environmental statement volume 3: non-technical summary...mlm consulting engineers ltd has been...

East Cambs Trading Company Ltd t/a Palace Green Homes, Joanna Reeks, Richard Martin Tilbrook & Charlotte Caroline Tilbrook Kennett Garden Village, Cambridgeshire

Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary

Kennett Garden Village, Cambridgeshire Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary © MLM Consulting Engineers Limited

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Notice

This document and its contents have been prepared and intended solely for East Cambs Trading Company Ltd t/a Palace Green Homes, Joanna Reeks, Richard Martin Tilbrook & Charlotte Caroline Tilbrook’s information and use in relation to Kennett Garden Village, Cambridgeshire.

MLM Consulting Engineers Limited assumes no responsibility to any other party in respect of or arising out of or in connection with this document and/or its contents.

Document History

Client: East Cambs Trading Company Ltd t/a Palace Green Homes, Joanna Reeks, Richard Martin Tilbrook & Charlotte Caroline Tilbrook Project: Kennett Garden Village, Cambridgeshire Document Title: Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary Document Reference: 773987-MLM-ZZ-XX-RP-J-0009 MLM Reference: DG/773987/JW

Revision Status Description Author Checked Approved Date

C01 S2 Draft for review James Warth

Rob Murdoch

James Warth

Darren Gill 07/02/2018

C02 S2 Draft for review James Warth

Rob Murdoch

James Warth


C03 S2 Final James Warth

Rob Murdoch

James Warth


C04 S2 Final Martin Brammah

James Warth Darren Gill 14/06/2018



Contents

1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 1

Background ........................................................................................................................................................... 1

Structure of the Report and Project Team ........................................................................................................... 1

1.3 ES Objectives ........................................................................................................................................................ 2

2. The Proposed Development ................................................................................................................................. 4

The Application Site .............................................................................................................................................. 4

The Proposed Scheme .......................................................................................................................................... 4

Development Phasing ........................................................................................................................................... 6

Overview ................................................................................................................................................................ 7

3. Construction and Environmental Management ................................................................................................. 10

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 10

Construction Programme ................................................................................................................................... 10

Environmental Management ............................................................................................................................... 10

4. Summary of Predicted Environmental Effects .................................................................................................... 12

Agricultural Land Quality .................................................................................................................................... 12

Air Quality ............................................................................................................................................................ 13

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage .................................................................................................................... 13

Climate Change .................................................................................................................................................. 16

Biodiversity .......................................................................................................................................................... 16

Ground Conditions ............................................................................................................................................. 18

Socio-Economics ................................................................................................................................................ 18

Landscape and Visual Amenity ........................................................................................................................... 20

Noise .................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Traffic and Transport ........................................................................................................................................... 23

Water Quality, Hydrology and Flood Risk .......................................................................................................... 24

5. Conclusions ......................................................................................................................................................... 25

Kennett Garden Village Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary © MLM Consulting Engineers Limited

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1. Introduction

Background

MLM Consulting Engineers Ltd has been commissioned by East Cambs Trading Company Ltd t/a Palace Green Homes, Joanna Reeks, Richard Martin Tilbrook and Charlotte Caroline Tilbrook (the Applicant) to produce an Environmental Statement (ES) to accompany a planning application for a residential-led development (the Development) on land at Kennett, Cambridgeshire. The location of the application site is seen in Figure 1.1 below and the development is centered around National Grid Reference (NGR) TL 69586 67756.

Figure 1.1: Site Location Map

As a requirement of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, this Non-Technical Summary provides a summary of the ES in non-technical language; it aims to provide a fair reflection of the ES and includes all aspects of the EIA process, as well as the likely significant environmental effects of the Development.

Structure of the Report and Project Team

Table 1.1 below outlines the structure of the ES.



Table 1.1: Structure and Contents of the ES

Chapter No./Title Chapter Content

1. Introduction Provides background information on EIA Screening and Scoping, describes the structure and content of the ES and sets out the EIA objectives and information requirements.

2. Baseline Environmental Conditions Provides a description of the site and its surroundings as they currently exist.

3. The Proposed Development Provides a description of the Development for which planning permission is sought and describes how the Development has evolved and the alternatives considered.

4. Planning Policy Framework Provides an overview of the planning policy context for the Development at the National and Local level.

5. Construction Environmental Management Provides an overview of construction process for the Development and sets out a preliminary method statement for informing a Construction Environmental Management Plan.

6. Agricultural Land Quality All technical assessments include the following:

a review of relevant national and local planning policy and legislation;

an assessment methodology and explanation of significance criteria;

a review of the baseline conditions; an assessment of the potentially significant

effects during the construction and operational phases;

proposed mitigation for potentially significant effects, where identified;

an assessment of the cumulative and residual effects (post-mitigation); and

a summary of the assessment.

7. Air Quality

8. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

9. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

10. Ecology and Nature Conservation

11. Ground Conditions

12. Socio-Economics

13. Landscape and Visual Amenity

14. Noise and Vibration

15. Transport

16. Water Quality, Hydrology and Flood Risk

17. Summary and Residual Effects

1.3 ES Objectives

1.3.1 The principal objective of the ES is to provide East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) with sufficient information on the Development and its likely environmental effects to assist in making a decision on whether planning permission should be granted.



1.3.2 There are three basic steps used within the EIA process in order to meet this objective, which are as follows:

establish existing environmental conditions (known as baseline conditions) including any current environmental problems;

identify, predict and assess the significance of the likely environmental effects, which could be expected as a result of the Development; and

design mitigation, management and enhancement measures, which are proposed to be adopted to prevent, reduce or remedy any significant adverse effects. Consideration is also given to measures that would be promote positive environmental benefits as a part of the Development.



2. The Proposed Development

The Application Site

The site is located immediately south-west of the village of Kennett in east Cambridgeshire (Figure 1.1). It has an area of approximately 40 hectares (ha) which is currently in use for farming and agriculture. The site is currently accessed via Dane Hill Road (B1085) and an agricultural track leading to a farm adjacent to the site’s north-western boundary.

