environmental noise where occasional LAmax loud noises occur, which may have little effect on the overall L eq noise level but will still affect the noise environment. Unless described otherwise, it is measured using the 'fast' sound level meter response.

If a non-steady noise is to be described it is necessary to know both its level and the degree of fluctuation. The Ln indices are used for this purpose, and the term refers to the level exceeded for n% of the time. Hence L 10 is the level exceeded for 10% of the L10 & L 90 time and as such can be regarded as the 'average maximum level'. Similarly, L 90 is the ‘average minimum level’ and is often used to describe the background noise. It is common practice to use the L 10 index to describe traffic noise.

A sound field determined at a point away from reflective surfaces other than the Free-field Level ground with no significant contributions due to sound from other reflective surfaces. Generally as measured outside and away from buildings.

A time weighting used in the root mean square section of a sound level meter with a Fast 125millisecond time constant.

A time weighting used in the root mean square section of a sound level meter with a Slow 1000millisecond time constant.

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

APPENDIX III FIGURES

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ES Chapter Supplementary Note Noise & Vibration Land at Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL August 2020 AC105877-5r2

Figure 1: Revised parameter plan

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Phase 2 South Wokingham Project EIA Environmental Statement Vol 1: Air Quality

11 Air Quality

Introduction 11.1 This chapter of the Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared by Air Quality Consultants, who are competent and experienced in undertaking ES chapters relating to Air Quality. This chapter assesses the likely significant effects of the project on the environment in respect of Air Quality.

11.2 The following effects of the Proposed Project Development have been considered:

• The air quality effects of the proposed construction works upon existing sensitive receptors; and

• The air quality effects of the Proposed Project Development, in terms of operational road traffic, upon sensitive receptors.

11.3 This chapter (and its associated figures and appendices) is intended to be read as part of the wider Project ES.

Legislation and Planning Policy Context

Legislation Air Quality Strategy 11.4 The Air Quality Strategy [1] published by the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Devolved Administrations, provides the policy framework for air quality management and assessment in the UK. It provides air quality standards and objectives for key air pollutants, which are designed to protect human health and the environment. It also sets out how the different sectors: industry, transport and local government, can contribute to achieving the air quality objectives. Local authorities are seen to play a particularly important role. The strategy describes the Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) regime that has been established, whereby every authority has to carry out regular reviews and assessments of air quality in its area to identify whether the objectives have been, or will be, achieved at relevant locations, by the applicable date. If this is not the case, the authority must declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), and prepare an action plan which identifies appropriate measures that will be introduced in pursuit of the objectives.

Clean Air Strategy 2019 11.5 Defra issued its new Clean Air Strategy [2] in January 2019. The strategy sets out a wide range of actions by which the UK Government will seek to reduce pollutant emissions and improve air quality. Actions are targeted at four main sources of emissions: Transport, Domestic, Farming and Industry. At this stage, there is no straightforward way to take account of the expected future benefits to air quality within this assessment.

Reducing Emissions from Road Transport: Road to Zero Strategy 11.6 The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and Department for Transport (DfT) published a Policy Paper [3] in July 2018 outlining how the government will support the transition to zero tailpipe emission road transport and reduce tailpipe emissions from conventional vehicles during the transition. This paper affirms the Government’s pledge to end the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040, and states that the Government expects the majority of new cars and vans sold to be 100% zero tailpipe emission and all new cars and vans to have

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significant zero tailpipe emission capability by this year, and that by 2050 almost every car and van should have zero tailpipe emissions. It states that the Government wants to see at least 50%, and as many as 70%, of new car sales, and up to 40% of new van sales, being ultra-low emission by 2030.

11.7 The paper sets out a number of measures by which Government will support this transition, but is clear that Government expects this transition to be industry and consumer led. The Government has since announced “plans to bring forward an end to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans to 2035, or earlier if a faster transition is feasible, subject to consultation, as well as including hybrids for the first time”. If these ambitions are realised then road traffic-related NOx emissions can be expected to reduce significantly over the coming decades, likely beyond the scale of reductions forecast in the tools utilised in carrying out this air quality assessment.

Planning Policy Framework

National Policies National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), February 2019 11.8 The NPPF sets out planning policy for England [4]. It states that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, and that the planning system has three overarching objectives, one of which is an environmental objective:

“to contribute to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; including making effective use of land, helping to improve biodiversity, using natural resources prudently, minimising waste and pollution, and mitigating and adapting to climate change, including moving to a low carbon economy”. (Paragraph 8C)

11.9 To prevent unacceptable risks from air pollution, the NPPF states that:

“Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by…preventing new and existing development from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability. Development should, wherever possible, help to improve local environmental conditions such as air quality”. (Paragraph 170E) and

“Planning policies and decisions should also ensure that new development is appropriate for its location taking into account the likely effects (including cumulative effects) of pollution on health, living conditions and the natural environment, as well as the potential sensitivity of the site or the wider area to impacts that could arise from the development”. (Paragraph 180)

11.10 More specifically on air quality, the NPPF makes clear that:

“Planning policies and decisions should sustain and contribute towards compliance with relevant limit values or national objectives for pollutants, taking into account the presence of Air Quality Management Areas and Clean Air Zones, and the cumulative impacts from individual sites in local areas. Opportunities to improve air quality or mitigate impacts should be identified, such as through traffic and travel management, and green infrastructure provision and enhancement. So far as possible these opportunities should be considered at the plan-making stage, to ensure a strategic approach and limit the need for issues to be reconsidered when determining individual applications. Planning decisions should ensure that any new development in Air Quality Management Areas and Clean Air Zones is consistent with the local air quality action plan”. (Paragraph 181)

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National Planning Practice Guidance (PPG), 2019 11.11 The NPPF is supported by Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) [5], which includes guiding principles on how planning can take account of the impacts of new development on air quality. The PPG states that:

“Defra carries out an annual national assessment of air quality using modelling and monitoring to determine compliance with Limit Values. It is important that the potential impact of new development on air quality is taken into account where the national assessment indicates that relevant limits have been exceeded or are near the limit, or where the need for emissions reductions has been identified”.

11.12 The PPG also states that:

“Air quality considerations may also be relevant to obligations and policies relating to the conservation of nationally and internationally important habitats and species”.

11.13 Regarding plan-making, the PPG states:

“It is important to take into account air quality management areas, Clean Air Zones and other areas including sensitive habitats or designated sites of importance for biodiversity where there could be specific requirements or limitations on new development because of air quality”.

11.14 The role of the local authorities through the LAQM regime is covered, with the PPG stating that a local authority Air Quality Action Plan “identifies measures that will be introduced in pursuit of the objectives and can have implications for planning”. In addition, the PPG makes clear that “Odour and dust can also be a planning concern, for example, because of the effect on local amenity”.

11.15 Regarding the need for an air quality assessment, the PPG states that:

“Whether air quality is relevant to a planning decision will depend on the proposed development and its location. Concerns could arise if the development is likely to have an adverse effect on air quality in areas where it is already known to be poor, particularly if it could affect the implementation of air quality strategies and action plans and/or breach legal obligations (including those relating to the conservation of habitats and species). Air quality may also be a material consideration if the proposed development would be particularly sensitive to poor air quality in its vicinity”.

11.16 The PPG sets out the information that may be required in an air quality assessment, making clear that:

“Assessments need to be proportionate to the nature and scale of development proposed and the potential impacts (taking into account existing air quality conditions), and because of this are likely to be locationally specific”.

11.17 The PPG also provides guidance on options for mitigating air quality impacts, as well as examples of the types of measures to be considered. It makes clear that:

“Mitigation options will need to be locationally specific, will depend on the proposed development and need to be proportionate to the likely impact. It is important that local planning authorities work with applicants to consider appropriate mitigation so as to ensure new development is appropriate for its location and unacceptable risks are prevented”. Local Policies

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Wokingham Borough Council 11.18 There are two policies within Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC) Local Transport Plan [6] that specifically refer to air quality. Policy HW10 states that the Council will “continue to develop and implement our Air Quality Action Plan in response to pollution caused by vehicle emissions”. Policy SCDM5 refers to car clubs, stating that the Council will “investigate and support the implementation of car clubs in the Borough” as they can help to “reduce congestion and emissions from transport and improve air quality”.

11.19 The Wokingham Borough Local Development Framework Core Strategy [7] was adopted in January 2010. Within the Core Strategy, Policy CP1, relating to sustainable development, states that:

“Planning permission will be granted for development proposals that:

1) Maintain or enhance the high quality of the environment; 2) Minimise the emission of pollutants into the wider environment; 11) …Demonstrate how they support opportunities for reducing the need to travel, particularly by private car in line with CP6…”

11.20 Policy CP6 of the Strategy focuses on managing travel demand, and in relation to traffic emissions states:

“Planning permission will be granted for schemes that: g) …Do not cause highway problems or lead to traffic related environmental problems.” Bracknell Forest Borough Council 11.21 Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s (BFBC) Local Transport Plan 3 Core Strategy and Implementation Plan 2011-2026 [8] includes a section on air quality. Policy TP20 on air quality management states that “where AQMAs are declared, the Council will ensure that appropriate measures are identified in an AQMA Action Plan for that area.”

11.22 BFBC’s Core Strategy Development Plan Document (adopted February 2008) [9] makes relatively little mention of air quality, but, regarding sustainability it does state in Paragraph 46 that:

“One of the overarching contributors to sustainable development is the need to ensure that development is located so that people are close to a range of services and facilities, thereby reducing the need to travel. In addition to the implications of reducing travel on air quality/climate change, there are benefits the health and wellbeing of local residents through increased opportunities to walk or cycle. Ensuring that a mix of uses is provided in new development, and that efficient use is made of land, also contributes to reducing the need to travel and to promoting sustainable development.”

11.23 It also states in Paragraph 127 that:

“Development must be carried out in a more sustainable way, especially given that the efficient use of resources will remain an issue over the entire lifetime of the development. Therefore, development should be carried out in a way that minimises the resources that we use, including energy and water, and in a way that generates less pollution and waste, including less of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide which contributes towards climate change.”

11.24 Saved Policy EN25 of the Bracknell Forest Borough Local Plan of 2002 [10] states that:

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“Development will not be permitted if it would generate unacceptable levels of noise, smoke, gases, fumes, effluent, vibration, dust or other environmental pollution which would adversely affect the amenities of the occupiers of buildings, or persons using outdoor space. Neither will permission be grated in locations close to existing uses which generate incompatible levels of pollution, for uses vulnerable to these emissions such as houses, schools and hospitals.”

11.25 BFBC is currently updating its Local Plan [11], consultation for which closed in March 2018, which includes Policy LP43, ‘Pollution and Hazards’, that states:

“Development proposals should seek to minimise and reduce pollution and hazards to mitigate any adverse impacts and seek improvement where possible. Development proposals should neither individually nor cumulatively have an adverse effect on human health and safety, residential amenity, the quality of the natural environment or landscape, either during the construction phase or when completed. Proposals should avoid locating sensitive uses in areas with existing or likely future pollution or hazards.”

Air Quality Action Plans National Air Quality Plan 11.26 Defra has produced an Air Quality Plan to tackle roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the UK [12]. Alongside a package of national measures, the Plan requires those English Local Authorities outside London that are predicted to have exceedances of the limit values beyond 2020 to produce local action plans by December 2018. These plans must have measures to achieve the statutory limit values within the shortest possible time, which may include the implementation of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). A supplement to the 2017 Plan was published in October 2018 [13] and sets out the steps the Government is taking in relation to a further 33 local authorities where shorter-term exceedances of the limit value were identified. Wokingham has not been identified in the Defra Plan and therefore is not required to prepare a local action plan.

11.27 There is currently no practical way to take account of the effects of the National Plan or the Supplement in the modelling undertaken for this assessment; however, consideration has been given to whether there is currently, or is likely to be in the future, a limit value exceedance in the vicinity of the Proposed Project Development. This assessment has principally been carried out in relation to the air quality objectives, rather than the EU limit values that are the focus of the Air Quality Plan.

Local Air Quality Action Plans 11.28 WBC has declared three AQMAs in its area for nitrogen dioxide. In 2004 the Wokingham AQMA, which encompasses properties along the M4 motorway, was declared. This was followed in 2015 by the declaration of the Wokingham Town Centre AQMA and Twyford Crossroads AQMA. The Council has since drafted an Air Quality Action Plan [14]. This sets out the actions that the Council will take to improve air quality in its area between 2017 and 2026.

11.29 BFBC declared two AQMAs for exceedances of the annual mean nitrogen dioxide objective in 2011. The Council subsequently published an Air Quality Action Plan [15]. This sets out the measures by which BFBC aims to improve air quality in its AQMAs, focussing on reducing traffic emissions and encouraging sustainable transport.

Methodology Consultation

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11.30 Consultation was undertaken with WBC and BFBC through the scoping request. A Scoping Opinion was received on 24th October 2018 from WBC, and BFBC on 11th October 2018.

11.31 The air quality assessment set out in this Chapter focuses on the likely significant effects on human health. As part of the scoping and consultation process, consultees including WBC, BFBC and Natural England, requested that the potential air quality impacts on designated ecological habitats be considered in the air quality assessment. Following consultation with Natural England, it has been agreed to undertake a Habitats Risk Assessment (HRA) Appropriate Assessment focussing on the air quality impacts on the following European-designated sensitive habitats:

• Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA);

• Windsor and Great Park Special Area of Conservation (SAC); and

• Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham SAC.

11.32 The HRA is provided as a standalone assessment submitted alongside the EIA, and so the air quality effects on sensitive habitats are not considered further in this ES Chapter.

Assessment Criteria 11.33 The Government has established a set of air quality standards and objectives to protect human health. The ‘standards’ are set as concentrations below which effects are unlikely even in sensitive population groups, or below which risks to public health would be exceedingly small. They are based purely upon the scientific and medical evidence of the effects of an individual pollutant. The ‘objectives’ set out the extent to which the Government expects the standards to be achieved by a certain date. They take account of economic efficiency, practicability, technical feasibility and timescale. The objectives for use by local authorities are prescribed within the Air Quality (England) Regulations [16] and the Air Quality (England) (Amendment) Regulations [17].

11.34 The objectives for nitrogen dioxide and PM10 were to have been achieved by 2005 and 2004 respectively, and continue to apply in all future years thereafter. The PM2.5 objective is to be achieved by 2020. Measurements across the UK have shown that the 1-hour nitrogen dioxide objective is unlikely to be exceeded at roadside locations where the annual mean concentration is below 60 µg/m3 [18]. Therefore, 1-hour nitrogen dioxide concentrations will only be considered if the annual mean concentration is above this level. Measurements have also shown that the 24-

hour PM10 objective could be exceeded at roadside locations where the annual mean 3 concentration is above 32 µg/m [18]. The predicted annual mean PM10 concentrations are thus

used as a proxy to determine the likelihood of an exceedance of the 24-hour mean PM10 objective. Where predicted annual mean concentrations are below 32 µg/m3 it is unlikely that the 24-hour mean objective will be exceeded.

11.35 The objectives apply at locations where members of the public are likely to be regularly present and are likely to be exposed over the averaging period of the objective. Defra explains where these objectives will apply in its Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance [18]. The

annual mean objectives for nitrogen dioxide and PM10 are considered to apply at the façades of residential properties, schools, hospitals etc.; they do not apply at hotels. The 24-hour mean

objective for PM10 is considered to apply at the same locations as the annual mean objective, as well as in gardens of residential properties and at hotels. The 1-hour mean objective for nitrogen dioxide applies wherever members of the public might regularly spend 1-hour or more, including outdoor eating locations and pavements of busy shopping streets.

11.36 The European Union has also set limit values for nitrogen dioxide, PM10 and PM2.5 [19]. The limit values for nitrogen dioxide are the same numerical concentrations as the UK objectives, but

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achievement of these values is a national obligation rather than a local one. In the UK, only monitoring and modelling carried out by UK Central Government meets the specification required to assess compliance with the limit values. Central Government does not normally recognise local authority monitoring or local modelling studies when determining the likelihood of the limit values being exceeded, unless such studies have been audited and approved by the Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU).

11.37 The relevant air quality criteria for this assessment are provided in Table 11.1.

Table 11.1: Air Quality Criteria for Nitrogen Dioxide, PM10 and PM2.5

Pollutant Time Period Objective 200 µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 18 times a 1-hour Mean Nitrogen Dioxide year Annual Mean 40 µg/m3

50 µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 35 times a 24-hour Mean year Fine Particles (PM10) Annual Mean 40 µg/m3 a

b Fine Particles (PM2.5) Annual Mean 25 µg/m3

a A proxy value of 32 µg/m3 as an annual mean is used in this assessment to assess the likelihood of

the 24-hour mean PM10 objective being exceeded. Measurements have shown that, above this

concentration, exceedances of the 24-hour mean PM10 objective are possible [18].

b The PM2.5 objective, which is to be met by 2020, is not in Regulations and there is no requirement for local authorities to meet it. Construction Dust Criteria 11.38 There are no formal assessment criteria for dust. In the absence of formal criteria, the approach developed by the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM)1 [20] has been used.

11.39 The approach divides the activities on construction sites into four types to reflect their different potential impacts. The four types are demolition, earthworks, construction and trackout. Each stage is assessed separately to determine the risk of impacts, with a suite of mitigation measures recommended for each phase. Full details of this approach are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a.

1 The IAQM is the professional body for air quality practitioners in the UK.

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Descriptors for Air Quality Impacts and Assessment of Significance Construction Dust Significance 11.40 Guidance from IAQM [20] is that, with appropriate mitigation in place, the effects of construction dust will be ‘not significant’. The assessment thus focuses on determining the appropriate level of mitigation so as to ensure that effects will normally be ‘not significant’. Where the effects are not significant, they are considered to be ‘negligible’, for consistency with the technical terminology being applied throughout the Project ES.

Operational Significance 11.41 There is no official guidance in the UK in relation to development control on how to describe air quality impacts, nor how to assess their significance. The approach developed jointly by Environmental Protection UK (EPUK) and IAQM [21] has therefore been used. This includes defining descriptors of the impacts at individual receptors, which take account of the percentage change in concentrations relative to the relevant air quality objective, rounded to the nearest whole number, and the absolute concentration relative to the objective. The overall significance of the air quality impacts is determined using professional judgement, taking account of the impact descriptors. Full details of the EPUK/IAQM approach are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 11.2a. The approach includes elements of professional judgement, and the experience of the consultants preparing the chapter is set out in Phase 2 Appendix 11.3a.

11.42 It is important to differentiate between the terms impact and effect with respect to the assessment of air quality. The term impact is used to describe a change in pollutant concentration at a specific location. The term effect is used to describe an environmental response resulting from an impact, or series of impacts. Within this chapter, the air quality assessment has used published guidance and criteria described in the following sections to determine the likely air quality impacts at a number of sensitive locations. The potential significance of effects has then been determined by professional judgement, based on the frequency, duration and magnitude of predicted impacts and their relationship to appropriate air quality objectives.

11.43 IAQM guidance advises that the overall significance of effects is a binary judgement, with effects being described either as ‘significant’ or ‘not significant’. Where the effects are not significant, they are considered to be ‘negligible’, for consistency with the technical terminology being applied throughout the Project ES.

Impacts Construction 11.44 The construction dust assessment considers the potential for impacts within 350 m of the Project Site boundary; or within 50 m of roads used by construction vehicles. The assessment methodology is that provided by IAQM [20]. This follows a sequence of steps. Step 1 is a basic screening stage, to determine whether the more detailed assessment provided in Step 2 is required. Step 2a determines the potential for dust to be raised from on-site works and by vehicles leaving the Project Site. Step 2b defines the sensitivity of the area to any dust that may be raised. Step 2c combines the information from Steps 2a and 2b to determine the risk of dust impacts without appropriate mitigation. Step 3 uses this information to determine the appropriate level of mitigation required to ensure that there should be no significant impacts. Step 4 assesses the significance of dust effects after applying mitigation, and the preparation of a dust assessment report is Step 5. Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a explains the approach in more detail.

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Road Traffic 11.45 Concentrations have been predicted using the ADMS-Roads dispersion model, with vehicle emissions derived using Defra’s latest Emission Factor Toolkit (EFT) (v9.0) [22]. Details of the model inputs, assumptions and the verification are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 11.4a, together with the method used to derive base and future year background concentrations. Where assumptions have been made, a realistic worst-case approach has been adopted.

Assessment Scenarios 11.46 Nitrogen dioxide, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations have been predicted for a base year (2015) and the proposed year of opening (2026). The baseline year has been selected as 2015 because this is the year for which the transport model has been validated. For 2026, predictions have been made assuming both that the development does proceed (With Scheme), and does not proceed (Without Scheme).

11.47 The future scenarios include the provision of South Wokingham Distributor Road (SWDR) through the centre of, the Project Site. Further information regarding the delivery of the SWDR is provided in Chapter 5 of the Project ES. Figure 11.1 shows the Project Site and SWDR route.

Figure 11.1: Location of the SWDR with Respect to the Project Site Figure contains data provided by Pegasus Urban Design, drawing number P18-0963_06 Revision Y. Traffic Data 11.48 Traffic data for the assessment have been provided by WBC, who have undertaken the transport modelling for the Project using the Wokingham Strategic Transport Model (WSTM). Further details of the traffic data used in this assessment are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 11.4a.

Study Area 11.49 The study area has been defined using the following approach:

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1. the predicted changes in traffic flows resulting from the operation of the Proposed Project Development have been determined for each road link in the transport model study area and compared to screening criteria published in EPUK/IAQM guidance [21], and detailed in Phase 2 Appendix 11.2a;

2. where the changes in traffic flows exceed the relevant screening criterion (taking account of whether a road link is within or outside of an AQMA), then worst-case receptors have been selected for these road links so that they can be included in the air quality assessment.

3. for all road links where predicted changes in traffic flows do not exceed the screening criteria, these roads have been included in the air quality modelling to ensure the contribution of emissions are appropriately captured, but no sensitive receptors have been identified adjacent to these links and the impacts on these links can be considered to be negligible.

11.50 It should be noted that since the original ES was submitted the traffic data have changed slightly. As such, a small number of receptors have been selected adjacent to roads where traffic flows do not exceed the screening criteria. For simplicity and consistency with the original ES, these receptors have been retained in this updated assessment.

Sensitive Locations Earthworks and Construction 11.51 The guidance followed when carrying out the construction dust assessment requires the number of receptors within certain distance bands to be established in order to determine the sensitivity of the surrounding area, rather than focussing on impacts at individual receptors. It is, therefore, not necessary to set out specific receptors for the assessment of impacts during the earthworks and construction works. Residential properties, hospitals and schools are classified as high sensitivity receptors, whilst places of work and parks are classified as medium sensitivity receptors for the construction dust risk assessment.

11.52 The Proposed Project Development will be phased and therefore parts of the Proposed Project Development will be occupied prior to completion of later phases; thus receptors sensitive to earthworks and construction dust that are introduced during early phases will be considered in the assessment.

Completed Development 11.53 Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, PM10 and PM2.5 have been predicted at a number of locations both within, and close to the Proposed Project Development. As the Project Site is only at the outline stage of planning, and a detailed masterplan is not yet available, receptors within the Project Site have been identified to represent locations of sensitive exposure where several road links intersect and close to the SWDR.

11.54 When selecting offsite receptors, worst-case receptors have been selected adjacent to all road links that have been screened into the assessment, following the procedure described in Paragraph 11.49. In selecting these receptors, particular attention has been paid to assessing impacts close to junctions where traffic may become congested, where there is a combined effect of several road links, and close to those roads where the traffic increases as a result of the Proposed Project Development will be greatest.

11.55 One hundred and twenty two existing residential properties have been identified as offsite receptors for the assessment, whilst sixteen additional receptor locations have been identified within the new development boundary. These locations are described in Table 11.2 and shown

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in Figure 11.2 and Figure 11.3. In addition, concentrations have been modelled at the automatic monitoring site and diffusion tube monitoring sites located throughout Wokingham Town Centre, in order to verify the model outputs (see Phase 2 Appendix 11.4a for the verification method).

Table 11.2: Description of Receptor Locations a Receptor Description Existing Properties a 1 Residential property on Station Road

2 Residential property on Station Road

3 Residential property on The Terrace

4 Residential property on Shute End

5 Residential property on Shute End

6 Residential property on Rectory Road

7 Residential property on Broad Street

8 Residential property on Broad Street

9 Residential property on Peach Street

10 Residential property on Peach Street

11 Residential property on Peach Street

12 Residential property on Peach Street

13 Residential property on London Road

14 Residential property on Wiltshire Road

15 Residential property on London Road

16 Residential property on London Road

17 Residential property on Barkham Road

18 Residential property on Barkham Road

19 Residential property on Barkham Road

20 Residential property on Barkham Road

21 Residential property on Barkham Road

22 Residential property on Barkham Road

23 Residential property on Barkham Road

24 Residential property on Barkham Road

25 Residential property on Barkham Road

26 Residential property on Barkham Road

27 Residential property on Molly Millars Lane

28 Residential property on Oaklands Drive

29 Residential property on Molly Millars Lane

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Receptor Description

30 Residential property on Finchampstead Road

31 Residential property on Finchampstead Road

32 Residential property on Landen Court

33 Residential property on Finchampstead Road

34 Residential property on Finchampstead Road

35 Residential property on Finchampstead Road

36 Residential property on Eastheath Avenue

37 Residential property on Eastheath Avenue

38 Residential property on Finchampstead Road

39 Residential property on Finchampstead Road

40 Residential property on Evendons Lane

41 Residential property on Evendons Lane

42 Residential property on Evendons Lane

43 Residential property on Barkham Road

44 Residential property on Barkham Road

45 Residential property on Barkham Road

46 Residential property on Station Road

47 Residential property on Wellington Road

48 Residential property on Wellington Road

49 Residential property on London Road

50 Residential property on Plough Lane

51 Residential property on Plough Lane

52 Residential property on William Heelas Way

53 Residential property on Cross Street

54 Residential property on London Road

55 Residential property on Peach Street

56 Residential property on Whitlock Avenue

57 Residential property on Denmark Street

58 Residential property on Whitlock Avenue

59 Residential property on Whitlock Avenue

60 Residential property on St Annes Drive

61 Residential property on London Road

62 Residential property on Diamond Jubilee Way

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Receptor Description

63 Residential property on Easthampstead Park

64 Residential property on Goldfinch Crescent

65 Residential property on Goldfinch Crescent

66 Residential property on Peacock Lane

67 Residential property on Peacock Lane

68 Residential property on Peacock Lane

69 Residential property on Hewett Lea

70 Residential property on Wildridings Road

71 Residential property on Butler Drive

72 Residential property on Wylam

73 Residential property on Neuman Crescent

74 Residential property on Ambassador

75 Residential property on Avebury

76 Residential property on Bywood

77 Residential property on Boxford Ridge

78 Residential property on Old Bracknell Close

79 Residential property on Quintills

80 Residential property on Brunswick

81 Residential property on Firlands

82 Residential property on Glebewood

83 Residential property on Elizabeth Close

84 Residential property on Leverkusen Road

85 Residential property on Rectory Close

86 Residential property on Woodbridge Close

87 Residential property on Wokingham Road

88 Residential property on South Hill Road

89 Residential property on Wokingham Road

90 Residential property on Binfield Road

91 Residential property on Millennium Way

92 Residential property on Firlands

93 Residential property on Manston Drive

94 Residential property on Bagshot Road

95 Residential property on Green Lane

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Receptor Description

96 Residential property on Reading Road

97 Residential property on Diamond Jubilee Way

98 Residential property on Diamond Jubilee Way

99 Residential property on Diamond Jubilee Way

100 Residential property on Barkham Road

101 Residential property on Edneys Hill

102 Residential property on King Street Lane

103 Residential property on Cutbush Lane East

104 Residential property on St Catherine’s Close

105 Residential property on Mill Lane

106 Residential property on Bagshot Road

107 Residential property on Bremner Way

108 Residential property on Bremner Way

109 Residential property on Amen Corner

110 Residential property on Amen Corner

111 Residential property on Peacock Lane

112 Residential property on London Road

113 Residential property on Land West of South Wokingham Strategic Location

114 Residential property on Twyford Road

115 Residential property on Twyford Road

116 Residential property on London Road

117 Residential property on Blagrove Lane

118 Residential property on Old Wokingham Road

119 Residential property on North Mile Ride

120 Residential property on Easthampstead Road

121 Residential property on Easthampstead Road

122 Residential property on Easthampstead Road New Properties b A Receptor within Phase 2B of the Project Site

B Receptor within Phase 2B of the Project Site

C Receptor within Phase 2B of the Project Site

D Receptor within Phase 2B of the Project Site

E Receptor within Phase 2B of the Project Site

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Receptor Description F Receptor within Phase 2A of the Project Site

G Receptor within Phase 2B of the Project Site

H Receptor within Phase 2B of the Project Site

I Receptor within Phase 2B of the Project Site

J Receptor within Land to the South of St Anne’s Manor

K Receptor within Land to the South of St Anne’s Manor

L Receptor within Phase 2A of the Project Site

M Receptor within Phase 2A of the Project Site

N Receptor within Phase 2A of the Project Site

O Receptor within Phase 2B of the Project Site

P Receptor within Phase 2B of the Project Site

a Receptors modelled at a height of 1.5 m.

Figure 11.2: Existing Receptor Locations

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Figure 11.3: Proposed Receptor Locations

Figure contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2020. Ordnance Survey licence number 100046099. Additional data sourced from third parties, including public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0. Contains data provided by Pegasus Urban Design, drawing number P18-0963_06 Revision Y. Uncertainty 11.56 There are many components that contribute to the uncertainty of modelling predictions. The road traffic emissions dispersion model used in this assessment is dependent upon the traffic data that have been input, which will have inherent uncertainties associated with them. There are then additional uncertainties, as models are required to simplify real-world conditions into a series of algorithms.

11.57 An important stage in the process is model verification, which involves comparing the model output with measured concentrations (see Phase 2 Appendix 11.4a). This can only be done for the road traffic model. The level of confidence in the verification process is necessarily enhanced when data from an automatic analyser have been used, as has been the case for this assessment (see Phase 2 Appendix 11.4a). Given that the model has been verified and adjusted, there can be reasonable confidence in the prediction of base year (2015) concentrations.

11.58 Predicting pollutant concentrations in a future year will always be subject to greater uncertainty. For obvious reasons, the model cannot be verified in the future, and it is necessary to rely on a series of projections provided by DfT and Defra as to what will happen to traffic volumes, background pollutant concentrations and vehicle emissions. Historically, Defra’s EFT had a tendency to over-state emissions reductions into the future. However, analysis of Defra’s latest EFT [23] suggests that, on balance, the EFT is unlikely to over-state the rate at which NOx emissions decline in the future at an ‘average’ site in the UK. In practice, the balance of evidence suggests that NOx concentrations are most likely to decline more quickly in the future, on average, than predicted by the EFT. Using EFT v9.0 for future-year forecasts in this report thus provides a robust assessment.

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Current Baseline Conditions 11.59 The Project Site covers some 105 ha, on land to the south of London Road in Wokingham. Land to the north of the railway line is predominantly residential, whilst land to the south is used as agricultural land. The A329(M) runs northwest to southeast within 1 km of the Project Site perimeter.

Industrial Sources 11.60 A search of the UK Pollutant Release and Transfer Register [24] has not identified any significant industrial or waste management sources that are likely to affect the Proposed Project Development, in terms of air quality.

Air Quality Management Areas 11.61 WBC has investigated air quality within its area as part of its responsibilities under the LAQM regime. The closest AQMA, covering several roads within Wokingham Town Centre, was declared in 2015 for exceedances of the annual mean nitrogen dioxide objective. An AQMA has also been declared along the M4 motorway for exceedances of the annual mean nitrogen dioxide objective.

11.62 The neighbouring Bracknell Forest local authority has declared an AQMA along Berkshire Way (A329), 2 km east of the Project Site, for exceedances of the annual mean nitrogen dioxide objective.

Local Air Quality Monitoring 11.63 WBC monitors concentrations of nitrogen dioxide at a number of locations across the borough, including one automatic monitoring site, and approximately 50 diffusion tube sites. BFBC also monitors concentrations of nitrogen dioxide at two automatic sites and 42 diffusion tube sites.

11.64 Within 1.5 km of the development boundary, there are 16 diffusion tube sites and one automatic monitoring site maintained by WBC. These are predominantly located within Wokingham Town Centre. Two further diffusion tube monitoring sites operated by BFBC are located in Popeswood, 1.3 km northeast of the Project Site boundary. The results of monitoring at these selected sites for the years 2013 to 2019 are summarised in Table 11.3, and the monitoring locations are shown in Figure 11.3.

a Table 11.3: Summary of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Monitoring (2013-2019)

Site No. Site Type Location 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Automatic Monitor - Annual Mean (µg/m3) CM2 Roadside Peach Street - - 35.0 41.3 38.1 32.9 33.0 Objective 40 Automatic Monitor - No. of Hours > 200 µg/m3 0 CM2 Roadside Peach Street - - 10 15 0 0 (127) Objective 18 (200) c Diffusion Tubes - Annual Mean (µg/m3) Urban Westende Flats, WOK52 38.0 36.0 33.0 30.8 34.9 29.2 30.3 Centre London Road WOK803 Roadside 3 Wellington Road 33.0 31.0 28.0 29.1 32.1 30.7 30.7 WOK805 Roadside 18 Barkham Road 29.0 26.0 24.0 27.0 25.9 23.7 25.0 WOK817 Roadside 298 London Road 38.0 35.0 29.0 26.1 33.1 28.8 21.6

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Site No. Site Type Location 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Giggling Spring, WOK838 Roadside 57.0 51.0 43.0 45.0 44.0 41.3 41.8 Shute End WOK844 Roadside Buckingham Court 50.0 46.0 39.0 40.5 45.0 36.0 38.8 WOK857 Roadside 1 Rectory Road 52.0 52.0 41.0 45.0 49.1 39.3 39.9 WOK866 Roadside 58 Denmark Street _ 34.0 31.0 32.0 27.6 23.6 25.3 WOK867 Roadside 21 Denmark Street _ _ 28.0 28.2 27.6 23.1 23.7 WOK868 Roadside 59 London Road _ _ 31.0 27.8 30.5 30.3 27.7 Old Registry Office, WOK872 Roadside _ _ 32.0 36.4 38.1 33.2 32.4 Reading Road WOK873 Roadside 27 The Terrace _ _ 24.0 27.0 26.5 24.6 24.7 Corner Broad Street WOK874 Roadside _ _ 23.0 24.9 26.9 27.9 28.9 and Rose Street WOK879 WOK880 Roadside Peach Street Unit _ _ 37.3 35.5 39.2 33.4 36.7 WOK881b Evendons Primary WOK883 Roadside - - - - - 31.1 29.1 School 77x Roadside London Road 31.7 31.1 30.0 34.7 27.8 - - 78x Roadside John Nike Way 34.4 32.5 27.9 35.2 27.9 22.8 - Objective 40 a Data for 2013 to 2019 for WBC taken from Annual Status Reports for 2018 [25] and 2020 [26]. Data for BFBC taken from the 2019 Annual Status Report [27] and 2018 Annual Status Report [28]. b Triplicate diffusion tubes collocated with the automatic CM2 monitor. c Value in brackets is the 99.79th percentile, which is presented as data capture was below 75%.

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Figure 11.4: Monitoring Locations

11.65 Measured nitrogen dioxide concentrations only exceeded the annual mean objective (40 µg/m3) at a single diffusion tube site (WOK838) in 2018; the same site also exceeded the objective in 2019. WOK838 is located within the Wokingham Town Centre AQMA and adjacent to a canyon- like, narrow road where dispersion of pollutants will be poor. Measured annual mean nitrogen dioxide concentrations at the diffusion tube sites have not exceeded 60 µg/m3 in any year, indicating that it is unlikely that there are any exceedances of the 1-hour mean nitrogen dioxide objective. This is consistent with direct measurements at the automatic monitor and with the findings of WBC LAQM work, as no AQMAs have been declared for exceedances of the 1-hour nitrogen dioxide objective.

11.66 Overall, there is clear evidence of a downward trend shown in the monitoring results at most sites over the past seven years. This is consistent with national expectations for roadside locations, resulting primarily from the introduction of more stringent vehicle emissions standards via European legislation.

11.67 WBC does not monitor concentrations of particulate matter at any location.

Exceedances of EU Limit Value 11.68 There are no AURN monitoring sites within the study area with which to identify exceedances of the annual mean nitrogen dioxide limit value. Defra’s roadside annual mean nitrogen dioxide concentrations [29], which are used to report exceedances of the limit value to the EU do not identify any exceedances within the study area in 2015.

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Background Concentrations 11.69 Estimated background concentrations in the study area have been determined for 2015 and the opening year 2026 using Defra’s background maps [22]. The background concentrations are set out in Table 11.4 and have been derived as described in Phase 2 Appendix 11.4a.

Table 11.4: Estimated Annual Mean Background Pollutant Concentrations in 2015 and 2026 (µg/m3)

Year NO2 PM10 PM2.5 2015 11.8 – 17.0 11.8 – 16.3 8.0 – 10.4 2026 8.3 – 12.7 12.4 – 16.6 8.5 – 10.7 Objectives 40 40 25 a The range of values is for the different 1x1 km grid squares covering the study area.

a The PM2.5 objective, which is to be met by 2020, is not in Regulations and there is no requirement for local authorities to meet it. Baseline Dispersion Model Results 11.70 Baseline concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, PM10 and PM2.5 have been modelled at each of the existing receptor locations (see Figure 11.2 and Table 11.2 for receptor locations). The results, which cover both the existing (2015) and future year (2026) baseline (Without Project Development) concentrations, are set out in Table 11.5 and Table 11.6.

11.71 In addition, the modelled road components of nitrogen oxides, PM10 and PM2.5 have been increased from those predicted by the model based on a comparison with local measurements (see Phase 2 Appendix 11.4a for the verification methodology).

