COGGESHALL, FEERING & KELVEDON FLOOD ALLEVIATION … · and the creation of an “off-line” flood storage area and connection points within the flood plain of the Blackwater Valley

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY BLACKWATER AGGREGATES

CFK Flood Aleviation Scheme Scoping Request Page i

COGGESHALL, FEERING & KELVEDON FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: SCOPING REQUEST


CFK Flood Aleviation Scheme Scoping Request Page ii

COGGESHALL, FEERING & KELVEDON FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: SCOPING REQUEST

Honace Document Production & Approval Record

ISSUE NO. 1 NAME SIGNATURE POSITION DATE

Prepared by: S J Smith Director 2018-12

Honace Document Revision Record

ISSUE NO. DATE DETAILS OF REVISIONS

1 2018-08 First Issue for client comment.

2 2019-01-02 ECC Submission

© 2018 Environment Agency and Blackwater Aggregates. All rights reserved.

This report and its accompanying documents contain information which is confidential and is intended

only for the use of the Environment Agency and Blackwater Aggregates. If you are not one of the

intended recipients any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken in reliance on the contents of the

information is strictly prohibited.

Unless expressly agreed, any reproduction of material from this report must be requested and authorised

in writing from the Environment Agency and Blackwater Aggregates. Authorised reproduction of material

must include all copyright and proprietary notices in the same form and manner as the original and must

not be modified in any way. Acknowledgement of the source of the material must also be included in all

references.


CFK Flood Aleviation Scheme Scoping Request Page iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................................................... III

1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 5

2 The Applicant(s)........................................................................................................................................... 7

2.1 The Environment Agency.............................................................................................................................. 7

2.2 Blackwater Aggregates ................................................................................................................................ 7

2.3 Working in Partnership & the Scheme ........................................................................................................ 7

3 Pre-Application Advice and Pre-Application Consultation ............................................................... 9

3.1 Pre-Application Advice ................................................................................................................................. 9

3.2 Pre-Application Consultation ....................................................................................................................... 9

3.3 Stakeholder Meetings .................................................................................................................................. 10

4 Flood Alleviation Scheme and Site A7 .................................................................................................. 11

5 The Site and Designations ........................................................................................................................ 12

6 Description of the Flood Alleviation Scheme....................................................................................... 13

6.1 “On-Line” Embankment .............................................................................................................................. 13

6.2 “Off-Line” Flood Storage Area ................................................................................................................... 14

6.3 “On-Line” and “Off-Line” Connection Point ........................................................................................... 15

6.4 Delivery of the Flood Alleviation Scheme and the Site ......................................................................... 16

6.4.1 Controlling Extreme Flood Event ....................................................................................................... 16

6.4.2 Combined “On-Line” and “Off-Line” Control ................................................................................. 17

6.4.3 Delivery Through Established Operations......................................................................................... 17

6.4.4 Long Term Commitments and Support To the Scheme ................................................................ 18

7 Policy and Legislation ............................................................................................................................... 19

7.1 The National Planning Policy Framework................................................................................................. 19

7.2 Water Framework Directive ........................................................................................................................ 19

7.3 Essex Minerals Local Plan ............................................................................................................................ 20

7.4 Braintree District Council Local Plan ......................................................................................................... 21

7.5 Reservoir Act ................................................................................................................................................. 21

8 Scoping Opinion & Environmental Assessment Methodology ......................................................... 23

8.1 Environmental Impact Assessment Process............................................................................................. 23

9 Environmental Topics ................................................................................................................................ 25

9.1 Hydrology and Flood Risk Assessment ...................................................................................................... 25

9.2 Hydrogeology ............................................................................................................................................... 26

9.3 Landscape and Visual Impact .................................................................................................................. 26

9.4 Ecology & Biodiversity .................................................................................................................................. 27

9.5 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage ......................................................................................................... 29

9.6 Transport ......................................................................................................................................................... 30

9.7 Land Use......................................................................................................................................................... 31

9.8 Noise & Vibration .......................................................................................................................................... 31

9.9 Air Quality and Dust ..................................................................................................................................... 32

9.10 Social Impacts ......................................................................................................................................... 33

9.11 Lighting ..................................................................................................................................................... 33

9.12 Sustainability and Climate Change .................................................................................................... 34

9.13 Health Impacts ........................................................................................................................................ 35

9.14 Feering and Kelvedon Cumulative Assessment ............................................................................... 35

10 Summary of the Proposed Scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment ............................... 36


CFK Flood Aleviation Scheme Scoping Request Page iv

10.1 Water Framework Directive .................................................................................................................. 37

11 Environmental Standards & Commitments .......................................................................................... 39

GLOSSARY

APPENDICES:

APPENDIX SR-1 ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL PRE-APPLICATION PLANNING ADVICE

APPENDIX SR-2 ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL BIODIVERSITY VALIDATION CHECKLIST

APPENDIX SR-3 WRITTEN SCHEME OF INVESTIGATION FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION

(TRIAL TRENCHING)

APPENDIX SR-4 TRANSPORT SCOPING REQUEST

APPENDIX SR-5 BRAWELL QUARRY LIGHTING ASSESSMENT(S)


CFK Flood Relief Scheme Scoping Request Page 5

1 INTRODUCTION

In October 2001 Coggeshall, Kelvedon, and Feering suffered from significant flooding.

Figure 1: Flooding in Coggeshall

Since then, in May 2012 and February 2014 the villages experienced further flooding.

In 2006 the Environment Agency commissioned a study to explore whether a flood

alleviation scheme would be viable for the villages.

As part of the study a cost benefit analysis was carried out. This demonstrated that the

Environment Agency would require at least £25 Million to deliver a sustainable flood

alleviation scheme to protect residential and business properties within the villages of

Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon. The cost benefit analysis concluded that the costs

of the scheme was too high for it to secure public funding though the Flood Defence

Grant in Aid.

However, the Environment Agency continued to progress its hydrological modelling and

started to explore other options that could result in its development, and in 2015 they

approached Blackwater Aggregates to ask for their support linked to the use of their

normal quarrying operations to construct and create the flood alleviation scheme within

and adjacent to the River Blackwater.

The Environment Agency and Blackwater Aggregates are working in partnership to

progress towards developing the flood alleviation scheme across land under their joint

control.

The development requires an Environmental Impact Assessment under Schedules 1 and

2 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations

2017 (the EIA Regulations) because its delivery will result in: an infrastructure project

which is designed to hold water within the Blackwater valley during times of flood

delivered through quarrying operations across an area greater than 25 ha.

This Scoping Report is submitted to Essex County Council to notify them that an

Environmental Statement will be prepared in support of the application and to request

guidance regarding the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the

development.



The Scoping Report gives an overview of the environmental baseline, the potential

impacts and effects associated with the construction, operation and maintenance and

decommissioning of the flood alleviation scheme, and details of how the EIA process will

be progressed; it also makes recommendations, supported by evidence, regarding the

issues that the Applicant proposes to exclude (scope out) of the EIA, to allow a focus on

the key issues.



2 THE APPLICANT(S)

2.1 THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

The Environment Agency was created by the Environment Act and established in 1996

to protect and improve the environment.

The Environment Agency is responsible for managing the risk of flooding from main rivers,

reservoirs, estuaries and the sea. As the principal delivery body for the environment in

England the Environment Agency’s priorities are to:

• work with businesses and other organisations to manage the use of resources;

• increase the resilience of people, property and businesses to the risks of flooding

and coastal erosion;

• protecting and improving water, land and biodiversity; and

• improve the way it works as a regulator to protect people and the environment

and support sustainable growth.

Working in partnership with others is essential for the sustainable long-term delivery of

some of the Environment Agency’s capital-intensive schemes such as the Coggeshall,

Feering and Kelvedon flood alleviation scheme in line with the Environment 25 Year Plan.

This means looking for external investment opportunities to manage the risks climate

change presents to deliver stronger infrastructure and enhanced landscapes.

2.2 BLACKWATER AGGREGATES

Blackwater Aggregates is a joint venture partnership between Gent Fairhead

Aggregates (a subsidiary company of Gent Fairhead & Co. Limited) and CEMEX (UK

Operations) Limited (a subsidiary of CEMEX). The joint venture was established to

operate the mineral extraction and processing areas at Bradwell Quarry.

Bradwell Quarry is one of the largest sand and gravel quarries in the country, and

Blackwater Aggregates’ quarrying operations and mineral interests extend across

Preferred and Reserve Sites for mineral extraction within the Minerals Local Plan, and

adjacent land.

2.3 WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP & THE SCHEME


progress towards developing a planning application to deliver a flood alleviation

scheme for the communities of Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon that is

environmentally, technically and economically viable across land under their joint

control.

