severn trent water ltd proposed sewage...

SEVERN TRENT WATER LTD

Proposed Sewage Pumping Station, access track and associated infrastructure,

on land off Longford Lane, Longford, Gloucestershire

Planning Application Supporting Statement

September 2012

DATE ISSUED: September 2012

JOB NUMBER: ST11707

REPORT NUMBER: 001

SEVERN TRENT WATER LTD

Proposed Sewage Pumping Station, access track and associated infrastructure, on land

off Longford Lane, Longford, Gloucestershire

Planning Application Supporting Statement

September 2012

PREPARED BY:

Wardell Armstrong LLP

SEVERN TRENT WATER LTD Proposed Sewage Pumping Station, access track and associated infrastructure, on land off Longford Lane, Longford, Gloucestershire

ST11707/001 September 2012

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CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 2

1.1 Background to the Planning Application ..................................................................... 2

2 NEED FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................ 3

3 SITE LOCATION AND SELECTION ......................................................................................... 4

3.2 Design Selection .......................................................................................................... 4

4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ............................................................. 4

5 SITE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................... 7

6 PLANNING BACKGROUND ................................................................................................ 10

7 CONSTRUCTION METHOD STATEMENT ........................................................................... 19

7.2 Operation of the new site ......................................................................................... 20

7.3 Stakeholder management ......................................................................................... 20

8 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................... 21

8.2 Ecology and Wildlife .................................................................................................. 21

8.3 Landscape and Visual Impact .................................................................................... 23

8.4 Archaeology ............................................................................................................... 24

8.5 Flood Issues ............................................................................................................. 264

8.6 Access, Traffic and Transport .................................................................................. 245

8.7 Noise .......................................................................................................................... 26

8.8 Air Quality, Dust and Odour ...................................................................................... 26

8.9 Waste ...................................................................................................................... 267

9 SUMMARY....................................................................................................................... 288

Appendix 1 – Consultation with the Environment Agency

Appendix 2 – Consultation with Gloucestershire County Council’s Archaeologist



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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Planning Application

1.1.1 This Supporting Statement has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP on behalf of

Severn Trent Water Ltd (STWL). The Supporting Statement contains references to

drawings which are being submitted as part of the planning application.

1.1.2 Due to a housing development for 650 new residential properties in the Longford /

Innsworth area, Severn Trent Water is required under a Section 98 Foul Sewer

Requisition, to provide and manage foul sewerage from these properties.

1.1.3 Therefore Severn Trent Water Ltd (STWL) is proposing to construct a new pumping

station with associated underground wet well to pump all the new flows into the

existing network.

1.1.4 The proposed wet well and pumps will be entirely underground and, as such, classed

as Permitted Development under the terms of the General Permitted Development

Orders (GPDO) 1995, Part 16(e).

1.1.5 It is proposed to locate the new SPS and access track on STWL’s own land off

Longford Lane, part of the site was previously used as a Sewage Treatment Works,

but is now fully decommissioned. STWL is applying for planning permission under

the terms of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for the proposed SPS.

1.1.6 The site will be accessed through a new entrance off Longford Lane, with a new

turning head within the site to allow maintenance vehicles to turn.

1.1.7 The site is located at National Grid Reference 384672 , 220971. The nearest post

code is GL2 9DA. The location of the site is shown on drawing number ST11707-001.

The planning application area is shown on drawing number 110268/501. The land is

in the ownership of Severn Trent Water Ltd.

1.1.8 The existing site layout is shown on drawing number 110268/502 and the proposed

site layout is on drawing number 110278/503.

1.1.9 The proposed SPS is located within the administrative area of Tewkesbury Borough

Council. The planning application for the new SPS will be classed as County Matter

and is being submitted to Gloucestershire County Council (Waste Planning

Authority).



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1.1.10 The planning application has been prepared following the requirements set out in

the National Application 1APP form and in the Gloucestershire County Council

Validation document1. This Supporting Statement includes supporting information

regarding the proposal, the need for the project and the potential associated

environmental issues, including:

Ecology and Wildlife;

Landscape and Visual Impact;

Traffic and Transport;

Noise;

Dust and Air Quality.

2 NEED FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

2.1.1 The pumping station is being developed in order to provide the necessary sewerage

infrastructure to support the approved mixed use scheme promoted by Robert

Hitchens Ltd, comprising:

16.7 hectares of (Class C3) residential development,

0.7ha Class A1-A5 uses;

1.2ha of land for a Primary School (Class D1);

3.2ha formal public open space;

0.2ha car park;

12.5ha of Farmland Meadow for informal recreation; associated strategic

infrastructure, comprising noise buffer/landscaping, the distributor road,

1.1ha infrastructure works on the public highway (1.1ha); and

The existing area (17.6ha) of agricultural land to the north of Horsbere Brook

is to remain as agricultural land.

