NICHOLAS PEARSON ASSOCIATESENVIRONMENTAL PLANNERS LANDSC APE ARCHITECTS ECOLOGISTS

Tintagel Castle Footbridge and

Footpath Improvements

Environmental StatementNon Technical Summary

May 2017

Figure 1: Site plan

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Introduction

English Heritage proposes to construct a footbridge between the mainland and island wards of Tintagel Castle and carry out associated footpath improvements. A full planning application has been submitted to Cornwall Council, accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES). The ES has been prepared in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, as amended.

The ES sets out the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) work undertaken by English Heritage and their team. The environmental information will be considered by Cornwall Council in its determination of the planning application. The planning application will be determined in accordance with national and local policy, including the National Planning Policy Framework and the Cornwall Local Plan.

This document provides a summary of the ES. The full ES is available to view online on Cornwall Council’s website, or can be purchased from English Heritage. Further details are provided at the end of the document.

Figure 3: Ecological designations

Figure 2: Landscape and heritage designations

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The site is located in Tintagel, on the north coast of Cornwall. The majority of the site is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall and is under the guardianship and management of English Heritage.

Tintagel Castle is one of English Heritage’s most popular attractions. It attracts approximately 200,000 visitors per year, with up to 3,000 per day in the peak summer season. Visitor numbers have increased since 2014 to a base level of 204,000 per annum with visitor numbers in 2016 reaching 222,920.

The site falls within or adjacent to a number of designated areas, or sensitive features, as shown on Figures 2 and 3. These include the Tintagel-Marsland-Clovelly Coast Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Tintagel Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Tintagel Island and Early Medieval Settlement protected Scheduled Monument.

The site is located off Castle Road, which is accessed from Fore Street in the village centre. Castle Road is a public right of way (footpath). Much of the surrounding coast is open access land. A number of public rights of way and informal footpaths pass through the site, including the South West Coast Path National Trail.

The majority of the site falls within an area unlikely to be affected by flooding from rivers or the sea. A small proportion of the application area falls within a flood zone associated with the stream that flows in a northerly direction adjacent to Castle Road towards the sea.

Access to Tintagel Castle was historically from the south, along a path leading from the top of the valley into the Barbican and lower ward and then via a now substantially eroded land bridge to the inner ward on Tintagel Island.

Access to the island ward is currently along a steep, stepped path which is too narrow to allow passing/ overtaking. The steps represent a physical challenge to most visitors and can prevent some older visitors, young families and physically disabled people from fully accessing the site. The route up to the Island is regularly congested in busy periods (see Figure 4), with people waiting/ queuing for up to 45 minutes.

The creation of a new footbridge between the mainland and island, accompanied by footpath improvement works, would create a step-free route from Castle Road to the island ward of the castle. It would improve the visitors’ understanding and history of the site as the location of the proposed footbridge follows the route of the original land link between the island and the mainland during the medieval period. Many visitors to the site also currently bypass the castle’s outer (mainland) ward and gateway, thereby remaining unaware of this important section of the monument.

Site and Surroundings

Need for the Development

Figure 4: Photograph of visitors queuing on to Tintagel Island at peak times

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The proposals would reduce congestion on and off the island, improve pathway management and reduce erosion. They would also allow better management of visitors and an improved, safer experience for visitors.

A key aim of the project is that the footbridge should be of the highest design quality. It should be ‘of its place’ and through its structured elegance and beauty it should be in harmony with the extraordinary setting and landscape of Tintagel. The key aim of the footpath works is to provide a high quality, accessible network of routes which are sensitively integrated into the landscape and protect the archaeology and ecology of the site from erosion due to the volume of people walking across the site.

Footbridge

The scheme was developed following an international design competition, with environmental appraisal work informing the project and competition brief and design process from the outset. The team selected were one of 137 who submitted expressions of interest, of which only six were shortlisted to go through to the concept design stage.

No alternative locations for the footbridge were considered as it follows the route of the original link between the island and the mainland during the medieval period. This was part of the brief.