The Environment Agency has taken the lead in developing the design of the scheme

with the support of Blackwater Aggregates which comprises:

Project Title: Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon Flood Alleviation Scheme

Applicant(s): Environment Agency and Blackwater Aggregates

Location: Land North of Cut Hedge Lane, Grange Farm



Proposed Development: Creation of a passive flood alleviation scheme through the

construction of a low level “on-line” embankment (or dam) across the River Blackwater

and the creation of an “off-line” flood storage area and connection points within the

flood plain of the Blackwater Valley which will be delivered through the phased

extraction of the underlying sand and gravel and the restoration of land for agricultural

purposes with a wetland flood meadow using the underlying clay.

Drawing CKF-1 indicates the proposed extent of the of the proposed flood alleviation

scheme.



3 PRE-APPLICATION ADVICE AND PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION

The Environment Agency has been exploring various options associated with the

development of a flood alleviation scheme within the River Blackwater since 2006.

Since that time Environment Agency have: commissioned hydrological modelling and

conceptual design work(s); and, consulted with local landowners, Members of

Parliament, local Councillors, stakeholders, local businesses and residents about the

proposed scheme.

Newsletters and routine briefing notes and/or meetings have been issued and/or held

to explain what the Environment Agency have been doing to develop a flood alleviation

scheme.

3.1 PRE-APPLICATION ADVICE

On the 28 November 2016, representatives of the Environment Agency and Blackwater

Aggregates met with Essex County Council to discuss options that were being

considered for a flood alleviation scheme that could potentially combine the

construction of an “on-line” embankment across the River Blackwater and an “off-line”

flood storage area next to the river.

A copy of the initial pre-application planning advice offered by Essex County Council

on the 6 January 2017 is presented within Appendix SR-1.

It is proposed that a further pre-application meeting is held with Essex County Council to

discuss the Environment Agency’s outline design proposals that have been developed

for the flood alleviation scheme in greater detail.

3.2 PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION

Prior to the submission of this Scoping Request the Environment Agency and Blackwater

Aggregates has commenced its pre-application public engagement plan and has or

will be notifying the following groups and individuals as main stakeholders:

i. Immediate neighbours, landowners and Individual Properties that sit within the

Blackwater Valley: The London Diocesan Fund; the Messer’s Wright’s; Mr Cater;

Curd Hall; and, Blackwater Alpacas & Pygmy Goats (Bradwell Trout Farms);

ii. Local Members of Parliament and local politicians, namely: Priti Patel MP; James

Cleverley MP; Cllr James Abbott; Cllr Robert Mitchell; and, representatives of

Braintree District Council;

iii. Essex and Suffolk Water;

iv. Members of the Bradwell Quarry Liaison Group;

v. Key Officers and Statutory Consultees, namely: Claire Tomalin of Essex County

Council; the Environment Agency local area office key contact(s) such as Roger

Webster and Frank Saunders; and, Christopher Paggi of Braintree District Council;

vi. Stakeholder groups and key consultees including: Natural England; RSPB; North

Essex Badger Group; Essex Wildlife Trust; the National Trust; Historic England;

Coggeshall Heritage Society; Feering and Kelvedon Heritage Society;

representatives of Essex County Council (including the Definitive Map Officer);

Essex Bridleway Association; British Horse Society; and, Ramblers Association;

vii. Parish Clerks at: Bradwell; Coggeshall; Kelvedon; Rivenhall; Silver End; and,

Feering Parish Councils;

viii. Local businesses and residents within the villages of Bradwell, Coggeshall, Feering

and Kelvedon.



These ‘Key Stakeholders’ have been, or will be, informed of the Environment Agency’s

proposals through direct contact (either by leaflet, letter or email), public notification via

local press notices and an invitation(s) to attend a stakeholder meeting(s).

3.3 STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS

In parallel with the submission of a Scoping Request to Essex County Council, the

Environment Agency are planning to hold a Stakeholder group meeting in January 2019.

The purpose of this meeting is to directly engage with key Stakeholder groups, discuss

fundamental details of the proposed flood alleviation scheme and the potential extent

of the construction works, outline the findings of initial site reconnaissance surveys and

agree the scope of the targeted environmental assessment works and proposed long

term restoration proposals for the scheme.

In due course public meetings will be advertised widely within the affected communities

of Coggeshall, Kelvedon, Feering and Bradwell and stakeholder consultation events

held as the flood alleviation scheme is developed.



4 FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME AND SITE A7

Blackwater Aggregates require a constant supply of minerals to maintain continuity in

their quarrying operations. They must have somewhere for their quarrying operations to

move into at the right time. Therefore, whilst working in partnership with the Environment

Agency, Blackwater Aggregates are also preparing an application to potentially move

its operations into a Reserved Site within the Minerals Local Plan known as Site A7.

The potential move into either the flood alleviation scheme or Site A7 will coincide with

the completion of Blackwater Aggregates’ existing quarrying operations. However,

Blackwater Aggregates will only commence quarrying operations into one of these sites,

not both.

If the Environment Agency’s and Blackwater Aggregates’ joint application for the flood

alleviation scheme is successful and able to proceed within the required timescales, the

Site A7 application will not be progressed further.

Through stakeholder engagement into either the flood alleviation scheme or Site A7, a

clear and consistent message will be issued to clarify the above position and highlight

that the flood alleviation scheme and Site A7 are two separate but parallel applications.



5 THE SITE AND DESIGNATIONS

The site is within the Blackwater/Brain & Lower Chelmer Valley Character Area as

described in the Essex Landscape Character Assessment (2002)1. Some of the key

characteristics are narrow with undulating valley sides and predominantly arable

farmland with well hedged medium to large fields.

The “on-line” embankment will be constructed across the base of the Blackwater valley

through an existing willow plantation(s) that is actively managed, coppiced and felled

within the floodplain.

The “off-line” flood storage area will be developed across a 155ha site to the north of

Cuthedge Lane, west of Coggeshall Hamlet and south west of Coggeshall across large

open fields that generally yield cereal, pea and bean crops under a commercial farm

tenancy contract agreement. The line of the River Blackwater (and the Blackwater

valley) is to the north and the former Coggeshall Quarry and Curd Hall to the west.

The site includes Blackwater Aggregates’ existing minerals processing plant, areas of its

existing quarry and the established site access road to the A120. The existing mineral

processing plant lies to the south and west of Cuthedge Lane approximately 3km to the

west of Coggeshall and 1.75km to the south east of Bradwell.

Drawing CKF-1 indicates the extent of the site and proposed flood alleviation scheme.

1 https://www.essex.gov.uk/AnalyticsReports/CB_LCA_Essex_2002.pdf

https://www.essex.gov.uk/AnalyticsReports/CB_LCA_Essex_2002.pdf



6 DESCRIPTION OF THE FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME

Various flood alleviation schemes have been considered over the years, including:

a) Widening the river channel considerable distances both upstream and

downstream of Coggeshall (extending a distance of more than 10km) to

increase the river’s capacity;

b) The creation of extensive retention ditches adjacent to the river (extending a

distance of more than 10km);

c) The construction of flood walls along the banks of the river both upstream and

downstream of Coggeshall (extending a distance of more than 10km)

d) The creation of a number of smaller dams and adjacent holding ditches along

the river (extending a distance of more than 10km upstream);

e) Hybrid schemes comprising dams, holding ditches and upstream tree planting;

and,

f) The creation of a large flood storage area (to provide a large extension to the

flood plain) within the Blackwater valley.

The modelling studies demonstrated that the potential cost associated with these

schemes was too high (environmentally and financially) and the cost-benefit ratios were

too low, to publicly fund. Therefore, rather than “do nothing” the Environment Agency

considered alternative options linked to potential partnership funding to finance a

scheme.

For the Environment Agency to manage flooding along the River Blackwater and deal

with a 1 in 100 year flood event (inclusive of climate change), they need to create a

flood alleviation scheme upstream from the communities of Coggeshall, Feering and

Kelvedon. Based on the Environment Agency’s hydrological modelling, a low impact

and passive scheme has been developed that offers the best environmental, technical

and economic solution to protect local businesses and residents.

The Environment Agency are now proposing to progress a scheme that combines the

construction of an “on-line” embankment across the River Blackwater and an “off-line”

flood storage area next to the river. To achieve the 1:100 year flood event level of

protection, 3 million m3 of water needs to be stored. This will be achieved through the

construction of an “on-line” embankment dam across the River Blackwater and the

development an “off-line” flood storage area next to the river (to increase the storage

capacity of the flood plain). The height of any embankment will be limited to a

maximum elevation of 33 mAOD (i.e. the embankment will be approximately 4 m to 5 m

in height within the flood plain, 800m upstream of Coggeshall Bridge) to prevent any

upstream flooding, and the size and location of any flood storage area is restricted by

the valley side slopes.

6.1 “ON-LINE” EMBANKMENT

For the “on-line” storage, the Environment Agency will need to build a small clay

embankment (or dam) across the valley upstream of Coggeshall. This will include a

passive concrete control structure within the river, allowing water to be held back during

times of flood (and/or high rainfall) within the natural floodplain and “off-line” flood

storage area. Figure 2 indicates the typical arrangement of an established “on-line”

embankment.