2.1.2 The residential development was granted on appeal in April 2008. The Planning

Inspectorate references are: APP/G1630/A/07/2043681 and

APP/G1630/A/07/2055282.

1 Worcestershire County Council, Validation Document, December 2009.



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2.1.3 The works proposed by STWL are for an essential piece of utility works to provide

the necessary infrastructure capacity to deal with the increased sewage production

in the area. The proposed development will discharge foul sewage into the new SPS,

which will then transfer the flows into the existing sewage system.

3 SITE LOCATION AND SELECTION

3.1.1 The location of the new pumping station has been dictated by the availability of land

close to the properties that will be connected to it, by the need to locate the new

sewer at a low point to allow a gravity solution for the domestic sewer pipework and

to have minimal development within the floodplain.

3.1.2 The site layout has been selected to ensure that maintenance can be carried out in a

safe manner. The control cabinet has been located to provide a line of sight to the

proposed wet well during maintenance operations. The turning point allows

maintenance vehicles to access the site and to park up completely off the highway.

3.2 Design Selection

3.2.1 The size of the pumping station is based on the incoming flows and access

requirements for safe maintenance and operation of the site.

3.2.2 The new site layout has been designed to suit the existing site conditions, and the

colour scheme has been selected to blend within the surrounding environment.

3.2.3 It has been agreed with the Environment Agency to construct the access road

/turning head in ‘type 1’ stone to allow water to permeate.

4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

4.1.1 The proposed SPS includes a new underground pumping station, underground valve

chamber and wet well, above ground Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Motor Control

Centre kiosk, a chemical dosing kiosk, a weld mesh fence and gate around the SPS, a

new dedicated stone access and a turning head.



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Pumping station and wet well

4.1.2 The new concrete wet well will receive the flows from the proposed properties in

the Longford area. The structure will be approximately 5 metres in internal diameter

and entirely underground.

4.1.3 The wet well will have submersible pumps located in a sump at the bottom of the

structure.

4.1.4 The wet well will be constructed to finish at ground level with a reinforced concrete

cover slab with an access cover that will allow removal of the pumps for

maintenance, repair and/or replacement. The valve chamber measures 4 metres

(long) x 1.5 metres (wide)

MCC Control Panel

4.1.5 The GRP panel, approximately 3m (length) x 0.65m (wide) x 2.075m (height), colour

Green to BS 4800 Shade 14-C-39, and will be constructed on a reinforced concrete

foundation to house the control panel for the submersible pumps, main electrical

control, supply and metering

4.1.6 The MCC kiosk elevations are shown on drawing number 110268/505.

Chemical dosing kiosk

4.1.7 The new chemical dosing facility will be housed in a new GRP kiosk approximately

2.8m (length) x 2.335m (wide) x 2.1m (height), as shown on drawing number

110268/504.

New access and turning head

4.1.8 A new dedicated access will be constructed off the existing STWL access track. The

access will be in type 1 stone and tied in to the existing track. Details of the access

road are provided on drawing number 110268/503.

4.1.9 The turning head will be approximately 4.5m wide to follow ground levels. The

turning head will be fenced off within the SPS.

Fencing and landscaping

4.1.10 The pumping station will be fenced using 1.8 metre high weld mesh fence, with an

access gate to the SPS equipment. The majority of the SPS will be surfaced in type 1

stone to allow for natural drainage, however a small area around each of the

operational structures will be finished with a concrete hard standing for health and



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safety purposes.

Schedule of Materials and Finishes

4.1.11 The schedule of materials and finishes are presented in Table 1 below:

Table 1: Schedule of Materials and Finishes

Structure Material Colour

Wet well cover slab Concrete Grey

Wet well access cover Galvanised steel Grey

Underground valve/flow

meter chamber access

cover

Galvanised steel Grey

MCC kiosk Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) Green to BS EN 4800

Shade (14-C-39)

Chemical dosing kiosk Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) Green to BS EN 4800

Shade (14-C-39)

Fencing & Gates Weld Mesh Forest Green

Operational area Type 1 Stone Grey

Access road Type 1 Stone Grey

Turning head Type 1 Stone Grey

4.1.12 Once completed, the proposed SPS site will cover an area of approximately 817m2.

4.1.13 The boundary of the planning application site is shown on planning application

drawing number 110268/501.

4.1.14 Additional land is required adjacent to the site on a temporary basis to

accommodate the construction compound. This is shown on drawing number



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110268/501. The temporary construction compound will cover approximately

580.5m2.

5 SITE DESCRIPTION

5.1.1 The site is located within STWL’s extensive operational land holding, off Longford

Lane, some of which was previously a Sewage Treatment Works (STW). The area is

characterized by hard-standing, scrub and ruderal vegetation – see figure 1.