Table 11.5: Modelled Annual Mean Baseline Concentrations of Nitrogen Dioxide (µg/m3) at Existing Receptors

2026 Without Project Receptor 2015 Development 1 27.2 17.0 2 28.6 17.3 3 29.2 17.4 4 50.8 29.6 5 44.3 26.0 6 30.5 18.8 7 24.6 15.7 8 22.6 14.8 9 38.3 23.0 10 39.0 23.1 11 35.4 21.1 12 35.1 20.9 13 32.4 19.4 14 41.1 22.6 15 33.5 20.1 16 26.7 16.9 17 27.4 18.3 18 23.1 15.2 19 26.9 17.3 20 30.0 18.8

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2026 Without Project Receptor 2015 Development 21 20.5 13.0 22 24.4 15.1 23 23.5 14.6 24 22.8 14.3 25 24.4 15.9 26 24.6 16.0 27 23.2 15.3 28 28.5 18.2 29 27.9 17.7 30 25.5 16.6 31 29.7 18.7 32 26.1 17.5 33 25.9 17.3 34 28.7 18.1 35 24.6 16.0 36 19.8 13.9 37 19.7 13.8 38 25.3 16.6 39 25.0 16.5 40 21.7 14.8 41 22.7 15.4 42 18.2 11.9 43 28.9 17.8 44 25.7 16.2 45 27.5 16.9 46 25.8 16.4 47 24.7 15.8 48 22.3 14.6 49 24.7 15.2 50 25.2 14.1 51 21.5 13.1 52 18.7 12.3 53 22.2 14.3 54 29.5 18.2 55 32.0 20.3 56 17.9 12.9 57 28.6 18.2 58 18.0 13.1 59 20.1 14.2 60 19.4 12.7 61 25.8 16.1 62 23.8 15.7 63 20.5 13.1 64 22.2 14.6 65 21.8 14.3 66 19.5 13.0

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2026 Without Project Receptor 2015 Development 67 19.2 12.9 68 20.6 13.8 69 23.3 15.1 70 21.9 14.5 71 21.4 13.9 72 24.1 15.2 73 24.3 15.6 74 22.2 14.4 75 24.0 15.4 76 24.2 15.1 77 30.7 18.5 78 32.2 19.3 79 23.8 14.7 80 22.4 14.4 81 29.9 18.0 82 24.9 15.5 83 31.2 18.7 84 27.9 16.9 85 26.9 16.5 86 26.5 16.3 87 26.1 17.2 88 22.1 14.2 89 27.2 17.8 90 22.8 14.2 91 33.0 20.6 92 27.4 16.7 93 25.4 16.1 94 26.4 16.6 95 37.2 24.8 96 39.3 26.1 97 22.7 16.1 98 21.4 15.5 99 22.5 16.1 100 20.2 13.0 101 16.6 10.9 102 41.5 27.6 103 37.0 23.8 104 40.2 26.2 105 44.9 28.7 106 24.5 15.5 107 16.3 12.6 108 17.6 13.4 109 37.4 22.7 110 31.0 18.9 111 29.5 18.4 112 25.5 16.7

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2026 Without Project Receptor 2015 Development 113 18.9 12.4 114 23.4 14.6 115 25.4 16.7 116 23.3 14.8 117 19.4 12.6 118 22.9 14.5 119 14.8 10.0 120 22.6 14.6 121 18.4 11.9 122 18.9 12.2 Objective 40

Table 11.6: Modelled Annual Mean Baseline Concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 at Existing Receptors (µg/m3)

PM10 PM2.5 2026 Without 2026 Without Receptor 2015 Project 2015 Project Development Development 1 14.7 15.2 9.8 10.4 2 15.0 15.4 10.0 10.5 3 15.1 15.4 10.0 10.5 4 18.3 18.7 12.0 12.4 5 17.2 17.6 11.3 11.8 6 15.8 15.9 10.6 10.8 7 14.9 15.0 10.0 10.3 8 14.7 14.8 9.9 10.2 9 17.0 17.4 11.3 11.6 10 17.1 17.4 11.4 11.7 11 16.6 16.8 11.0 11.3 12 16.5 16.7 11.0 11.3 13 16.1 16.2 10.7 11.0 14 17.4 17.2 11.6 11.5 15 16.3 16.3 10.8 11.1 16 15.3 15.4 10.2 10.5 17 14.6 15.5 9.7 10.4 18 13.9 14.5 9.3 9.8 19 14.5 15.2 9.6 10.2 20 15.1 15.8 10.0 10.5 21 13.5 13.9 9.1 9.5 22 14.0 14.6 9.3 9.8 23 13.9 14.4 9.2 9.7 24 13.6 14.1 9.1 9.5 25 14.5 15.1 9.6 10.3 26 14.5 15.0 9.6 10.3 27 14.3 14.8 9.5 10.2 28 15.1 15.6 10.0 10.6

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PM10 PM2.5 2026 Without 2026 Without Receptor 2015 Project 2015 Project Development Development 29 15.0 15.6 10.0 10.6 30 14.8 15.3 9.7 10.3 31 15.4 16.0 10.1 10.6 32 14.9 15.5 9.7 10.3 33 14.8 15.5 9.7 10.3 34 15.3 15.8 10.0 10.5 35 14.6 15.2 9.6 10.2 36 13.9 14.5 9.2 9.8 37 13.9 14.5 9.2 9.8 38 14.7 15.2 9.6 10.2 39 14.7 15.3 9.6 10.2 40 14.3 14.8 9.4 10.0 41 14.4 15.0 9.5 10.1 42 13.0 13.4 8.7 9.1 43 15.1 15.5 10.0 10.6 44 14.6 15.1 9.7 10.3 45 14.8 15.3 9.9 10.5 46 14.6 15.1 9.7 10.4 47 14.5 15.0 9.7 10.3 48 14.1 14.6 9.4 10.1 49 14.6 15.1 9.7 10.3 50 14.5 14.7 9.6 10.1 51 14.7 15.1 9.6 10.2 52 13.7 14.5 9.0 9.7 53 14.6 14.7 9.8 10.1 54 15.7 15.8 10.5 10.7 55 16.1 16.6 10.7 11.2 56 13.6 14.4 9.0 9.9 57 15.6 15.9 10.4 10.8 58 13.6 14.5 9.1 9.9 59 13.9 14.8 9.3 10.1 60 13.8 14.5 9.1 9.7 61 14.4 15.0 9.5 10.0 62 15.8 16.3 10.2 10.5 63 14.0 14.6 9.2 9.5 64 14.4 15.1 9.4 10.1 65 14.2 15.0 9.3 10.0 66 13.9 14.7 9.1 9.8 67 13.9 14.6 9.1 9.8 68 13.8 14.3 9.1 9.7 69 14.2 14.7 9.4 10.0 70 14.3 14.9 9.4 10.3 71 14.3 15.0 9.3 10.0 72 13.9 14.8 9.2 10.3

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PM10 PM2.5 2026 Without 2026 Without Receptor 2015 Project 2015 Project Development Development 73 14.2 15.2 9.4 10.6 74 13.9 14.9 9.2 10.4 75 14.2 15.1 9.3 10.6 76 14.1 15.1 9.3 10.5 77 15.8 16.5 10.3 11.1 78 16.1 16.8 10.4 11.3 79 14.1 15.0 9.3 10.3 80 14.1 15.1 9.3 10.5 81 15.7 16.8 10.2 11.4 82 14.8 15.9 9.7 10.9 83 15.8 16.6 10.2 11.2 84 15.0 15.8 9.8 10.8 85 14.8 15.6 9.7 10.7 86 14.6 15.4 9.6 10.6 87 15.0 15.6 9.8 10.5 88 14.2 15.2 9.3 10.6 89 15.2 15.8 9.9 10.6 90 13.6 14.5 9.0 9.9 91 17.1 16.6 10.8 11.0 92 15.2 16.3 9.9 11.2 93 14.7 15.7 9.6 10.8 94 14.8 15.8 9.7 10.9 95 18.3 18.6 11.9 12.1 96 18.9 19.2 12.2 12.4 97 14.5 15.6 9.6 10.5 98 15.6 16.5 10.1 10.6 99 15.1 16.2 9.8 10.4 100 13.2 13.7 8.8 9.3 101 12.7 13.1 8.5 8.9 102 19.4 20.0 12.4 12.7 103 18.4 18.0 12.0 11.7 104 19.0 19.2 12.2 12.3 105 19.6 19.8 12.6 12.7 106 14.6 15.4 9.5 10.6 107 13.4 14.6 8.8 9.7 108 13.5 14.6 9.0 10.0 109 16.5 16.6 10.7 10.8 110 14.8 15.4 9.8 10.3 111 15.3 16.0 10.0 10.6 112 14.2 14.8 9.3 10.0 113 13.0 13.7 8.7 9.3 114 14.6 14.8 9.7 10.1 115 15.7 16.2 10.2 10.6 116 14.2 14.9 9.4 10.0

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PM10 PM2.5 2026 Without 2026 Without Receptor 2015 Project 2015 Project Development Development 117 13.0 13.5 8.7 9.2 118 13.5 14.2 9.0 9.7 119 13.0 13.3 8.6 8.8 120 13.7 14.3 9.1 9.6 121 13.0 13.5 8.6 9.2 122 13.1 13.6 8.7 9.2 Objective / 32 a 25 b Criterion a 3 3 While the annual mean PM10 objective is 40 µg/m , 32 µg/m is the annual mean concentration above

which an exceedance of the 24-hour mean PM10 objective is possible, as outlined in LAQM.TG16 [18]. A value of 32 µg/m3 is thus used as a proxy to determine the likelihood of exceedance of the 24-hour . mean PM10 objective, as recommended in EPUK & IAQM guidance [21]

b The PM2.5 objective, which is to be met by 2020, is not in Regulations and there is no requirement for local authorities to meet it. 2015 Baseline 11.72 The predicted annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide exceed the annual mean objective at six receptors, all of which are within the Wokingham Town Centre and M4 motorway AQMAs. At all other locations, predicted concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are below the objective in 2015. The maximum predicted concentration (50.8 µg/m3) occurs at Receptor 4, located on Shute End in the Wokingham Town Centre AQMA, however, concentrations are all below 60 µg/m3 indicating that it is unlikely that the 1-hour mean nitrogen dioxide objective is exceeded.

11.73 The predicted PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations are well below the objectives. The annual mean 3 PM10 concentrations are below 32 µg/m and it is, therefore, unlikely that the 24-hour PM10 objective will be exceeded.

11.74 These results are consistent with the outcomes of the Review and Assessment work undertaken by WBC and BFBC in terms of the extent and locations of the declared AQMAs.

2026 Baseline 11.75 The predicted annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are below the objective at all receptor locations. The annual mean concentrations are also well below 60 µg/m3 and it is,

therefore, unlikely that the 1-hour mean objective will be exceeded. The predicted PM10 and PM2.5

concentrations are well below the objectives. The annual mean PM10 concentrations are below 3 32 µg/m and it is, therefore, unlikely that the 24-hour mean PM10 objective will be exceeded.

Impacts of the Proposed Project Development Construction Phase 11.76 The construction works will give rise to a risk of dust impacts during demolition, earthworks and construction, as well as from trackout of dust and dirt by vehicles onto the public highway. Step 1 of the assessment procedure is to screen the need for a detailed assessment. There are receptors within the distances set out in the guidance (see Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a), thus a detailed assessment is required. The following section sets out Step 2 of the assessment procedure.

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11.77 The construction of the SWDR will not affect the overall conclusions of the construction dust risk assessment. Roads are classified as ‘low’ sensitivity receptors, and therefore the impact magnitude will be determined by the proximity of the Project Site boundary to ‘high’ sensitivity receptors, such as residential properties, which will not be affected by the SWDR.

11.78 The construction period is likely to generate HGV movements during the earthworks and construction phases. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that traffic volumes generated during the construction phases will be less than the operational traffic generation, thus the worst-case impacts of the development will occur in the year of opening as has been assessed. It is, therefore, not considered necessary to assess the impacts of traffic emissions during the construction phase.

Potential Dust Emission Magnitude 11.79 This construction dust risk assessment adopts a whole-development approach by considering the construction of the Project Site as one single construction project. In reality, the Proposed Project Development will be developed as parcels with significant phasing over 15 years. In assessing the potential risk, consideration has therefore been given to the duration of the works, insofar as an activity occurring over a prolonged period of time and one occurring for only a short period could both carry the same level of risk to sensitive receptors. It has also been considered that dwellings delivered during early phases of the works will be occupied and become sensitive receptors themselves for later phases of construction. This provides a conservative assessment of the risk of dust impacts during construction works.

Demolition 11.80 The Project Site is currently agricultural land; there is, therefore, no requirement for demolition on-site.

Earthworks 11.81 The characteristics of the soil at the Project Site have been defined using the British Geological Survey’s UK Soil Observatory website [30], as set out in Table 11.7. Overall, it is considered that, when dry, this soil has the potential to be dusty across large areas of the Project Site.

Table 11.7: Summary of Soil Characteristics Category Record Soil Layer Thickness Deep Soil Parent Material Grain Mixed (Argillaceous a – Arenaceous b – Rudaceous c) Size European Soil Bureau Prequaternary Marine/Estuarine Sand and Silt/Colluvium Description /Fluvial Sands and Gravels Soil Group Light to Heavy Soil Texture Clay / Silt / Sand a grain size < 0.06 mm. b grain size 0.06 – 2.0 mm. c grain size > 2.0 mm. 11.82 The Project Site covers some 1,081,300 m2 and most of this will be subject to earthworks, including levelling of the ground and landscaping. The length of the earthworks period is currently unknown, but dust will arise mainly from vehicles travelling over unpaved ground and from the handling of dusty materials (such as dry soil). Based on the example definitions set out in Table 11.1 in Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a, the dust emission class for earthworks is considered to be large.

Construction

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11.83 Construction will involve some 1,649 residential properties, a local centre, school and two Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs). Dust will arise from vehicles travelling over unpaved ground, the handling and storage of dusty materials, and from the cutting of concrete. The construction will take place over many years, with different phases taking place between 2021 and 2036. Based on the example definitions set out in Table 11.1 in Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a, the dust emission class for construction is considered to be large.

Trackout 11.84 The number of heavy vehicles accessing the Project Site, which may track out dust and dirt, is currently unknown, but given the large size of the Project Site there is potential for peak periods during which outbound heavy vehicle movements are in excess of 50 per day, and therefore, based on the example definitions set out in Table 11.1 in Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a, the dust emission class for trackout is considered to be large.

11.85 Table 11.8 summarises the dust emission magnitude for the Proposed Project Development.

Table 11.8: Summary of Dust Emission Magnitude Class Record Demolition None Earthworks Large Construction Large Trackout Large

Sensitivity of the Area 11.86 This assessment step combines the sensitivity of individual receptors to dust effects with the number of receptors in the area and their proximity to the Project Site. It also considers additional site-specific factors such as topography and screening, and in the case of sensitivity to human

health effects, baseline PM10 concentrations.

Sensitivity of the Area to Effects from Dust Soiling 11.87 The IAQM guidance explains that residential properties, schools and hospitals are ‘high’ sensitivity receptors to dust soiling, while parks and places of work are ‘medium’ sensitivity receptors (Table 11.2 in Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a). There are more than 100 residential properties within 50 m of the Project Site, most of which back onto the adjacent railway line, just north of the Project Site boundary (see Figure 11.5). There are then additional properties within the Project Site boundary that will be completed over the phasing period which will also classify as ‘high’ sensitivity receptors to dust soiling. Using the matrix set out in Table 11.3 in Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a, the area surrounding the on-site works is of ‘high’ sensitivity to dust soiling.

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Figure 11.5: 20 m and 50 m Distance Bands around Site Boundary

11.88 Table 11.8 shows that the dust emission magnitude for trackout is large and Table 11.3 in Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a thus explains that there is a risk of material being tracked 500 m from the Project Site exit. Since it is not known which roads construction vehicles will use, and whether the SWDR through the Project Site will be completed when construction commences, it has been assumed that all possible routes out of the Project Site could be affected. There are likely to be more than 10 residential properties within 20 m from the edge of the roads along which material could be tracked (see Figure 11.6). In addition, completion of developments adjacent to the proposed SWDR will introduce further exposure to the trackout of material. It is, therefore, judged that the area surrounding roads along which material may be tracked from the Project Site is of ‘high’ sensitivity.

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Figure 11.6: 20 m and 50 m Distance Bands around Roads Used by Construction Traffic Within 500 m of Site Exits

Figure contains imagery ©2020 Google. Imagery @2020 Getmapping plc, Infoterra Ltd & Bluesky, Landsat / Copernicus, Maxar Technologies, The GeoInformation Group. Sensitivity of the Area to any Human Health Effects

11.89 Residential properties, schools and hospitals are also classified as being of ‘high’ sensitivity to human health effects. The matrix in Table 11.4 in Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a requires information

on the baseline annual mean PM10 concentration in the area. The maximum PM10 concentration predicted at any existing receptor in 2015 in Table 11.6 is 19.6 µg/m3; this concentration is taken to represent conditions near to the Project Site. Using the matrix in Table 11.4 in Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a, the area surrounding the onsite works is of ‘medium’ sensitivity to human health effects, while the area surrounding roads along which material may be tracked from the Project Site is also of ‘medium’ sensitivity.

Sensitivity of the Area to any Ecological Effects

11.90 The guidance only considers designated ecological sites within 50 m to have the potential to be impacted by the construction works. A small section of Big Wood Ancient Woodland is within 50 m of the Project Site eastern boundary. Additionally, construction works are not anticipated to occur within the area of the Project Development assigned to land to the south of St Anne’s Manor. Ecological impacts need not be considered further.

Summary of the Area Sensitivity

11.91 Table 11.9 summarises the sensitivity of the area around the proposed construction works.

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Table 11.9: Summary of the Area Sensitivity Sensitivity of the Surrounding Area Effects Associated With: On-site Works Trackout Dust Soiling High Sensitivity High Sensitivity Human Health Medium Sensitivity Medium Sensitivity

Risk and Significance

11.92 The dust emission magnitudes in Table 11.8 have been combined with the sensitivities of the area in Table 11.9 using the matrix in Table 11.6 in Phase 2 Appendix 11.1a, in order to assign a risk category to each activity. The resulting risk categories for the four construction activities, without mitigation, are set out in Table 11.10. These risk categories have been used to determine the appropriate level of mitigation as set out in Paragraphs 11.116 to 11.119.

Table 11.10: Summary of Risk of Impacts without Mitigation Effects Associated With: Dust Soiling Human Health Demolition None None Earthworks High Risk Medium Risk Construction High Risk Medium Risk Trackout High Risk Medium Risk

11.93 The IAQM guidance does not provide a method for assessing the significance of effects before mitigation, and advises that pre-mitigation significance should not be determined. With appropriate mitigation in place, the IAQM guidance is clear that the residual effect will normally be ‘not significant’ [20].

Operational Phase

11.94 This section discusses the potential air quality impacts assuming complete delivery of the SWDR and the Proposed Project Development in 2026. This a worst-case assessment as the Proposed Project Development will only be partially delivered by 2026 and will be built out up to 2036, over which time air quality is predicted to improve, largely due to reductions in traffic emissions from the uptake of newer, cleaner vehicles.

Detailed Assessment of Project Development-Generated Road Traffic Emissions

11.95 Predicted annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, PM10 and PM2.5 in 2026 for existing receptors are set out in Table 11.11 and Table 11.12 for both the “Without Project Development” and “With Project Development” scenarios. These tables also describe the impacts at each receptor using the impact descriptors given in Phase 2 Appendix 11.2a.

11.96 Impact description involves expressing the magnitude of incremental change as a proportion of a relevant assessment level and then examining this change in the context of the new total concentration and its relationship with the assessment criterion. The descriptors used are ‘negligible’, ‘slight adverse’, ‘moderate adverse’ or ‘substantial adverse’. An impact can also be described as ‘beneficial’ or ‘adverse’ depending on whether the total concentration is a reduction or increase respectively. The overall air quality effect of the development is then described as either ‘significant’ or ‘not significant’ and is based on professional judgement, taking into the account the impact descriptor and a range of other factors including those summarised in Phase 2 Appendix 11.2a.

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Table 11.11: Predicted Impacts on Annual Mean Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations in 2026 (µg/m3)

Receptor a Impact Descriptor Without Project Development ProjectWith Development % Change 1 17.0 17.2 0 Negligible 2 17.3 17.3 0 Negligible 3 17.4 17.3 0 Negligible 4 29.6 28.6 -3 Negligible 5 26.0 25.2 -2 Negligible 6 18.8 18.5 -1 Negligible 7 15.7 15.5 0 Negligible 8 14.8 14.7 0 Negligible 9 23.0 21.0 -5 Negligible 10 23.1 21.3 -5 Negligible 11 21.1 19.7 -4 Negligible 12 20.9 19.6 -3 Negligible 13 19.4 18.5 -2 Negligible 14 22.6 21.4 -3 Negligible 15 20.1 19.5 -2 Negligible 16 16.9 16.6 -1 Negligible 17 18.3 18.7 1 Negligible 18 15.2 15.4 1 Negligible 19 17.3 17.6 1 Negligible 20 18.8 19.0 1 Negligible 21 13.0 13.2 0 Negligible 22 15.1 15.4 1 Negligible 23 14.6 14.9 1 Negligible 24 14.3 14.5 1 Negligible 25 15.9 16.2 1 Negligible 26 16.0 16.3 1 Negligible 27 15.3 15.6 1 Negligible 28 18.2 18.6 1 Negligible 29 17.7 18.8 3 Negligible 30 16.6 17.2 1 Negligible 31 18.7 19.3 1 Negligible 32 17.5 18.7 3 Negligible 33 17.3 18.7 3 Negligible 34 18.1 18.4 1 Negligible 35 16.0 16.3 1 Negligible 36 13.9 14.1 1 Negligible 37 13.8 14.0 1 Negligible 38 16.6 16.9 1 Negligible 39 16.5 16.7 1 Negligible

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Receptor a Impact Descriptor Without Project Development ProjectWith Development % Change 40 14.8 15.1 1 Negligible 41 15.4 15.6 1 Negligible 42 11.9 12.2 1 Negligible 43 17.8 18.4 2 Negligible 44 16.2 16.6 1 Negligible 45 16.9 17.4 1 Negligible 46 16.4 16.6 0 Negligible 47 15.8 16.0 0 Negligible 48 14.6 14.7 0 Negligible 49 15.2 15.2 0 Negligible 50 14.1 14.6 1 Negligible 51 13.1 13.4 1 Negligible 52 12.3 13.6 3 Negligible 53 14.3 14.1 0 Negligible 54 18.2 17.7 -1 Negligible 55 20.3 19.4 -2 Negligible 56 12.9 14.3 4 Negligible 57 18.2 17.3 -2 Negligible 58 13.1 14.7 4 Negligible 59 14.2 15.1 2 Negligible 60 12.7 12.9 1 Negligible 61 16.1 16.2 0 Negligible 62 15.7 15.7 0 Negligible 63 13.1 13.5 1 Negligible 64 14.6 14.9 1 Negligible 65 14.3 14.5 1 Negligible 66 13.0 13.3 1 Negligible 67 12.9 13.0 0 Negligible 68 13.8 14.1 1 Negligible 69 15.1 15.2 0 Negligible 70 14.5 14.6 0 Negligible 71 13.9 14.0 0 Negligible 72 15.2 15.4 0 Negligible 73 15.6 15.7 0 Negligible 74 14.4 14.5 0 Negligible 75 15.4 15.5 0 Negligible 76 15.1 15.1 0 Negligible 77 18.5 18.9 1 Negligible 78 19.3 19.7 1 Negligible 79 14.7 14.7 0 Negligible 80 14.4 14.4 0 Negligible 81 18.0 18.2 0 Negligible

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Receptor a Impact Descriptor Without Project Development ProjectWith Development % Change 82 15.5 15.6 0 Negligible 83 18.7 18.9 1 Negligible 84 16.9 17.1 1 Negligible 85 16.5 16.6 0 Negligible 86 16.3 16.4 0 Negligible 87 17.2 17.4 0 Negligible 88 14.2 14.3 0 Negligible 89 17.8 18.0 0 Negligible 90 14.2 14.3 0 Negligible 91 20.6 20.8 1 Negligible 92 16.7 16.9 0 Negligible 93 16.1 15.9 0 Negligible 94 16.6 16.4 0 Negligible 95 24.8 24.9 0 Negligible 96 26.1 26.0 0 Negligible 97 16.1 16.2 0 Negligible 98 15.5 15.6 0 Negligible 99 16.1 16.2 0 Negligible 100 13.0 13.2 0 Negligible 101 10.9 11.0 0 Negligible 102 27.6 27.5 0 Negligible 103 23.8 23.7 0 Negligible 104 26.2 26.2 0 Negligible 105 28.7 28.7 0 Negligible 106 15.5 15.6 0 Negligible 107 12.6 14.8 6 Slight Adverse 108 13.4 14.6 3 Negligible 109 22.7 22.9 0 Negligible 110 18.9 19.1 0 Negligible 111 18.4 19.0 1 Negligible 112 16.7 16.8 0 Negligible 113 12.4 14.1 4 Negligible 114 14.6 14.5 0 Negligible 115 16.7 16.7 0 Negligible 116 14.8 15.1 1 Negligible 117 12.6 12.7 0 Negligible 118 14.5 14.4 0 Negligible 119 10.0 10.0 0 Negligible 120 14.6 13.0 -4 Negligible 121 11.9 10.8 -3 Negligible 122 12.2 11.0 -3 Negligible Objective 40 - -

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a % changes are relative to the objective and have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

Table 11.12 Predicted Impacts on Annual Mean PM10 and PM2.5 Concentrations in 2026 (µg/m3)

3 3 Annual Mean PM10 (µg/m ) Annual Mean PM2.5 (µg/m )

Receptor a Impact a Impact Project Project Descriptor Descriptor Project Project Without Development With Development % Change Without Development With Development % Change 1 15.2 15.2 0 Negligible 10.4 10.4 0 Negligible 2 15.4 15.4 0 Negligible 10.5 10.5 0 Negligible 3 15.4 15.4 0 Negligible 10.5 10.5 0 Negligible 4 18.7 18.4 -1 Negligible 12.4 12.2 0 Negligible 5 17.6 17.5 0 Negligible 11.8 11.7 0 Negligible 6 15.9 15.8 0 Negligible 10.8 10.8 0 Negligible 7 15.0 15.0 0 Negligible 10.3 10.3 0 Negligible 8 14.8 14.8 0 Negligible 10.2 10.2 0 Negligible 9 17.4 16.8 -2 Negligible 11.6 11.3 -1 Negligible 10 17.4 16.9 -2 Negligible 11.7 11.4 -1 Negligible 11 16.8 16.4 -1 Negligible 11.3 11.1 -1 Negligible 12 16.7 16.3 -1 Negligible 11.3 11.1 -1 Negligible 13 16.2 16.0 -1 Negligible 11.0 10.8 -1 Negligible 14 17.2 16.8 -1 Negligible 11.5 11.3 -1 Negligible 15 16.3 16.2 -1 Negligible 11.1 11.0 0 Negligible 16 15.4 15.3 0 Negligible 10.5 10.5 0 Negligible 17 15.5 15.6 0 Negligible 10.4 10.4 0 Negligible 18 14.5 14.6 0 Negligible 9.8 9.9 0 Negligible 19 15.2 15.3 0 Negligible 10.2 10.2 0 Negligible 20 15.8 15.9 0 Negligible 10.5 10.6 0 Negligible 21 13.9 14.0 0 Negligible 9.5 9.5 0 Negligible 22 14.6 14.7 0 Negligible 9.8 9.8 0 Negligible 23 14.4 14.4 0 Negligible 9.7 9.7 0 Negligible 24 14.1 14.1 0 Negligible 9.5 9.6 0 Negligible 25 15.1 15.2 0 Negligible 10.3 10.4 0 Negligible 26 15.0 15.2 0 Negligible 10.3 10.4 0 Negligible 27 14.8 14.9 0 Negligible 10.2 10.2 0 Negligible 28 15.6 15.7 0 Negligible 10.6 10.7 0 Negligible 29 15.6 15.9 1 Negligible 10.6 10.8 1 Negligible 30 15.3 15.5 0 Negligible 10.3 10.3 0 Negligible 31 16.0 16.1 0 Negligible 10.6 10.7 0 Negligible 32 15.5 15.6 1 Negligible 10.3 10.4 0 Negligible 33 15.5 15.8 1 Negligible 10.3 10.5 1 Negligible 34 15.8 15.9 0 Negligible 10.5 10.6 0 Negligible 35 15.2 15.2 0 Negligible 10.2 10.2 0 Negligible 36 14.5 14.5 0 Negligible 9.8 9.8 0 Negligible

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3 3 Annual Mean PM10 (µg/m ) Annual Mean PM2.5 (µg/m )

Receptor a Impact a Impact Project Project Descriptor Descriptor Project Project Without Development With Development % Change Without Development With Development % Change 37 14.5 14.5 0 Negligible 9.8 9.8 0 Negligible 38 15.2 15.3 0 Negligible 10.2 10.3 0 Negligible 39 15.3 15.4 0 Negligible 10.2 10.3 0 Negligible 40 14.8 14.9 0 Negligible 10.0 10.0 0 Negligible 41 15.0 15.1 0 Negligible 10.1 10.1 0 Negligible 42 13.4 13.5 0 Negligible 9.1 9.1 0 Negligible 43 15.5 15.7 1 Negligible 10.6 10.7 0 Negligible 44 15.1 15.2 0 Negligible 10.3 10.4 0 Negligible 45 15.3 15.4 0 Negligible 10.5 10.5 0 Negligible 46 15.1 15.2 0 Negligible 10.4 10.4 0 Negligible 47 15.0 15.1 0 Negligible 10.3 10.3 0 Negligible 48 14.6 14.7 0 Negligible 10.1 10.1 0 Negligible 49 15.1 15.1 0 Negligible 10.3 10.3 0 Negligible 50 14.7 14.8 0 Negligible 10.1 10.2 0 Negligible 51 15.1 15.1 0 Negligible 10.2 10.3 0 Negligible 52 14.5 14.9 1 Negligible 9.7 9.9 1 Negligible 53 14.7 14.6 0 Negligible 10.1 10.1 0 Negligible 54 15.8 15.6 0 Negligible 10.7 10.7 0 Negligible 55 16.6 16.3 -1 Negligible 11.2 11.0 -1 Negligible 56 14.4 14.8 1 Negligible 9.9 10.2 1 Negligible 57 15.9 15.7 -1 Negligible 10.8 10.7 -1 Negligible 58 14.5 14.9 2 Negligible 9.9 10.2 1 Negligible 59 14.8 15.1 1 Negligible 10.1 10.3 1 Negligible 60 14.5 14.6 0 Negligible 9.7 9.8 0 Negligible 61 15.0 15.0 0 Negligible 10.0 10.0 0 Negligible 62 16.3 16.3 0 Negligible 10.5 10.5 0 Negligible 63 14.6 14.8 1 Negligible 9.5 9.6 0 Negligible 64 15.1 15.2 0 Negligible 10.1 10.1 0 Negligible 65 15.0 15.1 0 Negligible 10.0 10.0 0 Negligible 66 14.7 14.7 0 Negligible 9.8 9.9 0 Negligible 67 14.6 14.6 0 Negligible 9.8 9.8 0 Negligible 68 14.3 14.3 0 Negligible 9.7 9.7 0 Negligible 69 14.7 14.8 0 Negligible 10.0 10.0 0 Negligible 70 14.9 14.9 0 Negligible 10.3 10.3 0 Negligible 71 15.0 15.1 0 Negligible 10.0 10.0 0 Negligible 72 14.8 14.9 0 Negligible 10.3 10.3 0 Negligible 73 15.2 15.2 0 Negligible 10.6 10.6 0 Negligible 74 14.9 14.9 0 Negligible 10.4 10.4 0 Negligible 75 15.1 15.2 0 Negligible 10.6 10.6 0 Negligible 76 15.1 15.1 0 Negligible 10.5 10.5 0 Negligible 77 16.5 16.5 0 Negligible 11.1 11.2 0 Negligible

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3 3 Annual Mean PM10 (µg/m ) Annual Mean PM2.5 (µg/m )

Receptor a Impact a Impact Project Project Descriptor Descriptor Project Project Without Development With Development % Change Without Development With Development % Change 78 16.8 16.8 0 Negligible 11.3 11.3 0 Negligible 79 15.0 15.0 0 Negligible 10.3 10.3 0 Negligible 80 15.1 15.1 0 Negligible 10.5 10.5 0 Negligible 81 16.8 16.8 0 Negligible 11.4 11.5 0 Negligible 82 15.9 15.9 0 Negligible 10.9 11.0 0 Negligible 83 16.6 16.7 0 Negligible 11.2 11.3 0 Negligible 84 15.8 15.8 0 Negligible 10.8 10.8 0 Negligible 85 15.6 15.7 0 Negligible 10.7 10.7 0 Negligible 86 15.4 15.5 0 Negligible 10.6 10.6 0 Negligible 87 15.6 15.7 0 Negligible 10.5 10.5 0 Negligible 88 15.2 15.2 0 Negligible 10.6 10.6 0 Negligible 89 15.8 15.9 0 Negligible 10.6 10.7 0 Negligible 90 14.5 14.5 0 Negligible 9.9 10.0 0 Negligible 91 16.6 16.7 0 Negligible 11.0 11.1 0 Negligible 92 16.3 16.3 0 Negligible 11.2 11.2 0 Negligible 93 15.7 15.7 0 Negligible 10.8 10.8 0 Negligible 94 15.8 15.9 0 Negligible 10.9 10.9 0 Negligible 95 18.6 18.6 0 Negligible 12.1 12.1 0 Negligible 96 19.2 19.2 0 Negligible 12.4 12.5 0 Negligible 97 15.6 15.6 0 Negligible 10.5 10.6 0 Negligible 98 16.5 16.6 0 Negligible 10.6 10.6 0 Negligible 99 16.2 16.2 0 Negligible 10.4 10.4 0 Negligible 100 13.7 13.7 0 Negligible 9.3 9.3 0 Negligible 101 13.1 13.1 0 Negligible 8.9 8.9 0 Negligible 102 20.0 19.9 0 Negligible 12.7 12.7 0 Negligible 103 18.0 18.0 0 Negligible 11.7 11.7 0 Negligible 104 19.2 19.2 0 Negligible 12.3 12.3 0 Negligible 105 19.8 19.8 0 Negligible 12.7 12.7 0 Negligible 106 15.4 15.4 0 Negligible 10.6 10.6 0 Negligible 107 14.6 15.3 2 Negligible 9.7 10.1 2 Negligible 108 14.6 15.0 1 Negligible 10.0 10.2 1 Negligible 109 16.6 16.6 0 Negligible 10.8 10.9 0 Negligible 110 15.4 15.5 0 Negligible 10.3 10.3 0 Negligible 111 16.0 16.2 1 Negligible 10.6 10.7 0 Negligible 112 14.8 14.9 0 Negligible 10.0 10.1 0 Negligible 113 13.7 14.1 2 Negligible 9.3 9.6 1 Negligible 114 14.8 14.8 0 Negligible 10.1 10.1 0 Negligible 115 16.2 16.2 0 Negligible 10.6 10.6 0 Negligible 116 14.9 15.0 0 Negligible 10.0 10.0 0 Negligible 117 13.5 13.6 0 Negligible 9.2 9.2 0 Negligible 118 14.2 14.2 0 Negligible 9.7 9.7 0 Negligible

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3 3 Annual Mean PM10 (µg/m ) Annual Mean PM2.5 (µg/m )

b 3 3 While the annual mean PM10 objective is 40 µg/m , 32 µg/m is the annual mean concentration above

mean PM10 objective, as recommended in EPUK & IAQM guidance [21].

c The PM2.5 objective, which is to be met by 2020, is not in Regulations and there is no requirement for local authorities to meet it. Nitrogen Dioxide 11.97 The annual mean nitrogen dioxide concentrations are below the objective at all receptors, with or without the Proposed Project Development. The maximum predicted “With Project Development” concentration (28.7 µg/m3) occurs at Receptor 105, which is adjacent to Mill Lane and the M4, and lies within the AQMA. The predicted changes in concentrations, relative to the air quality objective (when rounded), range between -5 and 6%. Improvements in air quality are predicted at a number of receptors because the completion of the SWDR is anticipated to redistribute traffic, thus reducing the number of vehicles along certain roads. The impacts are described as negligible at most locations; impacts are described as slight adverse at Receptor 107, which is located close to the eastern gateway and Project Site boundary, where the development traffic trip generation will be highest. This location represents a small number of roadside receptors directly adjacent to the eastern gateway of the SWDR.

PM10 and PM2.5 11.98 The annual mean PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations are below the relevant criteria at all receptors, with or without the proposed development. Furthermore, as the annual mean PM10 3 concentrations are well below 32 µg/m , it is unlikely that the 24-hour mean PM10 objective will be exceeded at any sensitive location.

11.99 The percentage changes in PM10 concentrations, relative to the applied annual mean criteria (when rounded) are predicted to range between -2 and 2%, and impacts will be described as negligible at all locations.

11.100 The percentage changes in PM2.5 concentrations, relative to the applied annual mean criteria (when rounded) are predicted to range between -1 and 2%, and impacts will be described as negligible at all locations.

Detailed Assessment of Air Quality at Receptors within the Project Development

11.101 Predicted air quality conditions for future occupants of the Proposed Project Development, taking account of emissions from the adjacent road network and proposed SWDR within the

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Project Site boundary, are set out in Table 11.13 (see Table 11.2 and Figure 11.2 for receptor locations).

11.102 Annual mean nitrogen dioxide concentrations are predicted to be below the objective at all locations. Predicted concentrations are well below 60 µg/m3 indicating that an exceedance of the 1-hour mean nitrogen dioxide objective is unlikely.

11.103 In terms of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), predicted concentrations are well below the annual mean objectives for both pollutants. For PM10, predicted concentrations are well below 3 32 µg/m indicating that an exceedance of the 24-hour mean PM10 objective is unlikely.

11.104 Air quality for future residents and occupants of the Project Site will thus be acceptable.

Table 11.13 Predicted Concentrations of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), PM10 and PM2.5 in 2026 for New Receptors in the Project Site (µg/m3)

Annual Mean NO Annual Mean PM Annual Mean PM Receptor 2 10 2.5 (µg/m3) (µg/m3) (µg/m3)

A 11.5 13.4 9.1 B 14.6 14.3 9.7 C 15.0 14.5 9.8 D 13.7 14.1 9.5 E 14.2 14.1 9.5 F 12.8 14.5 9.5 G 13.0 14.7 9.8 H 14.2 14.9 9.7 I 14.7 14.3 9.6 J 15.0 15.3 10.2 K 16.8 15.0 10.0 L 13.6 13.9 9.1 M 14.5 14.7 9.6 N 14.5 15.0 9.7 O 10.7 13.0 8.9 P 17.1 15.1 10.1 Objective/ Criterion 40 32 a 25 b a 3 3 While the annual mean PM10 objective is 40 µg/m , 32 µg/m is the annual mean concentration above

mean PM10 objective, as recommended in EPUK & IAQM guidance [21].

b The PM2.5 objective, which is to be met by 2020, is not in Regulations and there is no requirement for local authorities to meet it.

Significance of Operational Air Quality Effects

11.105 The operational air quality effects without mitigation are judged to be ‘not significant’ and therefore negligible. This professional judgement is made in accordance with the methodology set out in Phase 2 Appendix 11.3a.

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11.106 More specifically, the judgement that the air quality effects will be ‘not significant’ (and therefore negligible) without mitigation takes account of the assessment that:

• Pollutant concentrations at the worst-case locations within the Proposed Project Development will all be below the objectives, thus future residents and occupants will experience acceptable air quality;

• Impacts on nitrogen dioxide concentrations at existing receptors, whilst mostly negligible, are slight adverse at one receptor; however, total concentrations will remain well below the air quality objectives at all locations with the Proposed Project Development in place;

• The predicted slight adverse impacts are likely to be restricted to a small number of roadside properties near to the junctions between Bremner Way, Ifould Crescent and William Heelas Way to the north of the site. Concentrations at these locations will remain below the annual mean objective with the Proposed Project Development in place; and

• Impacts on PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations will be negligible at all locations, and concentrations with the Project will remain well below the relevant objectives.

11.107 In drawing conclusions in this assessment it should also be considered that the assessment is based on a fully completed Proposed Project Development in 2026, when in reality, full build out of all dwellings will not be complete until 2036, when national and international measures to reduce emissions from road traffic and other sectors are likely to have reduced concentrations of

nitrogen dioxide, PM10 and PM2.5 when compared with those in 2026. The effects in 2036 will therefore also be negligible.

Cumulative Impacts 11.108 Seventeen further schemes with planning consent, or pending approval, in the local area (both Wokingham and Bracknell Forest) have been included in the assessment. These are outlined in Phase 2 Appendix 2.3 and Chapter 17 of this ES, and reproduced in Table 11.14.

Table 11.14 Consented Schemes Included within the Assessment

Approximate Relevant Scheme Description Distance from Project Receptor Site (m) West of South <20 (Adjacent to Wokingham Strategic 140 Dwellings Western Project Site 113 Location Perimeter) Buckhurst Farm <20 (Adjacent to 52, 56, 58, (Montague Park) 650 Dwellings Northern Project Site 59, 107 and Perimeter) 108 Guide Dogs for the 100 Dwellings 1,500 117 Blind Association Kentwood Farm 274 Dwellings 1,840 - Land at Matthews 100 Dwellings 1,800 114 Green Farm Land North of Nine 118 Dwellings 4,050 119 Mile Ride Bell Farm 128 Dwellings 1,710 -

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Keephatch Gardens 62, 97, 98, 300 Dwellings 300 99 and 116 Land at Market Place, Peach Street and 26 Dwellings 680 55 Rose Street 74 – 80 Peach Street 39 Dwellings 680 10 and 11 Crownthorne House 1,000 Dwellings 1,940 118 Land North of 128 Dwellings 500 67 and 111 Peacock Lane Land North of Amen 380 Dwellings 820 - Corner Land at Amen Corner 109 and 380 Dwellings 420 112 Land South of Amen <20 (Adjacent to Corner 550 Dwellings Northeastern Project 110 Site Perimeter) Elm Field 4,279 sqm Retail, 1,160 530 sqm Cinema, 95 Bedroom - Hotel, 126 Dwellings Carnival Pool 4,865 sqm Leisure Centre, 520 1,000 sqm Library, 448 - sqm Restaurant, 600 sqm D1/D2 Units, 55 Dwellings

Earthworks and Construction Phase 11.109 The IAQM guidance is clear that, with appropriate mitigation measures in place, any residual construction dust effects from an individual site will be ‘not significant’ (and therefore ‘negligible’). The guidance also suggests that cumulative construction dust impacts are only likely where sites are within 500 m of each other. Work would also have to be taking place in areas of both sites that are close to a receptor in order for cumulative effects to occur.