Figure 2: Image of an “on-line” flood storage embankment

The funding and materials required to support the construction of the “on-line”

embankment would be provided by Blackwater Aggregates.

This can only be realised through their normal quarrying operations across a 155 ha site

to the north of Cuthedge Lane, west of Coggeshall Hamlet and south west of

Coggeshall.

6.2 “OFF-LINE” FLOOD STORAGE AREA

Figure 3: Proposed footprint of Blackwater Aggregates’ quarrying operations and “off-line” flood storage area

shown edged in red.

Based on Blackwater Aggregates’ normal quarrying operations to establish the “off-line”

flood storage area, the financing and materials to construct the “on-line” embankment

would become available during the fifth year of their quarrying operations. The

construction of the “on-line” embankment 5 years after the commencement of the

scheme, would provide flood protection against some flood events (i.e. <1:50 year

events) to the villages of Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon on an interim basis.



As Blackwater Aggregates’ quarrying operations progress across the southern side of the

Blackwater valley, in a phased and systematic manner, it would create the 62 ha “off-

line” flood storage adjacent to the River Blackwater over a further period of

approximately 15 years (edged blue on Figure 3).

The quarrying operations will be designed to allow the sequential release of the “off-line”

flood storage area, which would provide an increase in the interim flood storage

capacity offered by the flood alleviation scheme every fifth year, with the entire scheme

completed within 20 years. The works would create a new 62 ha flood meadow within

the Blackwater valley (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Image of a flood meadow

6.3 “ON-LINE” AND “OFF-LINE” CONNECTION POINT

A Connection Point will be established from the River Blackwater into the “off-line” flood

storage area between Nunn’s Bridge and Coggeshall (Figure 5). The connection point

will comprise a shallow cutting(s) or open area which will allow flood water to passively

drain to and from the flood storage area, which will act as an extension to the natural

flood plain. The level of the Nunn’s Bridge connection point and the base of the flood

storage area would be at the same level as the existing flood plain.



Figure 5: The existing flood plain at Nunn’s Bridge that would extend into the “off-line” flood storage area.

6.4 DELIVERY OF THE FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME AND THE SITE


develop a planning application to deliver a flood alleviation scheme for the

communities of Coggeshall Feering and Kelvedon. The outcome of the public

consultation and planning process will have an influence on the progress but the

fundamentals of the scheme should not change.

The grant of planning permission would allow for the extraction of approximately thirteen

million tonnes of sand and gravel over a period of 20 years, and the construction of a

flood alleviation scheme to protect the villages of Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon.

The proposed “on-line” embankment dam, “off-line” flood storage area and Nunn’s

Bridge Connection Point will provide a passive low impact scheme.

6.4.1 CONTROLLING EXTREME FLOOD EVENT

During extreme 1 in 100 year flood events, the scheme would manage and control,

the flow of more than 3 Million m3 of water within the Blackwater valley and its natural

flood plain for a distance of approximately 4.5 km from Coggeshall to the fringes of

Bradwell.

The control of the flood water within the Blackwater valley will not result in any change

to the upstream flows or river controls during a 1:100 year flood event and will not

impact Bradwell village.



6.4.2 COMBINED “ON-LINE” AND “OFF-LINE” CONTROL

The construction of the “on-line” embankment is simply designed to hold back flood

water within the river channel and the “off-line” flood storage area within the

Blackwater valley floodplain, by controlling the flow of water within the river

downstream through Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon. The height of the

embankment will be of an equivalent or lower level than the existing weir at Bradwell,

therefore in extreme flood events (beyond 1 in 100 year flood events) water within the

river will overtop the dam and flow through Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon to

prevent upstream flooding within Bradwell. The proposed excavation and restoration

operations across the “off-line” flood storage area would be carried out by

Blackwater Aggregates in a phased and systematic manner to maximise the

recovery of mineral reserves across the Site. Overburden materials would be used to

restore the site within the Blackwater valley (similar to the way in which they were used

to restore the former Coggeshall Quarry, Figure 6) to partially reinstate the land for

beneficial agricultural uses and create an ecologically biodiverse 62 ha flood

meadow adjacent to the River Blackwater.

Figure 6: Image of the Blackwater Aggregates’ former quarrying operations across Coggeshall Quarry.

6.4.3 DELIVERY THROUGH ESTABLISHED OPERATIONS

Advance woodland planting has already taken place, which will be supplemented

by further woodland and hedgerow planting to screen the quarrying operations as

they progress across the site and connect the “on-line” embankment and “off-line”

flood storage to local landscape and ecological features within the Blackwater

valley.

Sand and gravel recovered from the flood storage area would be transported and

processed through the existing on-site washing and screening plant, located within

Bradwell Quarry.



The development of the flood alleviation scheme will extend Blackwater Aggregates’

quarrying operations and result in the continued use and retention of its existing

processing plant and infrastructure which includes a mineral washing plant, office

and weighbridge, ready mix concrete plant, bagging unit, DSM plant, water and silt

management systems. Sand and gravel recovered from the flood storage area will

be transported to the existing processing plant via a haul road or field conveyor

constructed below ground level. The haulage or conveyor route would pass beneath

Cuthedge Lane via a cut and cover tunnel.

The proposed application boundary includes the established vehicle access from the

A120 (Coggeshall Road) and other areas of Bradwell Quarry which would allow the

potential connection of the quarry to the preferred alignment of the new A120 to the

south of the site. All HGV vehicular access to and from the site would be via the A120.

Access to the site for private vehicles used by Blackwater Aggregates’ earthworks

staff, Light Goods Vehicles used by the earthworks maintenance staff, fuel deliveries

and general support vehicles to the flood storage area will be via the former

Coggeshall Quarry access road via West Street and/or via Cuthedge Lane adjacent

to Haywards Cottage.

Blackwater Aggregates’ quarrying operations across the flood storage area will be

carried out in four main phases. Each of which will be worked over a period of

approximately five years yielding approximately three and a quarter million tonnes of

sand and gravel. Quarrying operations would progress in a planned and systematic

manner in an easterly direction from the boundary of the former Coggeshall Pit

towards Coggeshall in a downstream direction across the southern slope of the

Blackwater valley.

There is no intention to expand, alter or modify the productive capacity of the

washing and screening plant, nor the concrete batching plant, DSM and bagging

facilities. Therefore, the impact of Blackwater Aggregates’ quarrying operations

across the proposed flood storage area, will be that of extending the life of the

existing on-site infrastructure and support in the delivery of the flood alleviation

scheme.

6.4.4 LONG TERM COMMITMENTS AND SUPPORT TO THE SCHEME

Following the construction of the “on-line” embankment and the sequential delivery

of the “off-line” flood storage area, the Environment Agency will be responsible for

the maintenance and long-term management of the scheme under its normal

obligations associated with managing the risk of flooding from main rivers, reservoirs,

estuaries and the sea.

By working in partnership, the Environment Agency and Blackwater Aggregates are

proposing to construct a passive and low impact flood alleviation scheme for the

communities of Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon which will deliver a scheme that is

environmentally, technically and economically viable across land under their joint

control.



7 POLICY AND LEGISLATION

The design, construction and operation of the proposed flood alleviation scheme will be

developed, in line with the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan2 and in support

National and Local planning policy.

Full consideration will be made of planning policy by the Environment Agency and

Blackwater Aggregates in developing the planning application.

7.1 THE NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK

The National Planning Policy Framework3 sets out the Government’s planning policies for

England and how these should be applied.

The purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable

development. At a very high level, the objective of sustainable development can be

summarised as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of

future generations to meet their own needs.

One of the overarching objectives to achieve sustainable development is set out with

paragraph 8c of the National Planning Policy Framework:

an environmental objective – to contribute to protecting and enhancing our natural,

built and historic environment; including making effective use of land, helping to improve

biodiversity, using natural resources prudently, minimising waste and pollution, and

mitigating and adapting to climate change, including moving to a low carbon

economy.

The above is a fundamental objective of the proposed flood alleviation scheme.

7.2 WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE

The Water Framework Directive4 introduced a comprehensive river basin management

planning system to help protect and improve the ecological health of rivers, lakes,

estuaries and coastal and groundwaters. This is underpinned by the use of

environmental standards to assess the risks to the ecological quality of the water

environment and to identify the scale of improvements that would be needed to bring

waters of a lower quality or status back into a good condition.

The Directive establishes a framework for the protection of the River Blackwater and sets

out assessment criteria relating to: Biological standards; Water quality standards; and

Water level and flow standards.

In developing the flood alleviation scheme the Environment Agency will ensure that the

proposals protect the environmental setting and standards of the River Blackwater, whilst

mitigating risks associated with flooding.

2 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-plan

3 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2

4 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/407/contents/made

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-plan

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/407/contents/made



7.3 ESSEX MINERALS LOCAL PLAN

The Minerals Local Plan5 provides up-to-date planning policy for minerals development

in Essex until 2029. The policies and proposals in the Plan are consistent with the National

Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Particular regard has been paid to the NPPF’s

emphasis on supporting economic growth through the plan- led system and its

presumption in favour of sustainable development.