5.1.2 The entire operational land holding is surrounded by species poor hedgerows, none

of which are considered to be classified as important in terms of the Hedgerow

Regulations 1997. The specific development area (as shown on drawing

110268/501) is land which has been previously used for stockpiling. However this

has now been removed and the area flattened.

5.1.3 The development area and its environs are recognised as a Sewage Treatment Works

Odour Zone in the Tewkesbury Local Plan 2006. However the STW’s at Longford has

now been decommissioned.

Figure 1



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5.2 Public Rights of Way (PRoW)

5.2.1 No PRoW cross the proposed development, however a footpath does run along

Longford Lane and along the western site boundary.

5.2.2 A Construction Method Statement will address the issue of the public using Longford

Lane so that any conflicts that may emerge between construction traffic and PRoW

users can be managed. Therefore no PRoW will be affected by this development.

5.3 Development in the Greenbelt

Introduction

5.3.1 The proposed SPS is located within the Green Belt, as shown on the Tewkesbury

Local Plan Proposals Map, and as such is safeguarded from inappropriate

development.

5.3.2 Severn Trent Water is applying for planning permission under the Town and Country

Planning Act 1990 for a SPS and associated infrastructure and access road at land

formally used as a Sewage Treatment Works, Longford. The SPS is required as part

of essential infrastructure to serve a new housing / mixed use development.

Planning Policy in relation to Greenbelts

5.4.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that “The Government

attaches great importance to Green Belts. The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy

is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; the essential

characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and their permanence.”

5.4.2 The NPPF reiterates the previous advice contained in Planning Policy Guidance note

2 that “inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and

should not be approved except in very special circumstances.”

5.4.3 The Tewkesbury Borough Council Local Plan 2006 Key Diagram shows the area of the

land within the Green Belt. Policy GRB1 provides guidance for development in the

Green Belt.



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Exceptional Circumstances

5.5.1 It is considered that exceptional circumstances apply to this development to allow its

position in the greenbelt, namely:

The development is required to ensure compliance with quality standards in

national and European law;

the SPS will not have any adverse impact on the surrounding area or the

openness of the greenbelt in this rural location;

the proposal will not prejudice the purposes for including land in the green

belt;

significant benefits to the local environment in terms of pollution control;

The SPS is required in this location to serve the adjacent housing / mixed use

development and will be on land previously used as a sewage treatment

works (which has established the principle of the development at this

location) - none of these facilities can easily be relocated elsewhere.

Conclusions

5.6.1 These material factors clearly outweigh any harm that may arise to the Green Belt

and that very special circumstances have been demonstrated to ensure that the

application is acceptable within a Green Belt location. Importantly the development

is for the provision of essential infrastructure, to serve the needs of the local

community, which does not conflict with the purposes of the greenbelt designation.



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6 PLANNING BACKGROUND

6.1.1 In considering the development, it is necessary to have regard to relevant planning

policies. The relevant planning documents for this application are:

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

Gloucestershire Adopted Structure Plan – second review (adopted on 17th

November 1999);

Gloucestershire Waste Local Plan October (adopted 2004)

Gloucestershire Waste Local Development Framework

Tewkesbury Borough Local Plan to 2011 (adopted March 2006 – saved polices); and

Tewkesbury Local Development Framework (LDF)

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

6.2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 27th March 2012.

The NPPF provides simple and clear planning polices which are intended to bring

people and communities back into the planning system. In the Ministerial Foreword

the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP (Minister for Planning) announced that the purpose of

planning is to:

“achieve sustainable development” he continued that “sustainable development is

about change for the better, and not only in our built environment” ... “sustainable

development is about positive growth – making economic, environmental and social

progress for this and future generations. The Planning System is about helping to

make this happen”.

6.2.2 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) replaces all previous national

planning policy (apart from PPS10 Waste). Within the NPPF, emphasis is placed on

the need for sustainable development and positive growth.

6.2.3 The NPPF confirms in paragraph 7 that there are 3 dimensions to sustainable growth:

economic, social and environmental. The economic role relates to the provision of

infrastructure to ensure a strong and competitive economy. Paragraph 19 of the

NPPF confirms that the planning system should operate to encourage and not act as



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an impediment to sustainable growth.

6.2.4 The NPPF sets out 12 core planning principles and 13 policies. The development

proposals described in this planning application require consideration under the

policies set out in NPPF, specifically policies:

Policy 1 - Building a Strong, Competitive Economy

6.2.5 This policy emphasises the government’s commitment to securing economic growth

in order to create jobs and prosperity. It states that significant weight should be

placed on the need to support economic growth through the planning system.

