Surrey Heath Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Habitat Regulations Assessment of the Proposed Submission DPD Report August 2010 Prepared for Surrey Heath Borough Council Surrey Heath Borough Council Core Strategy and Development Management Policies DPD Revision Schedule Habitat Regulations Assessment August 2010 Rev Date Details Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by 01 21st July Draft Report Dr Graeme Down Dr James Riley Dr Jo Hughes 2010 Ecologist Principal Ecologist Technical Director (Ecology) 02 2nd August Final report for Dr Graeme Down Dr James Riley Dr Jo Hughes 2010 consultation Ecologist Principal Ecologist Technical Director (Ecology) Scott Wilson Scott House Alencon Link Basingstoke This document has been prepared in accordance with the scope of Scott Wilson's appointment with its client and is subject to the terms of that appointment. 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Fax 01256 310201 © Scott Wilson Ltd 2010 www.scottwilson.com Surrey Heath Borough Council Core Strategy and Development Management Policies DPD Table of Contents 1 Introduction ...................................................................................... 6 1.1 Background to the Project ................................................................................................ 6 1.2 Current Legislation ........................................................................................................... 6 1.3 Scope of the Project ......................................................................................................... 7 1.4 This report ........................................................................................................................ 8 2 Methodology ..................................................................................... 9 2.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................... 9 2.2 HRA Task 1 - Likely Significant Effects (LSE).................................................................. 9 2.3 Appropriate Assessment and Mitigation......................................................................... 10 2.4 Confirming other plans and projects that may act in combination.................................. 11 3 Pathways of impact........................................................................ 14 3.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 14 3.2 Urbanisation ................................................................................................................... 14 3.3 Recreational pressure .................................................................................................... 15 3.4 Atmospheric pollution ..................................................................................................... 17 3.5 Water abstraction ........................................................................................................... 23 3.6 Water Quality.................................................................................................................. 24 3.7 Summary of Screening................................................................................................... 24 4 Thames Basin Heaths SPA............................................................ 26 4.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 26 4.2 Features of European Interest........................................................................................ 26 4.3 Historic Trends and Current Conditions ......................................................................... 27 4.4 Key environmental conditions ........................................................................................ 27 4.5 Potential effects of the plan ............................................................................................ 28 4.6 Conclusion......................................................................................................................34 5 Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham SAC ............................... 35 5.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 35 5.2 Features of European interest........................................................................................ 35 5.3 Historic Trends and Current Conditions ......................................................................... 36 5.4 Key environmental conditions ........................................................................................ 37 5.5 Potential effects of the plan ............................................................................................ 37 5.6 Conclusion......................................................................................................................44 Surrey Heath Borough Council Core Strategy and Development Management Policies DPD 6 Windsor Forest and Great Park SAC ............................................ 45 6.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 45 6.2 Features of European interest........................................................................................ 45 6.3 Historic Trends and Current Conditions ......................................................................... 45 6.4 Key environmental conditions ........................................................................................ 45 6.5 Potential effects of the plan ............................................................................................ 45 6.6 Conclusion......................................................................................................................47 7 South West London Waterbodies SPA and Ramsar ................... 48 7.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 48 7.2 Features of European Interest........................................................................................ 48 7.3 Historic Trends and Current Condition ........................................................................... 48 7.4 Key Environmental Conditions ....................................................................................... 49 7.5 Potential effects of the plan ............................................................................................ 49 7.6 Conclusion......................................................................................................................50 8 Thursley, Hankley and Frensham Commons SPA ...................... 51 8.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 51 8.2 Reasons for Designation ................................................................................................ 51 8.3 Historical and Current Pressures ................................................................................... 51 8.4 Key Environmental Conditions ....................................................................................... 51 8.5 Potential effects of the plan ............................................................................................ 52 8.6 Conclusion......................................................................................................................55 9 Thursley and Ockley Bogs Ramsar .............................................. 56 9.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 56 9.2 Features of European Interest........................................................................................ 56 9.3 Historical Trends and Current Pressures ....................................................................... 56 9.4 Key Environmental Conditions ....................................................................................... 57 9.5 Potential effects of the plan ............................................................................................ 57 9.6 Conclusion......................................................................................................................57 10 Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment SAC......................................... 58 10.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 58 10.2 Features of European Interest........................................................................................ 58 10.3 Historical Trends and Current Pressures ....................................................................... 58 10.4 Key Environmental Conditions ......................................................................................