Whilst the Minerals Local Plan is based on the delivery of ‘Preferred and Reserve Sites’ for

future mineral extraction, Policy S6-Provision for sand and gravel extraction, highlights

that:

Mineral extraction outside Preferred or Reserve Sites will be resisted by the Mineral

Planning Authority unless the applicant can demonstrate:

a) An overriding justification and/ or overriding benefit for the proposed extraction,

and,

b) The scale of the extraction is no more than the minimum essential for the purpose

of the proposal, and,

c) The proposal is environmentally suitable, sustainable, and consistent with the

relevant policies set out in the Development Plan.

Within the Minerals Local Plan ‘sterilisation’ is the term used when development or land-

use changes take place which permanently prevent the extraction of mineral resources

from the ground. By protecting mineral resources from unnecessary sterilisation, the

Minerals Planning Authority can ensure that:

• Mineral resources remain available to meet the needs of future generations,

• Local flexibility is retained to identify new extraction sites in areas which have the

least impact on people, communities and the environment,

• There is the opportunity to consider the merits of prior extraction of the minerals

where this is environmentally and socially acceptable, and practical to do so.

Similarly, ‘safeguarding’ is the process used in the planning system to ensure the

protection of mineral resources from the risk of sterilisation.

The National Planning Policy Framework requires Minerals Planning Authorities (MPA) to

define Mineral Safeguarding Areas (MSA) and adopt appropriate policies within their

local plans. This is so that known locations of specific minerals are not needlessly sterilised

by other forms of development whilst acknowledging that this does not create a

presumption that the resources defined will ever be worked.

Following consultation with the mineral industry, the Coal Authority, English Heritage,

British Geological Survey, neighbouring Mineral Planning Authorities and other

stakeholders, the following Mineral Safeguarding Areas and consultation thresholds have

been established within the Minerals Local Plan:

5 https://www.essex.gov.uk/Environment%20Planning/Minerals-Waste-Planning-Team/Planning-

Policy/Pages/Default.aspx

https://www.essex.gov.uk/Environment%20Planning/Minerals-Waste-Planning-Team/Planning-Policy/Pages/Default.aspx

https://www.essex.gov.uk/Environment%20Planning/Minerals-Waste-Planning-Team/Planning-Policy/Pages/Default.aspx



Extract from Table 4. Definitions of Mineral Safeguarding Areas

Mineral Geographic Definition of MSA Extent Consultation Threshold Type

Sand & Gravel

(including silica sand)

All glacial sand and gravel

resources, glaciofluvial

sand and gravel resources

and river terrace deposits

as identified from BGS

mapping and other

supplementary sources of

evidence.

All potential developments

greater than five hectares.

To deliver the flood alleviation scheme, an “off-line” flood storage is required which will

be delivered through the excavation of the sand and gravel reserves beneath the site,

which is consistent with Policy S6 and the principles of mitigating sterilisation of valuable

mineral reserves.

Full consideration will be made of the Policy considerations set out within the Minerals

Local Plan to justify the proposed development of the flood alleviation scheme.

7.4 BRAINTREE DISTRICT COUNCIL LOCAL PLAN

The Braintree District Council Local Plan Publication Draft 20176 sets out the proposed

planning policy for the District in a single document which meets the requirements of the

National Planning Policy Framework. Once adopted it will replace both the Core

Strategy (2011) and the Local Plan Review (2005).

The Local Plan sets out a vision and framework for the future development of the District,

addressing needs and opportunities in relation to new homes, jobs and infrastructure, as

well as safeguarding the environment and includes the presumption in favour of

sustainable development. Until its adoption the Core Strategy is the principal document

within the Local Development Framework, which sets out the Council's overall vision and

objectives, the sustainable spatial strategy for the District, strategic growth locations, and

strategic policies to guide development up to 2026.

The Local Plan and Core Strategy recognise that the Environment Agency retains a

strategic overview of flood risk management relating to main rivers.

In developing the flood alleviation scheme full consideration will be made of existing

and emerging District plan policies to support the Plans’ objectives of sustainable

development.

7.5 RESERVOIR ACT

The “on-line” embankment of the flood alleviation scheme falls under the Reservoir Act7.

The Environment Agency will appoint a Reservoir Panel Engineer to design and supervise

the construction, alteration, repair or any other relevant works associated with the flood

alleviation scheme.

The Environment Agency will be responsible for the design, maintenance and third party

liability of the entire flood alleviation scheme, in line with their normal obligations

associated with managing the risk of flooding from main rivers, reservoirs, estuaries and

the sea.

6 https://www.braintree.gov.uk/downloads/download/1078/publication_draft_local_plan

7 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1975/23

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1975/23



The scheme will be designed to provide flood protection to the villages of Coggeshall,

Feering and Kelvedon for at least 100 years and managed and maintained by the

Environment Agency accordingly.



8 SCOPING OPINION & ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

The Environment Agency and Blackwater Aggregates have commissioned Honace

Limited and Mott Macdonald to design and prepare a planning application and

Environmental Impact Assessment to support the development of the Coggeshall,

Feering and Kelvedon flood alleviation scheme.

This Scoping Report is submitted to Essex County Council to request their opinion

regarding the scope and level of detail relating to the information to be provided in the

environmental statements that will form the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for

the scheme.

In developing a detailed planning application and EIA, the assessments will consider the

existing baseline conditions and the affect the proposed development will have on the

prevailing environmental setting.

The responses from consultation bodies will be inserted in appendices of the appropriate

technical assessment accompanying the Environmental Statement (ES), and where

comments are addressed in the assessments, references will be made to the relevant

response in the main body of the ES.

The ES will contain assessments and recommendations to mitigate and minimise

potential environmental impacts and promote potential environmental and social

benefits of the proposals, and consider the cumulative impacts associated with its

development alongside other works within the local environment.

8.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS

The techniques and processes of undertaking EIAs are well developed in the UK and the

following assessment framework will be followed for each topic which forms a component

part of the EIA:

STEP 1

Establish Receptors which could be Affected by the Development and their Sensitivity

Determined through baseline studies on the local environment.

STEP 2

Impact Characterisation

Determine the magnitude and characteristics of impacts.

STEP 3

Impact Significance Assessment

Consider the nature and scale of impact characteristics, combined with the importance/sensitivity of receptors to

produce a judgement of overall significance.

STEP 4

Consider Need for Mitigation

Identify mitigation measures and opportunities for reducing impacts, i.e. their nature, scale, duration or

geographical extent that may be available through sensitive design or alternative methods of development.



STEP 5

Assess Significance of Residual Impacts

Determine the significance of residual effects. Where the developer has firmly committed to undertaking mitigation

to reduce the predicted significance of environmental effects, the overall significance can be re-assessed to show

the predicted change from baseline conditions with successful mitigation in place.

STEP 6

Cumulative Impact Characterisation

Identify any Cumulative and/or In-Combination Effect due to past, present and reasonably foreseeable future

developments.

STEP 7

Monitoring and Management Strategies

The success of mitigation measures may need to be monitored to ensure impacts are no worse than those predicted.

Environmental information (based on surveys) and stakeholder input will used to

influence the design of the flood alleviation scheme.

In preparing the ES the likely significant effects both before and after mitigation and

design amendments will be considered; and, the significance methodology will be

compliant with the step process outlined above.

The findings of the EIA will use standard terminology as described in Figure 7 (taken from

IEMA, 2011):

Figure 7: EIA Terminology



9 ENVIRONMENTAL TOPICS

Following an initial appraisal of the likely environmental issues, the Environment Agency

and Blackwater Aggregates are now seeking the formal views of Essex County Council

on what it considers the scope of the EIA should address.

The Environmental Statement (ES) will have regard to Schedule 4 (Information for

inclusion in Environmental Statements). At this preliminary stage, we offer the following

areas as our opinion of the scope of the EIA based on the proposed development of the

Flood Alleviation Scheme:

• Hydrology and Flood Risk;

• Hydrogeology;

• Landscape and Visual Impact;

• Ecology;

• Archaeology and Cultural Heritage;

• Transport;

• Land Quality;

• Noise and Vibration;

• Air Quality and Dust;

• Social Impacts; and

• Cumulative Impacts.

9.1 HYDROLOGY AND FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT

The EIA will contain an assessment of the hydrological baseline conditions along the River

Blackwater and the changes and/or improvements that will be realised through the

development of the proposed “on-line” and “off-line” flood storage areas.

The assessment will demonstrate the passive low impact nature of the proposed flood

alleviation scheme and the extent of its operation associated with the management

and control of 1:25, 1:50, 1:75 and 1:100 flood events. The hydrological and flood risk

modelling will demonstrate the frequency the Blackwater valley flood plain will be used

to protect the downstream villages of Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon and the

increase in the transitional zone between the natural wetland and terrestrial

environments.

