introduction&methodology - iema · pdf...

Land South of Pentrebane Road, Cardiff: Non Technical Statement (August 2014)

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1.0 Introduction & Methodology

Purpose of Document

1.1 This document is a summary in non-technical language of an Environmental

Statement (‘ES’) that has been prepared on behalf of Redrow Homes Limited;

Trustees of St Fagans No 1 & 2 Trust and Trustees of St Fagans No 3 Trust

(the ‘applicant’). It accompanies a planning application for the development of

up to 290 houses at land to the south of Pentrebane Road, Cardiff.

1.2 An Environmental Impact Assessment (‘EIA’) has been undertaken because

the proposed development falls within part 10(b) (Infrastructure Projects) of

Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact

Assessment) Regulations 1999 (as amended) (the ‘1999 Regulations’). Part

10(b) relates to “urban development projects” where sites are over 0.5

hectares. For development proposals that meet this size, EIA is required

where there is a possibility that the development could have significant effects

on the environment.

1.3 This Non-Technical Summary (‘NTS’) of the main ES document includes the

following information: -

Section 1.0 sets out the background to the assessment process and the

scheme;

Section 2.0 describes the site and its surroundings;

Section 3.0 describes the development, outlines the construction

methodology and also sets out how the design has evolved;

Sections 4.0-12.0 provide a topic-by-topic review of the findings of the EIA;

Section 13.0 reviews whether other impacts may happen when the scheme

is considered with other reasonably foreseeable developments in the area;

Section 14.0 provides details of the availability of the document; and

Section 15.0 provides key plans that are of most relevance to the EIA.

The EIA Process

1.4 The ES that has been submitted with the planning application sets out the

findings of an EIA of the proposed residential development at land south of

Pentrebane Road.

1.5 The EIA process aims to make sure that any significant effects arising from a

development are systematically identified, assessed and presented to help the

relevant local planning authority, statutory consultees and other key

stakeholders understand the impacts arising from development. If measures

are required to minimise or reduce effects then these are clearly identified.


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1.6 For the development scheme at land south of Pentrebane Road, EIA has been

carried out to consider the likely significant effects that may occur during the

construction and operation of the development and due to its potential

relationship to future developments in the area. It has been completed having

taken into account best practice and the scope of an EIA associated with a

nearby site with similar characteristics. A formal Scoping Opinion has not been

requested from Cardiff Council, although the local authority did provide input

into the cumulative impact section. Accordingly, the following environmental

aspects are assessed within the ES:-

1 Socio-Economic

2 Transportation

3 Water Resources

4 Ecology

5 Landscape and Visual

6 Noise and Vibration

7 Air Quality

8 Heritage

9 Agriculture and Soils

1.7 Likely effects are identified based on knowledge of the site and surroundings,

desk top assessment, survey and fieldwork and information available to the

EIA team. All those matters that could be reasonably required to assess the

effects of the proposals are set out in the ES; this includes effects arising from

the scheme itself as well as temporary effects arising during the construction of

the proposed residential development.

1.8 The EIA team has worked closely with the design team to ensure that the

scheme for which planning permission is sought incorporates any revisions or

modifications that are thought necessary or appropriate to avoid or reduce

significant adverse effects on the environment.

1.9 Consultation has also informed the EIA process in relation to the EIA

methodology, as a means to gather environmental data, to review the

effectiveness of any identified mitigation measures and as a way of keeping

interested bodies informed on the process of EIA undertaken.

Background to the Scheme

1.10 The development has emerged against the background of the need for more

homes in Cardiff.

1.11 The application site forms part of the proposed strategic allocation (Strategic

Site ‘C’) in the emerging Local Development Plan. The proposed strategic

allocation is for the comprehensive redevelopment of land at North West

Cardiff for approximately 5,000 dwellings up to 2025 including employment and


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other associated uses. It is however recognised in the emerging Plan that the

strategic allocation has a total capacity of 6,500-7,000 dwellings.

1.12 The application proposal is freestanding and is capable of being delivered

independently, though it is entirely consistent with the Council’s Masterplan

Framework (Background Paper no.16).