Specifically, planning policies should recognise and seek to address potential barriers

to investment, including a poor environment or any lack of infrastructure, services or

housing.

6.2.6 Whilst the proposed development is for a sewage pumping station,it would result in

benefits to the environment and in ensuring that local infrastructure needs are met

to facilitate other developments e.g. housing, thereby satisfying Policy 1 of the NPPF.

Policy 7 - Requiring Good Design

6.2.7 The policy states “that good design is indivisible from good planning. High quality

design should be sought for individual buildings, public and private spaces and wider

area development schemes”.

6.2.8 The planning application documentation is accompanied by a Design and Access

Statement which demonstrates how the design has evolved taking into account the

site’s physical and environmental constraints and opportunities, the latest design

guidance and NPPF Policy 7.

6.2.9 As demonstrated in the planning application documentation, the development

proposals are wholly sustainable in that they allow growth without compromising

the needs of the existing community or the future generations that the development

proposals will serve.



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Gloucestershire Structure Plan (November 1999)

6.3.1 The council's current planning policies are set out in the Structure Plan (SP), which

was adopted on 17th November 1999. The SP provides the basis for the council's

actions as local planning authority up to 2011. As of early 2012, no replacement

policies had been formally adopted through the district-level LDFs. Consequently, all

of the saved policies of the Adopted 2nd Review Gloucestershire Structure Plan

remain part of the development plan for the county.

6.3.2 The Structure Plan outlines general objectives to improve sustainable living within

the County:

To promote a pattern and form of development that will contribute to the

sustainable conservation of natural and man-made resources, and minimise

pollution and waste.

To promote a level of growth which can be sustained within the constraints

of the county’s natural resources, the quality of the environment and the

provision of infrastructure.

To minimise adverse impacts on the environment.

6.3.3 The policies contained in the Structure Plan have been carefully considered from the

outset of this scheme’s design. The overarching principle of creating a sustainable

scheme which ensures the necessary service requirements as well as maintaining a

design which positively responds to the surrounding landscape was fundamental.

6.3.4 Severn Trent Water has undertaken relevant Ecological surveys and consultations

with the Local Authority. These surveys have led to amendments being made to the

scheme design to ensure that the scheme will not cause unacceptable harm to the

natural environment.



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Gloucestershire Waste Local Plan

6.4.1 Policy 19 states that “Proposals for the treatment and disposal of sewage and

sewage sludge will be permitted in appropriate locations where it can be

demonstrated that;

The facility would be part of a sustainable waste management system, and;

The facility would meet the relevant policies and criteria of the development

plan.”

6.4.2 The improvement works are part of a sustainable waste management system and

are not detrimental to the surroundings.

Gloucestershire Waste Local Development Framework

6.5.1 The Waste Core Strategy (WCS) for Gloucestershire explains how the County Council

and its partners will address the issue of planning for waste management in

Gloucestershire in the period 2012 to 2027. The Waste Core Strategy (WCS) was

formally submitted to the Secretary of State on 5th September 2011. When adopted,

the Waste Core Strategy will form part of the Minerals and Waste Development

Framework.

6.5.2 The WCS provides a general criterion based approach to Waste Water sites:

“Core Policy WCS5 – Waste Water

The development or expansion of waste water treatment facilities will be permitted,

either where needed to serve existing or proposed development in accordance with

the provisions of the development plan, or in the interests of Gloucestershire's waste

water management, provided that the need for such facilities outweighs any adverse

land use or environmental impact, and that any such adverse impacts can be

satisfactorily mitigated and that the proposal would be consistent with the objectives

of the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Particular support will be given to any appropriate proposals that involve the

development and utilisation of Anaerobic Digestion (AD) in order to provide heat

and/or power that may be used locally or exported to the national grid.”



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6.5.3 The provision of a lay-by is required in association with the Littledean STW. The

existing access is unsuitable for use by sludge tankers who cannot enter or exit the

works safely. This has caused safety concerns. Therefore in order to keep the site

fully operational, in terms of fulfilling Gloucestershire’s waste water management, a

lay-by on the road verge is required.

Tewkesbury Borough Local Plan

6.6.1 The Tewkesbury Borough Local Plan to 2011 (the Local Plan) was adopted in March

2006 under the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act and constitutes the

Development Plan for Tewkesbury Borough. Under powers given by the Planning and

Compensation Act 2004 the Secretary of State has directed which adopted Local Plan

policies can be saved beyond 31st March 2009. These policies form the current

development plan for the area.

6.6.2 Relevant saved policies include:

Policy GNL1

“The detailed design, material and layout of buildings or structures must be

appropriate to the setting and the character of the surrounding area.”