The assessment will also include the potential impact on surface water flows caused by

the creation of the flood storage area. The assessment will consider the impacts of the

flood alleviation scheme through its long-term operation and provide details of how the

down-stream flows within the River Blackwater will be maintained at existing levels (i.e.

normal river flow rates and water levels) thereby limiting the extent of any impact(s) and

assessment(s) between the proposed “on-line” embankment dam and the existing weir

at Bradwell.

The hydrology and flood risk impact will also outline the long-term management,

maintenance and monitoring arrangements to be implemented by the Environment

Agency associated with the operation of the flood alleviation scheme.



9.2 HYDROGEOLOGY

The EIA will review the hydrogeological baseline conditions within the Blackwater valley

in and around Coggeshall Hamlet and Coggeshall, including existing groundwater

abstraction points, discharges and land uses that influence baseline conditions, and

identify any changes in the hydrogeological setting likely to arise from the development

of the flood alleviation scheme.

Any identified impacts on groundwater flows and groundwater quality from the

proposed creation of the flood storage area will be included in an assessment of

hydrogeological impacts. This may include changes in the level of the water table

arising from the proposed development works. Mitigation measures will be implemented

to limit any change in the local groundwater resources.

The potential for pollution from construction activities will also be assessed and mitigation

measures evaluated to prevent any contamination of groundwater.

9.3 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT

Proposed footprint of Blackwater Aggregates’ quarrying operations and “off-line” flood storage area.

The potential visual envelope (the approximate area from which the proposals may be

visible) would be established through the preparation of a Zone of Theoretical Visibility

(ZTV), using digital terrain data and specialist proprietary software, which will be verified

by site observations and existing baseline conditions.

The study will seek to identify publicly accessible visual receptors within the study area

with potential views of the proposals. These will be categorised dependent on their

sensitivity to change and assessed for potential visual effects resulting from the

development.



The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment will identify: the baseline conditions,

potential effects on the landscape and visual amenity during operational and

restoration phases of the flood alleviation schemes development and make

recommendations to mitigate impacts where necessary. The assessment will be

undertaken in accordance with the current best practice guidance written specifically

for landscape and visual assessment, namely: ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual

Impact Assessment’, (GLVIA) produced by the Landscape Institute with the Institute of

Environmental Management and Assessment (Third Edition, April 2013)8.

It is proposed that a 2 km radius study area would be used, though receptors within closer

proximity will be afford greater consideration. Similarly, the ZTV and baseline survey(s)

will be used to inform if distant receptors on the northern side of the Blackwater valley

should be considered further within the assessment.

A desk–based data collection exercise of the study area will be undertaken which will

review information relating to the local landscape character, sensitivity and landscape

planning designations. This will include:

• Listed Buildings/ Scheduled Monuments;

• Landscape Designations/ Constraints;

• Landscape Character Areas;

• Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV); and

• Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s).

The location of potential key visual receptors will be agreed with Essex County Council

and photomontages will be prepared.

A detailed restoration plan will be developed for the proposed flood alleviation scheme,

which will incorporate the “off-line” flood storage area and ecological/landscape

mitigation measures identified. This would be checked against local and national

biodiverse Priority Habitat targets and ecological requirements.

Quarrying operations would progress in a planned and systematic manner in an easterly

direction from the boundary of the former Coggeshall Quarry towards Coggeshall in a

downstream direction across the southern slope of the Blackwater valley. The landscape

and visual impact will consider the operations within each main phase, and interim

restoration plans will be developed to reflect the proposed progression of the quarrying

and restoration works across the site. The impacts associated with the construction of

the “on-line” embankment and connection point will also be considered within the

assessment.

9.4 ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY

The “on-line” embankment will be constructed across the base of the Blackwater valley

through an existing willow plantation(s) that is actively managed, coppiced and felled

within the floodplain.

The extensive willow plantations within the base of the valley are managed and

controlled through existing commercial practices that provide wood for use within the

production of cricket bats.

The willows are normally grown from stools planted in the flood plain, which are allowed

to grow and are cropped every fourth year. The life cycle of a commercially grown

tree is typically fifteen to twenty years.

8 https://www.landscapeinstitute.org/technical/glvia3-panel/

https://www.landscapeinstitute.org/technical/glvia3-panel/



As a condition of the Felling Licence, each tree is replaced on at least a one for one

basis, either in the same area or at least within the floodplain.

The extensive willow plantation is defined as Local Wildlife Site Bra186 Blackwater

Plantation which forms a wildlife corridor along the Blackwater valley.

The “off-line” flood storage area will be developed across a 155ha site to the north of

Cuthedge Lane, west of Coggeshall Hamlet and south west of Coggeshall across large

open fields that generally yield cereal, pea and bean crops under a commercial farm

tenancy contract agreement. The large open arable fields are occasionally bordered

by hedgerows, and the flood storage area contains two small areas of woodland (Figure

8).

Figure 8: Field Boundaries across “off-line” Flood Storage Area

The proposed excavation and restoration operations across the flood storage area

would be carried out by Blackwater Aggregates in a phased and systematic manner to

maximise the recovery of mineral reserves across the Site. Overburden materials would

be used to restore the site within the Blackwater valley (similar to the way in which they

were used to restore the former Coggeshall Quarry) to partially reinstate the land for

beneficial agricultural uses and create an ecologically biodiverse 62 ha flood meadow

adjacent to the River Blackwater.

The EIA will review the baseline ecological conditions within the Blackwater valley from

the proposed “on-line” embankment dam location upstream to Bradwell weir, and

across the footprint of the proposed “off-line” flood storage area.

To support in understanding the scope of the ecological assessment works, an Essex

County Council Biodiversity Validation Checklist has been completed and is presented

within Appendix SR-2.

Ecologists representing the Environment Agency and Blackwater Aggregates have

carried out an initial habitat survey within the river corridor from Bradwell weir to

Coggeshall and across the proposed flood storage area.

The survey(s) indicated that across the footprint of the flood storage area the existing

fields do not support assemblages of priority species. Within the Blackwater valley the

proposed construction of the “on-line” embankment and connection point will lead to

the loss of some bankside habitat but the footprint of the proposed structures will be

small compared to that remaining and will not form an ecological constraint.



The flood alleviation scheme will be designed so that the impacts of the proposed

construction and operation on terrestrial/wetland environments upstream of the

proposed “on-line” embankment during flood events will not be significantly different

from the effects of the flooding that occurs within the Blackwater valley without the “on-

line” structure. At this stage, potential ecological constraints likely to arise from the

construction of the “on-line” embankment will be the long-term siltation of the existing

river channel resulting from its operation. Therefore, hydrological modelling will be

reviewed by the Environment Agency’s ecology and hydrology assessment teams as the

design of the flood alleviation scheme is developed to mitigate potential siltation issues.

The development of the proposed flood alleviation scheme offers the opportunity for

ecological enhancement through the creation of new biodiverse Priority Habitats across

the flood storage area and the creation of complex margins around the site.

The ecological assessment will consider:

1. The impacts of the proposed flood alleviation scheme on the transition zone

between the wetland and terrestrial habits and the River Blackwater extending

250m upstream from the proposed Nunn’s Bridge Connection Point and 100m

downstream from the “on-line” embankment dam; and

2. Impacts associated with the proposed construction of “on-line” embankment

dam, the connection point and the “off-line” flood storage area.

To support the application, arboricultural, amphibian, reptile, badger, bat, water vole,

otter, invertebrates and bird surveys will be carried out across the site.

The ecological assessment will comprise the following key stages:

i. Scoping and consultation;

ii. The identification of the likely zone of influence.

iii. The identification of ecological resources and features likely to be affected

(baseline environment).

iv. The evaluation of ecological resources and features likely to be affected by the

proposed development.

v. The identification of the biophysical changes likely to affect valued ecological

resources and features and an assessment of whether these biophysical changes

are likely to give rise to a significant ecological impact (impact assessment).

vi. The refinement of the proposals to incorporate ecological mitigation measures.

The mitigation measures will seek to avoid, reduce or compensate for any

significant adverse impacts of the proposed development; and

vii. The ecological assessment will seek to minimise and mitigate impacts from the

development. This will include mitigation and enhancement measures and the

definition of the significance of any residual effects.

9.5 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Previous archaeological investigations that have been carried out across Bradwell

Quarry have identified the presence and/or potential presence of archaeological

remains of local importance. This information has been shared with Essex County

Council’s Historic Environment team to allow an informed assessment of the likely

archaeological importance of the Site. From the various assessments and studies that

have been completed to date it is apparent that agricultural activities that have taken

place across Rivenhall Airfield (i.e. ploughing) has played a major role in damaging the

archaeological resource and has resulted in archaeological deposits and features being

truncated.