Land uses in the vicinity of the site include the following:

the village of Kennett lies adjacent to the site’s north-eastern boundary; the main Cambridge-Ipswich railway line and the A14 lay adjacent to the site’s southern boundary,

including Kennett railway station; the settlements of Kentford (500 m to the south-east), Red Lodge (2 km to the north-east) and the large

market town to Newmarket (6 km to the south-west) surround the site, respectively; and agriculture is the predominant land use in the area surrounding the site

The Proposed Scheme

The Development is a residential-led scheme covering an area of approximately 40 hectares (ha) within a wider field area of approximately 90 ha; an illustrative development layout is provided in Figure 2.1 below. The scheme comprises a residential-led development with associated employment and community uses (including care home and/or sheltered housing) and a new primary school with pre-school (nursery) facilities, supporting infrastructure and open space/landscaping, as described further below.

The Development includes the construction of around 500 new homes in the village which will significantly improve the local supply of housing and allow opportunities for new people to move into the village or for existing residents to down-size (or ‘move up’) to a new property. The proposals would provide a benefit in helping to meet the housing shortfall in this part of East Cambridgeshire through delivering around 500 new homes, including 30% ‘affordable’ homes (potentially around 150 units) and 5% self-build plots.

The Development proposals would generate the need for a larger primary school, which will be provided as a new bespoke building with a dedicated sports pitch on the west side of Station Road, opposite the existing playing field.

The village square will form the ‘core’ of the village, situated within the center of the proposal, bordering the village green and primary school. A conceptual master plan of the village center is included within Figure 2.2 below. The village square will provide a hub for residents and businesses that is easily accessible and will include, CLT Office space and business; a health care building; coffee shop and pub/restaurant; a food store; and an additional 50 two-storey residential dwellings.

A new commercial ‘quarter’ area is proposed in the southern extent of the Development site adjacent to the existing business and agricultural uses north of the existing station car park.

A new ‘link’ road through the Development from Station Road to Dane Hill Road is proposed. This will create a new route for through traffic that will allow Station Road to become a more pedestrian friendly, traffic-calmed, village street serving the northern part of the existing village, playing field and village hall. A new car park for Kennett railway station and improvements to the existing station forecourt to create a drop off/pick up zone and disabled facilities are also proposed.



Kennett is a rural village not a town and the provision of high quality green spaces and low-density development would ensure that the rural character of the village is maintained and enhanced. There is a need for a range of well-landscaped and attractive open spaces for people of all ages to meet and play, exercise, walk dogs, ride horses or simply enjoy the fresh air of an outdoor environment. Green community infrastructure will also create more habitats for wildlife and widen the biodiversity value of the area.

Figure 2.1: Concept Masterplan of the Development



Figure 2.2: Commercial Area Plan

Development Phasing

The Development will be constructed into four phases, as seen within Figure 2.3 and summarised below:

Phase 1 (2019 – 2024) – includes a total of 240 homes and includes the following infrastructure:

o The main principal road creates access through the Development and provides the main entrance;

o The southern part of the primary street with allocation of a proposed bus stop; o The local centre which includes; the CLT office, pub, restaurant, café, health care building, food

store and apartments; o Custom build area; o Primary school; o The Village Green with a children’s play area and doorstep green (including play areas and

community orchards); o Herbal walk and allotments; and o Sustainable drainage ponds.


o The care home/sheltered housing facilities; o Mid-section of the primary street; o Doorstep green (including play areas and community orchards); o Commercial area which includes office, general industry, storage and distribution; o Children day care; and o Train station car park.


o Northern part of the Primary Street;



o Doorstep green (including play areas and community orchards) o Tumulus Meadows with a children’s play area; o Allocation of a proposed bus stop o Sustainable drainage ponds


o Northern part of the Primary Street; o Doorstep green (including play area sand community orchards) o Sustainable drainage ponds.

Figure 2.3: Development Phasing

Planning Policy Context

Overview

This Chapter provides an overview of the planning policy context for the submitted application at the national and local level. A more detailed review of (and response to) individual policy and guidance is contained within each technical assessment of the ES and in other documents submitted with the planning application, in particular the Planning Statement prepared by Strutt and Parker LLP.



The UK Government published the NPPF in March 2012 with the objective of ‘achieving sustainable development’. Development should be guided by the twelve ‘Core Planning Principles’ which, in summary, are as follows:

1. “empower local people to shape their surroundings, with succinct local and neighborhood plans setting out a positive vision for the future of the area;

2. find ways to enhance and improve the places in which people live their lives; 3. proactively drive and support sustainable economic development; 4. always seek to secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity for all existing and future

occupants of land and buildings; 5. take account of the different roles and character of different areas; 6. support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate; 7. conserve and enhance the natural environment; 8. encourage the effective use of land; 9. promote mixed-use developments and encourage multiple benefits from the use of land in urban and

rural areas; 10. conserve heritage assets; 11. manage patterns of growth and focus significant development in locations which are or can be made

sustainable; and 12. take account of and support local strategies.”

The East Cambridgeshire Local Plan contains policies to manage development in the District for the period up to 2031. The Local Plan contains ten strategic objectives to assist in delivering the spatial strategy and guide development in the District.

The following policies are taken from the ECDC Local Plan and are considered relevant to the overall context of the Development;

Policy GROWTH 1 - Levels of housing, employment and retail growth Policy GROWTH 2 - Locational Strategy Policy GROWTH 3 - Infrastructure requirements Policy GROWTH 5 - Presumption in favor of sustainable development Policy GROWTH 6 - Community-led development Policy HOU 1 - Housing mix Policy ENV 1 - Landscape and settlement character Policy ENV 2 - Design Policy ENV 4 - Energy and Water Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Construction Policy ENV 7 - Biodiversity and geology Policy ENV 8 - Flood Risk Policy ENV 14 – Archaeology Policy COM7 - Transport Impacts

The Council is currently preparing a new Local Plan for East Cambridgeshire and a ‘Preliminary Draft Local Plan’ was published for consultation in February 2016. A ‘Further Draft Local Plan’ was published in in January 2017, which also allowed for further sites to be put forward for development. The Council have now submitted their ‘Proposed Submission Local Plan 2017’ to the Secretary of State (in February 2018), following further consultation in November and December 2017. The new Local Plan will cover the period to 2036.