11.110 In accordance with the mitigation measures set out in Phase 2 Appendix 11.5a, if there is concurrent construction work on sites within 200 m of each other, the construction contractors should “hold regular liaison meetings with other high risk construction sites within 500 m of the Project Site boundary, to ensure plans are co-ordinated and dust and particulate matter emissions are minimised”.

11.111 Five approved developments have been identified as within 500 m of the Proposed Project Development Site. These are Land West of South Wokingham Strategic Location, Buckhurst Farm, Keephatch Gardens Development Site, Land at Amen Corner and Land South of Amen Corner. It is recommended that all construction sites adopt appropriate mitigation measures to limit emissions of dust, hold the liaison meetings recommended above and ensure that plans are co- ordinated to minimise impacts upon the most sensitive receptors. With these measures in place, the cumulative effect of construction activities should be ‘negligible’.

Operational Phase 11.112 The data used in the 2026 ‘Without Project Development’ and ‘With Project Development’ scenarios incorporate traffic flows associated with all cumulative schemes. As such, predictions of future pollutant concentrations presented in this chapter take account of cumulative effects.

11.113 Operational effects, which inherently include the cumulative schemes, have been shown to be ‘not significant’, and therefore negligible, in relation to road traffic emissions.

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Mitigation Mitigation Included by Design 11.114 The EPUK/IAQM guidance advises that good design and best practice measures should be considered, whether or not more specific mitigation is required. The Proposed Project Development incorporates the following good design and best practice measures:

• adoption of a Dust Management Plan (DMP) or Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) to minimise the environmental impacts of the construction works; • setting back of the development buildings from roads, and provision of a green edge in the Proposed Project Development; • setting back of the Proposed Project Development buildings from the railway lines by at least 22 m; • provision of car club parking spaces within the Proposed Project Development; • provision of electric vehicle charging points across the Project Site with passive provision for further installations; • travel planning through Wokingham’s My Journey travel scheme to encourage sustainable means of transport (public, cycling and walking); • provision of pedestrian and cycle access to the Proposed Project Development, including cycle parking; and • provision of new bus stops along the internal SWDR to encourage the uptake of public transport.

11.115 The delivery of the SWDR is also included as mitigation by design, since the link will provide traffic relief to Wokingham town centre, and in particular the areas designated within the AQMA, by redistributing vehicles away from these normally congested routes. Overall, this will help to improve local air quality within the district.

Construction Phase 11.116 Measures to mitigate dust emissions will be required during the construction phase of the development in order to minimise effects upon nearby sensitive receptors.

11.117 The Proposed Project Development has been identified as High Risk during earthworks, construction and trackout, as set out in Table 11.10. Comprehensive guidance has been published by IAQM [20] that describes measures that should be employed, as appropriate, to reduce the impacts, along with guidance on monitoring during construction [31]. This reflects best practice experience and has been used, together with the professional experience of the consultant who has undertaken the dust impact assessment and the findings of the assessment, to draw up a set of measures that should be incorporated into the specification for the works. These measures are described in Phase 2 Appendix 11.5a.

11.118 The mitigation measures should be written into the DMP or CEMP, and may require monitoring.

11.119 Where mitigation measures rely on water, it is expected that only sufficient water will be applied to damp down the material. There should not be any excess to potentially contaminate local watercourses.

Operational Phase 11.120 The assessment has demonstrated that the operation of the Proposed Project Development will not cause any exceedances of the air quality objectives, and the overall effects will be ‘negligible’. Measures to minimise the impacts of road traffic emissions have also been included by design.

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11.121 Measures to reduce pollutant emissions from road traffic are principally being delivered in the longer term by the introduction of more stringent emissions standards, largely via European legislation (which is written into UK law). Measures included within the Council’s Air Quality Action Plan, such as reviewing the bus fleet, installing public information signs at queueing hot spots and promoting modal shifts throughout the Wokingham population will also help to improve air quality throughout the borough.

11.122 Inherently, the completion of the SWDR will result in a redistribution of traffic throughout the borough, in particular helping to minimise emissions within the Wokingham Town Centre AQMA and thus contributing to an overall improvement in air quality in the future in the AQMA.

Residual Effects Construction Phase 11.123 The IAQM guidance is clear that, with appropriate mitigation in place, the residual effects will normally be ‘not significant’ (and therefore ‘negligible’). The mitigation measures set out in above and in Phase 2 Appendix 11.5a are based on the IAQM guidance. With these measures in place and effectively implemented the residual effects are judged to be ’negligible’.

11.124 The IAQM guidance does, however, recognise that, even with a rigorous dust management plan in place, it is not possible to guarantee that the dust mitigation measures will be effective all of the time, for instance under adverse weather conditions. During these events, short-term dust annoyance may occur, however, the scale of this would not normally be considered sufficient to change the conclusion that overall the effects will be ’negligible’.

Operational Phase 11.125 The residual effects will be the same as those identified above. The overall effects of the Proposed Project Development will be ’negligible’.

11.126 Table 11.15 contains a summary of the likely significant effects of the Proposed Project Development.

Table 11.15: Summary of Impacts Receptor Mitigation Measures Proposed Residual Effect Construction Phase Residential properties, Measures include maintaining clear Negligible schools and hospitals communications throughout the construction period, undertaking daily inspections at receptors to monitor dust and maintaining site cleanliness, erecting screens around the site boundary to contain dusty activities as far as possible, using dust suppressing techniques during operations, minimising and preventing dust escapes and ensuring vehicles entering and leaving the site are clean and covered. A full list of measures is provided in Phase 2 Appendix 11.5a. Operational Phase Offsite Existing Sensitive None beyond those included by design Negligible Receptors Onsite Proposed Sensitive None beyond those included by design Negligible Receptors

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References

[1] Defra, The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Defra, 2007. [2] Defra, Clean Air Strategy 2019, 2019. [3] DfT, The Road to Zero: Next steps towards cleaner road transport and delivering our Industrial Strategy, 2018. [4] Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, “National Planning Policy Framework,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077/2116950 /pdf. [5] Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, Planning Practice Guidance, 2019. [6] Wokingham Borough Council, Local Transport Plan: 2011 - 2026, 2011. [7] Wokingham Borough Council, Local Development Framework: Adopted Core Strategy Development Plan Document, 2010. [8] Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Local Transport Plan 3: Core Strategy and Implementation Plan 2011 - 2026, 2011. [9] Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Core Strategy Development Plan Document, 2008. [10] Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Bracknell Forest Borough Local Plan (Jan 2002) Saved Policies, 2002.

[11] Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Draft Bracknell Frest Local Plan, 2018. [12] Defra, Air quality plan for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the UK, 2017. [13] Defra, Supplement to the UK plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations, 2018. [14] Wokingham Borough Council, Air Quality Action Plan, 2017. [15] Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Air Quality Action Plan, 2014. [16] The Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000 Statutory Instrument 928, HMSO, 2000. [17] The Air Quality (England) (Amendment) Regulations 200, Statutory Instrument 3043, HMSO, 2002. [18] Defra, Review & Assessment: Technical Guidance LAQM.TG16 February 2018 Version, Defra, 2018. [19] The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, 2008. [20] IAQM, Guidance on the Assessment of Dust from Demolition and Construction v1.1, 2016. [21] Moorcroft and Barrowcliffe et al, “Land-Use Planning & Development Control: Planning For Air Quality v1.2,” November 2017. [Online]. Available: http://iaqm.co.uk/guidance/. [22] Defra, Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) Support Website, 2020. [23] AQC, Performance of Defra's Emission Factor Toolkit 2013-2019, 2020. [24] Defra, UK Pollutant Release and Transfer Register, 2020. [25] Wokingham Borough Council, 2018 Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR), 2018. [26] Wokingham Borough Council, 2020 Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR), 2020. [27] Bracknell Forest Borough Council, 2019 Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR), 2019. [28] Bracknell Forest Borough Council, 2018 Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR), 2018.

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[29] Defra, UK Ambient Air Quality Interactive Map, 2020. [30] British Geological Survey, UK Soil Observatory Map Viewer, 2020. [31] IAQM, Guidance on Air Quality Monitoring in the Vicinity of Demolition and Construction Sites, 2012.

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12 Hydrology and Flood Risk

Introduction 12.1 This chapter has been prepared by WSP, who are competent and experienced in undertaking ES chapters relating to Hydrology and Flood Risk.

12.2 The potential effects which may arise during the construction and operational phases of development include the potential in the increase of flooding (fluvial, pluvial, groundwater); the increased demand for potable water supplies and the increased pressure of foul water infrastructure; potential pollution of the surface water bodies and drainage systems due to increase in physical contamination (sedimentation); pollution from leaks and spillages; and changes to groundwater flow and water quality;

12.3 The chapter describes the assessment methodology, the baseline conditions at the Project Site and in the surrounding area, any primary and tertiary mitigation adopted for the purposes of the assessment, a summary of the likely significant effects of the Proposed Project Development taking into account national legislation, the further mitigation measures required to prevent, reduce or offset any significant negative effects and the likely residual effects are these measures have been employed.

12.4 This chapter (and its associated appendices) is intended to be read as part of the wider Environmental Statement (ES), with reference to the Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report submitted to the Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) and Bracknell Forest Borough Council (BFBC) on the 14th September 2018. This chapter has also been informed by a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and Surface Water Drainage Strategy (SWDS), in addition to the Addendum FRA which incorporates subsequent information provided by Wokingham Borough Council as part of their application for the South Wokingham Southern Distributor Road (SWDR) and on-going design development, that accompany the planning application. This combined document is included as Phase 2 Appendix 12.1.

12.5 This update has been prepared following the submission of the Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL Project EIA in March 2019 and the subsequent submission of the Wokingham Borough Council application for the South Wokingham Distributor Road (SWDR) (Wokingham Borough Council – 192928). The main changes following this submission have been:

 Diversion and enhancement of the Emm Brook tributary alongside the SWDR to better contain the existing flood zones as well as provide additional capacity for the road scheme drainage;  Attenuation features required for the SWDR surface water drainage to be incorporated within the road corridor as much as possible;  Amendments to the existing surface water management facilities currently owned by WBC and located within the SWDR and Project Site boundaries and that will be crossed by the SWDR road scheme (including the removal and infilling of the existing Easthampstead Road attenuation basin to allow for the routing of the road scheme);  New “level-for-level” compensation for the SWDR removal of the existing attenuation basin by the creation of a new basin within the Project Site SANG to the south of the road scheme;  Accommodation of SDR drainage within the Project Site SANG to the south of the road scheme; and,

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 Utilising the proposed Sports Hub Access road embankment as a flow control to retain flood flow within the Project Site SANG open space and mitigate for the introduction of the SWDR bridge and approach embankments within and close to the flood zones to the west of the Project Site.

12.6 Although the order in which the mitigation measures are to be delivered (mainly the advance construction of the attenuation feature within the SANG and the extension to the Thames Water surface water sewers that are being installed to facilitate the SWDR implementation) these do not alter the overall findings of the Project FRA.

Legislation and Planning Policy Context Legislation 12.7 The applicable legislative framework is summarised as follows.

 The Water Resources Act (1991) (Ref. 12.1); This Act regulates water resources, pollution, water quality and flood defence. The Act aims to prevent and minimise pollution of water. Currently, the Environment Agency is responsible for the policing of this Act. Under the Act, it is an offence to cause or knowingly permit any poisonous, noxious or polluting material, or any solid waste to enter any controlled water. The Water Resources Act 1991 (Amendment (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 allow the enforcement of powers to protect and remediate deleterious effects on water bodies. These effects can be caused by either damage to hydro-morphological elements which affect water control, such as river erosion, or general pollution.

 Land Drainage Act (1994) (Ref. 12.2); This Act adds new environmental duties to the Land Drainage Act 1991. It requires the Internal Drainage Board (IDB) and Local Authorities to further the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty, and to conserve flora, fauna and geological or physiographical features of special interest, as well as taking account of any effects which the proposals may have on the beauty or amenity of any rural or urban area, or on any such flora, fauna or features.

 The Environmental Act (1995) (Ref. 12.3); This Act sets out the responsibilities of the Environment Agency in relation to water pollution, resource management, flood defence and fisheries.

 Anti-pollution Works Regulations (1999) (Ref. 12.4); Under Section 161A of the Anti-Pollution Works Regulations 1999, the Environment Agency can serve a works notice requiring any business which has caused pollution or is at risk of causing pollution to a watercourse to carry out preventative works and operations in order to minimise the risk and future risk. Failure to do so can lead to prosecution.

 The Flood Risk Regulations (2009) (Ref 12.5); The Flood Risk Regulations transpose the EU Floods Directive into law in England and Wales. Under the Regulations, the Environment Agency and Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) had to prepare Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments (PFRAs).

 Water Framework Directive (2000) (Ref. 12.6); The Water Framework Directive aims to improve and integrate the way waterbodies are managed throughout Europe. In order to address the requirements of the Directive, the

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Environment Agency has produced river basin management plans, which develop new ways of protecting and improving the water environment.

 The Water Act (2003) (Ref. 12.7); The broad aims of this Act are: the sustainable use of water resources; strengthening the voice of the consumer; a measured increase in competition and finally the promotion of water conservation. The Act made it a statutory obligation on water companies to produce a Water Resources Plan.

 Groundwater Daughter Directive (2009/118/EC) (2009) (Ref. 12.8); The Groundwater Daughter Directive establishes specific measures to prevent and control groundwater pollution. In particular; (a) criteria for the assessment of good groundwater chemical status; and (b) criteria for the identification and reversal of significant and sustained upward trends and for the definition of starting points for trend reversals. The Directive also aims to prevent the deterioration of the status of all bodies of groundwater.

 The Groundwater (England and Wales) Regulations (2009) (Ref. 12.9); The Groundwater (England and Wales) Regulations are an environmental protection measure which provide enhanced protection for groundwater by preventing the input of ‘hazardous’ substances into groundwater and limiting the input of ‘non-hazardous’ pollutants into groundwater.

 Flood and Water Management Act (2010) (Ref. 12.10); This Act revises and consolidates legislation relating to flooding, land drainage, coastal erosion and reservoir safety. The Act gave new responsibilities to unitary and county councils to manage local flood risk. The Act also includes provisions regarding flood risk management assets, sustainable drainage, powers to undertake environmental works, reservoir safety and a number of alterations to water and sewerage provision.

 The Water Act (2014) (Ref 12.11); This Act covers four main areas: making water supplies more resilient to natural hazards such as droughts and floods; creation of a national water supply network to make it easier for water companies to buy and sell water from each other; ensuring access to affordable flood insurance from 2015 via a new industry backed levy; and increasing competition in the water industry by allowing all businesses, charities and public-sector customers in England to switch their water and sewage supplier.

 The Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) (England) Regulations (2015) (Ref. 12.12); The Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) (England) Regulations provide guidance for imminent threats of ‘environmental damage’ or actual ‘environmental damage’, related to surface water and groundwater. Guidance is provided to ensure appropriate mitigation measures, such as easements when working near water, is allowed for. In addition, it recommends remediation measures, should there be significant effects to cause a change in surface water and groundwater.

 The Environmental Permitting Regulations (2019) (Ref. 12.13); and The intended effects are to make the scheme approach risk based, so that regulators are able to concentrate on high risk applications, and to make applications for flood consents easier and quicker for businesses. It regulates “flood risk activities” within the Environmental Permitting framework, replacing the previous flood defence consent scheme.

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 The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations (2017) (Ref. 12.14) The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations outline the duties of regulators in relation to environmental permitting, abstraction and impoundment of water. Specifically, Regulation 3 enforces the duty on the Secretary of State, and the Environment Agency to act in compliance with various water directives when considering permits and licenses affecting water quality, and to coordinate their actions relating to these Directives.

Planning Policy Framework National Policies 12.8 The applicable national policies are summarised as follows.  National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2019) (Ref. 12.15); This requires that an FRA to be undertaken for all developments greater than 1 Hectare (ha) in size in Flood Zone 1, all proposals for new development (including minor development and change of use) in Flood Zones 2 and 3, or in an area within Flood Zone 1 which has critical drainage problem and where proposed development or a change of use (e.g. from commercial to residential) to a more vulnerable class may be subject to other sources of flooding (e.g. surface water drains, reservoirs). Requires development to be allocated towards areas at the lowest risk of flooding (the Sequential Test) and if necessary the development proposals would be subject to satisfying the requirements of the Exception Test.

 National Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) (Ref. 12.16) The Flood Risk and Coastal Change Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) states the lifespan of residential development should be considered as 100 years (based on the residential uses) and therefore the appropriate climate change allowances should be considered for this timescale.

Regional Policies  Thames River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) (2015) (Ref 12.17); The purpose of this document is to provide a framework for protecting the water environment. The Plan assesses the pressures facing the Thames River Bain and sets out potential actions to address them.

 Thames Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP) (2009) (Ref 12.18) This document was published by the Environment Agency and sets out the flood risks, the sources of these risks and any associated concerns or issues in the Thames catchment from rivers, groundwater, surface water and tidal flooding.

Local Policies  Non-Statutory Sustainable Drainage Technical Standards (2015) (Ref 12.19); This document sets out the technical standards for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).

 Wokingham Development Plan: Adopted Management Development Delivery Local Plan (2014) (Ref 12.20); The Managing Development Delivery (MDD) Local Plan also forms part of the Wokingham Borough Development Plan.

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Policy CC09 – Development and Flood Risk, states that  All sources of flood risk should be considered during the planning application process. Proposals must be consistent with the guidance in the NPPF and the accompanying NPPF Technical Guidance, and should demonstrate how the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) has been used to determine the suitability of the proposal.  Development should be guided towards areas of the lowest flood risks by applying the sequential approach. Development proposals within Flood Zones 2 or 3 must ensure that flood risk is not increased due to the Project and must take into account the vulnerability of the Proposed Development.  Development will only be considered in areas of flood risk if it can be considered that: the development provides wider sustainability benefits to the community which outweigh flood risk; the development will be safe for its lifetime taking into account the vulnerability of its users and the development will not increase flood risk, an where possible, will reduce flood risk overall.

Policy CC10 – Sustainable Drainage, states that  Surface water arising from the Proposed Development must be managed in a sustainable manner, taking into account the effects of climate change.  Where practically possible, development proposals should incorporate SuDS, which must be designed to meet the long-term needs of the development. If a development discharges surface water into a public sewer, adverse impacts to the public sewerage network serving the development should not be experienced.

 Wokingham Borough Local Development Framework Adopted Core Strategy Development Plan Document (2010) (Ref 12.21); This document sets out the vision for how the development of the Borough in the period to 2026 will be delivered and the planning policies that will be used to achieve this. It is one of the Local Plans for Wokingham Borough and forms part of the Wokingham Borough Development Plan.

Policy PC1 – Sustainable Development, states that:  Planning permission will be granted to developments which meet the following desirable requirements: limits any adverse effects on water quality, including groundwater, provides adequate drainage, avoids increasing (and where possible reduces) risk of or from all forms of flooding (including from groundwater) and incorporates facilities for recycling of water and management of flood risk from all sources.

Policy CP3 – General Principles for Development, states that:  Planning permission will be granted to developments that have no detrimental impact upon the landscape, geological features or watercourses.

Policy CP4 – Infrastructure Requirements, states that:  Planning permission will not be granted unless appropriate arrangements for the improvement or provision of infrastructure, services, community and other facilities, required for the development, are agreed.

 Wokingham Borough Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) (2010) (Ref 12.22); The aim of the SFRA is to collate and analyse the most up to date flood risk information from all sources, to provide an overview of flood risk across Wokingham.

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 Wokingham Borough Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) (2011) (Ref 12.23); This document was produced to satisfy the requirements of the Flood Risk Regulations 2009 and the EU Flood Directives. The document is a strategic document which identifies, collates and assesses information on flood risk, and identifies areas where additional investigation may be necessary. The PFRA will be updated as floods are identified and flooding mechanisms and consequences are understood.

 Wokingham Borough Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) (2015) (Ref 12.24); This document sets out the roles and responsibilities of flood risk management partners within the Borough highlighting the position of the Wokingham Borough Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The overall aim is to produce a plan to reduce and manage flood risk in a way that will benefit people, property and the environment.

 Wokingham Borough Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (2010) (Ref 12.25); This document provides an up to date and comprehensive approach to considering sustainable design and construction within new development that should be consulted in all new planning applications.

 Wokingham SuDS Strategy (2017) (Ref 12.26); The Wokingham SuDS Strategy, produced by Wokingham Borough Council, supplements the sustainable development and sustainable drainage system policies provided in the Core Strategy and the MDD Local Plan. It outlines the long-term vision for the use of SuDS within WBC and how they should be implemented and maintained. It also sets out the opportunities and constraints to be considered when designing SuDS and provides guidance for the most appropriate locations for SuDS schemes to be executed.

 Bracknell Forest Core Strategy Development Plan Document (2008) (Ref 12.27); This document sets out a planning framework for guiding the location and level of development in the Borough up to 2026. The Core Strategy will also be used to help implement the land use elements of other plans and strategies for the Borough. There are no policies in relation to flood risk or surface water management provided within Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s Core Strategy (2008).

 Bracknell Forest Borough Local Plan (2002) (Ref 12.28); This document seeks to control future development in the Borough, in accordance with strategic guidelines, in order to protect and enhance the environment, such that the needs of the Borough’s residents are met without jeopardising the ability of future residents to meet their own needs. The Plan seeks to concentrate development in existing settlements and neighbourhoods and a Sequential approach is adopted in the identification of land for residential development. There are no policies in relation to flood risk or surface water management provided within Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s Local Plan (2002). An updated Local Plan for the Borough is currently being prepared and will set the long-term spatial vision and development strategy for Bracknell up to 2034. It is unknown when the updated Local Plan will be adopted.

 Bracknell Forest Council Design Supplementary Planning Document (2017) (Ref 12.29); This document provides design principles and best practice to guide the design quality of the development proposals. A key principle is that SuDS should be considered from the outset and be one of the key factors to inform development proposals, housing layouts and public realm.

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 Bracknell Forest Council Sustainable Resource Management Supplementary Planning Document (2008) (Ref 12.30); The SPD was prepared by Bracknell Forest Council to define what the Council considers to be relevant best practice standards. It provides an interpretation of policies within the Core Strategy DPD and is consistent with national and regional policy. It states that SuDS should be considered in the early stages of design and early consideration must also be given to how the drainage systems would be adopted and maintained. In addition, consideration must be given to maintaining some flow in existing sewers to avoid blockage.

Methodology 12.9 The assessment of the potential effects on the water environment, including impacts to water quality, drainage regime, water resource availability and flood risk is a predominantly qualitative assessment. The assessment is based on the parameter plans for the Proposed Project Development.

Significance criteria 12.10 The assessment of potential effects as a result of the Project has taken into account both the construction and operational phases. The construction phase includes enabling works and construction activities as set out in Chapter 5: The Proposed Project Development. The significance level attributed to each effect has been assessed based on the magnitude of change due to the Project and the sensitivity of the affected receptor, as well as a number of other factors that are outlined in more detail in Chapter 2: Methodology. The sensitivity of the affected receptor is assessed on a scale of Very High, High, Medium and Low (Table 12.1), and the magnitude of change is assessed on a scale of Major, Moderate, Minor and Negligible (Table 12.2).

12.11 The criteria used to determine the sensitivity of water resources are shown in Table 12.1.

Table 12.1: Importance/Sensitivity of Water Receptors Importance/Sensitivity Criteria Example Very High Water resources with Principle aquifer providing potable water to a an importance and large population. rarity at an Surface water or groundwater body classified international level as ‘good’ for ecological and chemical / with limited potential chemical quantitative status under the WFD for substitution. RBMP and with a status objective of ‘good’ or ‘good potential’ by 2015. Essential infrastructure or highly vulnerable development1

1 As defined in Table 2 of the Flood Risk Section of PPG

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High Water resource with a Principle aquifer providing potable water to a high quality and rarity small population. at a national or Surface water or groundwater body classified regional level and as ‘good potential’ for ecological and limited potential for chemical / chemical and quantitative status substitution. under the WFD RBMP and with a status objective of ‘good’ or ‘good potential’ by 2027. More vulnerable developmentError! Bookmark not defined. Medium Water resource with a Secondary aquifer providing potable water to high quality and rarity a small population. at a local scale; or Surface water or groundwater body classified water resource with a as ‘moderate’ for ecological and chemical / medium quality and chemical and quantitative status under the rarity at a regional or WFD RBMP and with a status objective of national scale. ‘good’ or ‘good potential’ by 2027. Less vulnerable developmentError! Bookmark not defined. Low Water resource with a A non ‘main’ river or stream without low quality and rarity significant ecological habitat. at a local scale. Surface water or groundwater body classified as ‘poor’ for ecological and chemical / chemical and quantitative status under the WFD RBMP and with a status objective of ‘good’ or ‘good potential’ by 2027. Water compatible developmentError! Bookmark not defined.

12.12 The likely magnitude or extent of an impact (or change) on a receptor is established by assessing the degree of the impact relative to the nature and extent of the Project (see Table 12.2). Potential effects can be both adverse and beneficial. The derivation of magnitude is carried out independently of the importance/sensitivity of the water resource.

Table 12.2: Magnitude of Change Criteria Magnitude Criteria of Example Change Major Impact results in a shift in a water Pollution / remediation of potable body’s potential attributes. source of abstraction resulting in failure / recovery above drinking water standards.

Moderate Results in impact on integrity of Loss / gain in productivity of a fishery. attribute or loss of part of attribute. Contribution / reduction of a significant proportion of the effluent in a receiving river, but insufficient to change its WFD classification. Minor Results in minor impact on water Measurable changes in attribute, but body’s attribute. of limited size and / or proportion.

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Negligible Results in an impact on attribute but of Physical impact to a water resource, insignificant magnitude to affect the but no significant reduction / increase use / integrity. in quality, productivity or biodiversity. No significant effect on the economic value of the feature.

12.13 Once the sensitivity of the water resource (receptor) and the magnitude of the impact/change are both established, the potential effect can then be derived by combining the two assessments in a simple matrix as set out in Table 12.3.

Table 12.3: Derivation of Effect Significant effects Sensitivity / Importance of Water Resource (receptor) Very High High Medium Low

Major Major Moderate to Minor to Negligible Major Moderate

Effect Moderate Moderate to Moderate Minor Negligible Major Minor Minor to Minor Negligible to Negligible Moderate Minor Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

Magnitude of

Effect Significance 12.14 The following terms have been used to define the significance of the effects identified.

 Major significant effect: where the Proposed Project Development could be expected to have a very noticeable effect (either positive or negative) on receptors (on flooding, drainage, water quality and/or water resources and associated sensitive receptors;  Moderate significant effect: where the Proposed Project Development could be expected to result in a small, barely noticeable effect (either positive or negative) on receptors (on flooding, drainage, water quality and/or water resources and associated sensitive receptors);  Minor effect: where the Proposed Project Development could be expected to result in a small, barely noticeable effect (either positive or negative) on receptors (on flooding, drainage, water quality and/or water resources and associated sensitive receptors).  Negligible: where no discernible effect is expected as a result of the Proposed Project Development on receptors.

Construction effects 12.15 The potential effects of the construction work area assessed based on a worst-case scenario, particularly where there is uncertainty surrounding a process or receptor.

12.16 Assessment of the effects arising from construction of the Proposed Project Development will take into account the requirements of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and Code of Construction Plan (CoCP) to be provided prior to construction.

Operational effects 12.17 To ensure worst-case conditions have been assessed with respect to operation, the Proposed Project Development has been assessed assuming all the phases are complete and operational.

12.18 The proposed water demand volumes have been calculated based on the proposed number of residential units for the Proposed Project Development, based on a typical residential

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consumption rate of 110l/head/day (as specified in British Water “Flows and Loads” guidance) and an average number of people per household of 2.25.

Study Area and Surveys 12.19 The Project Site is located, approximately, at National Grid Reference 482296, 167710 and the nearest postcode is RG40 3AD. The project covers an area of approximately 105 hectares (ha) and is currently used for mainly agricultural purposes. As there are no areas of existing development within the Project Site, it is classified as a Greenfield site. However, there are a number of properties immediately adjacent to the Project Site including the southern urban fringes of Wokingham and existing residential and commercial properties in small areas along Easthampstead Road and Waterloo Road. Ludgrove School is located to the south of the Project Site.

12.20 A site-specific topographical survey has been undertaken for much of the Project Site. Where detailed levels have not yet been undertaken, these have been supplemented by Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data that has been obtained from the Environment Agency. The combined survey data shows that existing ground levels at the Project generally fall from the west to the east. The maximum and minimum ground levels on the Project are approximately 70.55 metres Above Ordnance Datum (m AOD) and 48.99 m AOD respectively.

Assumptions and Limitations 12.21 The Proposed Project Development is dependent on the provision of the WBC delivery of the Southern Distributor Road (SWDR) and its inherent related infrastructure. In terms of this chapter, this is mainly related to the Emm Brook tributary and its flood plain and the proposed realignment and culverting of this watercourse. As a result, this assessment is based on the available WBC information at the time of writing. In particular, the realignment of the Emm Brook Tributary and the proposed changes to the current Environment Agency mapped flood zones. These are discussed in more detail below.

12.22 In addition, information provided by third parties and as such, WSP cannot be held accountable on the accuracy of the information reproduced in this assessment.

Consultation 12.23 Table 12.4 provides a summary of the consultation activities undertaken in support of the preparation of this chapter.

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Table 12.4: Summary of Consultation Body / organisation Individual / stat Meeting dates and Summary of outcome of body / other forms of discussions organisation consultation Environment Agency Customers and 29/08/18: Product 4 14/09/18: Product 4 provided Engagement request Officer 08/11/18: Scoping Built development encouraged response to be located within Flood Zone 1, would welcome consideration of options that could be incorporated within the development proposal that could reduce existing flood risk on and off-site, finish floor levels to ensure that the appropriate climate change allowances have been assessed, application of Sequential Test, suitable flood modelling as location is outside current EA model areas, high level Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessment to be included.

EA Planning 16/04/2019: Discussed interaction of SWDR Advisor, Flood Combined WBC and and Phase 2 applications and Risk Specialist Consortium meeting that a single flood risk and and Biodiversity to co-ordinate drainage strategy should be Officer applications presented to the EA including addressing flood compensation and mitigation EA Planning 30/07/2019: Meeting Follow up meeting with EA to Advisor and discuss scope of SWDR flood Flood Risk modelling and flood Specialist compensation EA Planning 15/08/2019: Planning Objection in respect of Advisor response requiring site wide WFD assessment. Recommend that culverting is not undertaken for the watercourse diversion EA Planning 28/08/2019: Follow up meeting with EA to Advisor and Combined WBC and progress scope of SWDR flood Flood Risk Consortium meeting modelling and flood Specialist to co-ordinate compensation applications Thames Water Developer 29/08/18: Pre- 25/09/18: Pre-Development Services Development enquiry enquiry provided request

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Thames Water Developer 03/07/2019: Planning No objection to application Services Response with suggested conditions to address area wide foul drainage capacity. Wokingham Borough Senior Specialist 29/08/18: Email 10/09/18: LLFA correspondence Council (WBC) Flood and requesting flood and received Drainage drainage information Manager from LLFA

Emy Circuit 24/10/18: Scoping No objection to the proposed SDL response scope of the Development EIA

Naveen Tangri E-mail dated Clarification of details for FRA 13/02/2019 and and surface water drainage Principal Flood 20/02/2019 and strategy Risk & Drainage Meeting dated Officer 19/02/2019 Naveen Tangri 18/06/2019: Planning Approval recommended with application conditions. Principal Flood Including; that culverting is not Risk & Drainage undertaken for the watercourse Officer diversion

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Current Baseline Conditions 12.24 This section describes the Project Site in the context of the hydrological environment; and sets the baseline conditions which the potential effects of the Project can be assessed against. The future baselines (Scenario 1 and 2) is reviewed later in this section.

Topography 12.25 Topographical data obtained from Survey Open Data indicates that levels of the Project generally fall from the west to the east and north to south following the “valley” created by the Emm Brook and its tributary, with the maximum and minimum levels approximately 70.55m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) and 48.99m AOD respectively.

Surface Water Surface Water Resources 12.26 The Emm Brook is an Ordinary Watercourse where it flows northwest towards and through the western part of the Project Site. At the boundary between the Project Site boundary and the land within the control of Persimmon (Cumulative Site Ref. 1), immediately to the west, Emm Brook becomes an Environment Agency (EA) main river as it flows west and north towards and through the urban areas of Wokingham. This is identified as a receptor of High importance.

12.27 The unnamed tributary of the Emm Brook which flows from the eastern Project Site boundary in a westerly direction is shown to originate within the Project Site boundary, next to Waterloo Road. From this point, the watercourse flows in a westerly direction to join the Emm Brook approximately 50m north east of Ludgrove School. A further ordinary watercourse flows into the Emm Brook tributary from north of the railway, passing beneath the railway in a culvert. This is identified as a receptor of High importance due to scale, Main River status and water quality importance.

12.28 A second unnamed tributary of the Emm Brook flows from south of the Project Site in a northerly direction. The tributary joins the Emm Brook immediately to the west of Ludgrove Path. This is identified as a receptor of High importance due to scale and water quality importance.

12.29 Queen’s Mere reservoir is located approximately 2km south of the Project Site. This is identified as a receptor of High importance due to scale and water quality importance.

12.30 Holme Green is to the immediate south east of the Project Site and contains a number of surface water features. This is identified as a receptor of Low importance due to scale and classification.

12.31 There are no other known waterbodies within 1km of the Project Site.

Surface Water Abstractions and Discharges 12.32 The EA requires all water abstraction to be considered in the EIA, including licenced and non- licenced abstractions.

12.33 There are 3 surface water abstractions within 250m of the Project Site, 1 between 251m to 500m of the Project Site and 3 up to 1000m of the Project Site. There are 4 discharge consents on the Project Site, 16 within 250m of the Project Site and 6 between 251m to 500m of the Project Site. These are identified as receptors of High importance due to water quality impacts for potential use (abstractions). The details are contained within the Envirocheck Report contained in Chapter 15: Ground Conditions.

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Foul Water Sewers 12.34 There is very little adopted foul water infrastructure shown on the Thames Water asset plans within the Project Site boundary. Most of the foul drainage, within existing urban areas of Wokingham, flows in a northerly direction and away from the Project Site towards the sewage treatment works located to the north of the town.

Water Resources 12.35 The Revised Water Resources Management Plan shows South East Water supplies water to the Water Resource Zone 4, Bracknell (WRZ), in which the Project Site is situated.

12.36 21% of water is supplied by one surface water source, 63% of water is supplied by 12 groundwater sources from the Chalk, Greensand and Hythe aquifers and 17% of water is supplied by inter-company transfer from Affinity Water.

12.37 The EA’s consultation on ‘Identifying Areas of Water Stress for the UK’ (within the Revised Water Resources Management Plan) identifies the Thames region to be a seriously water stressed area.

12.38 The population in the WRZ is predicted to grow by 19.5% up to the period of 2044/45, placing a greater stress on the zone. The dry year annual average deficit is predicted to be 343 ml/day in 2044-45, rising to 797 ml/day in 2099-100. The Baseline supply demand forecast gives a deficit from 2044/45 of 60Ml/d, rising to 147.6 Ml/d by 2079/80.

12.39 In order to address the issue of increasing deficit, South East Water plan to implement the following measures:

 In the short term, continue to install household water meters, and introduce a reward system for efficiency, whilst reducing leakage through system upgrades and improvements,  Across the short and medium terms, there are plans for new abstractions, from groundwater resources and the Teddington river abstraction scheme, and to introduce a new reservoir scheme at Abingdon, and  In the long term, water transfer using the Oxford Canal is planned, and the introduction of a potable re-use scheme at Beckton, from 2091.

Geology 12.40 BGS online mapping indicates that the majority of the Project Site is underlain by London Clay Formation – Clay, Silt and Sand. Superficial deposits River terrace, Alluvium and Head are present at the Project Site. Further information on the soil and geology is contained in Chapter 15: Ground Conditions

Hydrogeology 12.41 BGS Hydrogeology mapping indicates that the London Clay Formation is classified as Unproductive Strata within the vicinity of the Proposed Project Development. Areas designated as Unproductive Strata are rock layers or drift deposits with low permeability that has negligible significance for water supply or river base flow.

12.42 The Project Site does not lie within a Source Protection Zone.

12.43 BGS records indicate a borehole record approximately 225m to the south west of the Project Site, into the Claygate Member (London Clay Formation); the boreholes in this location were drilled to a depth of between 1.2m below ground level (bgl) and 3.6m bgl. Groundwater strikes were not recorded on any of the 11 holes.

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Groundwater Abstractions and Discharges 12.44 There are no groundwater abstraction licenses held within 1km of the Project Site. The details are contained within the Envirocheck Report contained in Phase 2 Appendix 15.1.

Ecological Designations 12.45 No international or national ecological designations have been identified on-site.

12.46 The Proposed Project Development is within 2.5km of several ecologically designated sites, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserves (LNR).

12.47 Although these are of High Importance in terms of scale and water quality. The distance between the various ecologically designated sites and the Project Site, and the lack of watercourses connecting the Project Site with ecological designations, indicates that the Proposed Project Development is unlikely to have an impact on the ecologically designated sites.

12.48 The Big Wood (Potential Local Wildlife Site) Ancient and Semi-Natural Woodland is underlain by the same geological unit as the Proposed Project Development, which could allow for groundwater connections. However, the underlying geology within the vicinity of the Proposed Project Development is classified as Unproductive Strata, meaning it has negligible significance for water supply or river base flow and is therefore unlikely to provide groundwater connections. This receptor is of High Importance.

Flood Risk and Drainage Flood Risk Receptor Value 12.49 This section of the chapter defines the baseline flood risk from all sources as defined under the NPPF and as reported in the Flood Risk Assessment for the Project Site (contained as Phase 2 Appendix 12.1).

12.50 The importance of receptors relates to the NPPF vulnerability classification for land uses potentially affected by the Proposed Project Development. Potential receptors can therefore be occupiers or users of the Proposed Project Development, as well as users or occupiers of land outside of the Project Site boundary that could be affected by changes to flood risk as a result of the Proposed Project Development.

12.51 The Proposed Project Development will cover an area of 105 (ha) and is made up of proposed residential and commercial uses and a Primary school. According to the NPPF vulnerability classification, the proposed residential properties and the school are classed as “More vulnerable”, whilst the commercial space is classed as “Less vulnerable”. Open space, and in particular the SANG provision, is classified as “Water Compatible”. Therefore, the receptor importance/sensitivity of receptors in relation to flood risk is classified as:

 High importance for the residential development and the primary school;  Medium importance for the commercial space; and  Low importance for the SANG and open space.

12.52 The FRA (Phase 2 Appendix 12.1) and correspondence with the EA, confirms the Project Site as being within a combination of Flood Zones 1, 2 and 3. Phase 2 Figure 12.1 of this chapter reproduces the current EA “Flood Map for Planning” for the Project Site.

Fluvial Flood Risk 12.53 The Environment Agency’s Flood Map for Planning, reproduced as Phase 2 Figure 12.1, shows the Proposed Project Development areas to lie mainly within Flood Zone 1 (low risk) with areas

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located in Flood Zones 2 (medium risk) and 3 (high risk), based on current EA Mapping. Consequently, the risk of flooding from fluvial sources is considered to range from Very Low to High.

12.54 WSP has also considered the ‘future baseline’ scenario whereby the SWDR is in place along with the proposed realignment of the Emm Brook tributary and the resultant impacts and changes to the associated flood zones. Post SWDR, the Proposed Project Development will be in areas that will be classified as Flood Zone 1.