The “off-line” flood storage area lies within a landscape which contains a number of

surviving historic landscape features as well as potential prehistoric, Roman and

medieval archaeological remains. Cut Hedge Lane is a historic route and evidence

from nearby excavations reveal a likely medieval origin to the road network and

settlement within the immediate area. The field boundaries along Cut Hedge Lane are

likely to be of medieval origin, possibly related to settlement enclosure rather than purely

agricultural and are still extant in places. Cropmarks within the immediate area of the

site reveal evidence for prehistoric and later activity.

Across the footprint of the “off-line” flood storage area a Written Scheme of Investigation

for Archaeological Evaluation (Trial Trenching) has been agreed with representatives of

Essex County Council’s Historic Environment team and is presented within Appendix SR-

3. Trial trenching works are programmed to be completed between August to

December 2018

An assessment of the surviving historic landscape will also be completed to support the

final design of the restoration profile and restored field arrangement(s) across the site.

Whilst the flood alleviation scheme will not impact directly upon any listed buildings, the

scheme has the potential to impact upon the setting of nearby Designated Heritage

Assets.

A Desk Based Heritage Assessment will be carried out and an analysis of views towards

and from all Designated Heritage Assets within a 2 km zone of the site will be completed

in accordance with Historic England’s Good Practice Advice in Planning Note 3: The

Setting of Heritage Assets (2015)9.

The findings of the archaeological evaluation and heritage assessment(s) will be

included within the EIA.

9.6 TRANSPORT


develop a planning application to deliver a flood alleviation scheme for the

communities of Coggeshall Feering and Kelvedon.

Sand and gravel recovered from the flood storage area would be transported and

processed through the existing on-site washing and screening plant, located within

Bradwell Quarry.

Therefore, the development of the flood alleviation scheme will extend Blackwater

Aggregates’ quarrying operations and result in the continued use and retention of its

existing processing plant and infrastructure which includes a mineral washing plant,

office and weighbridge, ready mix concrete plant, bagging unit, DSM plant, water and

silt management systems. Sand and gravel recovered from the flood storage area will

be transported to the existing processing plant via a haul road or field conveyor

constructed below ground level. The haulage or conveyor route would pass beneath

Cuthedge Lane via a cut and cover tunnel.

The proposed application boundary includes the established vehicle access from the

A120 (Coggeshall Road) and other areas of Bradwell Quarry which would allow the

potential connection of the quarry to the preferred alignment of the new A120 to the

south of the site. All HGV vehicular access to and from the site would be via the A120.

9 https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/gpa3-setting-of-heritage-assets/

https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/gpa3-setting-of-heritage-assets/



Access to the site for private vehicles used by Blackwater Aggregates’ earthworks staff,

Light Goods Vehicles used by the earthworks maintenance staff, fuel deliveries and

general support vehicles to the flood storage area will be via the former Coggeshall

Quarry access road via West Street and/or via Cuthedge Lane adjacent to Haywards

Cottage.

If planning permission is granted for the flood alleviation scheme, when Blackwater

Aggregates commence the construction of the flood storage area the capacity to

process minerals excavated from the site and processed within Bradwell Quarry would

remain unchanged. Therefore, in delivering the flood storage area the proposed

quarrying operations will not increase the level of vehicular traffic attracted to Bradwell

Quarry. The transport movements to and from the Bradwell Quarry will remain

unchanged and continue to enter and leave the Site to and from the existing A120.

Considering the above, a Transport Statement (rather than a Transport Assessment) will

be prepared to review the baseline conditions established by Blackwater Aggregates’

existing quarrying operations and demonstrate that traffic movements to and from the

quarry whilst the flood storage area is developed on the Environment Agency’s behalf

will remain unchanged.

Vehicles used by the Environment Agency to support the long-term management and

maintenance of the flood alleviation scheme will access the site via existing agricultural

or wetland plantation access points.

It is envisaged that the scoping discussions with the relevant authorities may require some

aspects of the original traffic plans for the existing quarry to be updated or commented

upon to address concern raised by the statutory consultees. A Transport Statement

(rather than a Transport Assessment) will be prepared to support the application. A

Transport Scoping Request is presented in Appendix SR-4

9.7 LAND USE

The “on-line” embankment will be constructed through the extensive willow plantations

within the base of the Blackwater valley are managed and controlled through existing

commercial practices.

The “off-line” flood storage area will be developed across large open fields that

generally yield cereal, pea and bean crops under a commercial farm tenancy contract

agreement. The large open arable fields are occasionally bordered by hedgerows, and

the flood storage area contains two small areas of woodland.

The EIA will review the existing commercial agricultural setting of the site across the

wetland willow plantation and arable fields and consider the potential impact on

agricultural land. The assessment will consider the existing commercial land uses and

the long-term improvements that could be offered through diversification and the

creation of biodiverse habitats within a working landscape.

The site has not been subject to any form of development likely to result in contamination

of the underlying ground conditions. Consequently, an assessment of contaminated

land is not proposed.

9.8 NOISE & VIBRATION

To support the proposed flood alleviation scheme, and the transition of Blackwater

Aggregates’ existing quarrying operations into the “off-line” flood storage area, baseline

noise monitoring will be carried out at the most sensitive residential properties within the

immediate vicinity of the site, namely: Curd Hall; Herons Farm; Deeks Cottage; Haywards;

the Essex Way; and the fringe(s) of Coggeshall and Coggeshall Hamlet. The fully

attended noise monitoring visits will carried out during Blackwater Aggregates’ normal

working hours. Measurements will be supplemented with historical data as appropriate.



The location of the proposed noise monitoring points will be agreed with representatives

of Essex County Council (or their noise consultant). Where planning condition noise limits

do not currently exist suitable, realistic and achievable limits will be agreed with Essex

County Council in accordance with the relevant guidance.

Modelling of noise associated with key phases of the proposed works will be undertaken

and this will include typical and worst-case operations as necessary. The noise model

and outputs will demonstrate that existing operational practices and standard

construction techniques can employed by Blackwater Aggregates and the Environment

Agency during the construction of the “off-line” flood storage area and “on-line”

embankment without the need for significant mitigation or management. The

assessment will include cumulative impacts related to approved development(s) within

the vicinity of the site. Where appropriate historical knowledge and data will be

included in the analysis to ensure the assessment is robust. A detailed noise assessment

will be prepared to support the planning application and EIA.

Local amenity can be protected by minimising work in sensitive areas and creating

‘buffers’ between residential areas and mineral workings. A minimum of a 100m ‘buffer

zone’ from the working area to the façade of a residential property is normally required

to minimise the impact of working on local amenity.

Stand-offs or ‘buffer zones’ of 100m have previously been applied to heritage assets and

residential properties around Bradwell Quarry, and in certain circumstances, where

properties are either owned by, or under the control of Blackwater Aggregates, at their

closest point the operational face of the quarrying operations has been within 35m.

The buffer zones provide (and have proven to provide) effective protection to the

properties and heritage assets from ground borne vibration.

Owing to the considerable separation distances (>100m) between the “off-line” flood

storage area and surrounding residential buildings and villages, and the nature of the

proposed quarrying operations, it is considered that there is no likelihood of perceptible

levels of ground borne vibration arising. Consequently, an assessment of ground borne

vibration from the sequential delivery of the flood storage area is not proposed.

9.9 AIR QUALITY AND DUST

From the experience of the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM’s) Working Group,

adverse dust impacts from sand and gravel sites are uncommon beyond 250 m from the

nearest dust generating activities (e.g. extraction areas, processing areas and haul

roads).

It is commonly accepted that the greatest impacts will be within 100m of a source and

this can include both large (>30 μm) and small dust particles. The greatest potential for

high rates of dust deposition and elevated PM10 concentrations occurs within this

distance.

The primary emissions to atmosphere likely to arise during the construction and delivery

of the proposed flood alleviation scheme will be dust. The inherent nature of the

proposed “on-line” and “off-line” construction and quarrying operations, mineral

extraction, mineral handling and processing, and transportation of minerals across the

site, have the potential to create sources of fugitive dust.

By maintaining stand-offs or ‘buffer zones’ of more than 100m from residential properties

around the proposed “off-line” flood storage area, air quality and dust impacts will be

minimised, controlled and mitigated through Blackwater Aggregates’ established

working practices within Bradwell Quarry.

The EIA will review the baseline air quality and dust emissions conditions in and around

the proposed flood alleviation scheme, including those from Blackwater Aggregates’

established quarrying operations within Bradwell Quarry.



The EIA will seek to minimise and mitigate air borne and dust impacts during the

construction of the “on-line“ embankment, connection point and “off-line” flood

storage area to levels equal to the conditions benchmarked and approved by Essex

County Council’s Minerals Planning Authority for Blackwater Aggregates’ existing

quarrying operations.

The assessment of potential dust and particulate impacts will draw on the detailed

understanding of Blackwater Aggregates’ existing quarrying operations and the control

and mitigation measures already established around their site. Because the

development will neither alter nor vary the number of vehicles operating across, or

accessing, the site there will be no change to the existing traffic emissions conditions;

therefore, a specific assessment of emissions from HGVs travelling to and from the site

via the A120 is not considered necessary.