In developing the proposed footbridge design, a number of alternatives were considered (Figure 6). The designs were examined from a range of aesthetic, environmental and technical perspectives. From the outset, the scheme design has sought to minimise effects on cultural heritage, archaeology, ecology and integrate with the setting of the monument and the landscape.

The selected design is a corbelled/cantilevered construction footbridge. This form of bridge dates back to the origins of crossings. It requires no temporary support during construction. The permanent structure provides stability during assembly.

Alternative footbridge materials were also considered and two options remain: Corten/weathering steel and painted steel. Corten is preferred as it does not require painting; however, tests are currently underway to determine if it is appropriate to use in this coastal location.

Project Aims

Alternatives Considered and Design Evolution

Figure 5: Existing view of Tintagel Island (eastern terrace) path between ward and plateau

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Two options for the construction of the footbridge also remain: use of helicopter or cable crane. Cable crane is currently the preferred option as it provides greater flexibility in terms of the timing of deliveries, is relatively quiet and would result in minimal archaeological and ecological impacts.

Footpath Improvements

A detailed exercise to review the various possible routes to and around the site has been undertaken in order to allow a responsive and appropriate design solution to be prepared. The appraisal has taken into account the landscape character of the site, visual context and setting, the botanical interest of the site and the assessment. The improvements of the pathways and steps will, however, help to keep pedestrians to the paths and reduce soil erosion across the monument.

Figure 6: Alternative footbridge designs

Figure 7: Location of proposed footbridge

Source: Ney & Partners and William Matthews Associates

Source: Ney & Partners and William Matthews Associates

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Footbridge

It is proposed to construct a new footbridge linking the mainland and island elements of Tintagel Castle (Figures 1, 7 and 8). The footbridge consists of two independently built cantilevers, with a small gap in the centre. The total length of the bridge is 66.7m, with an overall width of 3m. The footbridge would be constructed of steel, with slate used for the footbridge decking and oak for the handrails. A security barrier will be incorporated into the bridge design to prohibit access across the footbridge when it is closed.

Footpath Improvements

The proposed footpath improvements comprise (Figure 1) a range of careful, sympathetic and sensitive interventions to the existing network of paths and routes in order to:

• Provide a step-free, refurbished existing route from Castle Road layby, via the Mill Path to the Lower Ward (mainland) and then onto the footbridge and island;

• Refurbish and improve the existing stepped route from the Visitor Centre, via a section of the South West Coast Path, to the lower ward (mainland);

• Improve the existing path and stepped access onto the plateau from the island ward;

• Provide, through use and formalisation of existing informal paths as far as practicable, a defined and surfaced circuit around the plateau, linking interpretation features and information, whilst reducing trampling effects on archaeology and botany.

Description of the Development

Figure 8: Proposed footbridge elevation

Source: Ney & Partners and William Matthews Associates

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Figure 9: Existing and proposed view from lower mainland ward

Cliff Stabilisation Works

The proximity of the footbridge and its associated foundation to the cliff adjacent to the mainland ward of Tintagel Castle has given rise to concern over the risk of failure of the structure during its design life (120 years). Stabilisation measures to this section of the cliff are required. The stabilisation works will also protect the area of the scheduled monument directly above it.

The works will involve a similar drilled anchor to the footbridge foundations. The anchor head plates will be similar to those that are already present on the mainland at Tintagel Castle (Figure 15).

Existing view

Proposed view

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Figure 10: Existing and proposed views of footpaths on Tintagel Island

The footbridge construction works are currently programmed to take place over an approximate six month period during autumn/winter 2018/19. The majority of the footpath improvement works are programmed ahead of this during the winter of 2017/18.

Working hours during construction will be agreed with Cornwall Council, but are typically anticipated to be between 08:00 and 17:30 Mondays to Fridays for the main footbridge construction works. Light activities (e.g. no activities generating noise or vibration) may take place outside these times. As much of the work will be

Construction Phase

Existing view

Proposed view

Existing view

Proposed view

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carried out in the winter months, working hours will be restricted by light levels. It is not proposed to carry out construction work under artificial light.

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be prepared. This would set out procedures and responsibilities for a range of measures to ensure that the sensitivities of the site are safeguarded during the construction period.