1.13 The development proposals have been developed in a cohesive and

collaborative way. The project team has worked closely with the Council in

agreeing basic principles and in ensuring that the development is properly

integrated into the existing fabric of the city and that the infrastructure needed

to ensure the success of the development is provided in a timely manner.

2.0 Site & Surroundings

2.1 The site under consideration extends to approximately 8.83 hectares.

Figure 2.1 Aerial Image showing the extent of the Development Site


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2.2 The site is located outside, but directly next to, the existing settlement

boundary of Cardiff. Typical suburban development including part of the

playing fields associated with a primary school and housing at Pentrebane is

located to the immediate east of the site. Land to the immediate west of the

site is a woodland block and to the north and south is in agricultural use,

although is being promoted for further residential development in the emerging

Cardiff Local Development plan, as discussed above.

2.3 The site is currently undeveloped and is used for agricultural purposes. A

Public Right of Way1 along the southern boundary of the site in a south west –

north east direction from St Fagans to Holy Family R.C. Primary School at

Fairwater.

2.4 The development site has good linkages with existing communities and public

transport routes. Fairwater Green and Beechley Drive local centres are within

1km walking distance of the site boundary, providing local shopping, health

and education facilities.

2.5 There are a number of bus stops within walking distance of the site, including

Route 61 which has a 10-12 minute frequency during the day Monday-

Saturday and 30 minutes in the evenings and on Sundays. Fairwater rail

station is located within approximately 2km walking distance of the site.

3.0 Description of Development

3.1 The application is submitted in outline with all matters reserved with the

exception of access. The description of the proposed development is as

follows:-

“The development of up to 290 residential dwellings (C3), landscaping,

sustainable urban drainage, vehicular access, pedestrian and cycle accesses

and related infrastructure and engineering works.”

3.2 A series of parameter plans and highway/junction details have been prepared

that present the parameters of the proposed development that have been

assessed by the EIA. An Illustrative Masterplan has also been prepared to

show how the development could be accommodated within the parameters,

however this has been provided for illustrative purposes only. The details of the

development include:

Up to 290 dwellings, built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 standard;

0.27 hectares of informal open space and 0.54 hectares of children’s play

space2;

30% affordable housing;

1Public Right of Way No. 5.

2A contribution to formal open space will be provided by way of a Section 106 legal agreement if thecapacity of formal open space in the surrounding area does not meet the need generated by theproposed development.


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Housing density of approximately 43 dwellings per hectare;

The incorporation of buffers to existing ecological features3;

Sustainable Drainage Systems including a water attenuation pond;

The creation of new access into the site; and

The provision of car parking in accordance with Council guidelines.

Construction Methodology

3.3 A series of broad construction assumptions have been established that form

the basis of the assessment of the potential for significant environmental

effects to arise during the construction phase of the development. It has been

assumed for the purposes of assessment that the construction of the proposed

development will take approximately 4 years (from 2015 to 2019).

3.4 The construction of the development will be likely to proceed in a single phase,

with the first units being delivered close to the main site access points and

subsequent development extending across the site from here.

3.5 The contractor will be required to produce and agree a ‘Construction

Environmental Management Plan’ (CEMP) to describe how construction will be

managed to avoid, minimise and mitigate any construction effects on the

environment and existing surrounding communities.

Alternatives Considered

3.6 As part of the EIA, alternative forms of the development have been considered.

This helps in clarifying the main advantages for taking forward the current

scheme, taking account of the environmental effects.

3.7 Consideration of a scenario where the development does not proceed and the

site remains in its current agricultural use has been dismissed as it is

considered that the emerging allocation of the site and the significant demand

for housing in the area means that it is likely that a similar form of development

would proceed in this location. The site is also a key part of a wider strategic

urban extension and is needed to maximise the benefits that can come out of

the allocation.