Policy GRB1

“In the green belt, planning permission will not be granted for development other

than:

a) the construction of new buildings for the following purposes:

i) necessary for the efficient use of agriculture or forestry;

ii) essential facilities for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation, for cemeteries

and or other uses of land which preserve the openness of the green belt and

which do not conflict with the purposes of including land within it; and

iii) limited extension, alteration or replacement of dwellings provided that any

extension or alteration does not result in disproportionate additions over and

above the size of the original building and that any replacement is not

materially larger than the dwelling it replaces.

b) the re-use of buildings provided:



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i) it does not have a materially greater impact than the present use on the

openness of the green belt and the purposes of including land in it;

ii) the proposal does not include any extension to the building or the associated

use of land surrounding the building which would conflict with the openness of

the green belt and the purposes of including land in it;

iii) the building is of permanent and substantial construction and is capable of

conversion without major or complete reconstruction; and

iv) the form, bulk and general design of the building is in keeping with the

surroundings

c) the carrying out of an engineering or other operation or the making of a material

change in the use of land provided that it maintains the openness of the green belt

and does not conflict with the purposes of including land in it.”

Policy EVT3

“Developments likely to generate levels of noise which are unacceptable either

in volume or frequency of occurrence should, where appropriate, be sited away

from people so as to avoid any noise disturbance and new development should

itself be sited away from sources of noise. Appropriate steps must be taken

during construction and operation or occupation of the completed development

to reduce levels of noise pollution. Planning permission will not be granted for

development where noise would cause harm and it cannot be ameliorated.”

Policy EVT5

“Within areas with a high flood risk, and low to medium flood risk, as identified

on the proposals map, and outside these areas if required by the environment

agency, proposals for development must be accompanied by a Flood Risk

Assessment (FRA) in accordance with PPG25, annex f. Development will be

permitted provided that the proposed development has been demonstrated to

meet all of the following criteria in respect of flood protection:

1. There are no other appropriate sites for the development in a lower risk

zone,

2. It will not itself be at unacceptable risk from flooding,



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3. It will not increase the risk of flooding to third parties within the floodplain

or in adjoining areas by reducing flood storage capacity, increasing the

depth of flood flows, adversely affecting flow velocities or diverting flood

flows,

4. The risk to human life and property is acceptable,

5. A minimum access strip of 8m on the banks of main rivers and on ordinary

watercourses is provided,

6. Any existing flood defences and other existing or potential flood alleviation

measures are adequately safeguarded,

7. It would not result in extensive culverting,

8. Where additional flood defences, other mitigation works or warning

measures are required they must be fully funded by the developer

including adequate provision for ongoing maintenance through a

dedicated commuted sum for 30 years,

9. The proposal does not involve significant and unsustainable additional

flood defences in undeveloped or sparsely developed areas or within the

functional floodplain.”

Policy Evt8

“Development will not be permitted which would be adversely affected by odour

pollution within the “cordons sanitaires” around the sewage treatment works

indicated on the proposals map at Hayden (Boddington and Staverton parishes),

Innsworth, Tewkesbury, Winchcombe and Brockhampton (Bishops Cleeve

Parish).”

Policy NCN4

“Development proposals which would adversely affect species protected by the

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended, The Badgers Act 1992 and The EC

Habitat and Species Directive, will not be permitted unless proper provision is

made to safeguard both them and their habitat through the appropriate

planning conditions and/or legal agreements.”

Policy TPT1

“Development will be permitted where:



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(a) Provision is made for safe and convenient access to the development by

pedestrians and cyclists;

(b) An appropriate level of public transport service and infrastructure is

available, or can be made available;

(c) The traffic generated by and/or attracted to the development, together

with that arising from other existing or planned development, would not impair

the safety or satisfactory operation of the highway network; and

(d) highway access can be provided to an appropriate standard which would

not adversely affect the safety or satisfactory operation of the highway

network, nor cause an unacceptable loss of amenity to users of adjacent land”.

6.6.3 The policies contained in the Local Plan have been carefully considered from the

outset of this scheme’s design. The overarching principle of creating a sustainable

scheme which ensures the necessary flood compensation as well as maintaining a

design which positively responds to the surrounding landscape was fundamental.

6.6.4 Severn Trent Water has undertaken relevant Archaeological and Ecological surveys

and consultations with the Local Authority and Environment Agency (attached to this

planning application submission). These surveys have led to amendments being

made to the scheme design to ensure that the scheme will not cause unacceptable

harm to the natural and historic environment.

Tewkesbury Local Development Framework

6.7.1 The 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act introduced the Local Development

Framework, a new system of local plan preparation. The most important part of a

Local Development Framework (LDF) is the Core Strategy, which provides the

overarching policy framework/direction for development. Tewkesbury is working in

partnership with Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council to

produce a co-ordinated strategic development plan for the area. This is due to be

adopted in 2014. At the time of producing this supporting statement no policies

have been produced which are relevant to this planning application.