It is anticipated that the footbridge would be installed from a cable crane, although the option to install it by helicopter remains under consideration. For the cable crane, a temporary cable support tower approximately 10m to 15m high would be required in the lower ward, with cable anchor points at each end on the island and mainland.

Construction traffic will be routed along the B3314 from the A39 and then on the B3263. A restriction will be placed so that delivery vehicles do not pass Tintagel Primary School between school drop-off and pick-up times. Access along Castle Road will be managed during construction. The need for additional temporary closures/diversions of Public Rights of Way will be determined.

The day-to-day storage compound for the contractor will be located at the end of Castle Road, next to the Visitor Centre. For extra storage capacity, the intention is to utilise a larger site, to be determined, within or close to the village.

Once the footpath improvements and proposed footbridge are installed, the site will continue to operate as at present, albeit with additional options for managing visitor flows during peak periods. Typically, Tintagel Castle is open to visitors every day from Easter until the end of October and only at weekends during the winter.

The condition of the site’s assets is currently subject to ongoing monitoring, with appropriate maintenance carried out as required. Additional monitoring of the new footpaths will be carried out in order to ensure that they are performing as expected and that restoration of closed sections of paths is being achieved.

Interpretation and visitor education information relevant to the botanical and other habitat interests of the site are also included in the scheme, with the additional aim of encouraging visitors to use the paths provided.

If weathering steel is used for the main structure of the footbridge, it will require an annual inspection by suitable trained and accredited rope access inspectors. Regular monitoring of the thickness losses of the weathering steel plates is also required to ensure it is within the accepted limits.

Operation Phase

Figure 11: Existing view from Barras Nose

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If painted steel is used it is likely to require a full repaint every 15 years with intermediary “touching up”, if required. For the complete repainting of the footbridge an enclosed mobile gantry will be suspended below the deck permitting complete access to the structure in a safe environment. The fabric enclosure will eliminate the risk of inadvertent paint spillage on the cliffs below.

In November 2016 a report was submitted to Cornwall Council along with a request for their opinion as to the scope of the ES, i.e. what should be assessed and what issues could be omitted as they are not considered to be significant. Cornwall Council responded in January 2017.

It was agreed that the ES would cover Landscape and Visual Impact; Ecology and Nature Conservation; Archaeology and Cultural Heritage; and Geological Conservation and Land Stability. It was agreed that the ES did not need to consider any other issues as they are not significant.

The ES does not consider the cumulative impacts of the proposed development together with any other proposed developments, as agreed with Cornwall Council.

The following sections summarise the results of the assessments undertaken.

The site is located within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Pentire Point – Widemouth Heritage Coast (Figure 2).

A landscape and visual impact assessment has been undertaken in accordance with a scope of work agreed with Cornwall Council’s Landscape Officer, the AONB Officer, Natural England and Historic England. The assessment has been based on desk-based studies and fieldwork which have determined the landscape character of the area and the extent to which the proposals would be visible. The work has been carried out by a team of experienced Chartered Landscape Architects with due reference to the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (3rd Edition).

The area around the site is characterised by rugged, sheer cliffs with coastal heathland and grassland, with Tintagel Castle being a major landmark in the area and Tintagel a key focus for tourist related infrastructure. The dramatic landscape has attracted artists such as JMW Turner.

Views to the proposed footbridge are largely dictated by the land form of the coastline. Available views extend to a limited section of the coast path, surrounding areas of coastal access land and a number of locations within the Scheduled Monument site itself. Key visual receptor values relate to the scenic nature of the rugged coastline and landscape/seascape, the landmark tourist destination of Tintagel Castle, all underpinned by the noted designations. Susceptibility to the changes notes the high expectations of tourists and users of public rights of way, but is moderated by the human interventions associated with the history and settlement of Tintagel, including tourist infrastructure which is evident in local views.

The proposals are considered to achieve a high degree of landscape and visual integration and will be as unobtrusive as possible.

Scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment

Landscape and Visual Impact

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The construction works will be limited to the local landscape around the footbridge landing sites, site compound areas and footpath improvements. Such effects are minimised by the limited geographic scale of the proposals. During operation, landscape effects are minimised by a combination of the high quality design of the proposals, the relatively small scale nature of the proposals and the extent of existing human interventions in the locality. Landscape effects are not considered to be significant.