The emerging Local Plan allocates 41.2 ha of land to the west of Station Road in Kennett for a mixed-use development comprising around 500 dwellings, together with an element of employment provision, a primary school with pre-school facilities and a local centre (REF: Policy Kenett4: Site KEN.M1 - land to the west of Station Road). This policy also sets out the spatial considerations and requirements that would apply to any development proposals on the site.

ECDC have prepared a number of Supplementary Planning documents (SPDs) to support the Local Plan and inform the delivery of infrastructure as well as aid applicants in preparing suitable development proposals.



3. Construction and Environmental Management

Introduction

This Chapter provides an outline of the construction process for the Development and describes measures for preventing nuisance to local residents, avoiding damage to nature conservation interests and/or adversely affecting the quality of air, water or soil.

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be prepared for the construction phases of the Development. This will be subject to discussion and agreement with ECDC and this chapter provides an outline of the content that would be included within the CEMP.

Construction Programme

The construction period is anticipated to be approximately seven years from commencement in 2019. During the construction period, the works on the site can be broadly divided into three main stages, as follows:

enabling works/site preparation - This will include activities such as installing perimeter fencing and security fencing, undertaking any environment mitigation prior to construction, establish construction compounds and any preliminary groundworks required;

construction of infrastructure, residential and commercial elements – in terms of infrastructure this will include, the requirement for primary and secondary access roads, new mains water and foul sewerage infrastructure, gas, electricity and IT/telephone connections. The residential and commercial units will be constructed in a phased manner in accordance with the indicative timescales set out in Chapter 3 – The proposed development; and

removal of final construction assets from the site - at the end of the main construction works on the site (or at an earlier time dependent on phasing or other factors), construction assets, such as perimeter fencing and utility services can be removed

Environmental Management

In many cases, potential environmental impacts during the construction phase are largely dependent on attention to management control (eg watering to control dust, etc.). For the purpose of this assessment, it is assumed that best practice techniques will be implemented and adhered to closely by the construction contract.

Where significant construction impacts have been identified, these are addressed within technical chapters of the ES (Volume 1). In addition, there is potential for environmental impacts to occur during day to day construction operations or from individual instances of mal-operation or accident, for example. Therefore, prior to construction, a number of procedures for construction and environmental management would be agreed with the Local Planning Authority. Any complaints would be logged and reported to the Local Planning Authority as soon as practicable.

With regard to construction noise, the preferred approach is to use best practicable means to reduce noise rather than setting limits. Therefore, the proposed strategy is to ensure that everything practicable is done to reduce noise.

In terms of specific provision in respect to plants and animals, the construction site will be fenced off and contractors made aware of the importance of restricting all works to within the site fencing. All contractors will be required to attend a site induction that will include an overview of the environmental protection measures in place and to be implemented prior to and during works.



Provisions to help control dust will include the use of atomizer spray on haul roads as well as any vehicles carrying waste material off-site will be sheeted. Good construction practices will be undertaken to ensure that no adverse impacts on surface water and groundwater quality occur during the construction phase.



4. Summary of Predicted Environmental Effects

Agricultural Land Quality

An agricultural land quality assessment has been undertaken to assess the agricultural resources that have the potential to be significantly affected during the construction phase and operational phase of the Development.

During the construction phase, it is identified that there are two potentially significant effects of the Development on agricultural resources. Agricultural land is classified into five grades according to its versatility and suitability for growing crops, with Grades 1, 2 and 3a known as the Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land. Prior to any development, the application site is identified as having Grade 2 and 3a BMV, as shown within Figure 4.1. This land will be permanently lost during the construction phase of the Development and this is considered a direct significant impact of the Development.

Figure 4.1: Agricultural Land Classification of Existing Site

However, it is not possible to mitigate the direct loss of agricultural land in the same location and to the same extent but it is evident that developments in the locality will require the use of BMV land.

The second direct effect identified is the effect of the Development on soil if it were handled inappropriately (for example, handled or trafficked when wet and by the mixing of topsoil and subsoil on stripping). Although the topsoils are generally of low vulnerability, damage to the topsoil could occur if it is compacted in storage or stockpiled during the construction phase. Mitigation measures to minimise effects on soils will involve recording the existing soil at the site and ensuring they are handled, stored and replaced according to good practice. In this way, soils that are reused on the site will be used for their most suitable purposes in n and will be able to continue to fulfil their various ecosystem functions.

There are not anticipated to be any effects on agricultural land during the operational phase of the Development.



With regard to the residual effects of the Development of agricultural land, the effect on BMV land is considered to be Moderate Adverse; however, the residual effect with regard to the protection of soil resources during the construction phase is considered to be Negligible.

Air Quality

4.2.1 The air quality assessment has been prepared to identify the air quality effects of the Development on local air quality and the potential exposure of future receptors at the Development to pollution concentrations of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10).

4.2.2 As stated above, the Development will involve development of farm land into residential and commercial use buildings.

4.2.3 4.2.3Air quality in the district is generally good and there are no designated Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). Monitoring data for the period 2010 to 2016 has been obtained from ECDC’s latest Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) reports and directly from the Local Authority, to enable evaluation of long term trends of NO2 concentration from nearby diffusion tubes. These indicate that the levels of NO2 have marginally decreased and the annual mean objective for NO2 has not been exceeded. Appropriate data has been obtained from the nearby Forest Heath District Council (FHDC).