Consultation and Design Evolution

3.8 The form of development assessed as part of this EIA has been the subject of

consultation and discussion with statutory and non-statutory consultees via a

steering group that has met regularly since 2012. The scheme has evolved

and amended to respond to comments made and in response to environmental

issues that have arisen during the course of the EIA, including:

3Further details can be found on Parameter Plan 3 ‘Structural Landscape’


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1 The incorporation of a bus turning circle within the site;

2 The inclusion of a 15 metre development buffer to the western site

boundary and part of the southern site boundary, adjacent to the existing

woodland blocks;

3 The inclusion of a 15 metre development buffer to the eastern site

boundary, adjacent to the school playing field;

4 Retaining the existing public right of way along the southern site

boundary and keeping any diversion to a minimum;

5 Limiting the height of residential properties alongside existing residential

development to a maximum of 2 storeys (8.5 metre to ridge) and setting

a minimum ‘back to back’ distance of 21 metres and ‘back to side’

distance of 14 metres; and

6 Retaining existing hedgerows where possible. Openings will be made

only to allow access through the site.

4.0 Socio-Economic

4.1 The proposed development at land South of Pentrebane road would account

for 1% of the housing requirement for Cardiff over the period to 2026. It would

accommodate an additional 667 people, an increase of 0.19% upon the

existing population in Cardiff.

4.2 The proposal will have positive impacts in Cardiff through the creation of new

jobs at the construction stage, along with the provision of new housing that will

increase labour supply. It will also have a positive economic impact through

spending by new residents.

4.3 The scale of housing and population growth will not be substantial in the

context of Cardiff and so the net impact of the additional resident population

arising from the scheme on education, health, leisure and recreation provision

and community facilities will be relatively minor. Any negative impacts in

respect of these matters will be mitigated through Section 106 agreements or

on-site provision.

4.4 The most significant economic impacts of the proposed development would be:

1 A capital investment of approximately £27.5 million over a 4 year build

period;

2 Up to 345 person-years of temporary construction work;

3 34 FTE direct construction jobs plus an additional 52 FTE indirect and

induced jobs;

4 A total of £5.5 million expenditure per annum by residents living within

the development;


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5 An additional £1.5 million expenditure by residents within the first 18

months of occupation.

4.5 The proposed development at land South of Pentrebane road represents a

significant new capital investment in the area, will raise the overall level of

economic activity and expenditure in the area, and will therefore have a

beneficial economic impact.

4.6 Not only would the alternative – do nothing – option prevent these benefits

from coming forward, but it would also result in a further deterioration of the

affordability of housing in Cardiff and a reduction in the local workforce as a

result of the ageing population. This would have significant adverse impacts in

social and economic terms.

5.0 Transportation

5.1 The methodology as set out in the IEMA institute guidelines has been followed

in the assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed development, with

professional judgement made where appropriate.

5.2 The evaluation of the various impacts have been arrived at by consideration of

the policy documents, all of which set out to promote sustainability by reducing

car use and promoting non-car ways of travel.

5.3 The site is accessible by a number of non-car modes, including walking,

cycling, bus, and rail. The proposed development will not have a material effect

on any of these transport networks.

5.4 There is a negligible effect during construction, and in the

completed/operational development, on pedestrian environment, cycle

environment, hazardous loads, parking and accidents and safety. In every

other area of assessment (public transport environment, pedestrian severance,

junction delay / driver delay, pedestrian delay, pedestrian amenity, fear and

intimidation) there is either a minor adverse, moderate adverse or major

adverse effect.

5.5 To mitigate these effects the Proposed Development would create new

pedestrian routes and cycle routes that enable the development to connect

with the surrounding area and provide the opportunity for the development to

access the strategic traffic free routes of the Taff Trail and Ely Trail which in

turn offer attractive links to the city centre.

5.6 The introduction of enhanced facilities on Pentrebane Road, extensions to

existing bus routes along with improved crossing facilities on Pentrebane

Road, improve connectivity and permeability between existing and proposed

communities and will encourage walking and cycling as the preferred mode for

many trips.


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5.7 The introduction of Travel Plans, and a Construction Traffic Management Plan

will contribute towards mitigating the impact of the development.

5.8 Given the mitigation the only adverse residual effects of the Proposed

Development would be on junction delay / driver delay.

6.0 Water Resources

Flood Risk

6.1 The site is not considered to be at risk of fluvial or tidal/coastal flooding as

shown on published flood maps. Therefore no further assessment is required

to be undertaken as it is unlikely to have any adverse impact on existing flood

risk in the vicinity of the site.