The construction works will affect local views around the footbridge site, site compound areas and footpath improvements. Such effects will be minimised by undertaking construction over two winters. During operation, the principal visual effects will be as a result of the new footbridge seen from the coastal paths. In such views, whilst it will be a notable landmark, it will often be seen in the context of other elements of Tintagel, and as part of the Tintagel Castle site. The visual effects of the footpath improvements will be very limited and localised, experienced by visitors to the site. Adverse effects are minimised by a combination of the high quality design of the footbridge, and its relatively small scale in comparison to the open and expansive views of the coastal landscape. Visual effects are not considered to be significant.

Figure 12: View from access land west of Camelot Castle Hotel

Existing view

Proposed view

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The site is located within the Tintagel-Marsland-Clovelly Coast SAC and Tintagel Cliffs SSSI, as shown in Figure 3. The site is designated for features such as its maritime grassland. Cliff nesting birds, including Fulmar, are also a feature of the SSSI. The site is also adjacent to the Bristol Channel Approaches candidate SAC and Hartland Point to Tintagel Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ).

An ecological impact assessment has been carried out, based on desk-based research and site survey work. Surveys undertaken include a Phase 1 Habitat Survey (January 2015), National Vegetation Classification botanical surveys (August 2015, May 2016 and August 2016), Fulmar nesting and flight behaviour survey (May - July 2016). The surveys and assessment were carried out in accordance with recognised guidance, including the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Guidelines on Ecological Impact Assessment (2nd edition).

The proposals have been developed in full recognition of the ecological sensitivities of the site and with the aim of protecting the site from erosion by visitors to the site. In order to formalise the paths on Tintagel Island, 424.10m2 of maritime grassland, would be lost, much of which is already degraded through trampling. These habitats are widespread across the designated sites and the habitat loss would not result in a likely significant effect on the SAC. Regularisation of the footpaths and increased visitor management may result in a long-term positive impact by allowing the habitats to recover, thus improving the overall condition of the plateau habitat. A total 1,609m2 of maritime grassland will be managed for restoration as part of the works on the island.

With appropriate pollution prevention and control measures in place during construction, no effects are anticipated on the Bristol Channel Approaches candidate SAC and Hartland Point to Tintagel MCZ.

The construction works would be timed to minimise impacts on cliff nesting birds. Rare and notable plant species will be translocated from areas affected by the proposed works. Invasive species would also be removed, including Hottentot-Fig. No significant adverse impacts are anticipated in relation to the features of interest of the Tintagel Cliffs SSSI.

Tintagel Castle is designated as a Scheduled Monument (Figure 2) and a heritage tourism destination. Archaeological assets dating from the post-Roman and Medieval periods are key elements contributing to the site’s significance.

An archaeology assessment has been undertaken to provide an assessment of likely and significant effects with reference to archaeological assets and to enable an informed decision-making process. The assessment

Ecology & Nature Conservation

Archaeology & Cultural Heritage

Figure 13: A Fulmar

Text to be inserte

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has been carried out in accordance with recognised guidance. It is based on desk-based research and studies on site. The assessment focused on the Scheduled Monument and the heritage assets within it. Whilst there are other Scheduled Monuments and Listed Buildings within 500m of this site, including St. Materiana’s Church, they are considered to be unaffected by the proposals.

The construction of the footbridge abutments will have a minor adverse impact on the archaeology in the Lower and Inner Ward areas of the site. However, it is considered that this will result in a minor - moderate beneficial impact in terms of the public benefits delivered through the proposed development which will facilitate access for all and improve visitor interpretation, thus enhancing and better revealing the site’s significance to a wider audience.

The footpath improvement works are likely to result in minor adverse impacts to some heritage assets within the site during construction. However, the residual effect during operation will be moderate beneficial as the archaeological assets will be better protected because of the proposed development.

Taking into account the significance of the designated and non-designated assets (both known and currently unknown) likely to be impacted upon by the proposals and the scale of harm, a programme of archaeological work will be undertaken in advance of, during and after pre-construction and construction activities.