4.2.4 Residential dwellings are located directly to the north and east of the site along Dane Hill Road and Station Road and there are more residential dwellings further afield in all directions. There is one school (Kennett Community Primary School) in the vicinity. It is therefore confirmed that there are human receptors located within 350 m of the boundary of the site and within 50 m of the route(s) likely to be used by construction vehicles. There are, however, no notable ecological receptors within 50 m of the site boundary or within 50 m of potential construction traffic routes.

4.2.5 During the construction phase of the Development the impact of dust on air quality is considered to be the key significant effect. Based on the estimated construction volume and to represent a worst-case approach, the site is considered to have a dust emission class of ‘Large’ with regards to construction activities, track out activities and earthworks. However, mitigation measures will include developing and implementing a Dust Management Plan (DMP) which will include adhering to the ‘highly recommended’ and ‘desirable’ measure stated within the IAQM guidance.

4.2.6 During the operational phase of the Development it has been predicted that the Development will cause a slight increase in NO2 concentrations at a number of the modelled existing receptor locations during the 2026 modelled scenario with ‘slight adverse’ impact descriptor. However, some of the receptor locations in Kennett have ‘slight beneficial’ impact descriptors as they showed a reduction in pollutant concentrations; this is due to the fact that the new perimeter road will divert some traffic away from Dane Hill Road and Station Road. Of the receptor locations assessed, it is concluded that the impacts at the majority of receptors is ‘Negligible’ except five receptors (‘slight adverse’). However, it should be noted that the increase in annual mean NO2 concentration at these locations is not predicted to result in any new exceedances of the NAQO. Moreover, a very conservative approach has been adopted in this assessment by using emission factors and background concentrations based on 2016 for scenarios in 2026. As a result, this marginal increase in NO2 annual mean concentration is not considered to have a significant impact

4.2.7 Based on the detailed dispersion modelling undertaken for the Development, the air quality impacts during the operational phase are considered to be ‘Not Significant’. During the construction phase of the Development, once the proposed mitigation measures are implemented, the residual impacts of the Development are considered to be Negligible.

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

This assessment has been prepared to identify the likely significant effects of the Development in terms of archaeology and cultural heritage.



The application site lies in agricultural land to the west of the historic medieval core of Kennett village. The open medieval arable fields in this area and the large south field was still present on the early 19th century Ordnance Survey map. The application site contains the scheduled Howe Hill Barrow and lies to the north-east of the Chippenham barrow group. To the north-east of the application site is the Grade II listed School House and the Grade II* listed Church of St Nicholas. To the south of the application site is the Kennett End Crossroads site which lies within the historic core of the medieval roadside settlement of Kennett adjacent to the 16th century Grade II listed public house The Bell and the 16th century Grade II listed Landwades House and in the immediate environs of the Grade II listed Kennett End Farmhouse.

An Archaeological background for the site and surrounding area was undertaken and was compiled based on information provided by the Cambridgeshire Historic Environment Record and Suffolk Historic Environment Record (SHER). This assessment identified that the application site had the potential to contain archaeological remains ranging in date from the Mesolithic period through to the medieval period. The Kennett End Crossroads site was considered to have the potential to contain archaeological assets associated with the medieval settlement of Kennett as well as previously unidentified archaeological remains dating from the Mesolithic through to the early medieval period.

Geophysical survey of the application site was undertaken as part of the assessment and recorded one anomaly of probable archaeological origin, this being a single segmented linear feature extending 330 m across the Howe Hill fields. Trial trenching was also undertaken and out of the 12 trenches excavated, six contained archaeological remains. From this, very sparse prehistoric remains were recovered comprising the following:

low-level scatters of Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age worked flint; an undated but probably prehistoric boundary ditch correlated to the linear anomaly identified in the

geophysical survey; and a single Iron Age pit

Figure 4.2: Howe Hill Barrow (SAM 27169), looking north-east



While the HER data for the site indicate potential for the site to contain buried archaeological remains relating to land use and settlement, the latest aerial and geophysical surveys and trench evaluation do not, in general, support this.

From this, it is considered that the construction operation of the Development would have a direct impact upon part of South Field which is a remnant of the open medieval field landscape which once surrounded Kennett. During construction this will result a Permanent Slight Adverse Effect which will continue into the operational phase of the Development.

The site contains the scheduled Howe Hill Barrow. The barrow would be preserved in situ, and its setting would be protected by the design of the Development. In addition, following the implementation of the embedded mitigation measures the construction of the Development is considered to have a Temporary Moderate Adverse effect on the setting of the barrow. The Howe Hill barrow will continue to be affected by the operation of the Development in terms of the partial loss of its open rural setting. This impact would be partially mitigated by the improved access to the barrow and the creation of a green corridor which would maintain the visual link through to the Chippenham barrow group, resulting in a Permanent Moderate Adverse Effect.

It has been clarified that there is relatively limited archaeological potential in the application site. Where archaeological remains will be affected by the Development, these should be excavated prior to construction during a programme of detailed excavation and recording proportionate to their significance. The construction of the Kennett End mini roundabout will have a permanent Moderate/Large adverse effect upon any archaeological remains within the site. This impact could be reduced to Neutral by a programme of archaeological monitoring and recording, comprising an archaeological watching brief. All archaeological work would be carried out in accordance with an approved Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) which would be agreed in advance with CCC's Archaeological Officer. There will be no impacts or effects upon buried archaeological remains within the application site or within the Kennett End crossroads site during the operation phase. Any such remains in the Development’s footprint will have been destroyed or removed during the construction phase.

The construction and operation of the Development also has the potential to indirectly impact upon cultural heritage receptors within the wider environs of the site. The construction of the Development will introduce extensive built form and construction activity into the wider setting of the Chippenham barrow group. The embedded mitigation measures will help to reduce this impact by maintaining the visual connection between the barrow cemetery and the barrow at Howe Hill. Following the implementation of this mitigation the construction of the Development is considered to have a Temporary Slight Adverse effect upon the barrow group and the operation is considered to have a Permanent Slight Adverse effect.