12.55 Detailed mapping of the Post SWDR flood zones has been submitted by WBC in 2019 (Wokingham Borough Council detail planning application for the South Wokingham Distributor Road (SWDR) (Wokingham Borough Council reference – 192928) and agreement with the EA is being sought by WBC that will result in a redefining of the current published “Flood Map for Planning”.

Groundwater Flood Risk 12.56 The underlying bedrock is comprised of the London Clay Formation. This formation is classified as Unproductive Strata by the Environment Agency and limits the potential for groundwater flood risk to the Project Site and a continuous shallow groundwater body is not considered to be likely in the formation.

12.57 BGS records indicate a borehole record approximately 225m to the south-west of the Project Site, into the Claygate Member (London Clay Formation); the boreholes in this location were drilled to a depth of between 1.2m below ground level (bgl) and 3.6m bgl. Groundwater strikes were not recorded on any of the 11 holes.

12.58 However, site walkovers and local knowledge suggest that some shallow groundwater may be encountered on-site. This could be a combination of shallow perched surface water held within and above the top soils and entering excavations when works are undertaken.

12.59 The overall groundwater flood risk is considered low, but may be encountered in pockets of the Project Site.

Existing Sewer and Drainage Infrastructure 12.60 Thames Water have confirmed they do not hold any records of incidents of flooding as a result of surcharging public sewers within the vicinity of the Project Site.

Future baseline conditions Scenario 1: Delivery of the full link road (Eastern Gateway, Link Road, Western Gateway) 12.61 The future baseline is to be set as post-implementation of the SWDR (WBC application references this as the “SWDR”) and the associated amendments to the Emm Brook tributary. This also includes amendments to the current published flood zone mapping. These are described in more detail in the accompanying FRA (Phase 2 Appendix 12.1).

12.62 Should the Proposed Project Development not proceed, it is considered that the future baseline conditions in relation to flooding, hydrology and water resources at the Project Site would remain relatively unchanged from that proposed as part of the SWDR works, provided the flood defences proposed as part of the SWDR works, namely; the flood compensation storage volume required to replace the existing Easthampstead attenuation basin by the creation of the SANG attenuation basin and the flow control within the Emm Brook to mitigate the SWDR bridge construction within the land forming the Persimmon application (Cumulative Site Ref. 1), are appropriately maintained and the level of protection offered continued.

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12.63 The volume and intensity of precipitation falling on the Project Site is predicted to increase due to climate change (NPPF guidance), leading to increased pluvial and hence surface water runoff flood risk, and increased pressure on sewerage infrastructure. An increase in groundwater levels, associated with increased precipitation could also result in shallower groundwater levels at the Project Site.

12.64 The Emm Brook has a current ecological status of “moderate” under the Water Framework Directive and this is a result of high Phosphate concentrations. Development of South Wokingham and implementation of SuDS measures to manage water quality are likely to reduce transfer of phosphate to the Emm Brook as land is taken out of agricultural production. Therefore, the Proposed Project Development may contribute towards improvements in the WFD status of this river waterbody.

12.65 As discussed above, the implementation of the SWDR will result in a redirected and enhanced Emm Brook Tributary and a resultant redefinition of the associated flood extents, mapping and classification. This will ultimately enable new development to be located in areas that are classified “Flood Zone 1.

12.66 The SWDR will not only redefine the route of the Emm Brook Tributary but will add new culverted crossing points and attenuation areas for highway runoff. These will be retained within the Project Site with some amendments to the Emm Brook Tributary to facilitate the Proposed Project Development. This is described in more detail below.

12.67 In addition to the watercourse alterations and compensation measures forming part of the SWDR application, the existing Thames Water surface water sewers that currently discharge into the Emm Brook tributary watercourse will be diverted and a new sewer taken through the site to discharge to the compensation storage area located in the Project SANG. The route of this extended sewer is shown in Figure 12.2 (reproduced from WBC co-ordination plan SK 022).

Scenario 2: Delivery of the link road within the red line boundary 12.68 The delivery of a truncated SWDR that extends through the Project Site but terminates towards the western boundary, therefore not connecting through to Wokingham further to the west, will have a minimal impact on the Project Site in terms of flood risk.

12.69 The SWDR works to the Emm Brook tributary along with the potential Sports Hub access link across the Emm Brook will be included in this scheme as well as the wider SWDR scheme. This, therefore, does not change the extent of works or the impacts within the Project Site in terms of flood risk and drainage.

12.70 There are elements of the works proposed full SWDR works that have an impact on the wider areas but not the Project Site (as these works are downstream of the Project Site) that are removed if the SWDR does not extend beyond the Project Site boundary. These include:

 Provision of the SWDR bridge across the Emm Brook (Main River section) would not be required;  Flood protection measures in the form of the flow control to the Emm Brook would not be required to compensate for the bridge crossing, and  Surface water attenuation for the SWDR between the western boundary of the Project Site and the existing urban areas of Wokingham.

12.71 These features are all downstream of the Project Site and as a result do not impact the Project Site or its receptors. However, there will be some potential positive impacts in terms of not

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requiring a crossing of the Emm Brook and negative impact in not providing the proposed increased defences to the north. These are elements outside the Project Site application and will be considered as part of the cumulative impacts section.

Sensitive receptors 12.72 The following are the sensitive receptors which have been assessed.

Table 12.5: Sensitive Receptors Water Resource Receptor2 Importance Surface Water Bodies Emm Brook (Main River) High Unnamed tributary of the Emm Brook High Queens Mere Reservoir High Holme Green Low The Proposed Project Development Residential / School – More Vulnerable High (in relation to Flood Risk) Local Centre and Primary School Medium SANG / Open Space – Water Compatible Low Ecological Designations Ancient Woodland High Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) High Local Nature Reserves (LNR) High Groundwater (Secondary Aquifer) Medium Thames Water Sewer and Drainage Network Medium Water Resource Zone 4, Bracknell High

Impacts of the Proposed Project Development Relevant elements of the Proposed Project Development and establishing the pre- mitigation scenario 12.73 The elements of the Proposed Project Development that are relevant to the assessment of effects of flooding, drainage, water quality and water resources are discussed below.

12.74 Due to the creation of new impermeable areas, the following attenuation features will be implemented; permeable paving, swales, geo-cellular storage and detention basins. Drainage networks and conveyance SuDS features will be designed to accommodate the 1% annual probability rainfall event runoff (1 in 100 year) with a 40% allowance for climate change and discharge this to SuDS features and then ultimately to the Emm Brook and Emm Brook tributary which flows through the Project Site. The overall surface water drainage strategy for the Project Site is shown on Phase 2 Figure 12.3 and discussed in more detail within the FRA (Phase 2 Appendix 12.1).

12.75 As stated above, the Proposed Project Development is dependent on the provision of the WBC delivery of the Southern Distributor Road (SWDR) and its inherent related infrastructure. In terms of this chapter, this is mainly related to the Emm Brook tributary and its flood plain, the provision of the flood compensation basin and SWDR drainage within the proposed SANG area and the proposed realignment and culverting of the Emm Brook Tributary watercourse. As a

2 Sewerage infrastructure is excluded from this table as it is considered to be a pathway rather than a receptor

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result, this assessment is based on the available WBC information at the time of writing. In particular, the realignment of the Emm Brook Tributary and the proposed changes to the current Environment Agency mapped flood zones.

12.76 The Emm Brook tributary will be diverted as part of the SWDR works and culverted where necessary to allow crossing by the new road (SWDR). New attenuation features for highway drainage is to be provided as part of the Eastern Gateway works and new surface water outfalls will be required for the SWDR element of the works.

12.77 The Emm Brook itself is to be culverted to provide the safeguarded access route to the WBC Sports Hub. As discussed above, this will be constructed by WBC and will incorporate the flow control required by the SWDR to compensate for the Emm Brook bridge crossing.

12.78 New culverts and diversion works to the post SWDR realigned Emm Brook tributary will be carried out to allow the development accesses and adjacent development. In particular the development of the Local Centre.

12.79 As previously stated, the main drainage and flood risk features within the SANG are to be constructed as part of the SWDR works. As part of the Project, the Holme Park SANG is to ultimately include a number of walking and cycling routes and in order to provide these it is proposed to include three small timber and steel footbridges across the Emm Brook within the SANG.

12.80 New foul water pumping stations will be constructed with new rising mains to combine at a terminal pumping station located close to the Eastern Gateway roundabout. From this station a connection across the new SWDR railway bridge (currently under construction by WBC) to the Thames Water discharge point into the existing foul drainage network to the north of the Proposed Project Development (Montague Park).

Construction Phase 12.81 During the construction phase of the Proposed Project Development, there is the potential for the following short-term impacts on the surface water environment in the absence of mitigation measures:

Short term increase in flood risk due to construction activities  Construction activities associated with the Proposed Project Development are likely to lead to the introduction of impervious structures and a reduced permeable area through the siting of contractor’s compounds, haul roads and storage areas. These will temporarily increase the volume and rate of surface water runoff reaching open areas which may lead to an increased risk of flooding across the Proposed Project Development area and in the surrounding area.  The risk of flooding at the Proposed Project Development could also be increased during the construction phase by construction debris potentially entering the drainage system and causing blockages.  Overland flow, into or out of the Project Site during construction, would currently follow the line of least resistance and follows natural topography which may be modified during site preparation, earthworks, soil stripping and construction. Drainage, surface water and pluvial flooding, especially after extreme rainfall events, has the potential to harm workers on-site, particularly if they are working in excavations which have the potential to fill with water. The modified flow pathways and soil conditions (compaction, exposure of more permeable soils) could lead to changes in flooding on and off-site due to increases in runoff volumes and flow rates.

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 The sensitivity of Third parties, nearby developments and construction workers to an increase in flood risk during the site preparation, earthworks and construction phase is high and the magnitude of change, prior to mitigation, is moderate. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, temporary, short term effect of moderate significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures.

Potential effects on the water quality of water resources, due to accidental leaks and spillages  During the construction phase, it will be necessary to store construction materials as well as oils, fuels and other chemicals on the Project Site. There could be accidental spillage of these materials that, if left unmanaged, could enter local surface water features, including the Emm Brook, Emm Brook Tributary and groundwater.  The contamination of surface water and/or groundwater may have an impact on the ecological status of the Emm Brook, as well as its ability to achieve its status objective of ‘good’ by 2027.  The sensitivity of the Emm Brook and its associated tributaries is considered to be high, and the magnitude of change, prior to mitigation, is major. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, temporary, short term effect to the quality of surface water or moderate to major significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures.

Potential increase in physical contamination (i.e. sedimentation) of surface water bodies, due to ground disturbance  During the site preparation and construction phase of the Proposed Project Development there will be a number of activities which will disturb the ground, leading to the potential for increased sediment in surface water runoff reaching local watercourses and groundwater sources. This could contaminate surface water and groundwater, reducing their quality. These activities include:  Movement and use of static and mobile plant/construction vehicles such as excavators, dumper trucks, hydraulic breakers and haulage trucks;  Breaking out of existing hardstanding, breaking up of concrete, removal of structures;  Materials handling, storage, stockpiling, spillage and disposal;  Earthworks activities, including excavation and stockpiling of materials;  Construction of drainage features; and  Installation of infrastructure and roads and haul routes associated with this phase of works.  The construction activities may lead to the disturbance and mobilisation of physical contaminants (i.e. sediment). Vehicle movements resulting in damage to soil structure may generate increased suspended solids content within surface water runoff, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. In addition, during periods of dry, windy weather, wind-blown dusts generated by the excavation of soils and breaking out of existing hardstanding have the potential to directly reduce the quality of surface water and groundwater features.  These activities, if left unmitigated; could result in sediments indirectly (e.g. wind-blown) or directly (via surface water runoff) entering surface water features, and potentially affecting the physical quality of surface water features in the surrounding area. Any sediment entering surface water features could cause increased sediment loads, potentially resulting in effects such as increased turbidity and a reduction in dissolved oxygen.  All surface water runoff ultimately discharges into the Emm Brook. The Emm Brook is currently classified by the Environment Agency under their Water Framework Directive River Basin Management Plan (WFD RBMP) as ecologically ‘moderate’. Pollutants associated with routine runoff can affect biodiversity in watercourses, by smothering feeding and breeding grounds and physically altering the habitat.

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 Due to the proximity of the Emm Brook to the Project Site, the sensitivity of the Emm Brook is and its associated tributaries is considered to be high, and the magnitude of change prior to mitigation, is also considered to be major. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, temporary, short term effect on surface water bodies and drainage features of moderate to major significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures.

Short term alterations to groundwater flow and quality  During the site preparation and construction phase of the Proposed Project Development, short term alterations to groundwater flow and quality could occur due to the digging of temporary basins and other deep excavation (utilities, drainage etc. – NOTE: there are no basements proposed in this development).  The construction of the proposed Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) during the construction phase within the study area has the potential to impact upon groundwater levels. During the winter, when groundwater levels are at their highest, the introduction of additional waters could lead to groundwater impounding or release into the excavations and groundwater flooding. This has the ability to impact upon the groundwater environment, local infrastructure and local properties with basements.  The groundwater body is defined as a Medium sensitivity receptor. The impact of groundwater flooding caused by the Proposed Project Development is considered to be moderate with most releases confined to local areas (pits and excavations). Some potential exists to expose and release perched groundwater that could then enter the main watercourses. The magnitude of this is also considered moderate and temporary as the water levels would then seek to balance. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, temporary, short-term effect to the quality of groundwater of minor significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures.

Temporary increased demand on potable water supplies associated with construction activities  Processes during the construction phase of the Proposed Project Development which may require significant volumes of water supply for mixing (particularly concrete), supply for washing down and potable water for sanitary facilities for site staff. The most intensive use of water, mixing of concrete, will be carried out off-site where possible and therefore will have a limited effect on the water supply to the Project Site.  Water supply to the Project Site during construction is expected to be provided by existing South East Water infrastructure, subject to an application to use the existing water supply for building purposes.  The increased demand in water supply during this phase is low. Discussions with South East Water have confirmed that a suitable supply can be made available. Mitigation is therefore not considered necessary during this phase.  The sensitivity of Water Resource Zone 4, Bracknell is considered to be high, and the magnitude of change is considered to be minor. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, temporary, short term effect on the Water Resource Zone 4, Bracknell of minor significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures.

Temporary increased pressure on existing infrastructure from increased wastewater flows  Wastewater generation on construction sites includes effluent from sanitary facilities provided on-site water and from washing down and wheel wash facilities. It is expected that foul water generated at the Project Site will be drained via the existing Thames Water foul sewers in the surrounding area, following treatment if required. It is possible that initial stages may be managed by contained facilities that can be tankered off-site when required. If dewatering is required during excavations for foundation preparations, then abstracted waster may be discharged into the Thames Water network, following sediment removal and following additional treatment if required

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 The increase in foul flows during this phase is considered to be minor. Mitigation is therefore not considered necessary during this phase.  The sensitivity of the Thames Water Sewer and Drainage Network is considered to be medium, and the magnitude of change, is considered to be minor. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, temporary, short-term effect on the Thames Water Sewer and Drainage Network of minor significance.

Operational Phase 12.82 During the operational phase of the Proposed Project Development (occupation of the residential properties, operation of the school and Local Centre), there is the potential for the following long-term impacts on the water environment:

Increase in flood risk during operation  There is a potential increase in risk of flooding (fluvial, pluvial and drainage) to future populations and third parties, due to the increase in impermeable surfaces and local modifications to drainage catchment patterns. Transport infrastructure in flood risk areas must be designed and constructed to remain operational and safe for users in times of flood.  The mitigation for this effect has been set out as part of the FRA (Phase 2 Appendix 12.1) and has therefore been ‘designed in’ to the Proposed Project Development. As all ‘designed in’ elements of the Proposed Project Development are considered in the pre-mitigation stage of the assessment, this potential effect is considered to be insignificant and will not be assessed further.

Potential for contamination of water resources arising from leaks and spillages  During the operational phase, untreated surface runoff from spillages could be mobilised into the surface water drainage system, and this contaminated surface water could be discharged to the Emm Brook downstream.  The mitigation for this effect has been set out as part of the surface water drainage strategy contained within the FRA (Phase 2 Appendix 12.1) and has therefore been ‘designed in’ to the Proposed Project Development. As all ‘designed in’ elements of the Proposed Project Development are considered in the pre-mitigation stage of the assessment, this potential effect is considered insignificant and will not be assessed further.  The sensitivity of the Emm Brook and its tributaries is considered to be high and the magnitude of change following mitigation is negligible. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, permanent, long term, short term effect on the local surface water bodies of negligible significance following the implementation of mitigation measures.

Potential increase in physical contamination (i.e. sedimentation) of surface water bodies  There is the potential for physical contamination of surface water bodies and drainage features to occur during the operational phase, as pollutants, including dissolved and particulate contaminants, are associated with routine runoff from an operational road and hard surfaces.  The mitigation for this effect has been set out as part of the Surface Water Drainage Strategy contained within the FRA (Phase 2 Appendix 12.1) and has therefore been ‘designed in’ to the Proposed Project Development. As all ‘designed in’ elements of the Proposed Project Development are considered in the pre-mitigation stage of the assessment, this potential effect is considered to be insignificant and will not be assessed further.  The sensitivity of the Emm Brook and its associated tributaries is considered to be high and the magnitude of change following mitigation is negligible. Therefore, there is likely to be a

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direct, permanent, long term effect on the local surface water bodies of negligible significance following the implementation of mitigation measures.

Permanent increased demand on potable water supplies.  This operational impact links directly to the Water Resource Zone 4, Bracknell.  The predicted water consumption and demand as a result of the Proposed Project Development is set out in Table 12.6.

Table 12.6: Water Usage and Demand Average Average number Consumption per Proposed Proposed consumption per of people per residential unit Number of Demand person (l/h/d) household (l/h/d) Units (m3/day) 110 2.25 247.5 1649 408

Average consumption per person Gross Direct Proposed Demand (m3/day) (l/h/d) Employment

17 100 1.7

 The existing Project Site comprises greenfield land, with no areas of existing development. The residential units proposed as part of the Proposed Project Development therefore result in an increased water usage demand of 408m3/day (based on 1,649 dwellings at 247.5 l/h/d consumption).  The gross direct employment is 100 people. This number of employees equates to a water usage demand of 1.7m3/day.  The total increase in water usage demand for both residential and commercial uses within the Proposed Project Development is therefore 410m3/day.  The sensitivity of the Water Resource Zone 4, Bracknell is considered to be high, and the magnitude of change prior to mitigation, is considered to be major. However, discussions with South East Water have confirmed that water supply to the occupied development is possible and thus of minor magnitude. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, permanent, long term effect on Water Resource Zone 4, Bracknell of minor significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures.

Permanent increased pressure on existing infrastructure from increased wastewater flows  Foul water generated on-site will be discharged into the Thames Water network towards the north of the Project Site. Thames Water will be providing reinforcement for this as part of their provision to serve the Project Site through their infrastructure charge mechanism introduced in April 2018. This is to be developed and confirmed at design stage. Based on a worst-case scenario, 100% of the water use supplied is assumed to go to the foul drainage network.  It is assumed that the foul flow generated by the Proposed Project Development will be similar to the water demand calculated in Table 12.6. This will lead to an increase of approximately 410m3/day into the foul drainage network.  The sensitivity of the Thames Water Sewer and Drainage Network is considered to be medium, and the magnitude of change prior to mitigation, is considered to be moderate. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, permanent, long-term effect on the Thames Water Sewer and Drainage Network of minor significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures.

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Cumulative Impacts

12.83 This section reports the assessment of effects of the Proposed Project Development in combination with the potential effects of other proposed developments.

12.84 The water environment, and in particular flood risk and drainage provision, is covered by NPPF as well as local and national policy. As such every development site (including all of those identified in the cumulative site plan) will be subject to the same legislative controls.

12.85 There are no site specific impacts identified for the sites considered as part of the cumulative review. As such only the following general impacts are considered.

Cumulative effects on water resources Construction Phase 12.86 The measures that should be implemented to manage and control these effects, and reduce the magnitude and significance of these effects to a minimum are stated in the pre-mitigation scenario. These measures form part of the CEMP for the Project Site, which would be an approach similarly adopted at other construction sites, as best practice. Assuming these are successful at other construction sites, and are appropriately monitored by the local planning authority, the cumulative effects during the construction phase for the Proposed Project Development and the other consented developments is considered to be negligible.

12.87 Regarding foul drainage, Thames Water will be providing reinforcements for a neutral overall impact on foul water drainage and South East Water mains water supply includes allowances for all the committed development within the SDL area (which also includes the land within the control of Persimmon (Cumulative Site Ref. 1).

12.88 A bridge will be constructed over the Emm Brook, when the western end of the SWDR development is built (Future baseline). This will have the potential to block the watercourse and subsequently increase flood risk, resulting in an overall negative effect. Construction impacts may be from temporary storage of materials close to or within the flood plain and temporary formwork obstructing flows prior to completion of the structures.

12.89 Water quality improvements may occur to the Emm Brook as a result of the Proposed Project Development, resulting in a minor positive effect. At present, the Emm Brook has an ecological status of “moderate” under the Water Framework Directive resulting from high Phosphate concentrations. The development of South Wokingham and implementation of SuDS measures to manage water quality is likely to reduce the transfer of phosphate to the Emm Brook as land is taken out of agricultural production.

Operational Phase 12.90 There are two new flood defence bunds, one located north of the Emm Brook and the other west of the Luckley Brook. These have been proposed in order to protect the properties to the north of the Emm Brook and to provide additional storage upstream to benefit downstream areas within Wokingham. These will provide an overall positive effect.

12.91 The proposed SWDR bridge across the Emm Brook has been modelled by WBC as part of the SWDR works in order to minimise the risk with the location and structure arrangement designed to minimise impact. The adverse impact of the crossing has been mitigated in the design and modelling carried out by WBC to confirm the design strategy. The mitigation for

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which is included in the SWDR application in the form of a flow control to the Emm Brook located beneath the proposed Sports Hub access road.

12.92 The loss of the existing attenuation basin to the immediate west of Easthampstead Road is being mitigated as part of the SWDR application by the construction of the new basin within the Project Holme Park SANG area.

Mitigation Embedded Mitigation 12.93 The Proposed Project Development is dependent on the provision of the WBC delivery of the Southern Distributor Road (SWDR) and its inherent related infrastructure related to the Emm Brook tributary and its flood plain and the proposed new compensation works, realignment and culverting of this watercourse.

12.94 Through the adoption of best practice construction methods there are several measures that can be considered as embedded mitigation which will reduce the risk and likelihood that some potential impacts on water resources or flood risk would occur. The measures will be developed and set out in the proposed Code of Construction Practice (CoCP) and implemented through a CEMP to be prepared prior to construction works for the Proposed Project Development.

12.95 Best practice recommendations for the prevention of contamination will be outlined in more detail in the CEMP or equivalent, and agreed with statutory consultees prior to commencement of construction works. This will include measures to comply with relevant legislation and guidance, and best practice measures in line with the Considerate Contractors Scheme and Site handbook for the construction of SUDS (CIRIA C698). It will include an erosion prevention and sediment control plan to reduce the quantity of sediment entrained in runoff and to prevent hydro-morphological changes to surface water features.

12.96 All site works and ground works will be undertaken in accordance with the CEMP. The CEMP will include the following items.

 Programme and phasing details of works;  A broad plan of site preparation and construction works, highlighting the various stages and their context within the project, including a full schedule of materials, manpower resources, and plant and equipment resources;  Detailed site layout arrangements, plans for storage, accommodation, vehicular movements, delivery and access;  Prohibition of restricted operations;  Details of plant used; and,  Details of operations that are likely to result in disturbance, with an indication of the expected duration of each phase with key dates.

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Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL Project EIA Environmental Statement Vol 1: Hydrology and Flood Risk

Embedded Construction phase mitigations Short term increase in flood risk due to construction activities 12.97 The following mitigation measures should be embedded within the proposed CoCP and implemented during the construction phase, to manage flood risk and increased surface water runoff:

 Concurrent phasing of site preparation, earthworks and construction and operational works may be required for the Project Site and the potential for construction activities to occur within the Project Site at the same time as other phases become operational;  The drainage strategy will be implemented on a phase by phase basis as part of the design solution;  Movement of materials around the Project Site will be managed under an appropriate Materials Management Plan to ensure the placement of materials does not change the flood risk. Materials will not be stockpiled in the floodplain or in such a way that will increase flood risk off-site;  It is anticipated that surface water run-off from the various construction areas within the Project Site could be managed by the use of temporary bunding and settlement ponds to protect the receiving water environment from excess water, sediment load and contaminants. Settlement ponds allow for isolation and on-site treatment of sediment laden or chemically contaminated surface water runoff prior to discharge, following agreement with the appropriate authority, or use of other appropriate means of disposal;  Best practice construction measures will be adopted in line with the Considerate Contractors Scheme and ‘Site handbook for the construction of SUDS’ (CIRCA C698) to minimise the risk of flooding during construction.

Potential effects on the water quality of water resources, due to accidental leaks and spillages 12.98 The following mitigation measures should be embedded within the CoCP and implemented during the construction phase, to manage the risk of leaks and spillages of contaminants from entering surface water or groundwater bodies on-site during construction.

 Preparation of incident response plans, prior to construction, which should be present on- site throughout construction to inform contractors of required actions in the event of a pollution incident;  Spillages and leaks will be immediately contained in line with the incident response plan;  On-site availability of oil spill clean-up equipment including absorbent material and inflatable booms for use in the event of an oil spill or leak;  Wherever possible, plant and machinery will be kept away from the drainage system and watercourses;  Use of drip trays under mobile plant;  Construction materials bought to the Project Site should be free of any contaminated material, so as to avoid any possible contamination of watercourses; and,  Care should be taken to ensure that wet cement does not come into contact with surface water or near the streams and drainage ditches. Cement should be poured in dry and consideration should be given to use fast drying cement. Potential increase in physical contamination (i.e. sedimentation) of surface water bodies, due to ground disturbance 12.99 The following mitigation measures should be embedded within the CoCP and implemented during the construction phase, to manage the risk of physical contamination (i.e. sedimentation) of surface water bodies, on-site during construction.

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 Working areas shall be clearly defined to ensure the disturbance of soils is minimised, where possible;  If ground contamination is encountered during construction works, work will stop immediately and measures will be taken to prevent disturbance and mobilisation of contaminants, until the contamination has been treated in-situ or removed for off-site treatment;  A Phase II site Investigation should be commissioned to assess the risk of contaminated soils and groundwater at the Project Site – refer to requirements set out in Chapter 15: Ground Conditions  Haul routes and accesses shall be clearly defined to minimise risk of accidents;  The cleaning of vehicles wheels prior to leaving the Applications Site;  Controlled and covered waste storage areas;  Dust Management Plan (i.e. damping down);  Installation of systems such as silt traps and swales designed to trap silty water including adequate maintenance and monitoring of these to ensure effectiveness, particularly after adverse weather conditions;  Provision of environmental awareness training for site workers;  The Drainage Strategy will be implemented on a phase by phase basis as part of the design solution; and,  Use of inert, uncontaminated material during construction.

Short term alterations to groundwater flow and quality 12.100 The following mitigation measures should be embedded within the CoCP and implemented during the construction phase, to manage the risk of alterations to groundwater flow and quality, on-site during construction.

 Pile casing during piling and isolation of the area around the piling from surface water until piling is complete;  If perched groundwater is encountered within the made ground or superficial deposits at the Project Site, during the establishments of the foundations, dewatering may be required. The most appropriate method of dewatering will be chosen at this stage, which may include the enclosure of the excavation by sheet piling. Piezometers could be used outside of the sheet-pile to monitor groundwater levels;  If ground contamination is encountered during construction works, work will stop immediately and measures will be taken to prevent disturbance and mobilisation of contaminants, until the contamination has been treated in-situ or removed for off-site treatment.  Water arising from excavations will require disposal into Thames Water foul sewer network under appropriate licence from Thames Water.  Damp proof membranes will be incorporated during construction, to prevent the ingress of shallow groundwater if present.

Embedded operational phase mitigation 12.101 The following elements are primary mitigation measures that have been ‘designed in’ during the design process, and are considered to be of best practice.

Increase in flood risk during operation 12.102 To manage the flood risk at the Project Site, a Surface Water Drainage Strategy (Phase 2 Appendix 12.1) has been prepared for the Proposed Project Development. The strategy is to be delivered in accordance with the phases of the development, and in accordance with national

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Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL Project EIA Environmental Statement Vol 1: Hydrology and Flood Risk

and local policy to ensure surface water flood risk is not increased by the Proposed Project Development.

12.103 It is proposed that on-site storage will be provided in the form of SuDS features such as permeable paving, swales, geo-cellular storage and attenuation basins as well as utilising online storage within an enhanced Emm Brook tributary and for areas discharging to the Emm Brook.

Potential increase in physical contamination (i.e. sedimentation) of surface water bodies 12.104 The potential physical contamination of the water environment will be managed through regular maintenance of the proposed SuDS features which will consist of the following:

 Permeable paving: brushing and vacuuming three times per year; removal of weeds, repair any broken blocks / damaged areas; maintain vegetation; three-monthly inspection of poor operation and/or weed growth; annual inspection of silt accumulation and inspection chambers.  Detention Basins (not SWDR highway drainage as these are under a separate WBC management regime): Monthly removal of litter and debris; monthly grass cutting and vegetation management; annual sediment removal and management of wetland plants; re- seed areas of poor growth and prune trees every 1 – 3 years; remove sediment from forebay every 3-10 years; monthly inspection for blockages and physical damage; six- monthly inspection for silt accumulation and functioning of mechanical devices (where necessary).  Swales: Monthly removal of litter, grass cutting and vegetation management; annual re- seeding and pruning; repair erosion, reinstate design levels, scarify and spike topsoil, remove sediment and remove oils or petrol residues as required; monthly inspection for blockages, ponding, compaction and silt accumulation.  Geo-cellular Storage Tanks: Six monthly inspection of system to check issues and blockages including all inlets, outlets, vents and overflows; annual removal of sediment from pre- treatment structures / internal forebays; five-yearly survey inside tank to check for sediment accumulation and remove as required.  Adoptable Roads: Annual maintenance of the surface water drainage network serving adoptable roads, in accordance with the Council’s standard highway maintenance regime.  On-site Sewer Network: Six monthly maintenance and inspection of the surface water sewer network. Potential for contamination of water resources arising from leaks and spillages 12.105 There is the potential for physical contamination of surface water bodies and drainage features to occur during the operational phase, as pollutants, including dissolved and particulate contaminants, are associated with routine runoff from an operational road.

12.106 The SuDS Manual identifies the pollution hazard level associated with the land uses within the drainage catchment within the Project Site. Where the pollution hazard levels have been assessed as “medium” or higher, additional treatment will be required upstream of the proposed detention basin(s) as detailed in the surface water strategy contained in the FRA (Phase 2 Appendix 12.1).

Permanent increased demand on potable water supplies 12.107 South East Water, through their WRMP, identify a number of mitigation measures to address the issue of increasing deficit. In the short term, continue to install household water meters, and introduce a reward system for efficiency, whilst reducing leakage through system upgrades and improvements. Across the short and medium terms, there are plans for new abstractions, from

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Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL Project EIA Environmental Statement Vol 1: Hydrology and Flood Risk

groundwater resources and the Teddington river abstraction scheme, and to introduce a new reservoir scheme at Abingdon. In the long term, water transfer using the Oxford Canal is planned, and the introduction of a potable re-use scheme at Beckton, from 2091.

Permanent increased pressure on existing infrastructure from increased wastewater flows 12.108 It is assumed that the Thames Water strategy will accurately consider the increased pressures on the foul sewerage infrastructure, and appropriate upgrades to infrastructure will be made. Liaison with Thames Water and capacity check are required to assess whether the foul network has capacity to accommodate the foul flow of the Proposed Project Development and if an upgrade of the existing network will be required. Thames Water will be providing reinforcement for this; however, this should be confirmed at design stage.

Residual Impacts Construction Phase

Short term increase in flood risk due to construction activities 12.109 It is considered that, providing the measures described above are implemented, flood risk during construction will be mitigated.

12.110 The sensitivity of third parties, nearby developments and construction workers following the mitigation is negligible. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, temporary, short term residual effect of negligible significance following the implementation of mitigation measures.

Potential effects on the water quality of water resources, due to accidental leaks and spillages 12.111 It is considered that, providing the measures described above are implemented, the risk of surface water contamination of local surface water features from accidental spillages will be mitigated and there should not be a reduction in status of the WFD RBMP ecological classification of the Emm Brook.

12.112 The sensitivity of the Emm Brook and its associated tributaries is high, and the magnitude of change, following mitigation, is negligible. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, temporary, short term residual effect on surface water bodies of negligible significance following the implementation of mitigation measures.

Potential increase in physical contamination (i.e. sedimentation) of surface water bodies, due to ground disturbance 12.113 It is considered that, providing the measures described above are implemented, the risk of increased sediment mobilisation to water receptors will be mitigated and there should not be a reduction in the WFD RBMP chemical classification of the Emm Brook.

12.114 The sensitivity of the Emm Brook and its associated tributaries is high, and the magnitude of change, following mitigation, is negligible. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, temporary, short term residual effect on surface water bodies of negligible significance following the implementation of mitigation measures.

Short term alterations to groundwater flow and quality 12.115 It is considered that, providing the measures described above are implemented, short term alterations to groundwater flow and quality during construction will be mitigated.

12.116 The groundwater body is defined as a negligible sensitivity receptor and the magnitude of change, following mitigation, is negligible. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, temporary,

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short term residual effect on surface water bodies of negligible significance following the implementation of mitigation measures.

Operational Phase 12.117 The following potential effects have not been considered further due to pre-mitigation:

 Increase in flood risk during operation;  Potential increase in physical contamination (i.e. sedimentation) of surface water bodies;  Potential for contamination of water resources arising from leaks and spillages.

Permanent increased demand on potable water supplies 12.118 The sensitivity of the Water Resource Zone 4, Bracknell is high, and the magnitude of change, following mitigation, is minor. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, long term, permanent residual effect on Water Resource Zone 4, Bracknell of minor significance following the implementation of mitigation measures.

Permanent increased pressure on existing infrastructure from increased wastewater flows 12.119 The sensitivity of the Thames Water Sewer and Drainage Network is medium, and the magnitude of change, following mitigation is minor. Therefore, there is likely to be a direct, long term, permanent residual effect on Thames Water Sewer and Drainage Network of negligible to minor significance following the implementation of mitigation measures.

Table 12.7: Summary of Impacts Receptor Mitigation Measures Proposed Residual Impact Construction Phase Emm Brook - Short term Mitigation measures will be put in place Direct, temporary, short term increase in flood risk due to and embedded within the CoCP residual effect of negligible construction activities significance

Emm Brook - Potential effects Mitigation measures will be put in place Direct, temporary, short term on the water quality due to and embedded within the CoCP residual effect on surface water accidental leaks and spillages bodies of negligible significance

Emm Brook - Potential Mitigation measures will be put in place Direct, temporary, short term increase in physical and embedded within the CoCP residual effect on surface water contamination (i.e. bodies of negligible sedimentation) of surface significance water bodies, due to ground disturbance

Groundwater - Short term Mitigation measures will be put in place Direct, temporary, short term alterations to flow and quality and embedded within the CoCP residual effect on surface water bodies of negligible significance Water Resource Zone 4, Mitigation is not considered necessary Negligible Bracknell - Temporary during this phase. increased demand on potable water supplies Thames Water Sewer and Mitigation is not considered necessary Negligible Drainage Network during this phase

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Operational Phase Emm Brook - Increase in flood Surface Water Drainage Strategy - This effect has not been risk permeable paving, swales, geo-cellular considered further due to pre- storage, attenuation basins, on-line mitigation storage within an enhanced Emm Brook tributary Emm Brook - contamination Where the pollution hazard levels have This effect has not been arising from leaks and been assessed as “medium” or higher, considered further due to pre- spillages additional treatment will be required mitigation upstream of the proposed detention basin(s). Emm Brook - Potential Maintenance of SuDS features This effect has not been increase in physical considered further due to pre- contamination (i.e. mitigation sedimentation) Water Resource Zone 4, South East Water strategy - Household Direct, long term, permanent Bracknell - Permanent water meters, reward system for residual effect of minor increased demand on potable efficiency, reducing leakage through significance water supplies. system upgrades and improvements. New abstractions from groundwater resources and the Teddington river abstraction scheme, introduce a new reservoir scheme at Abingdon. Thames Water Sewer and Thames Water strategy will accurately Direct, long term, permanent Drainage Network consider the increased pressures on the residual effect of negligible to foul sewerage infrastructure, and minor significance appropriate upgrades to infrastructure will be made.

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References

• The Water Resources Act (1991) (Ref. 12.1); • Land Drainage Act (1994) (Ref. 12.2); • The Environmental Act (1995) (Ref. 12.3); • Anti-pollution Works Regulations (1999) (Ref. 12.4); • The Flood Risk Regulations (2009) (Ref. 12.5); • Water Framework Directive (2000) (Ref. 12.6); • The Water Act (2003) (Ref. 12.7); • Groundwater Draughter Directive (2009/118/EC) (2009) (Ref. 12.8); • The Groundwater (England and Wales) Regulations (2009) (Ref. 12.9); • Flood and Water Management Act (2010) (Ref. 12.10); • The Water Act (2014) (Ref. 12.11); • The Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) (England) Regulations (2015) (Ref. 12.12); • The Environmental Permitting Regulations (2019) (Ref. 12.13); • The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations (2017) (Ref. 12.14); • Thames Catchment Flood Management Plan [CFMP] (2009) (Ref 12.15); • Thames River Basin Management Plan [RBMP] (updated 2018) (Ref 12.16); • Non-Statutory Sustainable Drainage Technical Standards (2015) (Ref 12.17); • Wokingham Development Plan: Adopting Management Development Delivery Local Plan (2014) (Ref 12.18); • Wokingham Borough Local Development Framework Adopted Core Strategy Development Plan Document (2010) (Ref 12.19); • Wokingham Borough Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) (2010) (Ref 12.20); • Wokingham Borough Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) (2011) (12.21); • Wokingham Borough Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) (2015) (12.22); • Wokingham Borough Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (2010) (12.23); • Wokingham SuDS Strategy (2017) (12.24); • Bracknell Forest Council Design Supplementary Planning Document (2017) (12.25); • Bracknell Forest Council Sustainable Resource Management Supplementary Planning Document (2008) (12.26); • CIRIA 753 (2015) ‘The SuDS Manual’ (Ref. 12.27); • CIRIA C532 (2001) ‘Control of Pollution from Construction Sites’ (Ref. 12.28); • Environment Agency (2017) ‘Flood Risk Assessment: Standing Advice’ (Ref. 12.29); • CIRIA C698 ‘Site handbook for the construction of SUDS’ (Ref 12.30); • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2019) (Ref. 12.31); • National Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) (2014) (Ref. 12.32); • Survey Open Data (Ref 12.33); • Thames Water Draft Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) (Ref 12.34); • Environment Agency’s consultation on ‘Identifying Areas of Water Stress for the UK’ (Ref 12.35); • BGS (Ref 12.36) online mapping; • The DEFRA Magic Map application (Ref 12.37); • The Environment Agency’s Long-Term Flood Risk Mapping (Ref 12.38); and, • Considerate Contractors Scheme and ‘Site handbook for the construction of SUDS’ (CIRIA C698) (Ref. 12.39)

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Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage (ES Chapter 13)

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Update Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL

REF: P19-0051 DATE: 17th July 2020

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Update has been prepared to respond to changes to the Parameter Plans and description of development for Phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL which is currently under consideration by Wokingham Borough Council via three applications:

• Application ref: 190914 – Phase 2A

• Application ref: 191068 – Phase 2B

• Application ref: 190900 – Land to the South of St Anne's Manor

1.2 The main amendment to the scheme is that the description of development for the Phase 2B scheme has been changed to reduce the number of dwellings proposed and now reads as follows:

"Hybrid planning application (part outline/ part detailed) comprising an outline application with all matters reserved except principal means of access to the highways for a mixed use development of up to 1434 dwellings, a two-form entry primary school, local centre (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and D1 including community building D1/D2), public open space, play areas and associated infrastructure and landscaping; and a full application for the proposed Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), associated landscaping and temporary car park." 1.3 The description of development and quantum of development for both Phase 2A and Land to the South of St Anne's Manor remain unchanged.