9.10 SOCIAL IMPACTS

The EIA will review the social baseline conditions within Coggeshall, Kelvedon, Feering

and Bradwell and consider the impact of the proposed flood alleviation scheme on

residents and businesses.

The Socio-Economics Impact Assessment (SIA) will identify potential benefits and adverse

socio-economic impacts to local communities, groups or individuals that may arise in

connection with the development of the flood alleviation scheme.

The methodology for this assessment will draw on relevant UK guidance and global best

practice and will be consistent with methodologies developed for Environmental Impact

Assessment and Social Impact Assessments. The SIA methodology will review relevant

background reports, planning documents and statistical data, and will pay particular

attention to addressing key issues and development priorities outlined in relevant

regional and local development planning documents such as Neighbourhood Plans.


deliver the flood alleviation scheme. It is important to note that through hydrological

modelling and cost benefit analysis the Environment Agency has demonstrated that

without the creation of the “off-line” flood storage area and financial support that is

being offered by Blackwater Aggregates to construct the “on-line” embankment dam,

there is insufficient public funding available to deliver the scheme, nor any element of it.

Therefore, the SIA will consider social impacts arising from the development of the

proposed flood alleviation scheme on the local villages, balanced against the potential

impacts should the scheme not come forward.

Through the delivery of the flood alleviation scheme the Environment Agency,

Blackwater Aggregates and local Landowners will consider ways of enhancing local

amenity value through improvements to public access to the Blackwater valley.

In delivering the scheme its impacts on existing public rights of way such as the Essex

Way will be considered and temporary diversions and improvements to existing

permissive rights of way will be assessed.

9.11 LIGHTING

Lighting assessments have been completed to support Blackwater Aggregates’ existing

quarrying and mineral processing operations at Bradwell Quarry, Appendix SR-5.

The assessments have clearly demonstrated that the Site is situated within a

suburban/rural transition area (as defined in the Bortle Scale light pollution assessment,

Figure 9) and the proposed flood alleviation scheme will not affect the current levels of

sky glow and glare within the vicinity.



Figure 9: Bortle Scale light pollution assessment

No changes are proposed to the existing lighting arrangements associated with

Blackwater Aggregates’ minerals processing area or to the proposed hours of operation

and methods of working that will take place across the “off-line” flood storage area. By

maintaining the existing working practices to deliver the flood alleviation scheme there

will be no changes in the level of sky glow at the Site.

Considering the above, the scope of any lighting assessment will comprise a supportive

statement to clarify that by maintaining: existing hours of working; established quarrying

and mineral processing operations; and, limiting the use of any temporary lighting, there

will be no change in the level of sky glow resulting from the delivery of the flood

alleviation scheme.

9.12 SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

The principles of sustainable design and efficient use of resources, including the need to

ensure reduction in carbon emissions and minimising environmental effects leading to

climate change, are embedded within the Environment Agency and Blackwater

Aggregates’ proposals to deliver the flood alleviation scheme and reduce the risk of

flooding associated with extreme weather events.

Sand and gravel reserves can only be extracted from sites where suitable geological

conditions exist. Minerals are a finite resource and because they can only be excavated

once, washing, screening and processing of the primary aggregates must maximise

sustainable beneficial uses of the minerals.



The aims of sustainable development through the quarrying of primary minerals from “off-

line” flood storage area will be met through the washing, screening and processing of

the sand and gravel through an established plant to produce a range of construction

products, thus optimising the use of the materials recovered from the site. Quarrying

operations across the “off-line” flood storage area will be designed to maximise the use

of the minerals (which are an important natural resource) using a planned and

systematic approach to its operations which are sensitive to the local environment, to

promote habitat creation as an after-use.

It is important to note that the mineral reserves around Bradwell Quarry are a particularly

valuable mineral resource in Essex as it has a very high stone content and low silt content,

unlike many of the smaller sites in the region. Thus, the operation is continuously self-

sufficient in both sand and gravel, thereby preventing the need for importation of stone

for the concrete plant.

Due to the importance of the long-term availability of extractable resources from the

“off-line” flood storage area, the standard of the access road and processing facilities

that have been established and will continue to be used and maintained to support the

long term sustainable delivery of the flood alleviation scheme, and the protection it will

offer local businesses and residents from extreme weather events and flooding, a

climate change assessment is not considered necessary. The impacts associated with

potential climactic changes will be assessed within the Flood Risk Assessment.

9.13 HEALTH IMPACTS

By maintaining stand-offs or buffer zones of 100m (in line with Minerals Local Plan Policy

and industry best practice) health impacts associated with the proposed creation of the

“on-line” embankment and “off-line” flood storage area will have a negligible impact,

directly or indirectly, on people’s health in terms of: the transportation or movement of

materials within the working area that may give rise to dust, noise, safety and local

environment considerations.

The potential environmental health impacts associated with dust and noise likely to arise

from the delivery of the flood alleviation scheme will be specifically assessed within the

relevant Environmental Statement. A health impact assessment is not considered

necessary.

9.14 FEERING AND KELVEDON CUMULATIVE ASSESSMENT

The environmental assessment(s) will consider the baseline conditions established by the

permissions already obtained for the existing operations at Bradwell Quarry and where

relevant, other planned or implemented schemes such as quarrying operations within

Preferred or Reserved Sites for mineral extraction within the Minerals Local Plan, the new

A120, the Integrated Waste Management Facility and any other relevant local

development plan proposals.

The cumulative assessment(s) will consider: site-specific cumulative impacts likely to

influence common receptors (e.g. noise and visual effects on ecology); and, wider

cumulative impacts which may arise from the combined effects (additive or interactive)

resulting from the development of the flood alleviation scheme alongside other planned

or permitted development proposals. The assessments will follow recognised best

practice.

Because the flood alleviation scheme will be designed to provide flood protection to

the villages of Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon for at least 100 years, the potential

decommissioning of the proposed “on-line” embankment will not be included within the

cumulative assessments.



10 SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED SCOPE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report has identified the likely

potential for significant effects to arise from the construction, operation and

decommissioning of the flood alleviation scheme. The following list identifies the

specialist main topic environmental assessments that are proposed to be scoped into

the EIA assessment. Some sub-topic issues within these main topic areas are proposed to

be scoped out:

• Hydrology and Flood Risk;

• Hydrogeology;

• Landscape and Visual Impact;

o No changes are proposed to the existing lighting arrangements, proposed

hours of operation and methods of working. There will be no changes in the

level of sky glow at the Site. Consequently, a statement to confirm that there

will be no change in the level of sky glow will be prepared.

• Ecology & Biodiversity;

• Water Framework Directive Assessment;

• Archaeology and Cultural Heritage;

• Transport;

o When Blackwater Aggregates commence the construction of the flood

storage area the capacity to process minerals excavated from the site and

processed within Bradwell Quarry would remain unchanged. The transport

movements to and from the Bradwell Quarry will remain unchanged and

continue to enter and leave the Site to and from the existing A120. A

Transport Statement will be prepared. A Transport Assessment is not

considered necessary.

• Land Quality;

o The site has not been subject to any form of development likely to result in

contamination of the underlying ground conditions. Consequently, an

assessment of contaminated land is not proposed.

• Noise;

o The potential environmental health impacts associated with noise likely to

arise from the delivery of the flood alleviation scheme will be specifically

assessed within the Noise Assessment. A health impact assessment is not

considered necessary.

o Owing to the considerable separation distances (>100m) between the “off-

line” flood storage area and surrounding residential buildings and villages, it

is considered that there is no likelihood of perceptible levels of ground borne

vibration arising. Consequently, an assessment of ground borne vibration is

not proposed.

• Air Quality and Dust;

o The potential environmental health impacts associated with dust likely to

arise from the delivery of the flood alleviation scheme will be specifically

assessed within the Air Quality and Dust Assessment. A health impact

assessment is not considered necessary.



o Because the development will neither alter nor vary the number of vehicles

operating across, or accessing, the site there will be no change to the existing

traffic emissions conditions; therefore, a specific assessment of emissions from

HGVs travelling to and from the site via the A120 is not considered necessary.

• Social Impacts; and

o Due to the importance of the long-term availability of extractable resources

from the “off-line” flood storage area, the standard of the access road and

processing facilities that have been established and will continue to be used

and maintained to support the long term sustainable delivery of the flood

alleviation scheme, and the protection it will offer local businesses and

residents from extreme weather events and flooding, a climate change

assessment is not considered necessary.

• Cumulative Impacts.

o Will be considered (where appropriate) within the environmental assessment

topics presented above.

Based on the Environment Agency and Blackwater Aggregates’ existing understanding

of the baseline environmental setting of the site Table SR-1 summarises the proposed

scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment in support of the flood alleviation

scheme:

Table SR-1 Summary of Proposed Environmental Topics “Scoped In” and “Scoped Out”

for the Environmental Impact Assessment.