The Development is considered to have a Neutral effect upon the Grade II* listed St Nicholas’ Church. St Nicholas Church in both the construction and operation phases of the development.

The masterplan includes a communal green space in the are immediately adjacent to the Grade II listed School House which would protect the setting of the listed building however the construction access would along Station Road would increase the traffic/ noise levels and air pollution in the environs resulting in a Neutral or Temporary Slight Adverse effect upon the Grade II listed Old School House, Station Road during construction. The loss of open rural land during the operation of the Development and the increase in traffic/noise levels and light pollution would result in Permanent Slight Adverse effect upon the setting of the School House.

The construction of the Kennett End Crossroads Roundabout would have a Temporary Slight Adverse Effect upon the setting of the Grade II listed Buildings The Bell and Lanwades House, which lie immediately adjacent to the crossroads and a Neutral or Temporary Minor Adverse effect upon the Grade II listed Kennett End Farmhouse which is situated 100m to the east of the crossroads. During operation, the proposed mini roundabout would have a Permanent Minor Adverse effect upon the setting of the Grade II listed Buildings, The Bell and Lanwades House and a Neutral effect upon Kennett End Farmhouse.



In conclusion the Development would have an overall Moderate Adverse effect upon the setting of the Howe Hill barrow and a Neutral or Minor Adverse effect upon the remaining cultural heritage assets within the site and its environs.

Climate Change

This section addresses the likely significant environmental effects associated with carbon emissions, energy usage and renewable energy options for the Development.

From reviewing historic trends and future climate change projections for the next century in the East of England for a number of climatic variables, it is clear that for the lifetime of the Development there will be an increase in daily mean air temperatures. Ultimately, the change in climate has the potential to have an effect of the Development.

As well as this, it is necessary to look at the effects the Development will have on climate change, in particular with regard to greenhouse gas emissions. The existing site comprises agricultural land which has an inherent existing level of GHG emissions associated with its usage and it is estimated that the CO2 emissions associated with the existing site area (40 ha) equates to approximately 66 tons of CO2 per year.

During the construction phase of the Development, activities such as manufacture/embodied CO2, materials transport, plant use and work force commuting have all been identified as the major contribution to CO2 and NOx emissions. It is estimated that the total predicted construction emissions for the Development is approximately 1,070.48 equivalent tons of CO2 per year, largely coming from manufacture/embodied CO2 and approximately 2.78 equivalent tons of NOx per year. Measures such as ensuring the Development meets the requirement of BREEAM ratings and that there is responsible sourcing of materials and sustainable construction practices put in place at the site will ensure that the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released during the construction phase is reduced as far as possible.

The emissions associated with the post construction and occupancy will be greater than those associated with the construction phase and will be emitted over a much longer time span. Emissions generated during the operational phase of the Development includes those associated with occupation (heating, hot water, electrical appliances) and transport emissions. However, to ensure that the amount of greenhouse gas emission released during the operation phase is reduced as far as possible, it is essential that the design of the Development focus on reducing the energy demand and providing alternative sources of energy such as renewable technologies.

The assessment has also considered the potential effect of rising temperatures, as a result of climate change and how this has the potential to cause impacts on the wellbeing of future occupants of the dwellings. Therefore, it is proposed that the Development includes mitigation measures such as passive and mechanical ventilation, minimising internal heat generation through energy efficient design and reducing the amount of heat entering a building in summer through shading, albedo, fenestration, insulation and green roofs and walls.

Overall, the Development is replacing agricultural land and, as a result, there is an increase in emissions. The mitigation measures proposed result in a 16.80% reduction in CO2 emissions when compared to a development constructed to current regulations. In conclusion, following the implementation of mitigation measures highlighted within this assessment, the overall impact of the Development on climate change is considered to be Negligible.

Biodiversity

The ecological assessment has been prepared to assess the likely significant effects of the Development in terms of ecology and is supported by the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal report and the findings of detailed surveys for protected species undertaken at the appropriate time of year in 2017.

The assessment has identified four potential effects on ecology during the construction phase of the Development.



The damage or destruction of active nests of common bird species within the site and surrounding area is considered to be significant at the site-level during the construction phase. However, any clearance of nesting bird habitats is proposed to occur outside of bird nesting seasons and any new nesting habitats will be provided in the form of trees, hedgerows and scrub as part of the landscape strategy for the Development this is therefore considered to have an overall beneficial effect.

The damage or destruction of active nests of local priority farmland bird species and/or killing or injury of chicks during the construction phase is considered to be significant at the county level. However, it is proposed that the implementation of bird-friendly pesticide regimes and skylark plots, as well as creating seed and invertebrate foraging habitat adjacent to arable land to the west of the site will ensure that there will be no significant effects on local priority farmland bird species during the construction phase.

During the construction phase, the Development is considered to have a significant effect at the local level with regards to the loss of bat commuting and foraging habitats, as well as the effect on foraging and commuting bats as a result of illuminating the site at night. Figure 4.3 below, displays the results of a bat transect survey and provides an illustration of where bats (coloured dots) were recorded on site.

Figure 4.3: Bat Transect Survey Results

It is proposed to provide foraging habitat and linear habitat features for commuting as part of landscape strategy and provide enhancement in the form of new roosting opportunities. With mitigation measures in place this is considered to have a beneficial effect on bat populations. In terms of site illumination, it is proposed to turn off site illumination outside of working hours, this was there will be a neutral effect post-mitigation.

The only effect identified during the operation phase of the Development is the adverse effect on local bat assemblages due to light spill from the Development. However, it is proposed that a bat-sensitive lighting strategy will be implemented to provide unlit foraging areas and commuting corridors.

Overall, with the mitigation measures proposed, it is considered that the Development will have a Neutral to Minor Beneficial effect on ecology.