1.4 The parameter plans have also been variously refined in response to comments received during the consultation process, albeit, as detailed below, none of these amendments are considered to impact upon the assessments set out within the Archaeology and Cultural Heritage chapters of either the Project ES, or the three site specific ES chapters previously prepared.

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2. LAND AT PHASE 2A

2.1 No substantive changes have been made to the parameter plans in relation to Phase 2A land. The Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Chapter of the Environmental Statement for Phase 2A anticipated the following residual effects during the construction and operation phases of the development:

Receptor Mitigation Measures Proposed Residual Effect Construction Phase Unknown Archaeological trench evaluation, archaeological followed by excavation and recording if Moderate remains appropriate Post-medieval field Archaeological recording Minor system Operational Phase Grade II* Listed Embedded within design Minor Lock's House Grade II Listed Embedded within design Minor Lock's Barn

2.2 The amended scheme is not considered to result in a change to the anticipated residual effects assessed within the original Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Chapter of the Environmental Statement for Phase 2A.

2.3 However, following the receipt of comments from Historic England regarding the impact of the Phase 2A on the significance of both Lock's House and Lock's Barn via a change to their setting, the proposed tree belt and landscaping at the southern boundary of the application site has been increased. Historic England have subsequently confirmed that they no longer have any concerns with regard to the residual impact of the proposed development upon those receptors.

2.4 Given that the Environmental Statement assessed that the depth of the previously proposed tree belt and landscaping was sufficient to mitigate the impact of the proposed development such that the residual effect was minor, and thus not significant, this increase in the depth of the tree belt and landscaping has simply reinforced this conclusion rather than changing the anticipated effect.

3. LAND AT PHASE 2B

3.1 As detailed above, the description of development and parameter plans for Phase 2B have been amended resulting in a reduction in the number of dwellings proposed to 1434.

3.2 The Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Chapter of the Environmental Statement for Phase 2B assessed the impact of 'up to 1495' dwellings, and thus it is considered that the assessment made within the Environmental Statement would remain valid as an

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assessment of worst case impacts upon the identified heritage receptors. The Phase 2B Environmental Statement anticipated the following residual effects which will remain unchanged:

Receptor Mitigation Measures Proposed Residual Effect Construction Phase Unknown Archaeological trench evaluation, archaeological followed by excavation and recording if Moderate remains appropriate Below-ground Archaeological trial trench evaluation for archaeological areas not previously evaluated, followed remains of Roman Moderate by excavation and recording if field system and appropriate agricultural activity Archaeological trial trench evaluation, Pond feature I followed by excavation and recording if Minor appropriate Archaeological trial trench evaluation, Pond J followed by excavation and recording if Minor appropriate Ridge and furrow Archaeological recording Minor earth works Post-medieval field Archaeological recording Minor system Operational Phase Grade I Listed None Negligible Lucas Hospital Grade II* Listed Outbuildings at None Negligible Lucas Hospital Grade II Listed Garden Wall at None Negligible Lucas Hospital Grade II* Listed Embedded within design Minor Lock's House Grade II Listed Embedded within design Minor Lock's Barn Grade II Listed Embedded within design Minor Wood's Farm Grade Ii Listed Embedded within design Minor Britton's Farmhouse Grade II Listed Barn at Britton's Embedded within design Minor Farm

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3.3 However, following the receipt of comments from Historic England regarding the impact of Phase 2B on the significance of both Lock's House and Lock's Barn via a change to their setting, the depth of the proposed tree belt and landscaping at the southern boundary of the application site has been increased and Historic England have confirmed that they no longer have any concerns with regard to the residual impact of the proposed development upon those receptors.

3.4 Given that the Environmental Statement assessed that the depth of the previously proposed tree belt and landscaping was sufficient to mitigate the impact of the proposed development such that the residual effect was minor, and thus not significant, this increase in the depth of the tree belt and landscaping has simply reinforced this conclusion rather than changing the anticipated effect.

4. LAND SOUTH OF ST ANNE'S MANOR

4.1 The Environmental Statement which assessed the St Anne's Manor Site previously concluded that the constriction phase of the development could result in a minor residual effect to the significance of unknown archaeological remains within the site which was assessed as not being significant.

4.2 The amended scheme is not anticipated to alter the above conclusions.

5. SUMMARY

5.1 Overall, it is not anticipated that the minor amendments to the parameter plans and the reduction in the number of dwellings proposed will alter the assessment of the residual effects as assessed with the Archaeology and Cultural chapter of either the project Environmental Statement or the individual Environmental Statements for Phase 2A, Phase 2B or the Land to the south of St Anne's Manor.

5.2 With specific reference to the increase of the depth of the tree belt and landscaping to the north of lock's Barn and Lock's Farmhouse is not considered to alter the assessed impact of the proposals which was previously assessed as being Minor and thus not significant, although it is noted that this increase has satisfies the concerns previously raised by Historic England, such that they now have no objection to the proposals.

6. ARCHAEOLOGY

6.1 A first phase of trial trenching has been agreed with the LPA's Archaeological Advisor which was undertaken during August and September 2019. This confirmed the results of previous proximate archaeological investigations - including along the course of the proposed Southern Distributor Road (SDR) - which had revealed only a modest level of dispersed prehistoric, Roman and post-medieval agricultural activity. A further absence of archaeological remains was identified across the majority of the site, with

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only field boundaries of little, if any, significance revealed. Two small areas of enhanced potential were identified to the west of Britton's Farm, and to the northeast, west of Big Wood House. The features identified in these locations were still comparatively sparse, however, and provided little dateable evidence.

6.2 On the basis of the results of the evaluation, the Archaeology Advisor recommended that a Mitigation Statement be prepared setting out the proposed scope and methodology for a second (post-consent) phase of trial trenching, alongside measures for mitigating any harm to any known and potential archaeological remains. The Mitigation Statement was prepared by Pegasus Group in February 2020. The statement was endorsed by the Archaeology Advisor and formally submitted to the LPA in March 2020. The approved post-consent investigation and mitigation measures set out within the statement will inform the condition(s) to be appended to grant of consent in respect of archaeology.

6.3 In conclusion, the first phase of trial trenching has not revealed any archaeological information which has led to any change to the anticipated level of impact identified within the Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Chapters of either the Project Environmental Statement, or those prepared for the individual Phases.

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Environmental Statement Vol 1: Ecology

14 Ecology

Introduction This chapter has been prepared by Ecological Survey and Assessment (ECOSA) Limited, who are competent and experienced in undertaking ES chapters relating to Ecology. This chapter assesses the ecological aspects of the Proposed Project Development at South Wokingham. In particular, this chapter describes the habitats and species (hereafter referred to as ecological features) within the Project Site’s Zone of Influence, and provides a detailed assessment of potential ecological effects of the Proposed Project Development. It identifies the need for any measures to avoid, mitigate or compensate for significant adverse effects on habitats and species and details enhancements to the Project Site’s ecology to be implemented as part of the Proposed Project Development.

Legislation The following legislation is considered relevant in relation to the proposed scheme based on the ecological features present within the Project Site’s Zone of Influence.

• The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949; • The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); • The Protection of Badgers Act 1992; • The Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996; • The Hedgerow Regulations 1997; • The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006; and • The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended).

Designated Sites Internationally Designated Sites Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) form a network of protected sites across the European Union called Natura 2000 sites. In the United Kingdom the primary legislative protection is afforded to these sites under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended).

Ramsar sites are designated as wetlands of international importance which are afforded similar legislative protection to Natura 2000 sites.

Under Regulation 63 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) there is a legal requirement that competent authorities, such as local planning authorities, need to consider whether plans or projects are likely to have a significant adverse effect on Natura 2000 sites or Ramsar sites, either alone, or in combination with other plans or projects. In the event that a likely significant effect cannot be ruled out, on the basis of objective information, then the competent authority must undertake an “Appropriate Assessment” to fully assess the plan or project against the site’s conservation objectives. Unless certain defined derogation tests can be met, the competent authority may not authorise nor undertake any plan or project which adversely affects the integrity of a Natura 2000 site or Ramsar site.

Nationally Designated Sites Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) receive legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Such sites are designated to protect specific areas of biological or geological interest of national importance. Such sites also generally receive strict protection through the planning system.

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National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are specifically managed for their wildlife value and provide access to schools, specialist interest groups and the public. They receive legal protection through the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). As with SSSIs, these sites generally receive strict protection through the planning system.

Locally Designated Sites Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are designated by local authorities under the National Park and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. These are generally designated not only for their local wildlife value but also for education, scientific and recreational purposes. These sites generally receive protection from development through the planning system.

Hedgerows The Hedgerows Regulations 1997 are intended to protect important countryside hedgerows from destruction or damage. For a hedgerow to be deemed ‘important’ under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997, it must meet one or more of a number of historic and ecological criteria. A person who intentionally or recklessly removes, or causes or permits another person to remove an ‘important’ hedgerow is guilty of an offence under these regulations, unless a ‘hedgerow removal notice’ is submitted to and approved by the local authority.

Schedule 9 Invasive Species It is illegal to plant or otherwise cause the species to grow in the wild plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). These plants are also classed as a ‘controlled waste’ under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA). As such they must be disposed of safely at a licensed landfill site according to the EPA (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991.

Bats All UK bat species are listed in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). They are afforded full protection under Section 9(4) of the Act and Regulation 43 of the Regulations. These make it an offence to:

• Deliberately capture, injure or kill any such animal; • Deliberately disturb any such animal, including in particular any disturbance which is likely: • To impair its ability to survive, breed, or rear or nurture their young; • To impair its ability to hibernate or migrate; • To affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of that species; • Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of any such animal; • Intentionally or recklessly disturb any of these animals while it is occupying a structure or place that it uses for shelter or protection; or • Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any place that any of these animals uses for shelter or protection.

In addition, five British bat species are listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive. These are:

• Greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum; • Lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros; • Bechstein’s bat Myotis bechsteinii; • Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus; and • Greater mouse-eared bat Myotis myotis.

In certain circumstances where these species are found the Directive requires the designation of SACs by EC member states to ensure that their populations are maintained at a favourable

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conservation status. Outside SACs, the level of legal protection that these species receive is the same as for other bat species.

Hazel Dormouse, Otter and Great Crested Newt Hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius, otter Lutra lutra and great crested newt Triturus cristatus are listed in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). They are afforded full protection under Section 9(4) of the Act and Regulation 43 of the Regulations. These make it an offence to:

• Deliberately capture, injure or kill any such animal; • Deliberately disturb any such animal, including in particular any disturbance which is likely, to impair its ability to survive, breed, or rear or nurture their young, to impair its ability to hibernate or migrate; • To affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of that species; • Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of any such animal; • Intentionally or recklessly disturb any of these animals while it is occupying a structure or place that it uses for shelter or protection; or • Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any place that any one of these species uses for shelter or protection.

Badger The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 consolidates previous legislation (including the Badgers Acts 1973 and 1991 Badgers (Further Protection) Act 1991). It makes it an offence to:

• Kill, injure or take a badger Meles meles; • Attempt to kill, injure or take a badger; or • To damage or interfere with a sett.

The 1992 Act defines a badger sett as ‘any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a badger’.

Water vole The water vole Arvicola amphibius is listed in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and is afforded limited protection under Section 9 of this Act. This makes it an offence to:

• Intentionally kill, injure, or take (handle) a water vole; • Intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which water voles use for shelter or protection; or • Intentionally or recklessly disturb water voles while they are using such a place.

Breeding Birds With certain exceptions, all wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected by Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Therefore, it is an offence, to:

• Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird; • Intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built; or • Intentionally take or destroy the egg of any wild bird.

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These offences do not apply to hunting of birds listed in Schedule 2 subject to various controls. Bird species listed on Schedule 1 of the Act receive further protection, thus for these species it is also an offence to:

• Intentionally or recklessly disturb any bird while it is nest building, or is at a nest containing eggs or young; or • Intentionally or recklessly disturb the dependent young of any such bird.

Reptiles The four widespread species of reptile that are native to Britain, namely common or viviparous lizard Zootoca vivipara, slow-worm Anguis fragilis, adder Vipera berus and grass snake Natrix natrix, are listed in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and are afforded limited protection under Section 9 of this Act. This makes it an offence to:

• Intentionally kill or injure any of these species.

The remaining native species of British reptile (sand lizard Lacerta agilis and smooth snake Coronella austriaca) receive a higher level of protection via inclusion under Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). They are afforded full protection under Section 9(4) of the Act and Regulation 43 of the Regulations (in England and Wales only) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). These species are restricted to only a few sites in England.

Invertebrates A number of invertebrate species are legally protected under schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(as amended). The Act states that, with certain exception and exemptions, it is an offence (without a licence) to:

• intentionally to kill or injure these wild animals; • intentionally or (in England and Wales) recklessly to damage, destroy or obstruct the places these animals use for shelter and protection; • intentionally or (in England and Wales) recklessly to disturb these animals when they are using such places; and

Anyone found guilty of any of these offences could be fined or even imprisoned. In any proceedings, the animal in question is presumed to be wild unless (on the balance of probabilities) the contrary is shown to be the case.

Species and Habitats of Principal Importance in England The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act came into force on 1st October 2006. Section 41 (S41) of the Act requires the Secretary of State to publish a list of habitats and species which are of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. The England Biodiversity List is used to guide decision-makers such as public bodies, including local and regional authorities, in implementing their duty under section 40 of the NERC Act 2006, to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal functions. There are currently 943 species of principal importance and 41 habitats of principal importance included on the England Biodiversity List. Selection of habitats of principal importance is based on the previously identified Priority Species and Priority Habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. As many resources referred to within this chapter pre-date the introduction of the term ‘Species/Habitats of Principal Importance’ and/or refer to ‘Priority Habitats/Species’, this term has been used to represent both Priority Habitats/Species and Habitats/Species of Principal Importance.

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Wild Mammals All wild mammals are protected by Section 1 of the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996. Therefore, it is an offence to mutilate, kick, beat, nail or otherwise impale, stab, burn, stone, crush, drown, drag or asphyxiate any wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering.

Planning Policy Framework This section summarises the relevant legislation and planning policy in relation to ecology and biodiversity. This information is used to assess the compliance of the scheme in relation to relevant legislation and planning policy and use this information to inform an appropriate mitigation strategy.

National Policies The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the government’s requirements for the planning system in England. The original document was published in 2012 with a revised NPPF published in February 2019. A number of sections of the NPPF are relevant when taking into account development proposals and the environment. As set out within Paragraph 11 of the NPPF “Plans and decisions should apply a presumption in favour of sustainable development”. However, Paragraph 177 goes on to state that “The presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply where the plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on a habitats site1 (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), unless an appropriate assessment has concluded that the plan or project will not adversely affect the integrity of the habitats site.”.

The NPPF sets out that development proposals should not only minimise the impacts on biodiversity but also to provide enhancement. Paragraph 170 states that the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural environment by “…minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures...”.

A number of principles are set out in Paragraph 175, including that where harm cannot be adequately avoided then it should be mitigated for, or as a last resort, compensated for. Where impacts occur on nationally designated sites, the benefits must clearly outweigh any adverse impact and incorporating biodiversity in and around developments should be encouraged. Specific reference is also made to the protection of irreplaceable habitats2, including ancient woodland3. Where loss to irreplaceable habitats occurs planning permission would normally be refused unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and an adequate compensation strategy is in place. Paragraph 175 also states “development whose primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity should be supported; while opportunities to incorporate biodiversity improvements in and around developments should be encouraged, especially where this can secure measurable net gains for biodiversity”. Protection of sites proposed as SPAs, SACs and Ramsar sites or acting as compensation for SPAs, SACs and Ramsar sites, should receive the same protection as habitat sites.

1 The NPPF defines a habitats site as “Any site which would be included within the definition at regulation 8 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 for the purpose of those regulations, including candidate Special Areas of Conservation, Sites of Community Importance, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and any relevant Marine Sites.” 2 The NPPF defines irreplaceable habitats as “Habitats which would be technically very difficult (or take a very significant time) to restore, recreate or replace once destroyed, taking into account their age, uniqueness, species diversity or rarity. They include ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees, blanket bog, limestone pavement, sand dunes, salt marsh and lowland fen.” 3 Natural England defines ancient woodland as “An area that has been wooded continuously since at least 1600 AD. It includes ancient semi-natural woodland and plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS).”

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In addition to the NPPF, Circular 06/05 provides guidance on the application of the law relating to planning and nature conservation as it applies in England. Paragraph 98 states “the presence of a protected species is a material consideration when a planning authority is considering a development proposal that, if carried out, would be likely to result in harm to the species or its habitat”. Paragraph 99 states “it is essential that the presence or otherwise of a protected species, and the extent that they may be affected by the Proposed Project Development, is established before planning permission is granted”.

Regional Policies Policy NRM6: Thames Basin Heaths SPA of The South East Plan was retained by the Secretary of State in 2013.

The policy states that new residential development that may significantly impact on Thames Basin Heaths SPA must demonstrate that adequate measures are undertaken to avoid or mitigate potential adverse impacts. These measures must be agreed with Natural England.

Where mitigation measures are required, local planning authorities will approach mitigation based on the following principles:

• There will be a zone of influence at five kilometres linear distance from the SPA where measure must be taken to ensure the integrity of the site; • There will be an “exclusion zone” of 400 metres from the SPA within the zone of influence where mitigation measures are unlikely to be sufficient; • Development proposed within the zone of influence but outside of the exclusion zone must deliver mitigation measures prior to occupation and in perpetuity. Measures will include a combination of access management and the provision of Suitable Accessible Natural Greenspace (SANG).

Where mitigation takes the form of provision of SANG, the following requirements will be required:

• A minimum of eight hectares will be provided per 1000 new occupants; • Developments of fewer than 10 dwellings should not be required to be within a specified distance of SANG land provided it is ensured that a sufficient quantity of SANG land is in place to cater for the consequent increase in residents prior to occupation of the dwellings; • Access management will strategically ensure that impacts on the SPA are avoided and that SANG functions effectively; • Local authorities will co-operate to implement mitigation measures; • Relevant parties will co-operate to monitor the effectiveness of avoidance and mitigation measures and review/amend the approach as necessary; • Local authorities will collect developer contributions to fund mitigation measures, provision of SANG land, access management and monitoring of mitigation on SPA; and • Large development may need to provide a combination of SANG provision, biodiversity enhancement, green infrastructure and recreational facilities.

Where the integrity of the SPA can be protected using alternative mitigation measures, these must be agreed with Natural England.

Local Policies The Project Site lies within the Wokingham Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Borough Council administrative areas.

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Wokingham Borough Local planning policy within Wokingham is provided by the Wokingham Borough Council final adopted Core Strategy, adopted 29th January 2010. Three policies within the core strategy specifically refers to biodiversity and ecology in relation to the Project Site.

Policy CP7: Biodiversity Sites designated as of importance for nature conservation at an international or national level will be conserved and enhanced and inappropriate development will be resisted. The degree of protection given will be appropriate to the status of the site in terms of its international or national importance. Development:

• Which may harm county designated sites (Local Wildlife Sites (LWSs) in Berkshire), whether directly or indirectly; or • Which may harm habitats or, species of principal importance in England for nature conservation, veteran trees or features of the landscape that are of major importance for wild flora and fauna (including wildlife and river corridors), whether directly or indirectly; or • That compromises the implementation of the national, regional, county and local biodiversity action plans.

will be only permitted if it has been clearly demonstrated that the need for the proposal outweighs the need to safeguard the nature conservation importance, that no alternative site that would result in less or no harm is available which will meet the need, and:

• Mitigation measures can be put in place to prevent damaging impacts; or • Appropriate compensation measures to offset the scale and kind of losses are provided.

Policy CP8: Thames Basin Heaths SPA Development which alone or in combination is likely to have a significant effect on the Thames Basin Heaths SPA will be required to demonstrate that adequate measures to avoid and mitigate any potential adverse effects are delivered.

Policy CP21: South Wokingham Strategic Development Location This policy specifically to the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location and identifies the need for measures to avoid and mitigate the impact of the development on the Thames Basin Heaths SPA in line with Policy CP8.

In addition, a single policy within the Wokingham Borough Development Plan 2014 contains a single policy in relation to ecology:

Policy TB23: Biodiversity and Development Policy CP7 is enhanced and supported by Policy TB23 of the Wokingham Borough Local Plan:

Sites of national or international importance are shown and sites of local importance are defined on the Policies Map. Planning permission for development proposals will only be granted where they comply with Policy CP7 – Biodiversity of the Core Strategy and also demonstrate how they:

• Provide opportunities, including through design, layout and landscaping to incorporate new biodiversity features or enhance existing; • Provide appropriate buffer zones between development proposals and designated sites as well as habitats and species of principal importance for nature conservation; and • Ensure that all existing and new developments are ecologically permeable through the protection of existing and the provision of new continuous wildlife corridors, which shall be integrated and linked to the wider green infrastructure network.

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Bracknell Forest Borough Local planning policy within Bracknell Forest Borough is provided by the Core Strategy 2008 and saved policies within the Local Plan 2002.

Core Strategy 2008 - Policy CS1: Sustainable Development Principles Development will be permitted which protects and enhances the quality of natural resources including water, air, land and biodiversity.

Core Strategy 2008 - Policy CS14: Thames Basin Heaths SPA The Council will carry out an assessment of the effects of a development proposal on the conservation objectives of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA where there is a risk of the proposal having a significant impact on the integrity of the site, either alone or in combination with other proposals. Proposals leading to a net increase in residential dwellings, within a straight-line distance of 5 kilometres from the SPA boundary, are likely to have a significant effect. The Council will not permit development which, either alone or in combination with other development, has an adverse effect upon the integrity of the SPA.

Development outside the 400-metre zone will be permitted where it can demonstrate that it can remove any adverse effect by contributing towards avoidance and mitigation measures in line with the SPA Technical Background Document.

The effective avoidance and/or mitigation of any identified adverse effects must be demonstrated and secured prior to approval of the Development.

Local Plan 2002 - Policy EN1: Protecting Tree and Hedgerow Cover Planning permission will not be granted for development which would result in the destruction of trees and hedgerows which are important to the retention, where applicable, of:

• A clear distinction between built up areas and the countryside; or • The character and appearance of the landscape or townscape; or • Green links between open spaces and wildlife heritage sites; or • Internationally, nationally or locally rare or threatened species; or • Habitats for local wildlife; or • Areas of historic significance.

Local Plan 2002 - Policy EN2: Supplementing Tree and Hedgerow Cover In imposing landscaping conditions to secure additional tree and/or hedge planting, the borough council will require developers to include in their schemes the planting of indigenous trees appropriate to the setting and character of the area and a variety of other indigenous plants. According to circumstances, these may include grasses, heathland or wetland species.

Local Plan 2002 - Policy EN4: Local Nature Reserves, Wildlife Heritage Sites and Regionally Important Geological Sites Planning permission will not be granted on or near local nature reserves, wildlife heritage sites or regionally important geological/geomorphological sites unless the Proposed Project Development will not affect the wildlife and habitats for which the site was designated or the special character of the site. Development proposals on these sites must include conservation or enhancement schemes which, where appropriate, will set out the provision for, and management of, public access to and within them.

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Local planning policy within Bracknell Forest Council is provided by the saved policies within the Local Plan 2002 and the Core Strategy 2008. The following saved policies within the Local Plan 2002 refer specifically to ecology and biodiversity:

Thames Basin Heaths SPA Supplementary Planning Document The Thames Basin Heaths SPA Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted by Bracknell Forest Council on 18th April 2018. It provides an avoidance and mitigation strategy to avoid impacts of new development on the Thames Basin Heaths SPA. The strategy includes:

• The provision of SANG at a rate of 2ha/1000 new residents; • Financial contributions of £190 per dwelling (on average) to Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) measures on, and monitoring of, the SPA to reduce the effect of people who visit the SPA; • There is a presumption against new development within 400 metres of the SPA, that the effect of new net increases in residential development on the SPA is likely to be such that it is not possible to conclude no adverse effect on the integrity of the SPA. There is therefore a presumption against any net increase in residential development within this zone. A Habitats Regulations Assessment will be needed, and agreed with Natural England, to demonstrate that any development within this zone will not have an adverse effect on the SPA and/or the acceptability of any avoidance and mitigation measures provided; • Development between 400 metres and five kilometres away from the SPA will be permitted with suitable avoidance and mitigation strategies; and • Development between five and seven kilometres from the SPA will be assessed on a case by case basis, in agreement with Natural England.

Methodology

Zone of Influence To define the total extent of the study area for this assessment (Zone of Influence), the Proposed Project Development was reviewed to establish the spatial scale at which ecological features could be affected. The appropriate survey radii for the various elements of the appraisal (i.e. desktop study, field survey and species-specific surveys) have been defined in Phase 2 Appendix 14.1. These distances are determined based on the professional judgement of the ecologist leading the assessment, taking into account the characteristics of the Project Site, its surroundings, the scope of the proposals and the ecology and sensitivity of the ecological feature. Determination of the Zone of Influence is an iterative process and was regularly reviewed and amended as the design of the scheme evolved.

Scoping Protected species considered within this assessment are those species/species groups considered likely to be encountered given the geographical location and context of the Project Site. Where such a species is unlikely to be present within the Project Site a justification for likely absence is provided. Species considered likely absent from the Project Site are not then considered further in the assessment process.

Desktop Study The desktop study included the following elements:

• Consultation of online mapping resources, at an appropriate scale, to identify the presence of habitats such as woodland blocks, ponds, watercourses and hedgerows, in the vicinity of the Project Site. Consultation of online mapping resources is used for a number of reasons, including understanding habitat connectivity in the wider area, understanding the likelihood

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that a certain species may colonise the Project Site and understanding the likely importance of on-site habitats within the wider landscape for various ecological features. The radius considered varies depending on the ecological feature considered and the purpose of the consultation; • Consultation of the Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) database, to identify statutory sites within two kilometres of the Project Site boundary, or further afield if identified as lying within the Zone of Influence; this was of particular importance for SPAs, SACs and SSSIs. The consultation also looked for the presence European Protected Species Mitigation licences within two kilometres of the Project Site and the presence of ancient woodland/Priority Habitats on or adjacent to the Project Site, or linked to the Project Site via identified impact pathways; and • Consultation with Thames Valley Ecological Records Centre (TVERC) for the presence of non- statutory designated sites within one kilometre of the Project Site boundary, and records of legally protected and notable species within one kilometre of the Project Site, with the exception of bats, for which a two kilometre radius was used.

Further details of the desktop study methodology, including consultation dates, search areas, limitations and information sought are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 14.1.

Field Survey An initial field survey was undertaken on 21st August 2015 with an updating field survey (taking in additional areas following a red line boundary change) undertaken on 2nd August 2018. The field survey broadly followed standard Phase 1 habitat survey methodology (Ref 14.1) and included a search for evidence of, and an assessment of the Project Site’s suitability to support, protected and notable species as recommended by Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (Ref 14.2).

Further details of the field survey methodology, including details of the Phase 1 habitat survey and species-specific appraisal methodologies, survey conditions and limitations are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 14.1.

Species-Specific Surveys The following species-specific surveys were undertaken at the Project Site:

• Notable plants and habitats; • Bats – roosting and foraging/commuting; • Otter; • Badger; • Hazel dormouse; • Water vole; • Breeding birds; • Reptiles; • Great crested newt; and • Aquatic invertebrates.

Further details for each survey, including detailed methodologies, timings, conditions and limitations are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 14.1.

The Scoping Report submitted to Wokingham Borough Council included an historic report outlining the baseline information collected at that time based on a different red line boundary to that of the Project Site.

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The response stated that the Scoping Report had broadly identified the appropriate sites of conservation value and species and habitats for consideration within the EIA (email from the council’s ecologist dated 22 October 2018). However, it was noted that the red line boundary had not been fixed at that point and therefore any future impact assessment would need to consider the entire red line of the application(s) and also further afield where appropriate (Ref 14.2). Natural England did not provide any specific comments on the proposed scope of the EIA.

Future Baseline In accordance with CIEEM’s Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom and Ireland (Ref 14.4) impacts of the proposals should be assessed against the baseline conditions at the time the project will be implemented.

It is considered likely that by the time the Proposed Project Development commences, the South Wokingham Distributor Road (SWDR) (shown within the illustrative masterplan and parameter plans – Phase 2 Appendix 5.3) will have been constructed across the centre of the Project Site. The SWDR is being delivered by a third party and planning consent for the SWDR has not yet been granted. As such, it is not yet known what mitigation will be delivered in order to address adverse impacts of ecology as a result of the link road construction. However, at the time of the submission of this application, the extent of the temporary and permanent impacts as a result of the SWDR are believed to be understood.

Given the overlapping nature of the link road scheme and the Proposed Project Development scheme, mitigation delivered as part of the delivery of the SWDR must align with the mitigation proposals associated with the Proposed Project Development. Areas that will be permanently impacted by the SWDR scheme have been excluded from the future baseline assessment as it is assumed that these areas will comprise either the SWDR or associated new drainage or landscaping features that will not be impacted by the Proposed Project Development. The exclusion of this area from the assessment will ensure there is no overlap in the consideration of impacts and associated mitigation and enhancement measures proposed by the two schemes.

Evaluation The evaluation criteria used in this assessment are based on ECOSA’s professional judgement and publicly available publications, survey data and other sources, with reference to guidance in CIEEM’s Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom and Ireland (Ref 14.4). Details of current published relevant guidance used to inform the assessment are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 14.1. The evaluation is based on a sliding scale of importance outlined in Table 14.1:

Table 14.1: Scale of Importance for Ecological Features Scale of Importance Example International A site designated for its conservation importance at the international level e.g. A Ramsar site or a site which meets criteria4 for designation as a Ramsar site. European A site designated for its conservation importance at the European level e.g. An SPA or SAC or a site which meets criteria4 for these designations. National A site designated for its conservation importance at the national level e.g. A SSSI, or a site which meets criteria4 for designation as a SSSI.

4 For details of criteria see Paragraph 2.2 of Appendix 14.1

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Regional An ecological feature of importance at the regional level such as a population of notable or protected species which is not widespread throughout a region. County A site designated for its conservation importance at the county level e.g. a LWS or a site which meets criteria4 for designation as a LWS. Local An ecological feature of importance at the local level, i.e. one which is uncommon, vulnerable or declining in the local area5. Site An ecological feature which is common and widespread in the local area, but uncommon within the red line boundary area and may be of some value either intrinsically or to other interrelated ecological features e.g. a waterbody. Negligible An ecological feature which is not only common and widespread in the local area, but is also common and widespread within the red line boundary area and of no significant value either intrinsically or to other interrelated ecological features e.g. areas of tall ruderal vegetation.

There are a wide range of characteristics which contribute to the importance of ecological features including species rarity/vulnerability, distribution, population size, and habitat quality, connectivity and ecological function. Consideration of these factors may justify an increase or reduction in the value of an ecological feature. Where deviations occur, these will be explained.

Impact Assessment

Effects associated with the proposals will be assessed in accordance with guidance set out by CIEEM (Ref 14.4). In order to simplify the process of impact assessment habitat modification/loss associated with the construction of the SDR has been included as part of the assessment. Other effects associated with the delivery of the SDR have not been identified as part of the assessment and the impact assessment is based on the assumption that these impacts will be sufficiently mitigated with no residual effects, specific mitigation measures have not been detailed within this chapter.

The assessment will consider relevant aspects of ecological structure and function, including:

• Territory and resource requirements of relevant ecological features; • Population and vegetation dynamics; • Anthropogenic influences, including excavations and ground profiling, pollution, and disturbance; • Historical context, including historic land use; and • Ecosystem properties including connectivity/fragmentation, numbers in a population or meta- population and minimum viable populations.

Consideration will be given to the following potential ecological effects during the construction phase:

• Temporary and permanent land-take; • Direct physical impact; • Disturbance (visual, noise, vibration); • Hydrology and pollution (dust generation, pollution of aquatic habitats); • Lighting (construction); and

5 For the purposes of this assessment the local area is defined as the area within a five kilometre buffer around the red line boundary

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• Construction site hazards.

Consideration will be given to the following potential ecological effects during the operational phase:

• Changes in air quality / pollution and hydrology; • Permanent lighting; and • Anthropogenic influences (disturbance, trampling, littering, fire starting, pet predation and fouling) on retained on-site habitats and nearby designed sites.

Reference will be made to the following impact characteristics:

• Whether impacts are beneficial or adverse; • The extent of impacts; • The magnitude of impacts (minor, moderate or major); • Reversibility of impacts (e.g. temporary or permanent); • Duration of impacts, if temporary (short-term 1-3 years, moderate-term 3-10 years and long- term 10+ years); • Timing of impacts (adverse effects of some impacts are dependent on when the activity occurs); and • Frequency of impacts (adverse effects of some impacts are dependent on how regularly an activity occurs).

Significance of Effects In accordance with the current CIEEM guidance and terminology (Ref 14.4), a significant effect, in ecological terms, is defined as “an effect that either supports or undermines biodiversity conservation objectives for ‘important ecological features’”. Significant effects are therefore defined as ‘adverse’, if they undermine biodiversity conservation objectives, or ‘beneficial’, if they support these objectives.

Non-significant effects (referred to as 'negligible' in this ES) are those changes that do not cause an effect (adverse or positive) on the integrity of the habitat or species in question.

In order to provide an assessment of impacts that is comparable with other chapters of this Environmental Statement (ES), the following scale of significance has been defined:

• Major – Effects that are likely to be important considerations at a regional or county scale. Mitigation measures and detailed design work are unlikely to remove all of the effects upon the affected ecological feature. • Moderate – Effects that while important at a local scale, if adverse, are not likely to be key decision-making issues. However the cumulative effect of such issues may lead to an increase in the overall effects on a particular ecological feature. • Minor – Effects that may be raised as of issue at the site level but are unlikely to be of importance in the decision-making process. However, they are of relevance in the detailed design of the project and consideration of mitigation or compensation measures. • Negligible – No or barely perceptible change from the baseline.

Assessment of Cumulative Effects Cumulative and in-combination effects will be assessed in accordance with guidance set out by CIEEM (Ref 14.4).

The developments in Table 14.2 were considered in the cumulative assessment (Phase 2 Appendix 2.3 and 2.4):

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Table 14.2: Cumulative Site Details Site Description Proposals Number Site 1 West of South Wokingham Strategic Location 140 dwellings Site 2 Buckhurst Farm (Montague Park) 650 dwellings Site 3 Guide Dogs For The Blind Association 100 dwellings Site 4 Kentwood Farm 274 dwellings Site 5 Land at Matthewsgreen Farm 100 dwellings Site 6 Land North of Nine Mile Ride 118 dwellings Site 7 Bell Farm 128 dwellings Site 8 Keephatch Gardens 300 dwellings Site 9 Land at Market Place, Peach Street and Rose Street 26 dwellings Site 10 74-80 Peach Street 39 dwellings Site 11 Crowthorne House 1,000 dwellings Site 12 Land North of Peacock Lane 128 dwellings Site 13 Land North of Amen Corner 380 dwellings Site 14 Land at Amen Corner 380 dwellings Site 15 Land south of Amen Corner 550 dwellings Site 16 Elm Field 4,279sqm retail 1,160sqm cinema 95 bedroom hotel 126 dwellings Site 17 Carnival Pool 4,865sqm leisure centre 1,000sqm library 448sqm restaurant 600sqm D1/D2 units 55 dwellings

Baseline Conditions Ecological features identified as present within the Project Site’s Zone of Influence are summarised below. Details of all survey findings are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 14.2.

Designated Sites Statutory and non-statutory sites within the Project Site’s Zone of Influence are detailed in Table 14.3. Further details, including reasons for designation are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 14.2 (with locations shown on Map 1).

Table 14.3: Designated Site Details Designated Site Name Site Approximate Distance from Project Designation Site Thames Basin Heaths SPA 2.81 kilometres to the south-east Thursely, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham SAC 9.61 kilometres to the south-east Windsor Forest and Great Park SAC 10.09 kilometres to the east Wykery Copse SSSI 0.95 kilometres to the east Heath Lake SSSI 1.74 kilometres to the south Broadmoor to Bagshot Woods and SSSI 2.81 kilometres to the south-east Heaths Sandhurst to Owlsmoor Bogs and SSSI 4.18 kilometres to the south Heaths Colony Bog and Bagshot Heath SSSI 9.55 kilometres to the south-east

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Windsor Forest and Great Park SSSI 10.09 kilometres to the east Chobham Common SSSI 11.9 kilometres to the east Horsell Common SSSI 17.12 kilometres to the south-east Farley Copse LNR 1.25 kilometres to the north-east Holt Copse and Joel Park LNR 1.58 kilometres to the north Heath Lake LNR 1.74 kilometres to the south Woodland near Ludgrove School LWS On-site Big Wood LWS Adjacent to the south Rigg’s Copse LWS 0.36 kilometres to the east West Garden Copse LWS 0.61 kilometres to the south Blackman’s Copse LWS 0.7 kilometres to the north-east Trench’s Bridge LWS 0.76 kilometres to the south Pockets Copse LWS 0.78 kilometres to the north-east Tarman’s Copse LWS 0.79 kilometres to the south-east Adjacent Wokingham Road/Peacock LWS 0.87 kilometres to the south Lane Gorrick Plantation LWS 0.94 kilometres to the south

Habitats Habitats present within the Project Site are summarised in Table 14.4:

Table 14.4: Habitats Present Within the Project Site Habitat Type Relevant Target Notes Area (Ha) Semi-natural broadleaved 6.03 woodland TN3, TN39, TN44, TN45, TN46 Dense/continuous scrub TN10 0.10 Scattered scrub6 TN49 1.81 Broadleaved scattered trees TN1, TN13, TN16, TN18, TN24, 0.66 TN31, TN36, TN37 Unimproved neutral grassland TN7 0.99 Semi-improved neutral grassland TN9, TN19, TN26, TN27, TN28, 12.10 TN33 Improved grassland TN43, TN2, TN5, TN12, TN20, 38.57 TN23, TN25, TN30, TN35, TN48 Marsh/marshy grassland TN4, TN8, TN29, TN47 4.27 Poor semi-improved grassland TN22 0.91 Tall ruderal vegetation TN11, TN14, TN21 0.62 Standing water TN32 0.01 Running water TN14, TN21 0.307 Arable TN6, TN15, TN17, TN38, TN40, 36.37 TN41, TN42 Intact native species-rich H28, H5, H6, H10, H11, H12, H17, 0.358 hedgerow H21, H22 Intact species-poor hedgerow H1, H2, H3, H4, H7, H8, H9, H13, 0.708 H14, H15,H16, H18, H19, H20, H23, H24, H25, H26, H27 Defunct species-poor hedgerow H29 0.048

6 With improved grassland underneath 7 Based on average width of one metre 8 Based on average width of 2.5 metres

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Built up areas TN34 1.24 Total 105.07

Notable habitats within the Project Site identified during the NVC survey and Hedgerow survey are detailed in Ref 14.27. Further details of the survey findings are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 14.2.

Table 14.5: Notable Habitats Present Within the Project Site Target Habitat Identified Reason Habitat is Area (Ha) Note Notable TN3 Woodland attributable to W10 Quercus Ancient woodland 2.15 robur - Pteridium aquilinum - Rubus Lowland Mixed fruticosus woodland and to W6 Alnus Deciduous Woodland glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland Priority Habitat Wet Woodland Priority Habitat TN7 Unimproved grassland attributable to Lowland Meadow 0.99 MG5a Cynosurus cristatus - Centaurea Priority Habitat nigra grassland (Lathyrus pratensis sub- community) TN8 Marshy grassland attributable to M23a Purple Moor-grass and 0.31 Juncus effuses/acutiflorus-Galium Rush Pasture Priority palustre rush pasture (Juncus acutiflorus Habitat sub community). TN29 Marshy grassland attributable to M23a Purple Moor-grass and 0.37 Juncus effuses/acutiflorus-Galium Rush Pasture Priority palustre rush pasture (Juncus acutiflorus Habitat sub community). TN39 Woodland attributable to W10 Quercus Ancient Woodland 0.40 robur - Pteridium aquilinum - Rubus Lowland Mixed fruticosus woodland Deciduous Woodland Priority Habitat TN44 Woodland attributable to W10 Quercus Ancient Woodland 2.31 robur - Pteridium aquilinum - Rubus Lowland Mixed fruticosus woodland Deciduous Woodland Priority Habitat TN45 Woodland attributable to W6 Alnus Ancient Woodland 0.38 glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland Wet Woodland Priority Habitat TN46 Woodland attributable to W10 Quercus Ancient Woodland 0.79 robur - Pteridium aquilinum - Rubus Lowland Mixed fruticosus woodland Deciduous Woodland Priority Habitat N/A All hedgerows Hedgerow Priority 0.41 ha9 Habitat H5 Species-rich hedgerow supporting at Important Hedgerow 0.039 least five woody species and at least four under Hedgerow ‘Associated Features’ Regulations 1997

9 Based on average width of 2.5 metres

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H11 Species-rich hedgerow supporting at Important Hedgerow 0.069 least five woody species and at least four under Hedgerow ‘Associated Features’ Regulations 1997 H28 Species-rich hedgerow supporting at Important Hedgerow 0.069 least six woody species and at least three under Hedgerow ‘Associated Features’ Regulations 1997

Consultation of the MAGIC database revealed that on-site woodland (TN3, TN39, TN44, TN45 and TN46) has been identified as ‘ancient woodland’ (Phase 2 Appendix 14.2 Map 1).