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Summary

6.8.1 To conclude, the proposed development accords with the principles set out in the

relevant development plan for the area. The design of the scheme has taken into

account the characteristics of the local area to ensure that it does not adversely

affect residential amenities. Also mitigation measures will be put into place to

address any negative effects on local environment.



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7 CONSTRUCTION METHOD STATEMENT

Drainage

7.1.1 Local drainage from the type 1 stone surfacing within the pumping station and

access road will drain into the surrounding soft ground and will not increase surface

water run-off.

7.1.2 Excavation for the pumping station structure and associated pipework will be carried

out using a 8T excavator with spoil transported in 20T tipper wagon and disposed off

site to a registered landfill.

7.1.3 The concrete for the pumping station structure surround will be supplied to site

using concrete wagons and placed using the excavator. All electrical and mechanical

equipment will be lifted into position using the excavator.

Construction Traffic

7.1.4 The probable construction traffic for the entire scheme (including the construction of

the new sewerage network) is expected to be as follows:

Table 2: Indicative construction traffic

Vehicle Type Nr Visits on Visits off Days Movements

Cars 2 2 2 125 500

Transit Vans 3 3 3 125 500

Delivery

Wagon(Gen) 3 3 3 60 360

20T Tipper

Wagon 3 3 3 80 480

Low Loader 2 2 2 10 40

20T Lorry 3 3 3 75 450

Conc. Wagon

6m3 2 2 2 30 120



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Hours of working

7.1.5 Construction operations at the site will typically take place between the hours of

07.00 to 19.30 Monday to Saturday. No working is proposed on Sundays or Public

Holidays. There may be a need for some work to take place outside the above hours,

in the event of unforeseen construction operations, but this can be agreed with the

Local Authority if necessary.

Prevention of Pollution

7.1.6 During construction, site works will be conducted with reference to best practice as

outlined in The Environment Agency’s (EA) Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs) to

ensure that the adjacent watercourse is not adversely affected during the works.

Construction Programme

7.1.7 Subject to receiving planning permission, construction is due to commence on

February 2013 with commissioning estimated to be in December 2013.

7.2 Operation of the new site

7.2.1 Following completion and commissioning, the site will be operated by STWL. The

SPS and associated sewers will be subject to all appropriate operational and

maintenance procedures.

7.2.2 The estimated operational traffic movements for the proposed site will be as shown

below:

Routine operation/ chemical delivery once every 4 months – a medium van is

required;

7.2.3 No permanent lighting will be installed at the site.

7.3 Stakeholder engagement

7.3.1 The Environment Agency was contacted in August 2012 to seek pre-application

advice. The Environment Agency required the location of the SPS to be outside the

‘high risk flood zone’ and that the proposed ground level of 11.57m AOD is

appropriate for any buildings. Consultations with the Environment Agency are

reported in Appendix 1.



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7.3.2 Gloucestershire County Council’s Archaeologist was contacted in July 2012. The

response stated that no archaeological issues will arise in connection with the

scheme. The full consultation response is provided in Appendix 2.

8 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

8.1.1 The following sections describe and assess the potential impacts associated with the

construction and operation of the proposed new pumping station and access road

and measures which will be taken to mitigate the impacts.

8.2 Ecology and Wildlife

8.2.1 This section provides a summary of the results of an Extended Phase 1 Habitat

Survey and Protected Species Assessment Report prepared by Grontmij. A copy of

the full report is provided as part of the planning application. It should be noted that

the survey covered the complete sewer scheme and elements appropriate to the SPS

are reported in this supporting statement.

8.2.2 The purpose of the survey was to determine whether there were any protected

species, or habitats and species of conservation value in the vicinity of the site which

may be adversely affected by the proposed works. The survey report also identifies

any constraints imposed by these in relation to environmental legislation and makes

appropriate recommendations to reduce impacts. The scope of work included a desk

based review of all pertinent information, an extended Phase 1 habitat survey and

the production of an ecological report.

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

8.2.3 An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was conducted by Grontmij on the 11th July

2012 broadly following the techniques outlined in the ‘Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat

Survey’ (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2010)2 and the ‘Guidelines for

Baseline Ecological Assessment’ (Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1995)3. The

purpose of this survey was to map the habitats present on the sites and to make an

assessment of the potential for protected species to be present.

2 Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a Technique for Environmental

Audit. JNCC. 3 Institute of Environmental Assessment (1995). Guidelines for Ecological Assessment. E & F Spon, London



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8.2.4 The extended Phase 1 habitat survey included the following:

Great crested newt ponds and terrestrial habitat.