Hydrology and Hydrogeology

6.2 During construction and post development, the hydrology and hydrogeology

assessment identifies a number of potential risks to the water regime which

need to be satisfactorily addressed through mitigation to reduce that risk to

acceptable levels.

6.3 Preliminary infiltration tests have concluded that some areas allow for

infiltration. Infiltration measures will be proposed to infiltrate the storm flows

generated from the proposed development into the ground following removal of

potential pollutants. Attenuation facilities such as ponds will be provided to

accommodate for the extreme storm events.

6.4 Consideration should be given to the formation of features such as as solution

cavities, however this is considered unlikely to become a problem due the

existing topography conveying flows away from the proposed development. An

alternative solution would be to discharge to the nearest watercourse

restricting flows to replicate existing.

6.5 Provided that the implementation of good practice and the proposed mitigation

measures are in place, the risks of contamination resulting from hydrology and

hydrogeology can be reduced to acceptable levels.

Storm Drainage

6.6 No public storm or combined sewers are located within the site boundary. It is

currently proposed to infiltrate storm flows generated from the proposed

development into ground or alternatively into the nearest watercourse. As this

is the case the sensitivity of the existing public storm drainage network is

considered to be negligible.

6.7 The proposed storm drainage network will need to be maintained on a regular

basis to ensure effective operation of the attenuation, pollution prevention

measures, pot gullies and catchpits/manholes.


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Foul Drainage

6.8 DCWW confirmed that the existing public foul sewers along Pentrebane Road

have capacity to receive foul flows generated from the development. Foul flows

will need to be transmitted to the foul sewer via a pressurised rising main.

6.9 The foul drainage assessment therefore identifies that the risk of significant

residual environmental impact from the proposed development is considered to

be negligible.

Potable Water

6.10 No public water mains have been identified within the site boundary. DCWW

has confirmed that the public water main located along Pentrebane Road has

sufficient capacity to supply the proposed development.

6.11 The potable water assessment therefore identifies that the risk of significant

residual environmental impact from the proposed development is considered to

be negligible.

Conclusion

6.12 This summary shows that, with appropriate mitigation, the overall impact of the

proposals is considered to be acceptable. Whilst this summary has sought to

give an overview of the main issues; the main ES documents are very

considerable in length and detail, and so the reader is directed to these for

further information / clarification on any questions arising from this summary.

7.0 Ecology

7.1 The Environmental Dimension Partnership (EDP) has assessed the potential

ecological effects the development proposals may have on the Application Site

and its surroundings. The assessment included a review of the current

conditions found within the area and identifies measures to avoid, mitigate

and/or compensate where appropriate for significant effects that may arise as

part of the proposals.

7.2 The site comprises of a species-poor grassland field bounded by hedgerows to

the north and south, woodland to the west and residential gardens to the east.

Owing to the habitats present on site detailed botanical surveys were

undertaken of the hedgerows and grassland, in addition to protected species

surveys for birds, bats, dormice and reptiles to identify the Application Sites

wildlife value.

7.3 The Application Site lies immediately adjacent to Coedbychan Site of

Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) which has been designated for the

woodland habitat it supports. The Application Site itself is considered to be of

relatively low ecological value with few protected or notable species and

habitats identified during the ecological investigations. However, a small


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number of ecological sensitivities were identified that warranted further

consideration within the development proposals. These include the important

boundary hedgerows and woodland that forms part of Coedbychan SINC,

foraging and commuting bats, nesting birds and a population of slow worms.

7.4 The proposals have sought to retain and protect these habitat and species

interests by providing the woodland and hedgerows with appropriate buffers

and minimizing habitat loss to essential pedestrian and vehicular access

requirements. Furthermore, this network of habitats will be consolidated and

enhanced through appropriate management measures to strengthen

connectivity to surrounding habitats and safeguard these wildlife corridors for

protected species. This will include the creation of sustainable urban drainage

systems, wildflower grassland and new planting in combination with areas of

public open space to maximize opportunities for wildlife and the new residential

population, thereby minimizing recreational pressures on the adjacent

woodland SINC. Bird, bat and slow worm interests will be further protected

through sensitive working methodologies and opportunities enhanced for these

species through measures including appropriate landscape planting, the

erection of bird and bat boxes and creation of reptile log piles.