Notable and Protected Species The presence of following notable and protected species within the Project Site’s Zone of Influence was considered as part of the assessment.

Bats A single common pipistrelle day roost was recorded by WSP in August 2017 (L Roberts, 2018, personal communication, 13th March 2018) recorded within T17. Activity recorded during activity surveys does not suggest that significant roosts are present within the woodland habitat on site. Results of the bat emergence/re-entry surveys are shown on Phase 2 Appendix 14.2 Map 5.

Activity surveys undertaken for the Project Site identified at least nine species of bat (barbastelle, brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus, common pipistrelle, Leisler's bat Nyctalus leisleri, common Myotis species, Nathusius' pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii, noctule Nyctalus noctula, serotine Eptesicus serotinus and soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus) mainly associated with hedgerows and woodland edges across the Project Site.

Results of the bat transect surveys are shown on Phase 2 Appendix 14.2 Map 6 and results of the automated bat detector surveys are shown on Phase 2 Appendix 14.2 Map 7.

The Project Site supports 1.09 hectares of hedgerow habitat, 6.03 hectares of woodland, 0.66 hectares of scattered trees, 1.91 hectares of scrub and 56.84 hectares of grassland suitable for foraging and commuting bats, although much of the grassland habitat is currently heavily managed and unlikely to provide a foraging resource of significant value.

Key foraging areas identified include the edge of the Woodland near Ludgrove School LWS (TN3) and Emm Brook (TN14).

Otter There are no records of otter within two kilometres of the Project Site. Emm Brook provides suitable habitat for commuting and holt construction. The unnamed tributary of Emm Brook dries seasonally and does not provide suitable habitat for holt construction. It is unlikely to provide a significant foraging resource or commuting route for otter. For these reasons, the tributary is considered unsuitable to suitable to support otter. No signs of otter such as spraints or footprints were identified along the watercourses within the Project Site. Otter is therefore not considered resident at the Project Site but may use Emm Brook as a foraging and commuting resource.

Badger Two active and three disused badger outlier setts have been identified on site. As badger is vulnerable to persecution, evidence of badger recorded at the Project Site is provided in a confidential badger map (Phase 2 Appendix 14.2 Map 8). This map should not be made publicly available.

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Hazel Dormouse Although there are two records of feeding remains attributed to hazel dormouse from 1995, surveys undertaken across the Project Site in 2015 and 2017 and a number of other hazel dormouse surveys undertaken at development sites in the wider area between 2008 and 2017 have concluded absence of this species in the local area (Phase 2 Appendix 14.2). This included surveys undertaken in support of a planning application for the adjacent Buckhurst Farm (Montague Park) (Site 2 on Phase 2 Appendix 2.3) during 2008. During this survey a total of 250 nest tubes were installed in habitat directly adjacent to the woodland within the Land South of St Anne’s Manor Application Site, including 10 tubes within the woodland itself. Hazel dormouse is therefore considered to be absent from the Project Site and is not considered further within this assessment.

Water Vole There are no records of water vole within two kilometres of the Project Site. Emm Brook and the unnamed tributary of Emm Brook support suitable but suboptimal habitat for this species. No evidence of water vole was recorded during the water vole survey undertaken. Given the lack of evidence on site, the limited suitability of habitat and the lack of local records, water vole is considered absent from site and is not considered further within the assessment.

Brown hare There are no records of brown hare Lepus europaeus within two kilometres of the Project Site and no incidental records were recorded during any of the surveys undertaken at the Project Site in either 2015 or 2017. The heavily managed grassland within the Project Site has limited suitability for this species. Brown hare is therefore considered to be absent from the Project Site and is not considered further within this assessment.

European hedgehog There are 17 records of European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus between 1993 and 2015 within two kilometres of the Project Site. A single European hedgehog was recorded with the Project Site as an incidental result of a bat transect survey (NGR: SU 82526 67934) and therefore it is considered likely that a population is associated with the Project Site. The Project Site supports 6.03 hectares of woodland, 1.09 hectares of hedgerow, 1.91 hectares of scrub and 56.84 hectares of grassland which are suitable for European hedgehog, although the grassland is currently heavily grazed and does not provide sufficient cover to provide optimal habitat for this species.

Harvest Mouse There are no records of harvest mouse Micromys minutus within two kilometres of the Project Site. Arable and unmanaged grassland, hedgerow and woodland habitats are suitable for harvest mouse, however, no incidental records were recorded during any of the surveys undertaken at the Project Site in either 2015 or 2017. Given the lack of evidence within the Project Site and the lack of local records, harvest mouse is considered absent from site and is not considered further within the assessment.

Birds The Project Site supports a typical assemblage of farmland birds, with seven red listed species and four amber listed species recorded breeding on site (Table 14.6). No significantly large populations or notable assemblages were recorded. The results of the breeding bird surveys are detailed in Phase 2 Appendix 14.2, including Map 9a and Map 9b.

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Table 14.6: Breeding Bird Survey Results Common name Scientific name Conservation Status Breeding Estimated (Ref 14.5) On Site Number of Territories Red Listed Species House sparrow Passer domesticus Red listed Yes 1 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Red listed Yes 4 Linnet Carduelis cannabina Red listed Yes 3 Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorous Red listed Yes 1 Skylark Alauda arvensis Red listed Yes 2 Song thrush Turdus philomelos Red listed Yes 6 Starling Sturnus vulgaris Red listed Yes 1 Amber Listed Species Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Amber listed Yes 1 Dunnock Prunella modularis Amber listed Yes 15 Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Amber listed Possible 1 Stock dove Columba oenas Amber listed Yes 6

The Project Site supports approximately 1.09 hectares of hedgerow habitat, 6.03 hectares of woodland, 0.10 hectares of scrub and 0.66 hectares of scattered trees that provide suitable nesting habitat for species such as house sparrow, linnet, mistle thrush, song thrush, starling, bullfinch, dunnock and stock dove.

The Project Site also supports approximately 36.37 hectares of arable land and 56.84 hectares of grassland that could provide suitable nesting habitat for ground nesting species such as lapwing and skylark. However, it should be noted that at the time of survey much of this grassland was unsuitable due to heavy management and, although these areas could become suitable as a result of annual changes in the management regime it is unlikely to be subject to such low management that it would be suitable for high densities of ground nesting bird territories. These habitats also provide foraging opportunities for the local bird assemblage.

Reptiles Low populations (Ref 14.5) of slow-worm (peak count of four adults) and common lizard (peak count of three adults) were recorded within suitable habitat along the railway embankment in the north of the Project Site. The results of the reptile surveys are shown on Map 10 of Phase 2 Appendix 14.2.

The Project Site supports approximately 56.84 hectares of grassland, 1.91 hectares of scrub, 0.62 hectares of tall ruderal vegetation and 1.09 hectares of hedgerow habitat which could provide suitable habitat for reptiles. However, it should be noted that at the time of survey much of this grassland was unsuitable due to heavy management. It is difficult to determine the exact extent of grassland that may be suitable for reptiles within the Project Site due to the changing nature of grassland subject to management (i.e. movement of game bird pens and grazing animals). Assuming that a conservative estimate of 10% of grassland is suitable at any one time as part of the management regime at the Project Site, this represents a total of approximately 9.30 hectares of suitable habitat within the Project Site.

Amphibians Great crested newt surveys were undertaken on accessible ponds within 500 metres of the Project Site boundary. Details of the survey findings are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 14.2 (Map 11) and findings relevant to the Project Site are summarised below.

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Consultation with TVERC produced 14 records of great crested newt, associated with Ponds 6b, 12, 13 and 14, and two records of common toad Bufo bufo associated with Ponds 1 and 3c, from within one kilometre of the Project Site. A medium population (Ref 14.7) of great crested newt (peak count of 21 in 2015 and 14 in 2017) was recorded within an off-site pond (Pond 13) approximately 45 metres to the north of the Project Site. Ponds 12 and 14 could not be surveyed as access was not granted, but the TVERC consultation revealed records of great crested newt associated with these ponds, which suggest they form part of the same pond network as Pond 13.

Ponds to the south-east of the Project Site, which could not be surveyed as access was not granted, have potential to support amphibians, including great crested newt. In particular Pond 6b, as the TVERC consultation revealed a historic record of great crested newt associated with this pond (dated 2005).

The only pond within the Project Site (Pond 17) does not support great crested newt and therefore the Project Site does not support breeding habitat for this species. Other amphibian species may be present however no incidental records were recorded during the great crested newt surveys and therefore a significant breeding population or assemblage is not considered to be present.

During the survey on 15th May 2017 three common toad were recorded in Pond 3a. These were the only records of common toad recorded during the surveys. Other common amphibian species, such as common frog Rana temporaria and smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris, were recorded incidentally at low numbers.

The Project Site supports approximately 6.03 hectares of woodland habitat, 1.91 hectares of scrub habitat, 56.84 hectares of grassland habitat, 0.62 hectares of tall ruderal habitat and 1.09 hectares of hedgerow habitat suitable for amphibians in their terrestrial phase. However, it should be noted that at the time of survey much of this grassland was unsuitable due to heavy management. It is difficult to determine the exact extent of grassland that may be suitable for amphibians within the Project Site due to the changing nature of grassland subject to management (i.e. movement of game bird pens and grazing animals). Assuming that a conservative estimate of 10% of grassland is suitable at any one time as part of the management regime at the Project Site, this represents a total of approximately 15.33 hectares of suitable terrestrial habitat within the Project Site.

Great crested newt will generally stay within approximately 250 metres of their breeding pond, so the density of individuals gradually decreases further away from the pond (Ref 14.8). It is considered unlikely that great crested newt will make use of habitat more than 500 metres from the identified pond networks. The Project Site supports approximately 2.51 hectares of woodland habitat, 0.10 hectares of scrub habitat, 37.09 hectares of grassland habitat, 0.37 hectares of tall ruderal habitat and 0.74 hectares of hedgerow habitat that lies within 500 metres of a potential or confirmed great crested newt breeding pond (Phase 2 Appendix 14.2 Map 11), and therefore considered suitable for this species. Assuming that 10% of grassland habitat will be suitable at any one time, this represents a total of 7.42 hectares of terrestrial habitat suitable for great crested newt within the Project Site.

Fish The stretch of Emm Brook within the Project Site’s Zone of Influence is suitable to support a range of fish species and local records and incidental records indicate bullhead Cottus gobio is present. The unnamed tributary of the Emm Brook is unsuitable for bullhead due to its shallow nature and silty substrate.

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Invertebrates A number of records of notable terrestrial invertebrates have been recorded within two kilometres of the Project Site, including 62 records of stag beetle Lucanus cervus.

A number of notable species were recorded during invertebrate surveys undertaken in habitat directly adjacent to the western boundary of the Project Site in 2015, including one Red Data Book (RDB) endangered species, two RDB rare species, two nationally scarce (N) species and two nationally scarce (Na) species. These were associated with unmanaged marshy grassland habitats.

The majority of habitats within the Project Site are heavily managed and therefore of limited entomological value, however, the Project Site supports approximately 6.03 hectares of woodland and 4.27 hectares of marshy grassland which represent suitable habitat for notable invertebrate species recorded in the local area.

There are no records of notable aquatic invertebrates within two kilometres of the Project Site. Aquatic invertebrate surveys recorded a low diversity of common and widespread aquatic invertebrates. The water course has a high iron content, which can discourage aquatic invertebrates and plants as it can clog gills and smother plants. Due to the bank profile and presence of trees, the water course is very shaded and therefore submerged vegetation, which can provide shelter for aquatic invertebrates, is limited. These physical and chemical factors are likely to contribute to the low diversity of aquatic invertebrates recorded.

Details of the aquatic invertebrate survey findings and terrestrial invertebrate records in the vicinity of the Project Site are provided in Phase 2 Appendix 14.2.

Future Baseline The future baseline assumes that the SWDR will be completed at the time of commencement of construction of the Proposed Project Development. Areas of permanent habitat loss as a result of the construction of the SWDR, including the road itself and adjacent associated landscaping, have been excluded from the future baseline as it is anticipated that these impacts will be addressed as part of the SWDR application. The future baseline is based on the assumption that all habitats temporarily impacted by the construction of the SWDR will be reinstated in their current condition. For some high quality habitats, such as marshy grassland and unimproved grassland, this is unlikely to be achieved in the anticipated time between the delivery of the SWDR and the commencement of the Proposed Project Development, however, the assumption has been made as a precaution, to ensure the impact on these habitats is accounted for in at least one of the applications.

The future baseline conditions are presented within Phase 2 Appendix 14.3, including Map 2, which clearly shows the area excluded from the assessment due to the future construction of the SWDR.

At the time this application was submitted, information regarding the future baseline of river habitats (i.e. the impacts of the SWDR and proposed mitigation/compensation measures) were not available and therefore it has not been possible to include this information within the assessment.

The evaluation within this assessment is based on the current baseline, however, the impact assessment has been based on the future baseline.

Given the mobility of animals, it likely that the presence/status of a particular species/species group may vary over time. In particular, consideration has been given to the construction of new

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setts by badger and colonisation of trees by roosting bats, due to the important ecological function of these habitat features for the species/species group.

Evaluation The importance of each ecological feature within the Project Site is discussed below, with the exception of Designated Sites for which the importance is explicit, with a summary provided in Table 14.7. Only ecological features which are considered to be present/likely present within the Project Site have been included within Table 14.7. Details of the evaluation methodology is provided in Phase 2 Appendix 14.1.

Habitats The Project Site supports the following notable habitats:

• Ancient woodland; • Hedgerows Priority Habitat; • Species-rich hedgerows that are ‘Important’ under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997; • Lowland Meadows Priority Habitat; • Purple Moor-grass and Rush Pastures Priority Habitat; • Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland Priority Habitat; • Wet Woodland Priority Habitat; and • River Priority Habitat.

All semi-natural woodland within the Project Site has been identified as ancient woodland. In addition, wet woodland and lowland mixed deciduous woodland are present in the west and north-east of the Project Site. Woodland in the east of the Project Site (TN39, TN44) supports wild-service tree Sorbus torminalis. Wild-service tree has a limited distribution in Britain, being largely confined to lowland England (Ref 14.10). It is usually locally distributed and is included within the Bracknell Forest Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) as it is a good indicator of ancient woodland. In Berkshire it is described as ‘local and rare’ (Ref 14.11) being recorded from 4% of the one kilometre squares in the county. The woodland in the west of the Project Site has also been designated as Woodland near Ludgrove School LWS. Woodland within the Project Site is therefore of importance at the county level.

Much of the marsh/marshy grassland within the Project Site is impoverished and subject to heavy grazing. However, areas of marshy grassland adjacent to the unnamed tributary of Emm Brook (TN8 and TN29) have been subject to less management and are therefore of higher quality. These areas currently support approximately 0.68 hectares of Purple Moor-grass and Rush Pastures Priority Habitat. This represents more than 3% of the county resource for this habitat type (Ref 14.13) and therefore marsh/marshy grassland habitat within the Project Site is of importance at the county level.

Unimproved neutral grassland (TN7) within the Project Site represents Lowland Meadows Priority Habitat. However, this habitat is limited in extent (currently 0.99 hectares) and represents less than 0.4% of the county resource for this habitat type (Ref 14.13). Therefore unimproved neutral grassland habitat within the Project Site is of importance at the local level.

All hedgerows within the Project Site represent Hedgerow Priority Habitat, however, given the necessary management of this habitat type hedgerows are not of importance at the county level in their own right (Ref 14.13). The hedgerow network associated with the Project Site currently includes 0.35 hectares of species-rich hedgerow, 0.15 hectares of which qualifies as ‘Important’ under the hedgerow regulations 1997. Two notable plant species were recorded in the bases of hedgerows in the centre of the Project Site. Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta and trailing tormentil Potentilla anglica were recorded at bases of hedgerows H10 and H11. Bluebell is

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protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Trailing tormentil is a local speciality of woods, heaths and hedge-banks. It is local and uncommon in the county and recorded as decreasing (Ref 14.12). However, as only individual plants were recorded these are not considered to represent a sustainable population. Consultation of online aerial imagery shows a large number of hedgerows within five kilometres of the Project Site, however, the quality and diversity of these hedgerows cannot be determined and therefore it cannot be concluded whether the species-rich hedgerows within the Project Site represent a significant proportion of the local resource. Therefore species-poor hedgerows within the Project Site are of importance at the site level but species-rich hedgerows may be of importance up to the local level.

Running water (Emm Brook and the unnamed tributary of Emm Brook) does not represent a notable habitat. The stretch of Emm Brook within the Project Site measures approximately 1.15 kilometres, which represents 8% of Emm Brook, measuring 14.57 kilometres in total. Emm Brook is therefore of importance at the local level. The unnamed tributary of Emm Brook is of low quality, with culverted and regularly drying sections and is therefore of lesser importance.

Semi-improved grassland is a common and widespread habitat type. An area of semi-improved grassland in the centre of the Project Site supports notable plant species trailing tormentil, however, as only individual plants were recorded, this is not considered to represent a sustainable population. Consultation of online aerial imagery indicates that the semi-improved grassland associated with the Project Site is unlikely to represent a significant element of the local resource as there are many grassland fields within a five kilometre radius which are likely to support this habitat type. Whilst common and widespread semi-improved grassland supports a moderate diversity of species and is of good quality. The semi-improved grassland within the Project Site is therefore of importance at the site level.

Broadleaved scattered trees is a common and widespread habitat type. The Project Site supports approximately 0.66 hectares of broadleaved scattered trees. Consultation of online aerial imagery suggests that the scattered trees associated with the Project Site is unlikely to represent a significant element of the local resource as there are many scattered trees visible, associated with agricultural land, gardens and areas of open greenspace, within a five kilometre radius. The scattered trees within the Project Site are mature and of good quality, and are therefore of importance at the site level.

A single waterbody is present within the Project Site (Pond 17). The waterbody is approximately 0.01 hectares and is therefore too limited in extent to represent Eutrophic Standing Water Priority Habitat. Consultation of online aerial imagery indicates that the standing water within the Project Site does not represent a significant element of the local resource as there are at least 16 similar waterbodies within 500 metres of the Project Site and many more within five kilometres. However, the waterbody supports a moderate diversity of submerged, emergent and marginal vegetation and is of good quality. Therefore standing water within the Project Site is of importance at the site level.

Dense/continuous and scattered scrub, improved grassland, arable and tall ruderal vegetation are common and widespread habitats, supporting a low diversity of species and are therefore of negligible importance.

Bats Bat surveys recorded at least nine species of bat foraging and commuting at the Project Site:

• Barbastelle;

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• Brown long-eared bat10; • Common pipistrelle; • Leisler's bat11; • Myotis species (common) 12; • Nathusius' pipistrelle; • Noctule; • Serotine; and • Soprano pipistrelle.

Of these species barbastelle, noctule and soprano pipistrelle are Priority Species. Barbastelle and soprano pipistrelle are listed on the Berkshire Biodiversity Action Plan. These species are therefore considered notable bat species at the county level.

A single tree within the Project Site is known to support a low status bat roost. However, other trees still provide opportunities for bats to roost opportunistically.

Based on the information available it is considered highly unlikely that the Project Site would support a maternity roost of the rarest bat species, as barbastelle is the only species for which a maternity roost would be of national importance (Ref 14.17) that was recorded within the Project Site and then only in relatively small numbers (only four registrations in 2017 and no registrations in 2015). Trees within the Project Site may have suitability for hibernating bats, but are unlikely to support a hibernation roost for a significant assemblage of bats (i.e. 50 or individuals of four species, 100 or more individuals of three species, or 150 or more individuals of two species) (Ref 14.17) due to the habitat types present and the rarity of this type of roost (likely only 20 such roost sites in the country) (Ref 14.17). As such it is considered highly unlikely that the Project Site supports habitat of national importance to bats.

Local Wildlife Site criteria state that a site may be of county value if it “Regularly support[s] a significant population of any bat species. Inclusion of some key feeding areas and habitat links or commuting routes should be considered. Significance should be measured by reference to the conservation status of the roost.” (Ref 14.13). However, a ‘significant population’ is not defined and therefore open to interpretation. Based on available evidence it cannot be ruled out that the Project Site could regularly support a significant population of any bat species and therefore the Project Site is of importance up to county level for bats.

Badger Two active and three disused badger outlier setts have been identified within the Project Site. The site is therefore not considered to support a large or significant badger population that would qualify as of importance at the county level. The extent of habitat suitable for badger, although large, is unlikely to form a significant proportion of that available in the local area as consultation of aerial imagery shows that there are significant areas of woodland and agricultural land that

10 It was not possible to identify foraging and commuting long-eared bats to species level, however, grey long-eared bat Plecotus austriacus) is not present in Berkshire Ref 14.15 and therefore long-eared bats present on site are assumed to be brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus. 11 There is considerable overlap in the call parameters of Nyctaloid bats (Leisler’s, noctule and serotine bats). Identification of Leisler’s bat within this assessment is based on call parameters in Ref 14.16, with any calls displaying a peak frequency of 25kHz assumed to be noctule. 12 It was not possible to identify foraging and commuting Myotis bats to species level, however, the rarer species of Myotis bat (Bechstein’s Myotis bechsteinii, alcathoe Myotis alcathoe and greater mouse-eared Myotis myotis) are not present in Berkshire Ref 14.15 and therefore it has been assumed that the Myotis bats present on site are the more common species (Whiskered bat Myotis mystacinus, Brandt’s bat Myotis brandtii, Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii, Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri).

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support suitable habitat for badger. Therefore, the Project Site is of importance at the site level for badger.

European hedgehog No county level distribution data for European hedgehog is available. European hedgehog are currently common and widespread, but declining, across England Ref 14.17. The Project Site currently provides suitable habitat in the form of hedgerows, woodland and grassland, totalling approximately 1.21 hectares. Consultation of online mapping resources suggests on-site habitat is unlikely to form a significant proportion of available habitat at the local level. The Project Site is therefore of importance at the site level for European hedgehog.

Birds The Project Site does not support breeding sites of, or significant numbers of, any notable birds that are rare in the area and are colonial or faithful to particular breeding sites over long periods (Ref 14.13). The bird assemblage supported by the Project Site does not exceed the selection threshold index for significant bird assemblages associated with lowland damp grassland (3.5, threshold 21), lowland open waters and margins (4.5, threshold 47), or woodland (19, threshold 52) Ref 14.13. Consultation of aerial imagery shows that there is a large extent of habitat suitable for breeding birds associated with agricultural land and woodland habitat. Habitat within the Project Site does not represent a significant proportion of suitable habitat in the local area. Therefore the Project Site is of importance at the site level for birds.

Reptiles Slow-worm and common lizard were the only reptile species recorded within the Project Site. These species are common and widespread in the UK. The peak count of four slow-worm and three common lizard represent low populations of both species (Ref 14.5).

The reptile assemblage present within the Project Site represents a score of two within the Local Wildlife Site selection criteria, which sets a threshold of four for selection (Ref 14.13).

The extent of suitable habitat within the Project Site is likely to vary due to the management regime at the Project Site, however, assuming 10% of grassland within the Project Site is suitable to support reptiles at any one time, the Project Site currently supports approximately 9.30 hectares of suitable habitat. Consultation of aerial imagery suggests this is unlikely to represent a significant proportion of the local resource as there is a large extent of grassland fields in the within five kilometres which are likely to provide field margins suitable for reptiles or provide further suitable habitat at certain stages of the management regime. The Project Site is therefore of importance at the site level for reptiles.

Amphibians The only on-site pond (Pond 17) was not found to support great crested newt or any other amphibian and therefore it is concluded that the Project Site does not provide breeding habitat for amphibians. As such the Project Site does not support a sustainable population of great crested newt, or a sustainable significant assemblage of amphibians as a whole, and is therefore not of county level importance.

The presence of great crested newt within the pond network to the south-west of the Project Site is assumed based on a historic record associated with Pond 6b. Ponds within this network could not be surveyed as access was not granted and therefore presence cannot be confirmed and a population size class cannot be estimated. However, the Project Site currently supports approximately 2.18 hectares of suitable terrestrial habitat that could be used by any population associated with this pond network. Consultation of aerial imagery indicates that this is unlikely to provide a significant or important element of the terrestrial habitat associated with this

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population. There is a large extent of similar habitat within 500 metres of the pond network and the habitats within the Project Site do not provide key connections between any of the ponds within the network. As such, regardless of the size of the population that may be present, the Project Site is of importance at the site level for this population.

A peak count of 21 adult great crested newt was recorded in Pond 13. Historic records show a peak count of 2 adults within Pond 12 and 15 adults within Pond 14, which are likely to form part of the same pond network. This represents a medium population (Ref 14.6). The Project Site currently supports approximately 5.07 hectares of habitat suitable for this population. Consultation of aerial imagery indicates that this is likely to provide a significant element of the terrestrial habitat associated with this population as other habitat within 500 metres of the pond network is dominated by urban development. Therefore the Project Site is of importance at the local level for this population.

Consultation of aerial photography also indicates extensive habitat likely to be suitable for amphibians within five kilometres of the Project Site.

Based on the evidence above, the Project Site is of importance at the local level for amphibians overall.

Fish Emm Brook supports bullhead, a species listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive. However, owing to the widespread distribution of many of the fish species listed within this annex, the presence of these species alone does not indicate that supporting habitat is of national importance (Ref 14.19).

There are no historic or incidental records of Priority Species within the stretch of the River Emm within the Project Site’s Zone of Influence and therefore it is considered unlikely that this habitat supports breeding sites of these species. The Project Site is therefore not of importance at the county level for fish (Ref 14.13). The approximate 1.2 kilometre stretch of the River Emm within the Project Site represents 8% of the Emm Brook watercourse, and therefore a significant proportion of the river habitat present within the local area. The Project Site is therefore of importance at the local level for fish.

Invertebrates All species of aquatic invertebrates recorded during the survey are common and widespread. A low diversity of aquatic invertebrate species was recorded. As such the Project Site is of importance at the site level for aquatic invertebrates.

The majority of habitats within the Project Site have low species-diversity or are intensively managed and therefore have limited value for terrestrial invertebrates. Ancient woodland habitat and unmanaged areas of marshy grassland have suitability for a number of notable species which have been recorded in the local area.

Local Wildlife Site criteria state that any site supporting sustainable populations of one or more notable species may of importance at the county level (Ref 14.13). However, given the large number of records associated with various habitats in the local area, and the extent of suitable habitat in the local area, the Project Site is of importance at the local level for terrestrial invertebrates.

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Table 14.7: Evaluation of Ecological Features within the Project Site’s Zone of Influence Group Ecological Feature Importance Statutory Thames Basin Heaths SPA European Designated Thursely, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham SAC European Sites Windsor Forest and Great Park SAC European Wykery Copse SSSI National Heath Lake SSSI National Broadmoor to Bagshot Woods and Heaths SSSI National Sandhurst to Owlsmoor Bogs and Heaths SSSI National Colony Bog and Bagshot Heath SSSI National Windsor Forest and Great Park SSSI National Chobham Common SSSI National Horsell Common SSSI National Farley Copse LNR County Holt Copse and Joel Park LNR County Heath Lake LNR County Non- Woodland near Ludgrove School LWS County statutory Big Wood LWS County Designated Rigg’s Copse LWS County Sites West Garden Copse LWS County Blackman’s Copse LWS County Trench’s Bridge LWS County Pockets Copse LWS County Tarman’s Copse LWS County Adjacent Wokingham Road/Peacock Lane LWS County Gorrick Plantation LWS County Habitats Broadleaved woodland County Dense/continuous and scattered scrub Negligible Scattered trees Site Unimproved neutral grassland Local Semi-improved neutral grassland Site Improved grassland Negligible Marsh/marshy grassland County Tall ruderal vegetation Negligible Standing water Site Running water Local Arable Negligible Species-rich hedgerow Up to local Species-poor hedgerow Site Species/ Mammals - bats Up to county Species Mammals - badger Site Group Mammals - European hedgehog Site Birds Site Reptiles Site Amphibians Local Fish Local Invertebrates - Aquatic Site Invertebrates - Terrestrial Local

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Impacts of the Proposed Project Development Construction Phase Designated Sites All ancient woodland habitat associated with the Land near Ludgrove School LWS will be retained.

Woodland associated with the Land near Ludgrove School LWS could be accidentally damaged or destroyed as a result of direct physical impact. The represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short to long term depending on the level of damage.

Installation of drainage infrastructure, in particular the installation of the flow control devices for Basins R5g and R5b which pass through ancient woodland associated with Land near Ludgrove School LWS (TN3), has potential to damage retained woodland through direct physical damage to trees and compaction of roots. This represents a temporary moderate adverse effect in the long term.

Although Big Wood LWS lies adjacent to the Project Site, the railway line lies between the two. Other designated sites lie more than 300 metres from the Project Site boundary. As such there is no risk of direct damage or destruction of habitats associated with other designated sites.

Pollution events as a result of fuel or chemical spills or production of significant amounts of dust during construction may result in degradation of ancient woodland habitat associated with Land near Ludgrove School LWS. However, given the nature of the works, pollution events are likely to be limited in extent and severity. Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short term.

There are no pollution pathways between the Project Site and any other statutory or non- statutory designated site within the Project Site’s Zone of Influence, and therefore there will be no construction related impacts on these ecological features.

Habitats Pollution events as a result of fuel or chemical spills or production of significant amounts of dust during construction may result in degradation of retained habitats. However, given the nature of the works, pollution events are likely to be limited in extent and severity. Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short term.

The extent of habitat loss/gain as a result of the Proposed Project Development is set out within the accompanying Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment report (Phase 2 Appendix 14.3).

The construction of the Proposed Project Development will result in the loss of approximately 85.71 hectares of habitat, of which 70.58 hectares (82%) represents habitats of low distinctiveness (arable habitat, improved grassland), 15.25 hectares (18%) represents habitats of medium distinctiveness (semi-improved grassland and scrub habitats), and 0.01 hectare (0.01%) represents habitats of high distinctiveness (marsh/marshy grassland and unimproved grassland). However, the creation of new habitats will result in a net gain of habitats of biodiversity value, as demonstrated by the Biodiversity

Broadleaved Woodland The Proposed Project Development will result in the degradation of broadleaved woodland that has been identified as both ancient woodland, Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland Priority Habitat and Wet Woodland Priority Habitat as result of the creation of a new footpath, which will result in a minor loss of ground flora. However, given the very limited extent of the area affected the effect of this degradation is negligible.

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Retained woodland could be accidentally damaged or destroyed as a result of direct physical impact. The represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short to long term depending on the level of damage.

Installation of drainage infrastructure, in particular the installation of the flow control devices for Basins R5g and R5b which pass through ancient woodland (TN3), has potential to damage retained woodland through direct physical damage to trees and compaction of roots. This represents a temporary moderate adverse effect in the long term.

Scattered Trees The Proposed Project Development will result in the loss of approximately 32% of scattered trees. Although 0.02 hectares of compensatory habitat will be planted within the Phase 2b SANG which will be established during the operational phase (Paragraph 14.308– 14.309), there will still be a net loss of scattered trees overall. This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

Retained scattered trees could be accidentally damaged or destroyed as a result of direct physical impact. The represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short to long term depending on the level of damage.

Semi-improved and Unimproved Grassland The Proposed Project Development will result in the loss of 15.02 hectares of semi-improved, and 0.52 hectares of unimproved neutral grassland attributable to Lowland Meadow Priority Habitat. However, the proposals will create 14.84 hectares of compensatory grassland within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG which will be established during the operational phase (Paragraph 14.308– 14.309). Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short term.

Marsh/Marshy Grassland The Proposed Project Development will result in the loss of 0.47 hectares of marsh/marshy grassland, including 0.1 hectares of Purple Moor-grass and Rush Pasture Priority Habitat. However, the proposals will create 2.99 hectares of marsh/marshy grassland habitat which will be established during the operational phase (Paragraph 14.308– 14.309). Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short term.

Standing Water The Proposed Project Development will retain all standing water (0.01 hectares) currently present within the Project Site. Therefore no impacts on standing water are anticipated.

Running Water Running water habitats will be retained, although the unnamed tributary of Emm Brook will be significantly modified and culverted as part of the proposals. Footbridges will be installed across Emm Brook in three locations (Phase 2 Appendix 5.4). These bridges will clear span the watercourse and will not result in any major modifications. However, during construction there is a risk of degradation of the watercourse through direct physical damage to the bank structure, which represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short term.

Hedgerows The Proposed Project Development will result in the loss of 2.42 kilometres of Hedgerow Priority Habitat, including 1.24 kilometres of species-rich hedgerow. However, the proposals will create 4.11 kilometres of species-rich hedgerow attributable to Hedgerow Priority Habitat (Paragraph 14.308 – 14.309) within the Phase 2b SANG. Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the long term.

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Two of the three hedgerows which are ‘Important’ under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 will be retained. The third (H11) will be severed by the SDR. It may be possible to retain remaining elements of the hedgerow; however, as this lies within the outline application area and details have not been agreed, for the purposes of this assessment it is assumed that this hedgerow will be lost. If removed without approval of a ‘hedgerow removal notice’, this would constitute an offence under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997.

Retained hedgerows could be accidentally damaged or destroyed as a result of direct physical impact. This represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short to long term depending on the level of damage.

Bats The tree supporting a confirmed bat roost (T17) will be retained. Construction will result in the loss of a single tree with suitability for roosting bats (T19 identified as having low suitability for roosting bats (Ref 14.14), see Phase 2 Appendix 14.2 Map 4). However, 20 bat boxes suitable for installation in trees, including Schwegler 1FF, Schwegler 2F, Schwegler 2FN, Schweger 1FS, Schwegler 1FW bat boxes will be installed within suitable trees in the Phase 2b SANG (Ref 14.20) and 20 Schwegler 1FD triple front panel bat boxes will be installed within suitable trees in St Anne’s SANG (Ref 14.21) to compensate for the loss of roosting opportunities. Therefore this represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

Although no bats were recorded roosting in T19 during the bat surveys undertaken at the Project Site, bats are a highly mobile species group and therefore there is potential for this tree to be colonised prior to the commencement of works. As the tree has low suitability for roosting bats any roost established within the tree is likely to be of low status. Therefore this would represent a permanent minor adverse effect. This would also constitute an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) (Paragraph 14.11).

For the same reason, accidental damage/destruction of and loud construction works undertaken in the vicinity of retained trees could also result in the disturbance, killing and injury of individual roosting bats and destruction of roosts. This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

Construction will result in the loss of approximately 8 hectares of habitat suitable for foraging and commuting bats, including hedgerow, scattered trees, grassland and scrub, which will also result in isolation effects. However, the woodland habitat including the woodland in the south- west of the Project Site (TN3) which was identified as providing key foraging habitat on site, will be retained. A total of approximately 30 hectares of suitable foraging and commuting habitat will be created within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG which will be established during the operational phase (Paragraph 14.308– 14.309). Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short to long term.

Construction works will be undertaken during daylight hours (Phase 2 Chapter 5). Therefore, no adverse effects are anticipated as a result of light spill on roosting, foraging and commuting habitats in the construction phase.

Badger Lighting associated with construction will be restricted to daylight hours (Phase 2 Chapter 5). Therefore, no impacts as a result of sett disturbance as a result of construction lighting are anticipated.

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An active badger sett has been identified within the Project Site. As badger are a highly mobile species, there is also potential for new setts to be created within the Project Site prior to the commencement of works.

The existing badger sett will be protected from damage and disturbance during construction (Ref 14.21), however, new badger setts could be destroyed and badger could be injured or killed during construction and construction works could cause significant levels of disturbance which could result in badger abandoning setts. The significance of this possible effect cannot be accurately assessed as the nature and status of future setts cannot be known (Paragraph 14.120). However, given the findings of badger surveys to date and the time that is likely to have elapsed between the submission of this application and commencement of works, which is approximately two years (Phase 2 Chapter 5), it is unlikely that any future sett would be of importance at more than the local level and therefore impacts would represent permanent or temporary effects of no more than minor significance. Killing or injury of badger or disturbance or destruction of a badger sett would also represent an offence under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (Paragraph 14.15).

Habitat loss will result in isolation of habitat suitable for badger, however, this will be compensated for by the creation of green corridors during the operational phase (Paragraph 14.225). This represents a temporary short-term minor adverse effect in the long term.

If trenches are left uncovered overnight badger could become trapped in excavations causing possible injury or death. As the construction period will last for approximately 10 years, this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the long term.

European hedgehog Construction will result in the loss of approximately 5 hectares of suitable habitat including, hedgerow, scrub and grassland. This will also have an isolation effect as a result of habitat fragmentation. However, a total of approximately 24 hectares of suitable habitat will be created within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG which will be established during the operational phase (Paragraph 14.308– 14.309). Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short to long term.

Loss of retained habitats could also result from accidental damage. This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

Individual European hedgehog could be killed or injured during the removal suitable habitat. In addition, if trenches are left uncovered overnight, European hedgehog could become trapped causing possible injury or death. Given the scale and duration of the works, approximately 10 years (Phase 2 Chapter 5), this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the long-term.

Lighting associated with construction will be restricted to daylight hours (Phase 2 Chapter 5) and therefore no disturbance impacts associated with artificial lighting are anticipated in the construction phase.

Birds Construction will result in the loss of approximately 3 hectares of habitat suitable for hedgerow and tree nesting birds including hedgerow, scattered trees and scrub. A total of 20 bird boxes suitable for installation in trees, including Schwegler 2M 32mm entrance nest boxes, Schwegler 2GR oval hole nest boxes, Schwegler 1N nest boxes, Schwegler 3S nest boxes, Schwegler 2H nest boxes and Schwegler 2TF nest boxes, or boxes of similar design, will be installed within Phase 2b SANG (Ref 14.20) and 20 bird boxes, comprising 10 Schwegler 2GR nest boxes and 10 Barcelona open nest boxes, or boxes of similar design, will be installed within suitable trees and hedgerows

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within the St Anne’s SANG (Ref 14.21), which will compensate for the loss of habitat suitable for tree and hedgerow nesting birds. However, a loss of foraging resource will remain. A total of approximately 10 hectares of suitable habitat will be created within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG which will be established during the operational phase (Paragraph 14.308– 14.309). Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short to long term.

There will be a permanent loss of 41 hectares of grassland and arable habitat suitable for ground nesting birds, which currently supports four lapwing breeding territories and two skylark breeding territories. Much of the grassland habitat is currently unsuitable for ground nesting birds due to management. This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

Destruction of habitat suitable for nesting birds could result in destruction of nests and killing of individual birds. Loud construction works undertaken in close proximity to active nests within these habitats could result in disturbance to nesting birds and abandonment of eggs or young. Given the scale and duration of the works, approximately 10 years (Phase 2 Chapter 5) this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the long-term.

Reptiles Construction will result in the loss of approximately 7 hectares of suitable habitat, including hedgerows, grassland and scrub. However, a total of approximately 22 hectares of suitable habitat will be created within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG which will be established during the operational phase (Paragraph 14.308– 14.309). Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short to long term.

During construction reptiles could be killed or injured through crushing by heavy machinery. Given the scale and duration of the works, approximately 10 years (Phase 2 Chapter 5), this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the long-term. This would also constitute an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (Paragraph 14.20).