Ground Conditions

The ground conditions assessment has been prepared to assess the likely significant effects of the Development in terms of ground conditions and is supported by a Phase 1 contamination Assessment and Phase 2 Geoenvironmental Assessment Report included as Appendices 11.1 and 11.2 within Volume 2 of the ES. The assessments identified two areas of contamination on site including disturbed topsoil in the south-east of the site which contained hydrocarbons and River Terrace Deposits in the north-east which contained elevated concentrations of arsenic and hydrocarbons. Exposure pathways and receptors identified include ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation to human receptors and direct contact with plastic water supply pipes with hydrocarbons.

During the construction phase there are two potential effects identified. The effect on construction workers coming into direct contact with contaminated soils is considered to have an adverse effect. However, with the implementation of on-site briefings, appropriate method statements and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) it is concluded that post-mitigation the effect significance is considered to be Negligible.

The effect of off-site humans inhaling, ingesting or coming into dermal contact with windblown contaminated dust is also considered as a potential impact during the construction phase. However, from further assessment this impact is considered to have a Negligible effect and, although specific mitigation measures are not considered to be necessary, potential construction phase effects from windblown contaminated soil dust will be minimised or mitigated by implementing good construction management practices and adhering to relevant codes of practice for construction sites.

There are four potential effects on ground conditions identified during the operational phase of the Development and these are as follows:

services maintenance staff coming into contact with contaminated soils; future site users coming into contact with contaminated soils; offsite humans inhaling, ingesting or coming in to dermal contact with windblown contaminated dust;

and plastic potable water supply pipes coming into contact with contaminated soils and drinking water

quality becoming affected

All of the above is considered to have a Moderate Adverse effect on the Development with the exception of offsite humans inhaling, ingesting or coming into contact wind windblown dust. This is considered to have a negligible effect due to surfacing of buildings, clean covers over soils and hard standing or vegetation which will all reduce the potential for dust generation during the operational phase of the Development.

A variety of standard mitigation measures are proposed during the construction and operational phases of the Development. These measures will be implemented as part of the design and construction of the Development and will be agreed with the Planning Officer, the local authority Environmental Health Officer and the Environment Agency, prior to commencement of construction. Implementation of these mitigation measures result in residual risks being reduced to Negligible.

Socio-Economics

This section summarises the likely significant effects of the Development on the Socio-Economics of the surrounding area, including population and age structure, housing, employment and local business, education, health, leisure and recreation and retail.

The Development is estimated to increase the population of Kennett by 1,150 people due to the provision of up to 500 new houses. The positive effects from the increase in population reflect the beneficial characteristics of economic growth, including a larger labour market and greater spending power.



According to Cambridgeshire County Council 2011 census data, East Cambridgeshire’s population was 83,800 people in 2011. At parish level, it was identified that Kennett had a population of 353 and since 2011, Kennett’s population has decreased from 350 to 340 people. With the addition of the projects delivery of up to 500 new homes, the population is expected to increase by 1,150 people (based on the 2011 census average of 2.3 persons per household in East Cambridgeshire). Although this increase is considered to be significant, the Development will help to achieve a number of the council’s strategic priorities for the district. The positive effects from the increase in population reflect the beneficial characteristics of economic growth, including a larger labor market and greater spending power.

Census data identifies that the largest age band for Kennett and Kentford is the 45-59 bracket and that the local area is likely to experience an ageing population. The housing stock in East Cambridgeshire is dominated by larger detached dwellings with a relative paucity of smaller dwellings such as flats or terraced housing. By delivering an appropriate mix of housing development offering a variety of housing sizes, types and tenures, this will generate greater opportunities for younger people to live and work in the local community.

The average household size in East Cambridgeshire is 2.3 persons per household. Whilst there is no firm evidence to suggest that the project will alter the average household size in any perceptible way, it can be fairly deduced that a wider range of choice in dwelling size, tenure and type could encourage increased diversity in household compositions which may lead to greater population density and more efficient use of services and land.

The Council’s Local Plan seeks to deliver 6,755 dwellings from site allocations across the District between 2016 and 2036, around 760 dwellings would be provided in ‘medium villages’ (such as Kennett). The project will have a positive effect in achieving this target and will offer a range of new dwellings in terms of size, type and tenure.

In terms of affordability of housing in East Cambridgeshire, currently lower quartile house prices are around seven times lower than quartile incomes, thus making access to the purchase of conventional market housing difficult for a significant amount of the population. The project will result in a net addition of up to 150 affordable dwellings (30%) creating a positive effect.

With regards to employment and local businesses’, the Development could create up to 400 jobs based on the land use proposals and assumptions for the project. This includes approximately 64 jobs created within the community/social employment type (school, care home and healthcare buildings) and approximately 324 jobs within the commercial employment type (offices and business hub, coffee shop, pub/restaurant, business unit and convenience store).

In addition to permanent jobs generated in the new businesses that will be set up in the Development, there will be job creation throughout the construction of the whole project. It has been estimated that the Development would ultimately result in a full-time employment of 208 jobs, in addition to permanent jobs created within the employment/commercial uses on the project site.

The project will provide an appropriate level of on-site community and retail facilities and contribute appropriate financial contributions to off-site facilities, to meet the demands of the increase in population resulting from the project. New facilities will also be available to the wider population.

In terms of health impacts, the project will provide an on-site care home, as well as an extra facility and a number of community and commercial units that could be occupied by a pharmacy or GP surgery. These facilities would be well-suited to meeting the demands of the District’s ageing population. Not only this but, the project will provide new on-site Public Open Space, including a linear park, village green, ‘doorstep greens’ and a range of play spaces, which can all be enjoyed for a variety of recreational and informal leisure activities.

As a result of the mitigation measures built into the design of the Development, the resounding residual effect is Moderate to Major Positive, reflecting the overall benefits of economic growth.



Landscape and Visual Amenity

The site comprises 40 ha of arable land which forms part of a single open agricultural unit, undivided by walls, hedges or fences, of around 90 ha. It appears in the landscape as a single large field although, due to its size, a variety of crops can be growing within it at any one time and sectors are divided by straight tracks. Figure 5.4 below shows the internal views of the existing site.