7.5 In light of the above there is no evidence to suggest that the proposed

development, with the use of appropriate safeguards, mitigation and

enhancements, would lead to any significant effects on any known protected

species or ecological features of value. Indeed, the development could

potentially create and enhance opportunities for wildlife thereby contributing to

the aims and objectives of the local Biodiversity Action Plan.

8.0 Landscape and Visual

8.1 This Landscape and Visual impact Assessment (LVIA) assesses the likely

effects of the proposed development in terms of landscape and visual amenity.

The assessment methodology for assessing landscape and visual effects

prepared by EDP is based on a number of published best practice guidance,

principal of which is the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact

Assessment – Third Edition (LI/IEMA, 2013).

8.2 The methodology has also been developed in consultation with Natural

Resources Wales (NRW) and Cardiff Council through the EIA Scoping

process, whilst some of the parameters of the assessment have also been

developed following consultation with Cardiff Council.

8.3 The assessment started with a desk-based analysis of the local planning policy

context and reference to published landscape character assessments and

other relevant information in order to establish the landscape and visual

baseline of the study area. A computer-generated zone of theoretical visibility

(ZTV) model provided an early indication of the potential visual envelope of the


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proposed development, which assisted in the selection of viewpoint locations

and the focussing of field studies.

8.4 The application site is situated within LCA 4: St Fagans Lowland and Ely

Valley, and adjacent to the LCA: 3 Western Lowlands (as identified in the

Cardiff Council Review of Landscape Character Areas 2008). Whilst the host

LCA has been assessed as being of a high value, at the urban fringe the value

would be medium to low, resulting in an overall medium sensitivity attributed to

this LCA. LCA: 3 Western lowlands has been assessed as being of an overall

medium sensitivity. In addition, EDP’s review of the discrete LANDMAP aspect

areas within which the application site sits concluded that a high to moderate

grading (under LANDMAP methodology) is appropriate for the area within

which the application site is located. However, whilst this is an appropriate

grade for some areas, particularly within the SLA (see below), it is considered

that the overall value for the application site and its immediate context, given

its suburban context, would be medium, with an overall sensitivity of medium.

8.5 The application site does not lie within any nationally- or locally-designated

landscapes, although there are a number of Special Landscape Areas (SLA)

located within the general study area, with the St Fagans Lowlands and Ely

Valley SLA being the most proximate, bordering the application site to the

west. In terms of landscape features, the application site consists of

agricultural land enclosed by hedgerows to the north and south, a block of

mature beech-dominated broad-leaved plantation woodland to the west and

residential development to the east. The condition of landscape features

across the application site is generally good. Landform is gently rolling, with

two broadly parallel ‘ridges’ (at the northern boundary and beyond the southern

boundary), separated by a ‘dip’ (in the centre of the application site), which are

aligned longitudinally ENE-WSW.

8.6 Visibility towards the site is limited to neighbouring properties and occasional

views from more distant and elevated locations. Local topography and areas of

woodland have a major impact on the availability of views from the countryside,

whilst views from within urban areas are generally limited by neighbouring

development.

8.7 The proposed development has been assessed against the landscape and

visual baseline detailed above, with reference to a series of parameter plans –

which set out the broad design and strategic objectives, including the

protection of on-site landscape features and the incorporation of mitigation

measures. EDP has been involved from an early stage in the development of

these plans; an iterative approach which has addressed issues arising from the

LVIA.

8.8 The ZTV predicted a distinctive pattern of theoretical visibility, with two large

areas of potential visibility to the east and west linked by a central zone of

visibility, largely defined along its northern and southern edges by local

topography. However, whilst ZTVs are a useful tool in LVIA, they are generally

limited in their usefulness because they do not take account of the screening

effects of small-scale variations in topography, and surface features, such as


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vegetation and other structures. Field observation is the most reliable method

of establishing the true visual envelope of a proposal, which is usually much

smaller than the ZTV predicts.

8.9 Whilst significant landscape and visual effects are identified at the early stages

of the development (i.e. during construction and at Year 1 before mitigation

measures mature), these are largely confined to the site level, and over time

some of these effects reduce, with some becoming not significant, following

maturation of landscape proposals. Effects on wider landscape character are

found to be not significant, as are effects upon designated landscapes.