Badger setts.

Potential hazel dormice habitat.

Nesting habitats for birds.

Otters and otter habitat.

Reptile habitat including potential hibernacula.

Water vole habitat.

Potential habitat for native white-clawed crayfish in water courses.

Desk-based Assessment

8.2.5 Information provided by GCER and a search of the MAGIC website demonstrates that

there are two statutory conservation sites within 2km of the scheme. Innsworth

Meadow Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located approximately 600m north

west of the scheme, whilst Alney Island Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is 1.2km to the

west. As both sites are over 600m from the scheme no impacts are anticipated, and

no further consultations are recommended

Information received from Enquiries

8.2.6 Information received from Worcestershire Biological Records Centre (BRC) has

shown the presence of one Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (Cooksholme

Meadows), located approximately 0.4Km to the north east of the site and one Local

Wildlife Site (Kempsey & Stonehall Commons), located approximately 0.6km to the

south west.

Conclusions

8.2.7 The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the site identified poor semi-improved

grassland, tall ruderal vegetation, species poor hedgerows and semi-mature trees.

8.2.8 The site has the potential to support protected species and the recommendations

below are made to avoid infringing ecological legislation.

Several habitats that will be affected by the scheme have the potential to

support reptiles. In these areas it will be necessary to undertake a programme

of phased vegetation clearance under ecological supervision, and subsequent



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finger-tip search by an ecologist, to ensure that no reptiles are harmed during

works.

There are also several habitats that have the potential to support nesting

birds. If it is not possible to remove this vegetation outside of the bird

breeding period (taken as March to August inclusive) it will be necessary for

an ecologist to check these areas for nests before removal. All cut vegetation

must be removed from site. If active nests are found, works will be delayed

until young have fledged.

Impacts on badgers should be avoided by use of best practice construction

site protection measures. These include protecting open trenches, grading-off

ends of excavations and capping pipes.

Some of the habitats affected by the scheme may be used by foraging or

commuting bats. It is recommended that works are not carried out at night to

negate the need for artificial lighting, which can disturb bats whilst foraging,

and plant should not be left adjacent to trees overnight as it may disrupt flight

lines.

Adopting pollution prevention and control guidelines will minimise impacts to

species in the local and wider environment.

Landscape and Visual Impact

8.3.1 The development site lies in a rural location, surrounded by agricultural land. With

regard to geographical context, the site lies in the northern part of the triangle

formed by Longford to the west, Innsworth to the east and Gloucester to the south.

It lies approximately 2.5km north of Gloucester’s Cathedral. The A38 between

Gloucester and Tewkesbury lies 0.8km to the west of the site.

Local landscape context

8.3.2 The County Level Landscape Character Assessment defines the landscape within

which the SPS is location as Floodplain Farmland Landscape Character Type. Further

north, the Floodplain Farmland gives way to the Settled Unwooded Vale Landscape



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Character Type and immediately to the south the Urban Character Type associated

with Gloucester.

8.3.3 The unity of character within this landscape type is derived from seasonal flooding

over the large and open area. There are large rectilinear fields which are enclosed by

well maintained hedges of varying heights. Scattered arable fields between pastures

provide a visual contrast and varied management regime. The prominent signs of

human influence are reflected in the land drainage, road network, and pressure of

industrial and housing use of the land.

8.3.4 Roads are generally narrow, hedge-lined and unclassified, connecting relatively

densely situated small villages, hamlets and frequently occurring individual rural

properties and farm complexes.

8.3.5 With regard to land use, the area is essentially rural agricultural, with fields laid

predominantly to arable and pastureland being generally large and irregular in

shape, defined by hedges with few trees. The immediate area lacks significant

woodland, and trees are generally restricted to narrow shelter belts and hedgerows.

8.3.6 A number of public rights of way cross the general locality.

Visibility of the site

8.3.7 Clear views of the site are available from adjacent residential property on Longford

Lane, and the PRoW. Views from other potential visual receptors are unavailable

8.4 Archaeology

8.4.1 As the site is located on previously disturbed ground it is unlikely that any

archaeological remains will be found. However Severn Trent Water abide by an

archaeological code of conduct. If we discover any coins, fossils or other articles

during our work we will inform the planning authority and the appropriate

archaeological body. We have a legal obligation to have regard to the protection

and conserving of objects of archaeological interest.



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8.5 Flood Issues

8.5.1 The STWL operation land holding is located partly within an area of high flood risk

(Flood Zone 3) according to Environment Agency’s Flood Maps4. However, following

the guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework and the

exception/sequential test, an area of the site was found outside of the floodplain

which would be suitable for this scheme.