Amphibians Construction will result in the loss of approximately 7 hectares of habitat suitable for amphibians in their terrestrial phase, including 7.00 hectares of habitat suitable for great crested newt. However, a total of approximately 29 hectares of suitable habitat will be created within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG which will be established during the operational phase (Paragraph 14.308– 14.309). Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short to long term. Destruction of habitat which supports great crested newt also constitutes an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (Paragraph 14.14).

During construction amphibians could be killed or injured through crushing by heavy machinery. Given the scale and duration of the works, approximately 10 years (Phase 2 Chapter 5) and the knowledge that amphibian populations are subject to significant annual fluctuations based on a number of factors including pond drying, it is considered likely that the local population, if affected, would recover within one year and therefore this represents a temporary short-term minor adverse effect. The killing and injury of great crested newt also constitute an offence

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under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (Paragraph 14.14).

Fish The realignment and culverting will result in the major modification of the unnamed tributary of Emm Brook but will remain suitable for fish. However, as bullhead are the only notable species associated with the Project Site and the unnamed tributary is unsuitable for this species, works to this part of the watercourse represent a negligible effect.

Pollution events during construction could enter Emm Brook and result in the killing of fish, or the degradation of the water course, making it less suitable for fish, including bullhead. However, given the nature of the works, pollution events are likely to be limited in extent and severity. Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short term.

Invertebrates The realignment and culverting of the unnamed tributary of Emm Brook will result in the loss of approximately 1.9 km of watercourse suitable for aquatic invertebrates. However, as a low diversity of common species is associated with the watercourse, this represents a negligible effect.

Woodland habitats, which provide the greatest resource for invertebrates on site, will be retained. Construction will result in the loss of approximately 3 hectares of marshy grassland which is suitable, but suboptimal, for notable invertebrate species. However, a total of 8 hectares of suitable habitat will be created within the Phase 2b SANG which will be established during the operational phase (Paragraph 14.308– 14.309). Therefore this represents a temporary minor adverse effect in the short to long term.

Operational Phase Designated Sites Residents from the Project Site may visit the Thames Basin Heaths SPA resulting in degradation of the heathland habitat present as a result of human activities (for example trampling, littering, dog fouling and arson), and also in disturbance of the important breeding bird populations, including nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, woodlark Lullula arborea and Dartford warbler Sylvia undata, which are part of the reason for the site’s designation. This represents a permanent major adverse effect. Further details are provided in the shadow Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) report submitted as part of the application (Phase 2 Appendix 14.4).

Residents from the Project Site may visit Heath Lake SSSI and LNR, however, woodland habitat are being actively managed to restore lowland heath and it is therefore likely that this mitigation will include measures to mitigate for recreational effects (Ref 14.22). Therefore no adverse effects as a result of increase in recreational pressure are anticipated.

Residents from the Project Site may visit Wykery Copse SSSI, however, the site has been furnished with a railed timber boardwalk to deter informal access and is subject to regular management by Bracknell Forest Parks and Countryside Rangers and volunteers (Ref 14.23).

Residents from the Application Site may visit Holt Copse & Joel Park LNR and . However, visitors are actively encouraged at LNRs (Paragraph 14.8) and the site is actively managed by Wokingham Town Council and Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers (Ref 14.24).

Residents from the Project Site may visit Gorrick Plantation LWS resulting in degradation of the woodland habitat present as a result of human activities (for example trampling, littering and dog fouling). This represents a permanent moderate adverse effect.

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There is potential for residents to informally access the Woodland near Ludgrove School LWS, which lies within the Project Site boundary, resulting in degradation of the woodland habitat present as a result of human activities (for example trampling, littering and dog fouling). However, a 15 metre buffer will be established around the edges of the LWS with dense scrub planting to deter public access. As part of the Phase 2b SANG a footpath will be established which partially runs through this buffer habitat. However, a boardwalk will be established within these areas to ensure members of the public remain on the established footpath. Regular management of the woodland will be undertaken in order to repair damage and remove litter. Therefore this represents a negligible effect.

Farley Copse LNR, and Rigg’s Copes, Blackman’s Copse, Trench’s Bridge, Pocket’s Copse and Tarman’s Copse LWS’s lie within two kilometres of the Project Site boundary, however, they lie more than two kilometres from the nearest area of residential development and the St Anne’s SANG lies between the residential development and the LWS’s, so it is unlikely that residents would travel the distance to use these sites on a regular basis. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated as a result of increased recreational activity at these sites.

All other sites are either not publicly accessible or lie outside of the identified Zone of Influence for recreational effects.

Increased traffic may result in adverse effects as a result of reduction in air quality on habitats associated with Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham SAC, Windsor Forest and Great Park SAC, Wykery Copse SSSI, Colony Bog and Bagshot Heath SSSI, Windsor Forest and Great Park SSSI and Chobham Common SSSI. The significance of this effect, if any, is currently being in assessed in consultation with the Local Authority and Natural England.

Habitats All runoff from the Proposed Project Development will be directed through a sufficient number of SuDS features to provide the necessary pollution mitigation and treatment prior to discharge either to ground or surface water in line with the requirements of Chapter 26 of the SuDS Manual (Phase 2 Chapter 12). Therefore no significant changes in water quality within Emm Brook are anticipated as a result of operation and this represents a negligible effect.

There is potential for residents to informally access areas of retained ancient woodland resulting in degradation of the woodland habitat present as a result of human activities (for example trampling, littering and dog fouling). However, a 15 metre buffer will be established around the edges of ancient woodland, planted with dense scrub to deter public access. As part of the Phase 2b SANG a footpath will be established which partially runs through the buffer habitat around ancient woodland in the south-west of the Project Site (TN3). However, a boardwalk will be established within these areas to ensure members of the public remain on the established footpath. Regular management of the woodland will be undertaken in order to repair damage, remove litter and control any invasive species that may be introduced. Therefore this represents a negligible effect.

Recreational use of the St Anne’s SANG has potential to result in the degradation of on-site habitats, including the retained ancient woodland, through human activities such as dog fouling, trampling and littering. However, as part of the proposals an interpretation board will be installed at the entrance of the SANG making users aware of these potential adverse effects and encouraging them to keep to the designated footpath. In addition, dog bins will be provided (Phase 2 Appendix 5.4). As part of the ongoing management strategy litter picks, emptying of dog bins and general litter clearance would be carried out on a fortnightly basis. An assessment of any detrimental impact of dogs and dog fouling within the woodland to be undertaken

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annually and receptive management will include additional planting and signage if required (Ref 14.21). Therefore adverse effects associated with recreational use are negligible.

The Proposed Project Development will result in the loss of approximately 15 hectares of semi- improved and unimproved grassland, including 0.52 hectares of unimproved neutral grassland attributable to Lowland Meadow Priority Habitat (Paragraph 14.167). The Proposed Project Development will establish approximately 14 hectares of wildflower meadow within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG. While there will be a net loss of grassland habitat in extent, the overall quality of grassland will be higher post development. This is demonstrated using the DEFRA Metric 2.0 calculator which shows a loss of approximately 60 units in relation to grassland but a gain of approximately 104 units post-development. This represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

The Proposed Project Development will result in the loss of 4.08 hectares of marsh/marshy grassland, including 0.47 hectares of Purple Moor-grass and Rush Pasture Priority Habitat (Paragraph 14.168). However, the proposals will create 2.99 hectares of marsh/marshy grassland habitat which will be established during the operational phase. This grassland will be established and managed to ensure it is attributable to the Purple Moor-grass and Rush Pasture Priority Habitat (Ref 14.24). This will be achieved through ground preparation works, translocation of existing marsh/marshy grassland on site which is attributable to Purple Moor-grass and Rush Pasture, supplementary seeding and ongoing monitoring and management to maintain habitat quality (Ref 14.20). Therefore the proposal will result in a net gain of 2.52 hectares of Purple Moor- grass and Rush Pasture Priority Habitat. This represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

The Proposed Project Development will result in the loss of 2.42 kilometres of hedgerow habitat, including 0.49 kilometres of species-rich hedgerow (Paragraph 14.171-14.172). However, the proposals will create 4.12 kilometres of species-rich hedgerows attributable to Hedgerow Priority Habitat within the Phase 2b SANG. Therefore the proposal will result in a net gain of 0.83 hectares of Hedgerow Priority Habitat. This represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

Overall the proposals will result in a net loss of habitats on site, in order to accommodate the built development. However, soft landscaping within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG will provide a net gain in high quality habitats. This is demonstrated through a DEFRA Metric 2.0 calculation, which concludes an overall net gain score of 30.98 habitat units for habitats (woodland, grassland and wetland habitat) and a net gain score of 8.67 units for hedgerows (Phase 2 Appendix 14.3). Therefore, there will be a permanent minor beneficial effect for habitats overall.

Retained habitats outside of the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG, such as trees and hedgerows, could be damaged or destroyed through inappropriate management. This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

Bats Introduction of a new external lighting scheme could result in significant light spill on retained habitats suitable for foraging and commuting bats. Light spill can deter more light-averse bat species including such as long-eared bats Plecotus species, Myotis species and barbastelle, from using the available habitat, potentially resulting in foraging habitat loss and isolation of habitats. This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

Killing and injury of individual bats could result from an increase in predation by domestic cats. However, cats are only known to kill or injure a small number of bats with a study finding that bats formed 1.6% of mammals predated by domestic cats and 0.19% of all animals predated by

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domestic cats (Ref 14.26). The loss to the local population is considered likely to represent a very minor change from baseline conditions and therefore this represents a negligible effect.

The Proposed Project Development will create approximately 30 hectares of suitable habitat for bats within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG in the form of broadleaved woodland, scrub, scattered trees, unimproved grassland and marshy grassland. This represents a net gain of approximately 21 hectares of suitable habitat. In addition, green corridors across the Project Site will mitigate for isolation effects caused during construction (Phase 2 Appendix 5.4). Retained and created habitats within the SANGs will be managed to maintain and enhance them for roosting, foraging and commuting bats (Ref 14.20 and Ref 14.21). This represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

Damage or destruction of retained trees outside the Phase 2b SANG through insensitive management has potential to result in damage or destruction of roosts and killing or injury of individual bats. If this occurred, this would represent a permanent minor adverse effect. This would also constitute an offence under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (Paragraph 14.11).

Badger Active badger setts have been recorded within the Project Site. As badger are a highly mobile species, there is also potential for new setts to be created within the Project Site prior to the commencement of works.

Residents and their dogs could cause significant levels of disturbance to new and existing setts which result in sett abandonment. Introduction of new external lighting that results in significant light spill on badger sett entrances could result in also result in sett abandonment, although no lighting is proposed in the vicinity of the existing sett. There could also be a significant increase in traffic-related mortalities if badgers colonise areas close to proposed roads.

The significance of this effect cannot be accurately assessed as the nature and status of future setts cannot be known (Paragraph 14.120). However, given the findings of badger surveys to date and the time that is likely to have elapsed between the submission of this application and commencement of works, approximately two years (Phase 2 Chapter 5), it is unlikely that any future sett would be of importance at more than the local level and therefore impacts would represent permanent or temporary effects of no more than minor significance. This could also represent an offence under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (Paragraph 14.15).

Green corridors across the Project Site will mitigate for isolation effects during construction (at Phase 2 Appendix 5.4). Retained and created habitats within the Phase 2b and St Anne’s SANGs will be managed to maintain and enhance them for badger (Ref 14.20 and Ref 14.21). This represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

European hedgehog There is little research available on lighting effect on hedgehog, however, for small, nocturnal herbivorous mammals, artificial night lighting increases risks of predation and reduces food consumption and can disrupt mammalian dispersal movements and use of green corridors (Ref 14.27). This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

The Proposed Project Development may also result in an increase in traffic related mortalities, which may be exacerbated by night lighting as nocturnal animals struggle to adapt their vision and are therefore less likely to avoid collisions (Ref 14.27). This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

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Killing and injury of individual European hedgehog could result from an increase in predation by domestic pets. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that cats avoid predating European hedgehog due to their spines and a study found that out of 14,370 animals killed by cats, none were hedgehog (Ref 14.26). Dogs may occasionally attack European hedgehog, however, adults are usually sufficiently protected by their spines, with only young vulnerable to death from such attacks (Ref 14.26). The loss to the local population is considered likely to represent a very minor change from baseline conditions and therefore this represents a negligible effect.

The Proposed Project Development will create approximately 24 hectares of suitable habitat for European hedgehog within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG in the form of woodland, grassland, hedgerow and scrub habitats. This represents a net gain of approximately 18 hectares of suitable habitat. In addition, green corridors across the Project Site to mitigate for isolation effects during construction. Retained and created habitats within the SANG will be managed to maintain and enhance them for European hedgehog (Ref 14.20 and Ref 14.21). This represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

Inappropriate management of the retained hedgerows outside of the Phase 2 SANG and St Anne’s SANG could result in a reduction in quality of foraging resources and structure of sheltering habitat for hedgehog. This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

Birds The introduction of a new external lighting scheme could result in significant light spill on retained habitats suitable for nesting birds, which may deter birds from making use of on-site habitat. This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

No suitable habitat will be retained on site for ground nesting birds and the nature of regular on- site activities (for example, walking, dog walking, cycling, driving etc.) are unlikely to result in significant disturbance to tree and hedgerow nesting birds (i.e. sufficient to cause permanent abandonment of a nest). Therefore disturbance effects of general operation are negligible.

Killing and injury of individual birds could result from an increase in predation by domestic pets. Birds form a significant proportion of animals killed and injured by cats, with a study finding that birds form 26% of all animals predated by domestic cats (Ref 14.26). Few studies have been carried out that specifically consider the effects of cat predation on avian populations in the UK; those that do appear to suggest that predation by cats is not of concern on a national scale but may be influential in the decline of local populations (Ref 14.28). This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

The Proposed Project Development will create approximately 10 hectares of suitable habitat for tree and hedgerow nesting birds within the Phase 2 SANG and St Anne’s SANG in the form of woodland, scattered trees and scrub habitat. This represents a net gain of approximately 7 hectares of suitable habitat. Retained and created habitats within the SANG will be managed to maintain and enhance them for birds (Ref 14.20 and Ref 14.21). This represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

Damage and destruction of retained trees and hedgerows outside the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG as a result of inappropriate management has potential to result in the loss of the retained nesting bird habitat and could result in the injury and killing of individual birds. This represents a permanent minor adverse effect. This also constitutes an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (Paragraph 14.18).

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Reptiles Although limited scientific information is currently available, studies to date indicate that alteration of the natural variation in diurnal and nocturnal light intensities and spectral properties of lights has the potential to disrupt the physiology, behaviour and ecology of reptiles (Ref 14.29). Therefore, introduction of a new lighting scheme represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

Killing and injury of individual reptiles could result from an increase in predation by domestic pets. However, cats are only known to kill or injure a small number of reptiles with a study finding that reptiles formed 1% of all animals predated by domestic cats (Ref 14.26). The loss to the local population is considered likely to represent a very minor change from baseline conditions and therefore this represents a negligible effect.

The Proposed Project Development will create approximately 22 hectares of suitable habitat for reptiles within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG in the form of unmanaged grassland and scrub habitat. This represents a net gain of approximately 14 hectares of suitable habitat. Retained and created habitats within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG will be managed to maintain and enhance them for reptiles (Ref 14.20 and Ref 14.21). This represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

Amphibians Although limited scientific information is currently available, studies to date indicate that alteration of the natural variation in diurnal and nocturnal light intensities and spectral properties of lights has the potential to disrupt the physiology, behaviour and ecology of amphibians (Ref 14.29). Therefore, introduction of a new lighting scheme represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

Killing and injury of individual amphibians could result from an increase in predation by domestic pets. However, cats are only known to kill or injure a small number of reptiles with a study finding that reptiles formed 1% of all animals predated by domestic cats (Ref 14.26). The loss to the local population is considered likely to represent a very minor change from baseline conditions and therefore this represents a negligible effect.

Amphibian mortalities may also result if individuals become trapped in gully pots associated with new roads. This represents a permanent minor adverse effect. This could also constitute an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (Paragraph 14.14).

The Proposed Project Development will create approximately 29 hectares of suitable habitat for amphibians within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG in the form of woodland, unmanaged grassland and scrub habitat and standing water associated with attenuation basins. This represents a net gain of approximately 21 hectares of suitable habitat (Phase 2 Appendix 5.4). Retained and created habitats within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG will be managed to maintain and enhance them for amphibians (Ref 14.20 and Ref 14.21). This represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

However, as newly created habitats are associated with the Phase 2b SANG in the south of the site and St Anne’s SANG, which lies more than 500 metres from the nearest known great crested newt breeding ponds, there will be a net loss in suitable habitat for great crested newt. This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

Fish No artificial light is proposed in the vicinity of Emm Brook therefore no adverse effects in relation to artificial light are anticipated.

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All runoff from the Project Development will be directed through a sufficient number of SuDS features to provide the necessary pollution mitigation and treatment prior to discharge either to ground or surface water in line with the requirements of Chapter 26 of the SuDS Manual (Phase 2b Chapter 12). Therefore no significant changes in water quality within Emm Brook are anticipated as a result of operation and this represents a negligible effect.

Invertebrates The introduction of a new lighting scheme could result in significant light spill on suitable habitats within or adjacent to the Project Site and has potential to result in disturbance to invertebrates by disrupting the natural light/dark patterns of invertebrates, affecting their feeding, breeding and movement (Ref 14.30). This represents a permanent minor adverse effect.

The Proposed Project Development will create approximately 8 hectares of suitable habitat for notable terrestrial invertebrates within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG in the form of woodland and marshy grassland. This represents a net gain of approximately 5 hectares of suitable habitat. Retained and created habitats within the SANG will be managed to maintain and enhance them for notable terrestrial invertebrates (Ref 14.20 and Ref 14.21). This represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

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Cumulative Impacts Before Mitigation Details of cumulative sites are provided in Appendix 2.3 and Appendix 2.4.

Site 1 A full ecological impact assessment has not yet been completed for Site 1 (a proposal for 140 dwellings) and no mitigation proposals are publicly available. As such it is not possible to determine whether there will be cumulative effects as a result of the two developments in combination.

Site 2 The EIA undertaken for the proposal (for 650 dwellings) at this site concludes that there will be a ‘slight’ adverse residual effect on breeding skylark and lapwing after mitigation measures have been implemented (Ref 14.31). The site is assessed as being of ‘lower’ value at the local level. Given that the Proposed Project Development will result in an adverse effect at on the bird assemblage at the local level without mitigation, a minor adverse cumulative effect in combination with Site 2 is anticipated.

Site 3 A range of ecological documents was provided to support the planning application for this site (for 100 dwellings). The most recent Ecological Addendum, submitted in 2014, did not include a formal assessment of cumulative impacts, however, the assessment states that the impact of considered minimal and habitat creation measures have the potential to improve upon existing conditions (Ref 14.32). Therefore no cumulative effects are anticipated as a result of the Development.

Site 4 The EIA undertaken for the proposal at this site (for 274 dwellings) concludes that there will be no significant residual effects after mitigation measures have been implemented and therefore no cumulative effects are anticipated as a result of the Development (Ref 14.33).

Site 5 The EIA undertaken for the proposal at this site (100 dwellings) concludes that there will be no significant residual effects after mitigation measures have been implemented and therefore no cumulative effects are anticipated as a result of the Development (Ref 14.34).

Site 6 An Ecological Mitigation Strategy associated with these proposals (for 118 dwellings) concluded that the Development is not likely to have a detrimental impact on designated sites, or protected species present or potentially present within the Project Site and the local area (Ref 14.35). However, further survey work to inform the ecological baseline is outstanding and therefore a cumulative impact assessment is not possible. Given the significant distance of Site 6 from the Project Site (approximately 4.2 kilometres), which places it outside of the Zone of Influence, it is considered highly unlikely that cumulative effects would result from these developments in combination.

Site 7 Residual effects have not been formally assessed as part of the application for Site 7 (for 128 dwellings), however, if the recommendations in the various ecological reports associated with the application are implemented (Ref 14.36, Ref 14.37, Ref 14.38, Ref 14.39, Ref 14.40 and Ref 14.41), it can be assumed that no adverse residual effects will result. Therefore no cumulative effects are anticipated as a result of the Development.

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Site 8 The EIA undertaken for the proposal at this site (for 300 dwellings) concludes that the Development would have negligible and non-significant effects following the implementation of the ecological mitigation measures (Ref 14.42). Therefore no cumulative effects are anticipated.

Site 9 Bat surveys were undertaken at this site (for which 26 dwellings are proposed) and the associated report states that these were the only surveys requested (Ref 14.43). As such it is assumed that the site is only suitable for this species. The bat surveys found no bat roosts, although on-site buildings are suitable for roosting bats. If roosting bats are encountered compensatory habitat will be installed. Although a formal cumulative impact assessment has not been undertaken it is considered unlikely that residual adverse effects will result from these proposals and therefore no cumulative effects are anticipated.

Site 10 An Ecological Appraisal of the site (for which 39 dwellings are proposed) found that it is of low ecological value and no further ecological surveys were required (Ref 14.44). It was concluded that there would be no significant impacts on any protected species following the implementation of the ecological mitigation measures. Therefore no cumulative effects are anticipated.

Site 11 The Ecological Impact Assessment associated with the proposal (for 1,000 dwellings) concludes that residual effects on ecological features will either be negligible or beneficial (Ref 14.45). Therefore no cumulative adverse effects are anticipated. Without mitigation, effects of the Development proposals on ecological features will be adverse, therefore no cumulative effects are anticipated.

Site 12 An Ecological Appraisal of the site (for 128 dwellings) concludes that residual effects on ecological features will either be negligible or beneficial, although baseline information for great crested newt was outstanding (Ref 14.46). A subsequent survey for great crested newt found the species to be absent from the site (Ref 14.47). Therefore no cumulative adverse effects are anticipated.

Site 13 No specific cumulative impact assessment has been completed for this site (for which 380 dwellings are proposed), however, the Ecological Assessment associated with the proposal concludes that there will be no significant effects on habitats at the local level, and sets out recommendations to protect protected species which may be associated with the site (Ref 14.48). It is therefore considered likely that these recommended mitigation measures will prevent residual effects on ecological features associated with the site and therefore no cumulative effects are anticipated.

Site 14 The Ecological Impact Assessment associated with the proposal (for 380 dwellings) concludes that residual effects on ecological features will either be negligible or beneficial (Ref 14.49). Therefore no cumulative adverse effects are anticipated.

Site 15 The Ecological Impact Assessment associated with the proposal for this site (for 550 dwellings) concludes that there will be a number of adverse residual effects at the site level as a result of construction (Ref 14.50).

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The proposals (for 550 dwellings) will result in an adverse residual effect on grassland habitats up to the local level in the medium to long term, an adverse residual effect on the bird assemblage at the site level in the short term and an adverse residual effect on foraging and commuting bats at the site level in the short to long-term.

Without mitigation, the Development proposals will therefore result in a cumulative net loss of grassland habitat at the local level, a cumulative adverse residual effect on the bird assemblage at the local level and a cumulative adverse residual effect on foraging and commuting bats at the county level, as these species are highly mobile and are likely to make use of the habitats available on both sites.

The cumulative effects associated with this site would therefore be moderate adverse.

Site 16 The Environmental Impact Assessment associated with the proposal for this site (for a leisure centre, cinema, hotel and 126 dwellings) concludes that residual effects will be predominantly negligible in the long term with the exception of foraging and commuting bats which will be subject to a long-term minor adverse effect during the construction phase (Ref 14.51). Without mitigation, effects of the Development proposals on foraging and commuting bats will be adverse at the county level. The cumulative effects associated with this site would therefore be moderate adverse.

Site 17 No specific cumulative impact assessment has been completed for this site (for a leisure centre, library, restaurant, D1/D2 units and 55 dwellings), however, the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Building Survey report associated with the proposal sets out recommendations to mitigate for adverse effects on habitats and protect protected species which may be associated with the site (Ref 14.52). It is therefore considered likely that these recommended mitigation measures will prevent residual effects on ecological features associated with the site and therefore no cumulative effects are anticipated.

Potential Overall Cumulative Impact Of the 17 development schemes identified as part of the cumulative assessment, only three are likely to result in adverse cumulative effects in combination with the Development. The proposals in combination will result in a minor adverse effect on grassland habitat and birds, and a moderate adverse effect on foraging and commuting bats. All cumulative effects relate to the construction phase. Overall the cumulative effect of the Development, without mitigation, is predicted to be moderate adverse.

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Mitigation Construction Phase Designated Sites The pipeline linking the attenuation basins to the north of the LWS with Emm Brook to the south will be installed using directional drilling at a depth of two metres to avoid damage to ground flora and tree roots. The directional drilling will be completed prior to the opening of the Holme Park SANG so that construction will not affect the usability of the SANG.

The Woodland near Ludgrove School LWS should be protected with protective fencing to prevent accidental damage by heavy machinery during construction. The location of protective fencing will be detailed in a Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and will accord with guidance set out in BS 5837:2012 (Ref 14.53).

Pollution prevention measures during construction will be established to prevent pollution events that could damage the Woodland near Ludgrove School LWS. Pollution prevention measures including details of suitable design and siting of storage containers for polluting materials, secondary containment measures to contain any leaks or spills and procedures for delivery and handling of polluting materials will be detailed in the CEMP.

Habitats Pipelines crossing areas of woodland or species-rich hedgerows will be installed using directional drilling to a depth of no less than two metres. Where species-poor hedgerows are crossed, sections will be removed, under the supervision of an ecologist where appropriate (Paragraph 14.288), and gaps refilled with native species planting after installation.

Retained habitats such as mature trees and hedgerows will be protected from accidental damage through use of protective fencing to prevent accidental damage by heavy machinery during construction. The location of protective fencing will be detailed in the CEMP and will accord with guidance set out in BS 5837:2012 (Ref 14.53).

Pollution prevention measures during construction will be established to prevent pollution events, particularly those that could result in pollutants entering Emm Brook. Specific pollution prevention measures, including buffering of Emm Brook where appropriate, will be detailed in the CEMP.

Bats The dense ivy cladding on T19 (Map 4 of Phase 2 Appendix 14.1) will be removed and the tree resurveyed for suitable roosting features. If roosting features are present, the tree will be sectionally felled under supervision of a suitably qualified ecologist. Sections containing suitable roosting features will be left on the ground for 24 hours to allow any roosting bats to emerge. The felled sections can then be removed from site. In the unlikely event that the revealed features have potential to support a roost of higher status, further surveys may be required. If a roost is discovered, a licence will be sought from Natural England and a suitable mitigation strategy agreed prior to removal.

Retained trees with suitability for roosting bats and foraging and commuting corridors, such as hedgerows and treelines, will be protected from accidental damage using protective fencing. The location of protective fencing will be detailed in the CEMP and will accord with guidance set out in BS 5837:2012 (Ref 14.53). The distance of Root Protection Zones will prevent construction activities being undertaken in close enough proximity to retained trees to cause a significant disturbance effect.

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As part of ongoing management, trees adjacent to public spaces, including footpaths, may be subject to management or removal for health and safety reasons. This has the potential to result in damage, disturbance or destruction of bat roosts and killing or injury of individual bats. If this occurred, this would represent a permanent minor adverse effect. It would also constitute an offence under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (Paragraph 14.11).

Badger As new badger setts could be constructed between the time the badger surveys were initially undertaken and the commencement of construction works, an updating badger survey will be undertaken within six months of the commencement of construction. Further updating surveys may be required at intervals during the construction period. It is anticipated that the timings of any further surveys will be determined as part of the detailed planning application.

Any active setts identified will be retained with a suitable buffer depending on the nature of the proposed works, or if not possible, a protected species licence will be sought from Natural England in order to disturb or close the sett(s). Any sett closure works will include installation of badger gates and monitoring for at least 21 days to ensure badger have left the sett. The destruction of the sett will be undertaken at a suitable time of year (1st July – 30th November) using appropriate methods, under the supervision of a suitably qualified ecologist. It may be necessary to construct an artificial sett, although it is considered unlikely that a main sett (which would require this compensation measure) would be established in this timeframe. Exact details of any sett closure works, including details of the design and location of an artificial sett, would be provided as part of the protected species licence application.

During construction, deep excavations will be covered overnight, or if not possible, a suitable ramp will be inserted in order to allow trapped animals to escape. These details will be included within the CEMP.

Suitable retained habitat will be protected from accidental damage through installation of protective fencing. Details of the location of protective fencing will be provided in the CEMP.

European Hedgehog Suitable retained habitat will be protected from accidental damage through installation of protective fencing. Details of the location of protective fencing will be provided in the CEMP.

Clearance of hedgerow will be undertaken by hand under the supervision of an ecologist who will remove any European hedgehog encountered into suitable retained habitat outside of the construction area.

Birds The loss of habitat suitable for ground nesting birds cannot be accommodated within the Project Site and therefore a financial contribution will be made to the local authority so that off-site compensatory habitat can be delivered. The proposed contribution is based on the extent of skylark and lapwing breeding areas recorded during the breeding bird surveys undertaken (Phase 2 Appendix 14.2 Map 9a), taking into account the habitat loss associated with the construction of the SWDR as part of the future baseline. This represents a total area of 0.62 hectares of lapwing habitat (Phase 2 Appendix 14.3 Map 2 Target Notes 7 and 8) and 10.77 hectares of skylark habitat (Phase 2 Appendix 14.3 Map 2 Target Notes 6 and 42). Based on similar financial contributions made through the Countryside Stewardship scheme (Ref 14.55 and Ref 14.56), a contribution of

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£524 per hectare of lapwing breeding habitat per year and £18 per hectare of skylark habitat per year is proposed. The contribution will cover a period of 30 years. Therefore the financial contribution will be £518.74 per year, £15, 562.20 in total over the 30 year period. It is anticipated that this will be secured through a Section 106 agreement.

Retained trees and hedgerows will be protected from accidental damage through installation of protective fencing. Details of the location of protective fencing will be provided in the CEMP.

Clearance of habitat suitable for nesting birds, in particular ground nesting birds, will be undertaken outside of the main breeding season (March to August inclusive), or if not possible, clearance works will be undertaken under the supervision of a suitably qualified ecologist. If active nests are identified prior to commencement of works, the nest(s) will be left with a suitable buffer (determined by the attending ecologist) until young have fledged.

Reptiles Areas of retained habitat, in particular the habitat adjacent to the railway line where reptiles were encountered during the reptile surveys, will be protected by protective fencing. Details of the type and location of protective fencing will be provided in the CEMP.

In order to avoid killing and injury of reptiles, areas of suitable habitat will be subject to a translocation exercise, which may include exclusion of the area to be cleared with exclusion fencing. Reptiles will be translocated into areas of wildflower meadow grassland within the Phase 2b SANG, which will be established prior to the commencement of the translocation works.

For smaller areas of habitat loss, where habitat is connected to suitable habitat in the wider area, it may be appropriate to exclude reptiles from the area using a persuasive strim, where vegetation is strimmed methodically to no less than 15 centimetres under the supervision of an ecologist in order to encourage reptiles to vacate the habitat of their own accord.

Once exclusion works are completed, a destructive search will be undertaken under the supervision of a suitably qualified ecologist. This involves scraping the top layer of soil away using an excavator with a toothed bucket. Any reptiles encountered during the destructive search will be translocated to the receptor site.

All exclusion works will be undertaken during the reptile active season (usually March to October, depending on weather conditions).

The details of the reptile exclusion measures to be used, including the location and design of the receptor site, location of exclusion fencing, timings, phasing and methods, will be provided in a detailed Ecological Mitigation Strategy once the details of the design have been agreed.

Amphibians Areas of retained habitat, in particular the habitat adjacent to the railway line where reptiles were encountered during the reptile surveys, will be protected by protective fencing. Details of the type and location of protective fencing will be provided in the CEMP.

A protected species licence will be sought from Natural England in order to agree a suitable mitigation strategy for the protection of great crested newt.

The mitigation strategy is likely to comprise a translocation exercise, which may include exclusion of animals from within the area to be cleared with exclusion fencing and installation of refugia and pitfall traps. Great crested newt will be translocated into a suitable receptor area, which will be established prior to the commencement of the translocation works.

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For smaller areas of habitat loss, where habitat is connected to suitable habitat in the wider area, it may be appropriate to exclude great crested newt from the area using a persuasive strim, where vegetation is strimmed methodically to no less than 15 centimetres under the supervision of an ecologist in order to encourage reptiles to vacate the habitat of their own accord.

All exclusion works will be undertaken during the great crested newt active season (usually March to October, depending on weather conditions) and in accordance with the protected species licence.

The details of the great crested newt mitigation strategy, as agreed with Natural England, including the location and design of the receptor site, location of exclusion fencing/refugia/pitfall traps, timings, phasing and methods, will be provided in a detailed Ecological Mitigation Strategy once the details of the design have been agreed and the protected species licence has been granted.

Fish Pollution prevention measures will be established during construction to prevent pollution events, particularly those that could result in pollutants entering Emm Brook. Pollution prevention measures will be detailed in the CEMP.

Invertebrates Protective measures put in place for woodland habitat as detailed in Paragraphs 14.274 - 14.275 will avoid destruction of retained habitat suitable for notable invertebrate species.

Operational Phase Designated Sites To mitigate for adverse anthropogenic effects on all publicly accessible designated sites within the Project Site ‘s Zone of Influence (in particular the Thames Basin Heaths SPA), SANG will be provided in accordance with the Wokingham Core Strategy (Ref 14.54), based on a formula of 8 hectares per 1000 population assuming an average household size of 2.4 persons per dwelling for development land within a five kilometre radius of the SPA.

The Proposed Project Development will result in a net gain of 1,710 dwellings, which will result in an estimated population gain (based on 2.4 persons per dwelling) of 4,104. This gain requires SANG provision of 32.83 hectares to sufficiently mitigate for recreational impacts on the SPA. 25.01 hectares will be provided by the Phase 2b SANG and 7.83 hectares will be provided by the Land South of St Anne’s Manor SANG within the Project Site (Phase 2 Appendix 5.4).

A contribution towards Strategic Access, Management and Monitoring (SAMM) will be also be made as part of the proposals.

For further details on the above mitigation measures refer to the shadow Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) report submitted as part of the application (Phase 2 Appendix 14.4).

Habitats New soft landscaping within the Proposed Project Development, outside of the Phase 2b SANG, will be developed in consultation with an ecologist to deliver further biodiversity net gain. This is likely to include establishment of species-rich grassland, allotments, orchard habitat, species-rich

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hedgerow planting and wetland habitat associated with attenuation basins as indicated on the Illustrative Masterplan (Phase 2b Appendix 5.4). The parameter plan (Phase 2 Appendix 5.3) has established wildlife corridors across the built environment which are no less than 6.9 metres wide at the narrowest point, and in most cases significantly wider. Where green corridors are narrower, the detailed layout will be designed to ensure that land use adjacent to these areas will provide additional buffering and discourage high levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Details of the proposed landscaping will be provided in a detailed landscape plan submitted as part of the detailed planning application.

A Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) will be designed as part of the detailed application to ensure that the quality and diversity of retained and created habitats of importance is maintained and enhanced.

Bats A sensitive external lighting scheme will be designed as part of the detailed application to ensure that light spill on habitats used by foraging and commuting bats is avoided. The scheme will have reference to measures outlined in current guidance on lighting mitigation (Ref 14.57).

New soft landscaping within the Proposed Project Development will be developed in consultation with an ecologist to provide additional suitable habitat for bats where appropriate and increase ecological permeability across the Project Site. This is likely to include establishment of species- rich grassland, allotments, orchard habitat, species-rich hedgerow planting and wetland habitat associated with attenuation basins as indicated on the Illustrative Masterplan (Phase 2b Appendix 5.4). Details of the proposed landscaping will be provided in a detailed landscape plan submitted as part of the detailed planning application.

Schwegler 1FR bat tubes will be installed on 10% of residential buildings within the Project Development, to provide additional roosting opportunities for bats. Locations of bat boxes will be provided as part of the detailed planning application.

The LEMP (Paragraph 14.309) will ensure that the quality and diversity of retained and created habitats suitable for bats is maintained and enhanced. This will include limited cutting of hedgerows to improve their structure.

As part of the proposed management at the Project Site trees adjacent to public spaces/footpaths will be tagged and inspected annually by a suitably qualified ecologist to determine whether trees support features suitable for roosting bats. If suitable trees, or branches of suitable trees require removal for health and safety reasons, advice will be sought from an ecologist regarding the requirement for soft felling under supervision of an ecologist or further survey and removal under a Natural England Bat Mitigation Licence. Appropriate mitigation will be secured as part of any Licence application.

Badger If an active badger sett is identified as part of the updating badger surveys and it is possible to retain the sett as part of the proposals (Paragraph 14.279), the lighting scheme will be reviewed and amended if necessary to avoid light spill on sett entrances. The scheme will have reference to measures outlined in current guidance on lighting mitigation (Ref 14.57).

Retained setts will be protected from human disturbance through dense buffer planting.

Should a sett be located in the vicinity of a proposed road and there is a significant risk of increased mortality as a result of traffic at the Project Site, or in a location where there is significant

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risk of high levels of disturbance by residents and pets, the sett will be closed under a Natural England protected species licence as detailed in Paragraph 14.280.

European hedgehog A sensitive external lighting scheme will be designed as part of the detailed application to ensure that light spill on habitats used by European hedgehog is avoided. The scheme will have reference to measures outlined in current guidance on lighting mitigation (Ref 14.57).

New soft landscaping within the Proposed Project Development outside of the SANGs will be developed in consultation with an ecologist to provide additional suitable habitat for European hedgehog where appropriate and increase ecological permeability across the Project Site. This is likely to include establishment of species-rich grassland, allotments, orchard habitat and species- rich hedgerow planting as indicated on the Illustrative Masterplan (Phase 2b Appendix 5.4). Details of the proposed landscaping will be provided in a detailed landscape plan submitted as part of the detailed planning application.

The LEMP (Paragraph 14.309) will ensure that the quality and diversity of retained and created habitats suitable for European hedgehog is maintained and enhanced.

Birds A sensitive external lighting scheme will be designed as part of the detailed application to ensure that light spill on habitats used by European hedgehog is avoided. The scheme will have reference to measures outlined in current guidance on lighting mitigation (Ref 14.57).

New soft landscaping within the Proposed Project Development will be developed in consultation with an ecologist to provide additional suitable habitat for European hedgehog where appropriate and increase ecological permeability across the Project Site. This is likely to include establishment of species-rich grassland, allotments, orchard habitat, species-rich hedgerow planting and wetland habitat associated with attenuation basins as indicated on the Illustrative Masterplan (Phase 2b Appendix 5.4). Details of the proposed landscaping will be provided in a detailed landscape plan submitted as part of the detailed planning application.

The LEMP (Paragraph 14.309) will ensure that the quality and diversity of retained and created habitats suitable for birds is maintained and enhanced.

Bird boxes suitable for installation on buildings, including Schwegler 9A house martin nest boxes, Schwegler 1SP sparrow terraces and Schwegler 17 swift nest boxes will be installed on 20% of residential buildings within the Proposed Project Development. Locations of bird boxes will be provided as part of the detailed planning application.

Leaflets will be provided to homeowners to encourage the use of collar mounted devices such as bells or Catbib™ which have been shown to reduce the success of cat predation (Ref 14.58 and Ref 14.59).

Reptiles A sensitive external lighting scheme will be designed as part of the detailed application to ensure that light spill on habitats used by reptiles is avoided. The scheme will have reference to measures outlined in current guidance on lighting mitigation (Ref 14.57).

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habitat associated with attenuation basins as indicated on the Illustrative Masterplan (Phase 2b Appendix 5.4). Details of the proposed landscaping will be provided in a detailed landscape plan submitted as part of the detailed planning application.

A total of seven hibernacula features will be installed in strategic locations across the Project Site including within the Phase 2b SANG. These will be sited by an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).

The LEMP (Paragraph 14.309) will ensure that the quality and diversity of retained and created habitats suitable for reptiles is maintained and enhanced.

Amphibians A sensitive external lighting scheme will be designed as part of the detailed application to ensure that light spill on habitats used by reptiles is avoided. The scheme will have reference to measures outlined in current guidance on lighting mitigation (Ref 14.57).