Since the field is devoid of trees, hedges and ponds no landscape features will be lost as a result of the Development, although comparatively short sections of hedge will need to be removed to effect access. This loss will be more than compensated by the proposed landscaping within the Development. The only significant constraint is the need to preserve the setting of the Howe Hill Bowl Barrow which lies on the northern boundary.

The site is located within Local Character Area 1 (LCA) the Chalk Hills – this extends between Cambridge and Newmarket (refer to Figure 5.5). The Development will entirely change the character of the field in which it is located, from open arable farm land to a garden village. Externally, however, this will appear similar to the enclosed landscapes associated with the racing industry. It will also change the character of Kennett, from that of a small village to larger contemporary residential community with a small traditional historic area.

No listed buildings would be inter-visible with the Development apart from the School House, the setting of which has already been altered by the late 20th century school extension and ancillary areas such as the playground. The listed building will face the proposed public open space within the Development. The effect on its setting is considered to be Neutral.

The only significant adverse effect will be on the visual amenity of residents living within the 20 houses which face the site across Station Road and the two properties adjacent to the village playing field. The Development will be clearly visible and their view of open farmland (mainly from upper floor west-facing windows) will be replaced with views of the garden village. The closest houses will, however, be set back behind a green corridor. There will be some adverse effect on the visual amenity of 6 dwellings on Station Road close to the station which will face the commercial area but the views are restricted by garden vegetation and a level change.

It is concluded that, despite the size of the site and its open nature, the surrounding landscape structure is such that the visual and landscape character effects will be restricted to a limited area around the site and none will be of a significance to cause concern.



Figure 4.4: Internal Views of the Existing Site



Figure 4.5: Landscape Character Arears of Kennett.

Noise

The noise assessment has been prepared to identify the potential noise and vibration effects of the Development during the construction and operational phases of the Development and has involved a detailed environmental noise assessment undertaken in June 2016 to determine baseline conditions at the site.

During the construction phase, three potential effects were identified. The effect of noise from construction works and road traffic were assessed and it was determined that there was no significant adverse effect on nearby noise sensitive receptors (such as residential dwellings along station road).

As construction is planned to be phased, the assessment predicts the impacts of the first phase upon the closest existing receptors on Station Road as a worst-case scenario. In addition, the impact of further construction phases upon new dwellings within the Development has been also assessed, along with the impact of the construction of the main internal road. The predictions assume no screening between the source and receiver, so represent a worst-case scenario, but do consider the mitigating effects of best practicable means. In terms of Vibration during the construction phase, the effect is considered to be temporary minor adverse, however, with the implementation of best practicable means as mitigation measure, it is considered that vibration during the construction phase will have no significant adverse effect on nearby receptors.

During the operational phase of the Development, three potential effects were identified. The most significant is considered to be the noise impact on residential amenity. The effect is considered to have a moderate adverse effect at the majority of the site and those small areas to the south-east of the site considered to have major adverse effects. Mitigation measures proposed include an appropriate masterplan layout, ventilation strategy and external building fabric acoustic performance (to be developed at detailed design stage) to provide a post-mitigation effect significance of Negligible.



The effect of road traffic noise during the operational phase of the Development from the additional dwellings within the Development is considered to have a moderate to major beneficial effect at local roads in close proximity to the Development sites and a negligible adverse effect at the majority of the rest of the local road networks.

The effects of railway vibration on the Development once it’s operational is considered to be Negligible.

A qualitative assessment suggests that once the built form of the Development is considered, the majority of the site will be affected by No Observed Adverse Effect or Lowest Adverse Effect Levels, with Negligible to Minor Adverse noise effects.

Traffic and Transport

The traffic and transport assessment identify the potential environmental effects and their significance associated with road traffic generate during the Development operational and construction phases. The following impacts have been assessed in detail within the Transport and Traffic Technical Chapter of the detailed ES (Volume 1 – Chapter 15):

severance; driver delay; pedestrian delay; pedestrian amenity; fear and intimidation; and accidents and safety

An initial traffic and transport screening exercise was undertaken to determine the predicted increases in traffic flow resulting from the Development. The exercise confirmed that for the majority of highways in the vicinity of the site, the increase in traffic predicted will not be of a sufficient magnitude to require an assessment of environmental effects.

The assessment has however, focused on two specific highway links on B1085 Dane Hill Road and Station Road where the level of traffic generated during some of the Development’s construction phases will be sufficient to require an assessment of effects and their significance.

As a large proportion of the construction traffic is anticipated to be HGVs, it is essential that residential areas are avoided during the course of construction by HGVs associated with the Development. As the B1085 and B1506 are advisory local HGV routes from the A11 and A14, it is considered appropriate to have a lorry routing agreement to ensure drivers access and exit the site from/to these routes, preferably via the A11 and the B1085 to/from the north-west as fewer adjacent properties are affected. As well as this, the hours of operation at the site will be restricted to limit the number of HGVs entering and exiting the site at one time. As there are residential properties close to the sites north-eastern boundary near the main settlement of Kennett and the south-eastern corner of the site, it is proposed that space is allocated within the site during construction for the parking of vehicles and plant, and storage of materials away from these areas.

There are no mitigation measures required for the operational phase based on initial screening results. However, as part of the proposals there will be highway improvements which will include the following:

new foot/cycle way on western side of Station Road from site to the railway station; improvements to existing rail station car park including pedestrian crossing phase incorporated into

existing railway over bridge signals; new traffic islands and central hatching on Station Road from A14 over bridge to Bell Inn Junction for

proposed 30mph speed limit; new mini-roundabout junction at the existing Bell Inn crossroads junction; and



part-time signals at A11 northbound off-slip T-junction with B1085

Following a detailed consideration of all of the potential impacts listed, it is concluded that overall, taking into account mitigation the severity of the effects of traffic during the operational and construction phases will not be significant in terms of the statutory decision-making process for the planning application. Therefore, the residual effect is Negligible.