8.5.2 Further correspondence with the Environment Agency confirmed that this approach

was suitable and that the level of 11.57m AOD(N) is appropriate to be used to

finalise the design of the building in respect to making it fully flood resistant for its

lifetime by locating any critical systems 600mm above this figure.

8.5.3 During construction, site works will be conducted with reference to best practice as

outlined in The Environment Agency’s (EA) Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs),

including PPG 1: General Guide to the Prevention of Pollution.

8.6 Access, Traffic and Transport

8.6.1 The proposed new pumping station will have a small and temporary effect on the

roads in the surrounding area, arising from construction traffic and delivery of plant

and machinery and the delivery of site construction materials.

8.6.2 Access to the site will be from the proposed access off Longford Lane. The

construction period is approximately 10 months. Paragraph 7.1.4 outlines the plant

and construction vehicles that will be required on site although it is unlikely that all

the equipment will be on site at the same time.

8.6.3 The estimated operational traffic movements for the proposed site will be as shown

below:

Routine operation/ chemical delivery once every 4 months – a medium van is

required;

8.6.4 No significant adverse impacts in terms of access and flow of traffic on local

highways are expected as a result of the construction and future operation of the 4 www.environment-agency.gov.uk

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/



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site.

8.7 Noise

8.7.1 The impact of construction traffic noise will be localised and short-term, limited to

the duration of the construction period.

8.7.2 The construction works will normally be restricted to hours between 07.00 and 19.30

and is likely to be completed within 10 weeks. No working is proposed on Sundays

or Public Holidays. There may be a need for some work to take place outside the

above hours in the event of unforeseen construction operations. Discussions will be

held with the local Environmental Health Officer prior to undertaking necessary

additional working hours.

8.7.3 Noise levels from the construction demolition works will vary from day to day but it

is possible to mitigate noise emissions from an open site to a certain extent,

although it will not be possible to reduce noise break-out to ambient levels.

Whereas all practicable noise control measures will be employed at all relevant

times, the construction team will employ best practicable means to keep noisy

operations to a minimum. Measures to be taken will include combinations of the

following as appropriate:

Avoiding unnecessary running of machinery;

Construction contractors will be required to adhere to the code of practice

for construction works given in British Standard 5228 and the guidance

therein for minimising noise emissions from the site.

8.7.4 No significant adverse impacts in terms of noise are expected as a result of use of the

SPS as there will be no changes to frequency of operational staff attending the

sewage treatment works.

8.8 Air Quality, Dust and Odour

8.8.1 No significant emissions of air pollutants, dust or odour are associated with this type

of operational development.

8.8.2 There is a potential for the construction works to give rise to emissions of exhaust

gases and dust from vehicles. There is also potential for earth moving and



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excavations to give rise to dust during periods of dry weather.

8.8.3 The proposed site is in a generally rural area, where air quality may be expected to

be good. During the construction, emissions of fuel combustion products will arise

from vehicles on and travelling to and from the site. These emissions will have only a

localised effect on air quality and the gases released will become diluted and

dispersed into the atmosphere within a very short distance. During construction

operations, all contractors will be required to ensure that vehicles and stationary

plant are maintained to appropriate standards.

8.8.4 Experience suggests that, where problems with dust have occurred, they do not

normally extend beyond 200m from dust generating activities. When construction

operations have been completed and the site operational and areas of disturbed

ground will either be reinstated or re-vegetated, there will be no potential for dust

or mud to arise.

8.8.5 During construction operations, all contractors will be required to ensure that

vehicles and stationary plant are maintained to appropriate standards. Site

management procedures will include monitoring of intensity and location of

potential dust generating activity on site, monitoring of weather conditions,

particularly the periods when dust emission and dispersal could affect surrounding

property and an effective response procedure to address potential and actual dust

problems occurring. Dust suppression hoses will be used to minimise dust as

required.

8.9 Waste

8.9.1 All waste material will be removed immediately using a tipper wagon and taken to a

licensed tip.



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9 SUMMARY

9.1.1 STWL is applying for planning permission under the Town and Country Planning Act

1990 to construct a new SPS and access road within the existing Longford STW

operational area, Gloucestershire.

9.1.2 A new dedicated access is required off Longford Lane.

9.1.3 This Supporting Statement provides information in connection with the planning

application for the proposed SPS.

9.1.4 During construction, potential impacts will be mitigated through the implementation

of a range of measures. No significant residual impacts are expected as a result of

the operation of the new site.

9.1.5 To conclude the scheme has been designed to integrate and positively respond to

the requirements of the Development Plan for the area. Therefore it is considered

that overall the development proposed fully complies with the policies and

objectives of the adopted and emerging Development Plan.



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APPENDIX 1 – Consultation with the Environment Agency



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APPENDIX 2 – Consultation with Gloucestershire County Council’s Archaeologist

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