New soft landscaping within the Proposed Project Development will be developed in consultation with an ecologist to provide additional suitable habitat for reptiles where appropriate and increase ecological permeability across the Project Site. This is likely to include establishment of species-rich grassland, allotments, orchard habitat, species-rich hedgerow planting and wetland habitat associated with attenuation basins as indicated on the Illustrative Masterplan (Phase 2b Appendix 5.4). Particular attention will be paid to establishing suitable terrestrial habitat for great crested newt within 500 metres of great crested newt breeding ponds. Details of the proposed landscaping will be provided in a detailed landscape plan submitted as part of the detailed planning application.

The LEMP (Paragraph 14.309) will ensure that the quality and diversity of retained and created habitats suitable for reptiles is maintained and enhanced.

A number of attenuation basins will be created in both the Phase 2b SANG and the green corridors across the site (Phase 2b Appendix 5.4). Many of these will be designed to provide breeding opportunities for amphibians.

A total of seven hibernacula features will be installed in strategic locations across the Project Site. These will be sited by an ECoW.

Wildlife-friendly kerbstones, such as ACO wildlife kerb, will be installed adjacent to gully pots associated with roads at the Project Site to prevent amphibians becoming trapped.

Fish As no adverse effects on fish are anticipated during the operational phase no mitigation measures are proposed.

Invertebrates A sensitive external lighting scheme will be designed as part of the Proposed Project Development to ensure that light spill on habitats used by notable invertebrates/invertebrate assemblages is avoided. The scheme will have reference to measures outlined in current guidance on lighting mitigation (Ref 14.57).

Retained and newly created habitats including woodland and wetland habitats will be managed to provide an enhanced resource for invertebrates in the long term.

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Residual Impacts Overall the Proposed Project Development is anticipated to result in a minor beneficial residual effect in relation to ecology. The residual effects anticipated for each ecological feature for the construction phase and the operational phase are detailed below, and a summary of the ecological features, mitigation measures and significance of residual effects is provided inTable 14.9.

Construction Phase Designated Sites Pipelines under the Woodland at Ludgrove School LWS will be installed using directional drilling and the LWS will be protected from damage during construction through the installation of fencing and pollution prevention measures. There are no other designated sites on or adjacent to the Project Site or linked by pollution pathways. This represents a negligible residual effect.

Habitats Retained habitats will be protected from damage during construction through the installation of fencing and pollution prevention measures. However, there will be a loss of habitat during construction that will not be compensated until the operational phase. This represents a temporary minor adverse residual effect in the short to long term depending on habitat type.

Bats Trees with bat roosting suitability will be subject to sectional felling under the supervision of a licensed ecologist. Retained habitats will suitable for bats will be protected from damage during construction through the installation of fencing and pollution prevention measures. However, there will be a loss of habitat during construction that will not be compensated until the operational phase. This represents a temporary minor adverse residual effect in the short to long term depending on habitat type.

Badger An updating badger survey within six months of commencement of development will identify whether active badger setts are present on or within 30 metres of the Project Site. Killing, injury and disturbance of badger will be avoided through sensitive working measures or sett closure under a Natural England protected species licence. This represents a negligible residual effect.

European hedgehog Killing and injury of European hedgehog will be avoided through sensitive working methods. Retained suitable habitat will be protected from damage during construction through the installation of fencing and pollution prevention measures. However, there will be a loss of suitable habitat during construction that will not be compensated until the operational phase. This represents a temporary minor adverse residual effect in the short to long term depending on habitat type.

Birds Killing, injury and disturbance of nesting birds will be avoided through sensitive working measures. Retained suitable habitat will be protected from damage during construction through the installation of fencing and pollution prevention measures. However, there will be a loss of suitable habitat during construction that will not be compensated until the operational phase. This represents a temporary minor adverse residual effect in the short to long term depending on habitat type.

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Reptiles Killing and injury of reptiles will be avoided through sensitive working measures, including a translocation exercise. Retained suitable habitat will be protected from damage during construction through the installation of fencing and pollution prevention measures. However, there will be a loss of suitable habitat during construction that will not be compensated until the operational phase. This represents a temporary minor adverse residual effect in the short term.

Amphibians Killing and injury of amphibians will be avoided through sensitive working measures, including a translocation exercise. As great crested newt are present on site working methods will be agreed with Natural England as part of a protected species licence. Retained suitable habitat will be protected from damage during construction through the installation of fencing and pollution prevention measures. However, there will be a loss of suitable habitat during construction that will not be compensated until the operational phase. This represents a temporary minor adverse residual effect in the short term.

Fish Killing and injury of fish will be avoided through buffering and pollution prevention measures. This represents a negligible residual effect.

Invertebrates Retained suitable habitat will be protected from damage during construction through the installation of fencing and pollution prevention measures. However, there will be a loss of suitable habitat during construction that will not be compensated until the operational phase. This represents a temporary minor adverse residual effect in the short term.

Operational Phase Designated Sites SANG land will be provided to prevent significant additional recreational pressure on Thames Basin Heaths SPA and Gorrick Plantation LWS, all other sites are either not publicly accessible, outside the Zone of Influence for recreational impacts or already actively managed to mitigate for recreational pressure. The Woodland near Ludgrove School LWS will be protected through buffers of dense scrub planting and will be subject to regular management to mitigate for adverse anthropogenic effects. Therefore a neutral residual effect is anticipated in relation to recreational impacts.

Increased traffic may result in adverse effects from reduction in air quality on habitats associated with Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham SAC, Windsor Forest and Great Park SAC, Wykery Copse SSSI, Colony Bog and Bagshot Heath SSSI, Windsor Forest and Great Park SSSI and Chobham Common SSSI. The significance of this effect, if any, is currently being in assessed in consultation with the Local Authority and Natural England. At this stage the residual effect associated with an increase in traffic related pollution cannot be assessed.

Habitats Retained areas of ancient woodland will be protected through buffers of dense scrub planting and will be subject to regular management to mitigate for adverse anthropogenic effects and the introduction of invasive species. Habitat delivered within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG will deliver a net gain in high quality habitat at the Project Site. Further soft landscaping within the built area will provide further net gain. This represents a permanent minor beneficial effect.

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Bats A sensitive lighting scheme will be designed to avoid disturbance impacts on bats. Habitat delivered within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG will deliver a net gain in high quality habitat at the Project Site for bats. Establishment of green corridors will maintain connectivity across the Project Site. Further soft landscaping within the built area will provide further net gain and ecological permeability. This represents a permanent minor beneficial residual effect.

Badger Disturbance of badger through external lighting, and human and pet activity, and traffic related mortality will be avoided through sensitive working measures or sett closure under a Natural England protected species licence. This represents a negligible residual effect.

European hedgehog A sensitive lighting scheme will be designed to avoid disturbance impacts on European hedgehog. Habitat delivered within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG will deliver a net gain in high quality habitat at the Project Site for European hedgehog. Establishment of green corridors will maintain connectivity across the Project Site. Further soft landscaping within the built area will provide further net gain and ecological permeability. This represents a permanent minor beneficial residual effect.

Birds Off-site compensation for loss of habitat for ground nesting birds will be secured through financial contribution. A sensitive lighting scheme will be designed to avoid disturbance impacts on nesting birds. Habitat delivered within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG will deliver a net gain in high quality habitat at the Project Site for tree and hedgerow nesting birds. Further soft landscaping within the built area will provide further net gain. Residents will be encouraged to use collar mounted devices for their domestic cats to reduce pet predation This represents a permanent minor beneficial residual effect.

Reptiles A sensitive lighting scheme will be designed to avoid disturbance impacts on reptiles. Habitat delivered within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG will deliver a net gain in high quality habitat at the Project Site for reptiles. Establishment of green corridors will maintain connectivity across the Project Site. Further soft landscaping within the built area will provide further net gain and ecological permeability. This represents a permanent minor beneficial residual effect.

Amphibians A sensitive lighting scheme will be designed to avoid disturbance impacts on great crested newt. Installation of amphibian friendly kerbstones will prevent trapping in gully pots of new roads. Habitat delivered within the Phase 2b SANG and St Anne’s SANG will deliver a net gain in high quality habitat at the Project Site for reptiles. Establishment of green corridors will maintain connectivity across the Project Site. Further soft landscaping within the built area, in particular within 500 metres of identified breeding ponds will provide further net gain and ecological permeability. Habitat creation measures will be agreed with Natural England as part of a protected species licence. This represents a permanent minor beneficial residual effect.

Invertebrates As no adverse effects on invertebrates are anticipated during the operational phase there will be no residual effects.

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Cumulative Impacts After Mitigation As residual effects of the Proposed Project Development after mitigation are either neutral, negligible or minor beneficial, no adverse cumulative effects are anticipated in combination with other projects.

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Table 14.9: Summary of Impacts Receptor Mitigation Proposed Residual Impact Construction Phase Designated sites • Protection of Woodland near Ludgrove School LWS with protective fencing detailed in Negligible CEMP • Directional drilling where underground infrastructure passes across the Woodland near Ludgrove School LWS • Pollution prevention measures detailed in CEMP Habitats • Directional drilling under habitats of high importance and replacement of habitats of low Temporary minor importance where installation of underground infrastructure required adverse in the short to • Protection of retained habitats with protective fencing detailed in CEMP long term • Pollution prevention measures detailed in CEMP Bats • Protection of retained trees with protective fencing detailed in CEMP Temporary minor • Provision of compensatory roosting opportunities through provision of bat boxes adverse in the short to • Soft felling of trees with suitability for roosting bats under supervision of an ecologist, long term under Natural England protected species licence where appropriate Badger • Active setts at the time of construction to be retained with a suitable buffer where Negligible possible, if not possible a licence will be gained from Natural England and sensitive methodologies used to avoid killing and injury • Excavations to be covered overnight or ramp inserted to allow trapped animals to escape European hedgehog • Sensitive working methods Temporary minor • Protection of retained habitats with protective fencing detailed in CEMP. adverse in the short to • Excavations to be covered overnight or ramp inserted to allow trapped animals to escape long term Birds • Securement of off-site compensatory habitat for ground nesting birds through financial Temporary minor contribution adverse in the short to • Protection of retained habitats with protective fencing detailed in CEMP long term • Works undertaken outside of nesting season, or under supervision of an ecologist, with buffer left around active nests Reptiles • Protection of retained habitats with protective fencing detailed in CEMP Temporary minor • Translocation exercise and sensitive working methods/timing of works adverse in the short term

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Receptor Mitigation Proposed Residual Impact Amphibians • Protection of retained habitats with protective fencing detailed in CEMP Temporary minor • Translocation exercise and sensitive working methods/timing of works, agreed as part of adverse in the short Natural England protected species licence term Fish • Pollution prevention measures detailed in CEMP Negligible Invertebrates • Protection of retained habitats with protective fencing detailed in CEMP Temporary minor adverse in the short to long term Operational Phase Designated sites • Provision of SANG Recreation - Neutral • Mitigation for effects of air pollution may be required Air quality - Unknown Habitats • Provision of suitable compensatory and enhancement habitat within the built area to Permanent minor provide additional net gain, as part of a detailed landscape plan beneficial • Management to maintain and enhance retained and created habitats within the built area, detailed in a LEMP Bats • Design of a sensitive lighting strategy for the Proposed Project Development as part of Permanent minor detailed application beneficial • Provision of suitable compensatory and enhancement habitat within the built area to provide additional net gain, as part of a detailed landscape plan. • Management to maintain and enhance retained and created habitats within the built area, detailed in a LEMP • Assessment of trees to be removed as part of management works for bat roost suitability. Suitable mitigation to be secured through a Natural England Bat Mitigation Licence Badger • Design of a sensitive lighting strategy for the Proposed Project Development as part of Negligible detailed application • Active setts at the time of construction to be retained with a suitable buffer where possible, if not possible a licence will be gained from Natural England and sensitive methodologies used to avoid killing and injury European hedgehog • Design of a sensitive lighting strategy for the Proposed Project Development as part of Permanent minor detailed application beneficial • Provision of suitable compensatory and enhancement habitat within the built area to provide additional net gain, as part of a detailed landscape plan

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Receptor Mitigation Proposed Residual Impact • Management to maintain and enhance retained and created habitats within the built area, detailed in a LEMP Birds • Design of a sensitive lighting strategy for the Proposed Project Development as part of Permanent minor detailed application beneficial • Provision of suitable compensatory and enhancement habitat within the built area to provide additional net gain, as part of a detailed landscape plan. • Management to maintain and enhance retained and created habitats within the built area, detailed in a LEMP • Encourage use of bells or Catbib™ Reptiles • Design of a sensitive lighting strategy for the Proposed Project Development as part of Permanent minor detailed application beneficial • Provision of suitable compensatory and enhancement habitat within the built area to provide additional net gain, as part of a detailed landscape plan • Management to maintain and enhance retained and created habitats within the built area, detailed in a LEMP Amphibians • Design of a sensitive lighting strategy for the Proposed Project Development as part of Permanent minor detailed application beneficial • Provision of suitable compensatory and enhancement habitat within the built area to provide additional net gain, as part of a detailed landscape plan and agreed within a Natural England Protected Species licence • Management to maintain and enhance retained and created habitats within the built area, detailed in a LEMP Fish • None Negligible Invertebrates • Design of a sensitive lighting strategy for the Proposed Project Development as part of Permanent minor detailed application beneficial • Provision of suitable compensatory and enhancement habitat within the built area to provide additional net gain, as part of a detailed landscape plan and agreed within a Natural England Protected Species licence • Management to maintain and enhance retained and created habitats within the built area, detailed in a LEMP

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References JNCC. (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: A Technique for Environmental Audit. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Wokingham Borough Council (2018) Application No: 182589, Site Address: Land at South Wokingham, South of the Reading-Waterloo Railway Line and East of the A321 Finchampstead Road, Proposal: Request for a Scoping Opinion to Determine the Content of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Proposed Project Development.

CIEEM. (2017). Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (2nd ed.). Winchester: Chartered Instute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

CIEEM (2016) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom and Ireland (2nd ed). Winchester: Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Eaton MA, Aebischer NJ, Brown AF, Hearn RD, Lock L, Musgrove AJ, Noble DG, Stroud DA and Gregory RD (2015) Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds 108, 708– 746.

Froglife, (1999) Reptile survey: an introduction to planning, conducting and interpreting surveys for snake and lizard conservation. Froglife Advice Sheet 10. Halesworth: Froglife.

English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature. Langton, T., Beckett., C and Foster, J. (2001) Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook. Froglife, Halesworth.

Environment Agency. (2018). Catchment Data Explorer – Loddon and Trib. Preston, C. D., Pearman, D. A., Dines, T. D. (2002). New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora.

Crawley, M. J., (2005). The Flora of Berkshire. BSBI. (2005). Rare Plant Register Berkshire and South Oxfordshire. BMERC and TVERC. (2009). Criteria for the Selection of Local Wildlife Sites in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

BCT (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

Berkshire Bat Group. (n.d.). Bats in Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. Russ, J (2012) British Bat Calls: A Guide to Species Identification. Pelagic Publishing, Exeter.

JNCC (Date Unknown) Guidelines for the Selection of Biological SSSIs. Part 2: Detailed Guidelines for Habitats and Species Groups. Chapter 13 Mammals. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

Wilson, E. and Wembridge, D. (2018). The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2018 Bean, C.W., Mainstone, C.P., Hall, R.A., Hatton-Ellis, T.W., Lee, A.S.L. and Boon, P.J (2018) Guidelines for the Selection of Biological SSSIs. Part 2: Detailed Guidelines for Habitats and Species Groups. Chapter 19 Freshwater Fish. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

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Pegasus Group (2019) Phase 2b of the South Wokingham SDL - Phase 2b SANG, South Wokingham - Landscape and Ecological Management Plan. Pegasus Group, Cirencester.

Ethos (2019) Landscape and Ecological Management Plan – Land to the South of St Anne’s Manor. Ethos, Bristol.

Wokingham Borough Council (2019) Heathlake Site of Special Scientific Interest. Available at http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/countryside-parks-and- conservation/country-parks/heathlake/

Bracknell Forest Council (2019) Wykery Copse. Available at: https://www.bracknell- forest.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/parks-visit/park/wykery-copse

Natural England (2019) Designated Sites View – Holt Copse & Joel Park LNR. Available at: https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteLNRDetail.aspx?SiteCode= L1009921&SiteName=&countyCode=2&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea =

JNCC (2011) UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat Descriptions. Available at: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/PDF/UKBAP_PriorityHabitatDesc-Rev2011.pdf

Woods, M., McDonald, R. A., & Harris, S. (2003). Predation of wildlife by domestic cats Felis catus in Great Britain. Mammal Review, 33(2), 174-188.

Beier (2006) Effects of Artificial Night Lighting on Terrestrial Mammals Floyd, L., Underhill-Day, J. C. (2013). Literature Review on the effects of cats on nearby protected wildlife sites. Unpublished report by Footprint Ecology for Breckland Council.

Perry et al. (2008) Effects of artificial night lighting on amphibians and reptiles in urban environments. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Urban Herpetology.

Bruce-White, C and Shardlow, M (2011) A Review of the Impact of Artificial Light on Invertebrates. Buglife, The Invertebrate Conservation Trust.

Turley Associates (2010). Buckhurst Park, Wokingham – Environmental Impact Assessment. Southampton

MPEcology (2014). Folly Court, Wokingham, Ecological Addendum 2014. Dursley Savills (2013). Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report, Land at Kentwood Farm (Phase 2), North Wokingham

Savills (2014). EIA Scoping Report, North Wokingham SDL Phase 3, Matthewsgreen Farm. Wimborne

The Ecology Partnership (2017). Ecological Mitigation Strategy, Land North of Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead. Leatherhead

Hankinson Duckett Associates (2015) Bell Farm Ecology – Ecological Appraisal. Hankinson Duckett Associates, Wallingford.

EcoConsult (2015) Bat Survey Report of Buildings – Bell Farm, Bell Foundry Lane, Wokingham. EcoConsult, Abingdon.

EcoConsult (2015) Bat Activity Survey Report – Bell Farm, Bell Foundry Lane, Wokingham. EcoConsult, Abingdon.

EcoConsult (2015) Reptile Survey Report– Bell Farm, Bell Foundry Lane, Wokingham. EcoConsult, Abingdon.

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EcoConsult (2015) Water Vole and Otter Survey Report – Bell Farm, Bell Foundry Lane, Wokingham. EcoConsult, Abingdon. EcoConsult (2016) Bird Survey Report – Bell Farm, Bell Foundry Lane, Wokingham. EcoConsult, Abingdon. Barton Willmore (2014). Keephatch Beech, North of Wokingham, Environmental Statement. London URS (2014). Peach Place, Wokingham, Bat Survey Report. Basingstoke ACD Ecology (2014). 74-80 Peach Street, Wokingham, Ecological Appraisal. RPS Planning and Development (2013). Former TRL Site, Crowthorne, Environmental Statement. HDA (2016). Jennetts Park, Ecological Appraisal. Wallingford HDA (2016). Jennetts Park, Great Crested Newt HSI and eDNA Survey. Wallingford Ethos Environmental Planning (2017). Ecological Assessment, Pope’s Farm, Binfield. Wick EPR (2014). Land at Amen Corner North, Bracknell, Ecological Impact Assessment. Winchester BSG Ecology (2012). Amen Corner, Ecological Impact Assessment. Warton. AECOM (2015). Elms Field, Wokingham, Environmental Statement. Corylus Ecology (2017). Carnival Pool Leisure Redevelopment, Wokingham, Berkshire, Extended Phase 1 Habitat and Bat Building Survey. Tunbridge Wells British Standards Institution (2012) BS 5837:2012 - Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction. Recommendations. BSI, London. Wokingham Borough Council, 2010. Wokingham Borough Local Development Framework - Adopted Core Strategy Development Plan Document, Wokingham: Wokingham Borough Council. Rural Payments Agency and Natural England, 2018. AB5: Nesting plots for lapwing (and in Higher Tier, stone curlew). Available at: https://www.gov.uk/countryside- stewardship-grants/nesting-plots-for-lapwing-and-stone-curlew-ab5. Rural Payments Agency and Natural England, 2018. AB4: Skylark plots. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/skylark-plots-ab4. BCT and ILP (2018) Guidance Note 08/18 Bats and artificial lighting in the UK. BCT and ILP Nelson, S.H., Evans, A.D. & Bradbury, R.B. (2005) The efficacy of collar-mounted devices in reducing the rate of predation of wildlife by domestic cats. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 94, 273–285. Calver, M., Thomas, S., Bradley, S., and McCutcheon, H. (2007) Reducing the rate of predation on wildlife by pet cats: The efficacy and practicability of collar-mounted pounce protectors. Biological Conservation, Vol 137, Issue 3, July 2007, pp 341-348

Chapter - 3 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Ground Conditions (ES Chapter 15)

15.1 No changes are proposed to the entirety of Chapter 15 of the South Wokingham Project Development ES (March 2019).

16 Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Landscape (ES Chapter 16)

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SOUTH WOKINGHAM SDL PROJECT

ADDENDUM TO LAND AT PHASE 2-CHAPTER 16 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Pegasus Group

©Copyright Pegasus Planning Group Limited 2011. The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Pegasus Planning Group Limited South Wokingham SDL Project Addendum to Land at Phase 2-Chapter 16 Landscape and Visual

CONTENTS:

Page No:

1. I NTRODUCTION 1 Methodology 2 Noise Bund 2 Level Changes 2 2. CHANGES TO DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION 3 3. PARAMETER PLAN CHANGES 4 Visual Effects 4 4. GE NERAL LANDSCAPE MITIGATION MEASURES AND GI 7 Landscape Effects 8 Visual Effects 8 5. CONCLUSION 11

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1. Introduction

1.1 This report is an Addendum to the landscape and visual chapter of the ES (Land at Phase 2-Chapter 16) which covers the Proposed Project Development, including Land at Phase 2a (Phase 2a), Land at Phase 2b (Phase 2b) and Land to the South of St Anne’s Manor) of the South Wokingham SDL Project. This Addendum has been prepared to confirm the conclusions of the Phase 2, 2a and 2b Chapters, following a reduction in unit numbers from 1,710 dwellings for the overall project to 1,434, changes to height Parameters and updates to the to the Landscape Masterplan (Landscape Masterplan P19-0052_07) and Phase 2a and 2b Green Infrastructure Strategies (Pegasus, May 2020). No changes have been made to Land to the South of St Anne’s Manor that would potentially change the outcomes of the landscape and visual assessments.

1.2 The Addendum addresses comments within the Landscape Consultation Response (23/10/2019) from Wokingham Borough Council’s Landscape Officer, who provided ‘Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)’ comments primarily on Phase 2b but also the overarching Project Assessment. Comments regarding Phase 2a were provided separately (21/11/2019). Comments for 2a revert to the general comments outlined in the Phase 2 and 2b response. Comments received from Wokingham Borough Council and Natural England are addressed within Section 5 of this Addendum.

1.3 The conclusion of WBC landscape officer comments requested further information or modifications to the existing submission to mitigate potential landscape and visual harm caused by the Proposed Development. The Green Infrastructure Strategies for Phase 2a and 2b (Pegasus, May 2020) have been updated and a further level of information given regarding how possible landscape and visual effects will be mitigated by the design.

1.4 The main landscape and visual issues addressed are summarised as follows:

• Change to Phase 2b development description • Changes to parameter plans • General landscape mitigation measures and GI • Landscape effects • Visual effects

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Methodology

1.5 This Addendum has been undertaken regarding best practice, as outlined within ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’ (3rd edition) - Landscape Institute/ Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013). The Methodology used can be found at Phase 2-Chapter 16 – Appendix 16.2 Methodology which is the overarching Methodology for all phases.

Noise Bund

1.6 WBC landscape officer comments included mention of acoustic bunding. Acoustic bunding is not required adjacent to the railway on the northern boundary of the Site, therefore it does not form part of the landscape and visual assessment.

Level Changes

1.7 WBC landscape officer comments included level changes associated with the SDR. The built form has been designed where possible to follow the existing ’gently undulating landform’ characteristic of N1 (A) Holme Green Pastoral Lowlands, N1 (B) Holme Green Pastoral Lowlands, and Holme Green Pastoral Sandy Lowlands N1 (C). Changes in landform associated with the SWDR will inevitably require grading to the built edge of the Project Development. Vignettes are incorporated within the DAS to add a finer level of illustration to potential level changes.

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South Wokingham SDL Project Addendum to Land at Phase 2-Chapter 16 Landscape and Visual

2. Changes to Development Description

2.1 The Phase 2b scheme has been reduced from 1,495 dwellings to 1,434. For clarity, the Proposed Development descriptions are as follows:

Land to the south of St Anne’s Manor (Ref 190900)

2.2 Full planning application for the proposed change of use of land from nil use to D2 for proposed Suitable Alternative Greenspace (SANG) with associated landscaping.

Land at Phase 2a (Ref 190914)

2.3 Outline application with all matters reserved except for principal means of access to the highways, for up to 215 dwellings, public open space, play areas, associated infrastructure, and landscaping.

Land at Phase 2b (Ref 191068)

2.4 Hybrid planning application (part outline/ part detailed) comprising an outline application with all matters reserved except principal means of access to the highways for a mixed use development of up to 1434 dwellings, a two-form entry primary school, local centre (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and D1 including community building D1/D2), public open space, play areas and associated infrastructure and landscaping; and a full application for the proposed Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), associated landscaping and temporary car park.

Potential Effects

2.5 The assessment of potential landscape and visual effects for Phase 2 and 2b has been based on a worst-case scenario of 1,495 units which has now been reduced to 1,434. The overall parameters for the Project Site have not been significantly changed. The reduced number of units would have a slight positive effect on the overall perception of built form and slight reduction in associated construction activity however it is not expected that these changes would alter the findings of the Phase 2 and Phase 2b landscape and visual assessment.

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South Wokingham SDL Project Addendum to Land at Phase 2-Chapter 16 Landscape and Visual

3. Parameter Plan Changes

3.1 The following briefly outlines the changes to the Phase 2, 2a and 2b parameter plans which may affect the outcomes of the visual assessment.

• Building height parameter increase along northern edge of 2a, south of the railway line, from 11.5m (up to 2.5 storeys) to up to 12.5m (3 storeys). This height increase is consistent with the 4 storeys within 2b along the railway edge to the west of 2a. • Building height parameter increase within central/western area, from 11.5m (up to 2.5 storeys) to up to 12.5m (3 storeys). • Building height parameter increase along south side of SWDR, west of the local centre/school area, from up to 10m (2 storeys) to up to 11.5m (2.5 storeys). • Change to extent of local centre/school area land use parameters, most notably a reduced extent along the eastern edge, west of Easthampstead Road.

Visual Effects

3.2 This section refers to Phase 2-Chapter 16 – Appendix 16.6 Visual Effects Summary Table, Phase 2a-Chapter 16 – Appendix 16.3 Visual Effects Summary Table, and Phase 2b-Chapter 16 – Appendix 16.3 Visual Effects Summary Table of the ES.

3.3 Commentary is given below only for receptors at Viewpoints which may be affected by (views in the direction of or proximity to) the changes listed above. The assessed effects on all receptors and associated Viewpoints would remain unchanged by the amended parameters.

Residents/community

3.4 Waterloo Road Lock’s House and adjacent properties (Viewpoint 1): Due to the proximity of the proposals within R10 and R14 (up to 10m (2 storeys), combined with proposed planting at along Waterloo Road, the 1m (.5 storey) increased parameter height would not change the assessed outcomes for this group of receptors.

3.5 Easthampstead Road, White Horse PH and Wood’s Farm (Viewpoints 7 and 8): Looking north to north west the change in parameters of the proposed school would not be visible, therefore there would be no change to the assessed outcomes for this group of receptors.

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3.6 Montague Park and Montague Park SANG (Viewpoints 25 and 26): The assessed glimpsed views would not be significantly altered by the 1m (.5 storey) increased parameter height.

PRoW users

3.7 Footpath WOKW 5 (Viewpoints 2 and 6): The increase in parameter height (Phase 2a) would not alter the assessed outcomes of Viewpoint 2. Looking north west from Viewpoint 6 the change in extent of land use parameter associated with the school along Easthampstead Road would not be perceptible. The construction phase assessment noted that cranes associated with the construction may be perceptible, which would still be the case. The assessed outcomes would remain unchanged.

3.8 Footpath WOKW11 (Viewpoint 10): The change in extent of land use parameter associated with the school would not be perceptible. The increased building height parameter along the south side of SWDR, west of the local centre/school area, from up to 10m (2 storeys) to up to 11.5m (2.5 storeys) would be obscured by intervening vegetation. The assessed outcomes would remain the same.

3.9 WOKW10 (Viewpoints 12 and 13): Effects assessed for receptors at Viewpoint 12 were assessed as major/moderate. The increased building height parameter along south side of SWDR (R5), west of the local centre/school area, from up to 10m (2 storeys) to up to 11.5m (2.5 storeys) would not change the assessed outcomes. The proposed changes would not be visible at Viewpoint 13.

3.10 WOKI25 (Viewpoint 14 and 15): There may be glimpsed views of the upper levels of the increased storey height within R5, however this would not increase the significance of effect based on a worst case scenario including existing and future scenario baselines 1 and 2. There would be no change to the assessed outcomes.

3.11 WOKI24 (Viewpoint 16): There is a potential view of R5 and increased storey height within R5, however this would not increase the significance of effect based on a worst case scenario including existing and future scenario baselines 1 and 2. There would be no change to the assessed outcomes.

3.12 WOKI17 (Viewpoint 17): The increased storey height within R5 would not cause a change to the assessed outcomes.

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3.13 BINFIELD14 (Viewpoint 23): Increased storey heights within Phases 2a and 2b from this elevated and longer distance view would not increase the assessed effects.

3.14 WOKW6 (Viewpoint 24): Looking northwest, the increased storey height from 2 to 2.5 within R5 would sit against proposed 3 and 4 storey heights. There would be no change to the assessed effects.

Road Users

3.15 Waterloo Road and Waterloo Crossing (Viewpoints 1, 2 and 22): Due to the proximity of the proposals within R9, R10 and R14, the 1m (.5 storey) increased parameter height would not change the assessed outcomes for this group of receptors.

3.16 Easthampstead Road and Starlane Crossing (Viewpoints 6, 7, 8 and 19): Looking north west from Viewpoint 6 the change in extent of land use parameter associated with the school along Easthampstead Road would not be perceptible. The construction phase assessment noted that cranes associated with the construction may be perceptible, which would still be the case. Looking north to north west from viewpoints 7 and 8 the change in parameters of the proposed school would not be visible. At Viewpoint 19 the extent of the proposed school parameters would not change from this angle. The increased storey height (up to 11.5m) within R5 would sit beyond the proposed 12.5m storeys along the road. There would be no change to the assessed outcomes for this group of receptors.

3.17 Chapel Green permissive footpath (Viewpoint 14): The Project Development is predominantly obscured from this viewpoint. The increased parameter height within R5 would not alter the assessed outcomes.

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South Wokingham SDL Project Addendum to Land at Phase 2-Chapter 16 Landscape and Visual

4. General Landscape Mitigation Measures and GI

4.1 General landscape mitigation measures outlined within the ES Phase 2-Chapter 16 provides general principles for the Proposed Development drawn from landscape and visual constraints and opportunities throughout the iterative design process. The Green Infrastructure (GI) Strategies 2a and 2b (Pegasus, May 2020) which accompany the application, provide a finer level of detail to the landscape design process and resulting Landscape Masterplan Landscape Masterplan P19-0052_07.

4.2 Consultation with Wokingham Borough Council and Natural England has played a key part in shaping the development of the green infrastructure proposals and is detailed Section 9: Landscape Strategy of Phase 2a and Phase 2b GI Strategies. Key design principles were identified following the baseline studies and review of relevant assessments including landscape and visual:

• 1 - The design of the GI should seek to retain, protect and enhance the existing landscape features across the site wherever possible (including the Emm Brook corridor); • 2 - The design of the GI in terms of character and location within the site, should respond to the site context, its boundaries, and the character of the wider landscape; • 3 - The GI proposals should seek to mitigate potential landscape and visual, ecological and hydrological effects brought about by the development; • 4 - The GI should provide a wide variety of green and blue spaces across the site which accord with WBC policy, and include play provision, allotments and SANG; • 5 - The GI should provide a wide variety of locally appropriate new planting and habitats; • 6 - The GI proposals should provide strong physical and visual connectivity across the site, including incorporating existing PRoW and should provide connections to routes beyond the site boundaries.

4.3 Section 15: Landscape Proposals of Phase 2a and Phase 2b GI Strategies provides more detail for key areas of the Landscape Masterplan and highlights where planting proposals have been used to mitigate views, such as ‘planting to soften views of the proposed development from Britton’s Farm’, providing a visual indicator of how the findings of the assessment have been integrated into the landscape design.

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South Wokingham SDL Project Addendum to Land at Phase 2-Chapter 16 Landscape and Visual

Landscape Effects

4.4 This section refers to Phase 2-Chapter 16 – Appendix 16.3 Landscape Effects Summary Table and Phase 2b-Chapter 16 – Appendix 16.1 Landscape Effects Summary Table of the ES.

4.5 The assessed significance for landscape character areas ‘Holme Green Pastoral Sandy Lowland’, N1 (A) Holme Green Pastoral Lowlands’, and Holme Green Pastoral Sandy Lowlands N1 (C), construction operation year 1 has been assessed within the ES as medium owing to the ‘notable change to scale, landform or pattern of the landscape’ (as described in the chapters methodology), resulting in a likely moderate significant effect. New built elements would be added into the landscape however this would not be out of place with the surrounding built edge.

4.6 It is considered that the significant levels of planting and creation of diverse open spaces demonstrated within the Phase 2b GI Strategy across the scheme, that on balance the effects at year 15 would be minor to moderate and not be significant on landscape receptors.

4.7 There will be no change to the assessment of identified landscape receptors ‘Holme Green Pastoral Sandy Lowland’, N1 (A) Holme Green Pastoral Lowlands’, and Holme Green Pastoral Sandy Lowlands N1 (C).

Visual Effects

4.8 This section refers to Phase 2-Chapter 16 – Appendix 16.6 Visual Effects Summary Table and Phase 2b-Chapter 16 – Appendix 16.3 Visual Effects Summary Table of the ES.

4.9 The overall general WBC comment on the LVIA was that the assessment conclusions and related mitigation measures are not fully recognised or carried through as part of the overall Landscape Masterplan.

4.10 The following provides more detail to the mitigation measures provided for those receptors and associated viewpoints highlighted within WBC comments only, and the associated landscape design proposals found at Landscape Masterplan P19- 0052_07 and detailed within the Phase 2b GI Strategy.

4.11 There would be no change to the conclusions of the assessment of the following viewpoints and associated receptors.

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South Wokingham SDL Project Addendum to Land at Phase 2-Chapter 16 Landscape and Visual

Residents/community

4.12 Brittons Farm (Viewpoint 4): Tree planting has been provided which prevents the property from being entirely enclosed, retaining a level of openness which the property currently experiences. The proposed tree planting aims to filter potential views of development. Additional planting has been proposed to the west of the farmhouse between the edge of the SDL and open space to provide a further screening of development within R13.

4.13 White Horse Public House (Viewpoint 7): Additional planting has been proposed along Easthampstead Road, at the southwestern edge of R13, this will help to provide additional screening to the existing hedgerow which in its current state does not provide sufficient screening to the built development when viewed from properties along the western edge of Easthampstead Road.

4.14 Langsborough Road Recreation Ground (Viewpoint 18): There are several constraints identified such as overhead power lines, attenuation basin and allotments and existing mature trees which restrict significant planting along the railway line. Where possible, infill planting has been proposed to provide continuity of the existing mature tree line along the southern edge of the railway line.

4.15 Montague Park (Viewpoint 25): As with the previous viewpoint there are several constraints such as overhead power lines, attenuation basin and allotments and existing mature trees which restrict significant planting along the railway line. Where possible, infill planting has been proposed to provide continuity of the existing mature tree line along the southern edge of the railway line. A noise bund is not part of the design or mitigation proposals and therefore reduces the constraints on planting in these areas.

Footpath Users

4.16 PRoW footpath WOKW5 (Viewpoint 2-5): Tree planting is deemed achievable around the roundabout attenuation pond to the east. Proposed hedgerow planting along the southern edge of the road and within the intervening open space would provide a good level of staggered screening without enclosing the existing PRoW footpath to the north.

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South Wokingham SDL Project Addendum to Land at Phase 2-Chapter 16 Landscape and Visual

4.17 Tree planting has been proposed along the footpath around Brittons Farm, retaining a level of openness. The proposed tree planting aims to filter potential views of development.

4.18 Tree planting around semi-wet attenuation areas along the footpath route has been reviewed and would be possible to incorporate trees within the design of these areas. Figure F-F1 (Section 4 – Southern Natural/semi-natural corridor) of the GI strategy provides a cross section and further detail of how this can be achieved.

4.19 PRoW footpath WOKW10 (Viewpoint 12): The western edge of parcel R5 has been pulled back to allow more open space along this edge, space for additional tree planting and space to adequately retain the existing vegetation.

4.20 PRoW footpath WOKW17 (Viewpoint 17): There are several constraints identified such as overhead power lines, attenuation basin and allotments and existing mature trees which restrict significant planting along the railway line. Where possible, infill planting has been proposed to provide continuity of the existing mature tree line along the southern edge of the railway line.

Road Users

4.21 Easthampstead Road, Starlane Crossing (Viewpoint 19): As with other viewpoints north of the railway line there are limited opportunities to bolster tree planting and screening beyond what is already proposed. The removal of the attenuation area south east of the allotments has provided an area for planting which will help to screen views to the south towards the school and local centre.

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South Wokingham SDL Project Addendum to Land at Phase 2-Chapter 16 Landscape and Visual

5. Conclusion

5.1 This report is an Addendum to the landscape and visual chapter of the ES (Phase 2-Chapter 16) which covers the Proposed Project Development (including Phases 2a, 2b and Land to the South of St Anne’s Manor) of the South Wokingham SDL Project.

5.2 This Addendum has been prepared to confirm the conclusions of the Phase 2, 2a and 2b Chapters, following a reduction in unit numbers from 1,710 dwellings to 1,434, and updates to the to the Landscape Masterplan (Landscape Masterplan P19-0052_07) and Phase 2a and 2b Green Infrastructure Strategies (Pegasus, May 2020). There would be no change to the assessment of landscape and visual receptors.

5.3 The Addendum provides a summary of changes to the Parameter Plans which have the potential to affect the outcomes of the assessment of visual receptors associated with Phase 2, 2a and 2b due predominantly to minor height changes. Receptors and associated views in the direction of or proximity to the changes have been explored. No changes to the assessed effects outcomes were identified.

5.4 The Addendum has addressed WBC Landscape Consultation Response (23/10/2019) relevant to the Project. Further information and modifications have been provided to mitigate potential landscape and visual harm caused by the Proposed Development. The Green Infrastructure Strategies for Phase 2a and 2b (Pegasus, August 2020) have been updated with a further level of information regarding how possible landscape and visual effects will be mitigated by the design.

5.5 The Addendum has aimed to highlight how the conclusions and related mitigation measures identified within the LVIA have been carried through as part of the overall Landscape Masterplan. There would be no change to the assessment of landscape and visual receptors.

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Land at phase 2 of the South Wokingham SDL – Project EIA ES Addendum (August 2020)

Cumulative and Interactive Effects (ES Chapter 17)

17.1 The following change has taken place in relation to the cumulative sites:

Cumulative Site Size Status Reference

1 West of South Wokingham Up to 190 Application 192325 Strategic Location submitted

17.2 The technical team have confirmed that although the number of units for site 1 has increased, with the reduction of unit numbers across the Project the overall potential cumulative effects arising from developments, when considered with the Project do not give rise to a need for additional mitigation measures that have not previously been identified in the ES or ES addendum.

17.3 The residual interactive effects for receptors as set out in the original Project EIA have been confirmed to still be relevant within this EIA Addendum. Summary of impacts (ES Chapter 18)

18.1 It has been confirmed by the technical team that no changes would be required to the overall conclusion of the EIA and therefore no changes to the summary of impacts.

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