8.10 Visual effects are similarly constrained by existing development, topography

and vegetation, and are limited to within an area of approximately 1km

(generally less) from the application site boundaries, with most being at site or

near-site level. Significant effects at Year 1 would be experienced at nearby

residential dwellings (adjacent to the site) and a number of the representative

viewpoints, up to a maximum distance of 50m. By Year 15, following

maturation of landscape proposals, significant effects remain at some nearby

residential dwellings and those viewpoints in closest proximity to the proposed

development.

8.11 No significant cumulative impacts have been identified, which is attributable to

the widespread developed context of the theoretical future baseline.

8.12 The assessment concludes that, from a landscape and visual perspective, the

application site is suitable for the proposed development, with limited effects

predicted on landscape character and visual amenity. From the surrounding

areas as it would be well-screened through a combination of topography and

woodland cover, and where visible, perceived in the context of the existing

suburb of Pentrebane. Over the longer term it would represent a well-designed

and sensitive extension to the wider settlement.

9.0 Noise and Vibration

9.1 Construction works have been identified as a potential, albeit temporary,

source of noise and vibration. An established methodology for predicting

construction noise and vibration levels is used in the assessment of

construction noise. However insufficient information is available relating to the

construction methodology and types of plant and equipment to be used, and

therefore a qualitative assessment has been carried out.

9.2 Best practicable means controls outlined in the Construction Environmental

Management Plan, drawn up specifically for this project will be applied.

9.3 Noise generated by buildings plant machinery within the proposed

development have been assessed by establishing target noise levels or

operational constraints to ensure these sources do not have an adverse impact

during normal operation conditions.


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9.4 Operational road traffic noise effects have been assessed by considering the

proportional changes in road traffic flows attributable to the project along all the

major roads around the site. At a selected number of assessment locations,

the calculated road traffic noise levels are compared against the base case.

The calculations conform to the DfT’s standardised method: Calculation of

Road Traffic Noise (CRTN).

9.5 Operational effects have been assessed for the baseline year (2013), and

future year (2019) using methodologies as agreed with the Cardiff City Council

Environmental Health Officer.

9.6 Noise generated by buildings plant machinery within the proposed

development have been assessed by establishing target noise levels or

operational constraints to ensure these sources do not have an adverse impact

during normal operation conditions.

9.7 A comprehensive background noise measurement survey was carried at a

number of representative locations around the Pentrebane Road site as shown

in Figure 9.1 below.

Figure 9.1 Noise Survey Measurement Locations

9.8 The locations being used for assessment in the ES are 1, 2 and 5. The

locations used for the TAN 11 site suitability assessment are 1, 3, 4 and 5.

9.9 In addition, baseline noise calculations of the road traffic noise have been

performed in accordance with the CRTN method. The results suggest that

Pentrebane Road contributes substantially to the ambient noise levels

measured around the site. No baseline vibration measurements have been


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conducted since no significant sources of vibration have been identified within

the development site.

Construction Impacts

9.10 It is considered that the daytime potential significance threshold will be met at

existing dwellings for the majority of the remediation and construction phases.

It is anticipated that this threshold may be exceeded for short periods where

construction works take place near the site boundary adjacent to existing

residential dwellings. With best practicable means (BPM) employed and the

embedded mitigation measures outlined in the CEMP implemented, no

additional mitigation is proposed. No significant noise effects have been

identified in relation to the construction phase for the proposed development.

9.11 Construction noise effects are therefore considered to be not significant.

Operational Impacts

9.12 Road traffic noise levels have been predicted for the nearest main roads to the

proposed development. Data has been analysed for the future design year of

2019 both with and without the development.

Traffic flows are forecast to increase as a result of the development. Although

there are predicted to be increases in traffic noise on all modelled links of the

surrounding road network, these increases are less than the threshold of

significant traffic noise change.

9.13 Calculated basic noise levels (BNL) indicate a noise level increase of 2dB at

Pentrebane Road. This link experiences the largest increase in road traffic flow

as a result of the development. BNLs on all other roads indicate changes in

noise levels to sensitive receivers of less than 1dB (negligible). All noise level

changes due to traffic flow and composition changes are below 3dB and are

not significant.