The site is also of value to a wide range of people including, archaeologists, artists and those interested in the legend of King Arthur or Cornish heritage and identity. Overall, the proposals are considered to enhance, not detract from, the understanding and appreciation of the site.

The proposed footbridge and footpath works are considered to bring Moderate - Substantial Beneficial changes to the site of Tintagel Castle overall, most especially derived from the improved access.

The site is located within the Tintagel Cliffs SSSI, as shown in Figure 3. The cliffs exhibit considerable geomorphological and geological interest, in addition to supporting an outstanding flora and fauna. The geology and environmental conditions have shaped the form of the cliffs around the scheme and form an important part of the local heritage.

Figure 14: Approximate Layout of Cliff Stabilisation Anchors Figure 15: Existing Anchors on Mainland Cliff

Geological Conservation & Land Stability

Source: RambollSource: Ramboll

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The impact of the proposals on the special features of the SSSI and land stability has been assessed. The study areas for the assessment were constrained to the cliffs and land within approximately 25m either side of the proposed footbridge. Existing conditions at the site were established through desk-based studies and on-site surveys, including intrusive ground investigations and geological mapping.

The footpath improvements are considered minor in geological terms and were not considered further in the assessment. The improvements of the pathways and steps will, however, help to keep pedestrians to the paths and reduce soil erosion across the monument.

The proposed footbridge structure requires foundations that will be formed of drilled anchors that will penetrate into the bedrock. The works only require minimal excavation of rock and removal of overlying loose material. The cliff stabilisation will be formed of drill holes, similar to the anchors for the footbridge foundations. The rock anchors will have head plates that will be exposed at the rock face, similar to those already on the Mainland adjacent to the existing steps. Minimal disturbance will be caused during their installation.

Overall, no significant adverse impacts on the geological features of the Tintagel Cliffs SSSI are anticipated as the scheme has been sensitively designed to minimise such impacts. The cliff stabilisation works will have a beneficial impact on the cliff and the Scheduled Monument.

It has been acknowledged from the outset that the proposals need to integrate with the surrounding landscape and protect the ecology and archaeology of the site. There is a close inter-relationship between these features and the proposals have sought to protect all of the special features of the site as far as practicable. The site sensitivities mean that environmental protection is paramount and that construction methods minimise disturbance and prevent pollution.

The most sensitive receptors are all within the site itself, given its designation as a Special Area of Conservation, Site of Special Scientific Interest and Scheduled Monument, together with it being within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast.

The Tintagel Cliffs SSSI is designated for geological and geomorphological interest as well as its flora and fauna. Overall, no significant adverse impacts on the SSSI have been identified. Furthermore, no significant adverse impacts have been identified on the SAC, Scheduled Monument, AONB or Heritage Coast.

Aside from the designated features of the site, the most sensitive receptors are residents of Tintagel, visitors to Tintagel Castle, Tintagel village and walkers along the South West Coast Path and other rights of way. The timing of the works during the winter months means that fewer people will be in the area during the construction period and therefore fewer people are likely to experience views of the construction works or any associated noise or vehicular movements. It is likely that the construction activity will draw visitors to the site in order to see the footbridge being installed. People wishing to do this would not, however, be expected to perceive the construction activities negatively.

In the longer term, site operations will continue as they have before, albeit with improved visitor access arrangements to Tintagel Castle. Any increase in visitor numbers has been taken into account in the scheme design.

Impact Interactions

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English Heritage would welcome comments on the proposals. These should be sent to:

Reuben Briggs, National Project Manager English Heritage1 Waterhouse Square, 138-142 Holborn, London. EC1N 2ST

The ES is available to view online at: www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/online-planning-register

and at the Planning Department, Cornwall Council. Any person wishing to make representations about the planning application

should submit these in writing to Cornwall Council.

Copies of the ES can be purchased from the above address and a charge of £150.00 for a hard copy will be made to cover the costs of reproduction.

A copy of the ES on CD and further copies of this Non-Technical Summary are available free of charge.

Comments

Figure 16: Proposed view from South West Coast Path, north of site (near café)