Water Quality, Hydrology and Flood Risk

This assessment considers the potential effects of the Development on water quality, hydrology and flood risk. The key considerations are the potential effects on surface water, groundwater, flood risk and drainage, water resources and infrastructure.

From the assessment, three potential effects of water quality, hydrology and flood risk have been identified during the construction phase and four potential effects are identified during the operational phase of the Development.

During the construction phase, the potential of surface water/groundwater contamination from construction related activities is considered to be the one of the key effects identified within the assessment. The operation of construction vehicles and general construction activities give rise to the potential for surface water runoff to become contaminated with hydrocarbons, silt or other construction materials. This may in turn lead to a contamination event should site drainage be allowed to enter surface watercourses or the ground untreated.

However, construction vehicles will be properly maintained to reduce the risk of hydrocarbon contamination and will only be active when required and site drainage will comply with relevant UK guidance and standards. This will ensure that there will be a negligible effect in terms of groundwater contamination arising during the construction phase of the Development.

The control of surface water runoff, was also identified as potentially significant impacts during the construction phase of the Development. Appropriate mitigation measure includes the implementation of sustainable drainage system strategy. The potential interruption of groundwater flows during the construction phase was considered negligible pre-mitigation due to the deep groundwater depths identified during the assessment.

The key potential effect during operation of the Development are the control of surface water runoff rates and volumes, the potential contamination of groundwater from routine site runoff and increased mains water and foul drainage demands. Proposed mitigation measures include the likes of: complying with suitable drainage strategies that incorporates a required level of water quality treatment and control the surface water runoff to appropriate rates, incorporation of water saving device within the Development and sewage infrastructure improvements where required. With the recommended mitigation measures in place, the potentially effect are considered to be Negligible.



5. Conclusions

The overall environmental impact of the Development post-mitigation is considered to be Negligible, principally a result of the large beneficial impacts provided in relation to socio-economics which, on balance, are considered to offset the minor adverse effects predicted for several of the other environmental topics.

The majority of the negative environmental impacts assessed during the EIA have been removed through the design of appropriate mitigation measures. A summary of the predicted impacts, mitigation measures and residual effects for each technical discipline are summarised in Table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1: Summary Impact Table Technical Discipline Summary of Mitigation Residual Effect

Agricultural Land Classification

Not possible to mitigate the direct loss of agricultural land in the same location to the same extent. Soil protection measures include recording the existing soils and handling, storing and replacing the soils according to best practice.

Moderate Adverse - due to the loss of BMV land which is not possible to mitigate.

Negligible – for soil resources / protection.

Air Quality Pre-project planning, implementation and on-site management issues are required for effective dust control; implementation of a CEMP.

Negligible - all significant impacts have been mitigated.

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Protective measures will be put in place during construction to ensure that no possible physical damage will occur the barrow or its setting during construction. Improving the access, creating a surrounding green buffer space and protective measure put in place during construction to protect Howe Hill barrow. Programme of archaeological monitoring and investigation carried out to excavate any possible Iron Age remains identified as significant prior to construction.

Neutral to Minor Adverse - the Old School House on Station Road will experience a change to its wider setting, with a loss to open rural land. During operation, the proposed mini roundabout would have a Permanent Minor Adverse effect upon the setting of the Grade II listed Buildings The Bell and Lanwades House and a Neutral effect upon Kennett End Farmhouse.

Permanent Moderate Adverse - Howe Hill barrow will continue to be affected by the operation of the Development in terms of the partial loss of its open rural setting. This impact would be partially mitigated by the improved access to the barrow and the creation of a green corridor which would maintain the visual link through to the Chippenham barrow group

Climate Change Ensuring the development meets the requirement of BREEAM ratings; responsible sourcing of materials and sustainable construction practices; providing alternative sources of energy such as renewable technologies




Technical Discipline Summary of Mitigation Residual Effect Ecology Clearance of nesting bird habitats to

occur outside of bird nesting seasons and new nesting habitats provided; implementation of bird-friendly pesticide regimes and skylark plots and creating seed and invertebrate foraging habitat adjacent to arable land; provision of bat foraging habitat and linear habitat features for commuting bats and provide enhancement in the form of new roosting opportunities.

Neutral to Minor Beneficial – due to the provision of new foraging, nesting and commuting habitats.

Ground Conditions Implementation of on-site briefings, appropriate method statements and the use of Personal Protective Equipment; Good construction management practices and adhering to relevant codes of practice for construction sites; implementation of a CEMP.

Negligible - all significant impacts have been mitigated

Socio-Economics Provision of 500 new homes including 150 affordable housing and variable in size, types and tenures; provision of 400 new jobs; provision of new primary school and community and commercial units such as pharmacy and GP practice.

Moderate to Major Positive - due to the provision of the new homes, jobs, primary school and anticipated contributions to other local services

Landscape and Visual Amenity

Strengthening existing landscaping and implementing garden vegetation and green corridor as well as level change with the site.

Neutral to Moderate Adverse – due to the changes in site character and temporary visual impacts to some receptors.

Noise Best practicable means for control of construction noise; an appropriate masterplan layout, ventilation strategy and external building fabric acoustic performance (to be developed at detailed design stage); implementation of a CEMP.

Negligible to Minor Adverse - during construction and operation due to increased traffic flows on local roads and temporary noise effects during construction.

Traffic and Transport

A suitable lorry routing agreement; restricted hours of operation at the site to limit the number of HGVs entering/exiting the site; provision of new cycleway, traffic islands and mini-roundabout and improvements to existing railway station.




Technical Discipline Summary of Mitigation Residual Effect Water Quality, Hydrology and Flood Risk

Construction vehicles will be properly maintained to reduce the risk of hydrocarbon contamination; implementation of sustainable drainage system strategy; complying with suitable drainage strategies that incorporates a required level of water quality treatment and control the surface water runoff to appropriate rates; incorporation of water-saving devices within the development and sewage infrastructure improvements, where required; implementation of a CEMP.

Negligible to Minor Adverse- all significant impacts have been mitigated.

Overall Effect Negligible

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