Residual effects

9.14 During the construction period, since construction effects are not significant

and no additional mitigation is proposed, residual effects are identified as being

not significant.

9.15 After the development has been completed, since operational effects are not

significant and no mitigation is proposed, residual effects are identified as

being not significant.

10.0 Air Quality

10.1 An assessment has been carried out to determine the likely changes in air

quality as a result of the proposed development.


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10.2 The air quality assessment examines existing air quality, outlines the relevant

air quality standards and guidelines and considers the likely effects on air

quality arising from the construction and operational phases of the proposed

development.

10.3 A process of Review and Assessment of air quality has been undertaken by

Cardiff Council and an Air Quality Management Area has been designated in

Llandaff, 1.6km to the east of the Development site, where monitoring indicates

exceedences of the air quality standards. Existing air quality in the vicinity of

the site is good and pollutant concentrations are within the air quality

standards.

10.4 The construction effects of the proposed development on local air quality would

be primarily events where dust may arise from construction activity. The risk of

dust nuisance from the proposed development has been identified as high risk

for dust soiling following guidance published by the Institute of Air Quality

Management. Appropriate mitigation measures have been recommended to

the limit the effect of construction for dust soiling and human health impacts,

with the implementation of these measures contained within this report, the

significance of effect as a result of the construction phase is considered to be

insignificant.

10.5 Atmospheric dispersion modelling has been undertaken to predict the impact to

air quality as a result of traffic changes in the area, due to the operation of the

proposed development. The predicted concentrations indicate that the effect

of the proposed development on local air quality is insignificant at all modelled

receptors selected across the traffic network.

10.6 Overall the proposed development is considered to have an insignificant effect

on local air quality.

11.0 Heritage

11.1 The Application Site does not contain any designated assets (e.g. listed

buildings), but there are six in the wider study area - comprising five listed

buildings and one conservation area. None of these will be affected by the

proposed development.

11.2 There is a single previously recorded undesignated asset within the Application

Site, but this is only part of a post-medieval quarry pit, a feature considered to

be of negligible importance. There is an overall low potential for hitherto

unrecorded archaeological assets to be present within the application site and,

if present, they will only be of low/negligible importance. No mitigation work is

therefore deemed to be necessary, a position agreed with the local planning

authority’s archaeological advisor (GGAT).

11.3 The historic landscape character of the Application Site is, because of the

removal/realignment of historic field boundaries, considered to be of negligible


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importance. The change which will be caused by the construction and

completed phases of the proposed development, resulting in a change of use

from agricultural fields to housing estates, will be large, but will nonetheless

ultimately generate a non-significant effect.

12.0 Agriculture and Soils

12.1 An agricultural land classification survey has been carried out of 8.7 ha of

agricultural grassland on the western edge of Pentrebane in South Glamorgan.

12.2 The site comprises a single field in grassland. Soils are generally of medium

clay loam texture, freely draining in the south giving sub-grade 3a land but with

more impeded drainage in the north giving sub-grade 3b land. The latter grade

will tend to control agricultural use of the field, so development of it would not

be in conflict with national and local planning policy. There will be a negligible

effect on any agricultural user.

13.0 Cumulative Effects & Summary of Findings

13.1 The table below reviews whether the inter-relationship between effects arising

from the development may give rise to additional impacts not previously

identified. It also considers whether effects may arise when the development

is considered alongside other schemes or proposals in the surrounding area,

the likelihood of the other developments proceeding and the ability or necessity

of the applicant to mitigate any such effects for those other sites. The

developments to be assessed were agreed with Cardiff Council and extend to:

Strategic Site C – Land at North West Cradiff;

Strategic Site D – Land at Junction 33; and

Strategic Site E – Land to the south of Creigiau.

Table 13.1 Summary of Effects with Mitigation in Place

EnvironmentalTopic

EffectsduringConstruction

EffectsduringOperation

Commentary –ResidualImpacts

Cumulative Effects

Socio Economic Moderatebeneficial

Negligible –majorbeneficial

Additionalbenefits to localeconomy,affordability andensuring localbusiness viability.

Additional benefits tolocal economy,employment,affordability andensuring localbusiness viability.

Transportation Negligible Minoradverse –majorbeneficial

No impacts duringconstruction;followingcompletion ofdevelopmentimprovements to

Benefits of increasedpublic transportoptions offeringalternatives to cartravel. Also benefitsfrom creation of an


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EnvironmentalTopic




Cumulative Effects

the pedestrianand cyclingenvironment,pedestrianamenity,pedestrian delayand fear andintimidation.Minor impacts onjunction/driverdelay. No impacton hazardousloads, parkingand accidentsand safety.

improved cycle andpedestrian network.Potential increase indriver delay as aresult of increasedtraffic on thenetwork, though thisis offset byalternativesustainable transportmodes.

WaterResources

Negligible Negligible None anticipated Negligible impacts onflood risk,hydrogeology andstorm drainage.Likely requirementfor additional fouldrainage and potablewater capacityimprovements, aswell as newwastewatertreatment facilities.

Ecology Negligible Negligible None anticipated Possibility forrecreational impactson CoedbychanSINC.

Landscape andVisual

Range from noimpacts tomajor adverse(temporary)

Range fromno impactsto – majoradverse

Impacts predictedon thedevelopment siteand viewpoints,settlements andresidencespassingthrough/veryclose to the site.Impacts decreasewith distance fromthe site.

Impact on landscapecharacter limited byseparation distancesbetween cumulativesites north ofJunction 33 andSouth of Creigiau.Limited visualimpacts, apart fromwhere thedevelopment site andland at North WestCardiff meet.

Noise andVibration

No impacts No impacts None anticipated Negligible.

Air Quality No impacts Negligible None anticipated Potential minoradverse impact onair quality fromincreased trafficflows, though wouldbe reduced through


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EnvironmentalTopic




Cumulative Effects

strategic publictransport measures.

Heritage Neutral –minor adverse

Neutral –minoradverse

Minor adverse onhistoric landscapecharacter, neutralimpact on StFagansConservationArea.

No cumulative effecton designatedassets. Potentialminor adverseimpact on historiclandscape characterwithin North WestCardiff Strategic SiteC.

Agriculture andSoils

Minor –moderateadverse

Minor –moderateadverse

Moderate adverseimpact onsoil/landfunctions.Minor/moderateadverse impacton loss of Bestand MostVersatileagricultural land.

Increased impacts onbest and mostversatile agriculturalland and soilfunctions; noadverse cumulativeeffects on agriculturalbusinesses. Limitedto land at North WestCardiff. Remainingcumulative sites willhave no furtherimpacts onagricultural land orfarm businesses butwill increase theoverall impact on soilfunctions.

13.2 A range of mitigation measures have been identified throughout the ES which

are capable of being enforced through planning conditions or a Section 106

Legal Agreement in relation to the development.

13.3 Some negative residual effects remain in relation to specific sensitive receptors

in relation to landscape and visual and the loss of best and most versatile

agricultural land. However, these must be balanced against the beneficial

environmental effects on transportation, socio economic and ecology

receptors.


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14.0 Availability of the Environmental Statement

14.1 If you would like to purchase a paper copy or CD of the ES, please contact:

Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners, Helmont House, Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10

2HE (Tel: +44 (0)29 2043 5880)

14.2 Alternatively, information on the ES can also be viewed on the Cardiff Council

website at http://planning.cardiff.gov.uk/online-applications/

15.0 Scheme Plans

The following key plans of the proposed development are provided overleaf:

Site Location Plan:

IL112909-28 (Revision C) – Land South of Pentrebane Road Planning

Application Boundary

Parameter Plans:

IL1129/09-22.1 (Revision G) Parameter Plan 1 – Development Extent,

Land South of Pentrebane Road

IL1129/09-22.2 (Revision G) Parameter Plan 2 – Access, Land South of

Pentrebane Road

IL1129/09-22.3 (Revision G) Parameter Plan 3 – Structural Landscape,

Land South of Pentrebane Road

IL1129/09-22.4 (Revision G) Parameter Plan 4 – Height, Land South of

Pentrebane Road

Highway Details:

SK028 (Revision I3) – Pentrebane Road Access Junction Details

Illustrative Masterplan:

R.0359_02A - Illustrative Masterplan, 14 August 2014

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