“Scoped In” “Scoped Out”

Hydrology & Flood Risk Assessment (and WFD) Contaminated Land

Hydrogeology Vibration

Landscape and Visual Impact Health

Ecology and Biodiversity Climate Change

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage “on-line” decommissioning

Land Quality

Noise*

Air Quality and Dust*

Social Impacts

Transport++

Lighting++

* The potential environmental health impacts associated with dust and noise likely to arise from the delivery of

the flood alleviation scheme will be specifically assessed within the relevant Environmental Statement.

++ No changes are proposed to the existing transport and lighting arrangements therefore supportive Transport

and Lighting Statements will be provided (Transport and Lighting Impact Assessments are not considered

necessary).

10.1 WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes a framework for the protection of the

River Blackwater and sets out assessment criteria relating to: Biological standards; Water

quality standards; and Water level and flow standards.



In developing the flood alleviation scheme a WFD assessment will be carried out to

demonstrate that the flood alleviation proposals protect the environmental setting and

standards of the River Blackwater, whilst mitigating risks associated with flooding.



11 ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS & COMMITMENTS

The Minerals Working and Active Landfills Environmental Award Scheme is operated by

Essex County Council to benchmark and assess the environmental standards achieved

by operational sites.

Since commencing quarrying operations at Bradwell Quarry in 2000, Blackwater

Aggregates have been awarded the Gold Level Award, i.e. the highest achievable,

reflecting a very good standard in all aspects surveyed in respect of compliance with

planning control and the commitment to minimising the potential environmental impact

of the mineral and/or landfill operations at the Site.

The creation of the “off-line” flood storage area through Blackwater Aggregates’ normal

quarrying operations would follow the established principles of environmental best

practice, thereby minimising any impact of the Site to local residents.

In addition to the benefits that will result from the flood alleviation scheme to residential

properties and local businesses in Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon; through its

commitment to support local stakeholder groups, Blackwater Aggregates has offered

almost £100,000 in voluntary financial contributions and provided materials free of

charge to support a range of local community groups and parish council initiatives.

These contributions have varied from financial donations to support improvements in

local village halls, scout huts and local charitable funds etc, to the supply of quantities

of sand and ballast for local playing fields and historic bridge restoration schemes.

Blackwater Aggregates’ support and partnership with the Environment Agency will result

in the delivery of a £25 Million sustainable flood alleviation scheme, that will provide long

term benefit(s) to the local area.



GLOSSARY

Air quality

management area

(AQMA)

Area defined by the local authority as an area requiring

management because air quality levels do not meet national air

quality objectives

Agricultural Land

classification

A series of six grades classifying soil in terms of its suitability for

agriculture, from 1 (excellent) to 5 (very poor)

Ancient Woodland Land continuously wooded since 1600 in England and Wales or

1750 in Scotland.

Ancient Semi Natural

Woodland

Sites that have retained woodland and shrub cover since 1600,

previously the site of original woodland. They may have been

managed by coppicing and allowed to regenerate naturally.

Aquifer An underground layer of rock with water storage capability.

Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty

(AONB)

Areas formally designated under the National Parks and Access to

the Countryside Act (1949) to protect parts of the countryside of

high scenic quality that cannot be selected for National Park status

as they do not have opportunities for outdoor recreation. The

Countryside Agency is the government agency responsible for

designating AONBs and advising the government.

Archaeological

Priority Areas

An area specified by Local Planning Authorities to help protect

archaeological remains that might be affected by development.

Baseline A description of the present state of the environment with the

consideration of how the environment would change in the future

in the absence of the plan/programme/project as a result of

natural events and other human activities.

Baseline studies/

survey

Collection of information about the environment which is likely to

be affected by the project

Biodiversity Action

Plan (BAP)

An agreed plan for a habitat or species, which forms part of the

UK’s commitment to biodiversity in response to the Convention on

Biological Diversity, Rio de Janeiro 1992

Brownfield site A site which has been previously developed, often a disused

factory site or industrial area.

Catchment

abstraction

management

strategy (CAMS)

Used to manage water resources to balance the need for

abstraction and management of the aquatic environment in

consultation with local interested parties.

Catchment A surface water catchment is the total area that drains into a river.

A groundwater catchment is the total area that supplies the

groundwater part of the river flow.

Catchment Flood

Management Plan

(CFMP)

A high level plan carried out by the Environment Agency in order to

manage the risk of flooding to people, property and the

environment in an integrated way. These plans form the basis of

future flood risk management proposals.



Character area An area of land with distinctive landscape features resulting from

an interaction of wildlife, landforms, geology, land use and human

activity as defined by the Countryside Agency.

Connection Point A connection between the river and a flood storage area that

allows water to flow into the flood storage area in times of flood

and allows the water to drain back into the river as the flooding

subsides in a controlled manner

Conservation Area An area designated under the Town and Country Planning Act,

1990 to protect its architectural or historic character.

Countryside and

Rights of Way

(CRoW) Act 2000

This Act applies to England and Wales and has five parts: Access to

the countryside; Public rights of way and road traffic; Nature

conservation and wildlife protection; Areas of outstanding natural

beauty; Miscellaneous and Supplementary

This act increases the protection of SSSIs. Environment Agency

plans/programmes/projects must gain consent for works in or near

SSSIs using a CRoW form.

Countryside

Character Areas

Sub-divisions of England into areas with similar landscape character

as categorised by the Countryside Agency. These are used when

assessing the impact of a plan/programme/project on its local

landscape.

Critical Ordinary

Watercourses

(COWs)

Stretches of Ordinary Watercourse that have been classified as

critical in terms of flood risk by the Environment Agency and local

Authorities. Many COWs are currently being reclassified as Main

River for the Environment Agency to take over responsibility from

the local authority or Internal Drainage Board.

Cumulative Impacts The combined impacts of several projects within an area, which

individually are not significant, but together amount to a significant

impact.

Department for

Environment, Food

and Rural Affairs

(DEFRA)

The government department responsible for flood management

policy in England

Ecological Impact

Assessment (EcIA)

An assessment of the potential effects of a proposed development

on species, habitats and sites that are of value to conservation or

protected by national and/or international legislation.

Ecosystems Services The services that ecosystems provide which can provide value to

people and the wider environment. Includes: Supporting services

(e.g. oxygen production), Provisioning services (e.g. fuel),

Regulating services (e.g. climate), Cultural services (e.g.

recreation).

Historic England (HE) Government statutory advisor on the historic environment, funded

jointly by the government and by revenue from properties and

members.



Environmental

Action Plan (EAP)

A standalone report or section within another environmental

impact assessment document which ensures that constraints,

objectives and targets set in the main Environmental

Report/Statement are actually carried out on the ground. Actions

are separated into those to be carried out before, during and after

construction.

Environmental

Impact Assessment

(EIA)

“EIA is an assessment process applied to both new development

proposals and changes or extensions to existing developments that

are likely to have significant effects on the environment. The EIA

process ensures that potential effects on the environment are

considered, including natural resources such as water, air and soil;

conservation of species and habitats; and community issues such

as visual effects and impacts on the population. EIA provides a

mechanism by which the interaction of environmental effects

resulting from development can be predicted, allowing them to be

avoided or reduced through the development of mitigation

measures. As such, it is a critical part of the decision-making

process.” www.iema.net/eiareport

Environmental

Report (ER)

(1) The document produced for projects that do not require

statutory environmental impact assessment, but where

environmental impact has been carried out. This includes projects

that require planning permission from the local authority but the

effects of the proposal will not be significant. An ER usually follows

the same template as an Environmental Statement, but is less

detailed.

(2) The document produced to describe the strategic

environmental assessment process carried out for strategies. This

report can be standalone or contained as an appendix to a

strategy.

Environmentally

Sensitive Area (ESA)

An area of particularly high landscape, wildlife or historical

importance within which DEFRA offered inducements to encourage

farmers to adopt agricultural practices to safeguard or enhance

those features. Payments have now been superseded by the ESS

Environmental

Statement (ES)

The document produced to describe the environmental impact

assessment process where statutory environmental impact

assessment is required.

Flood alleviation

scheme (FAS)

Scheme designed to reduce the risk of flooding in a given area

Flood Cell A discrete area subject to flooding from failure of defences at a

specific point or length.

Flood defence A structure (or system of structures) that reduce flooding from rivers

or the sea

Floodline Environment Agency flood warning system, accessible by

telephone or internet and updated every 15 minutes

http://www.iema.net/eiareport



Flood risk

management

strategy (FRMS)

A long term (50 years or more) plan for coastal or river

management to reduce the risk of flooding and carry out. They are

more detailed than CFMPs.

Flood management

unit (FMU)

A river or coastal reach subject to flooding from similar processes.

Such a unit may consist of one or more flood cells

Flood risk mapping A system of maps created by the Environment Agency to show

areas that are at risk of a flood that has a 1 in 100 chance (or

higher) of occurring in any given year

Flood storage area

(FSA)

An extension to the river flood plain created by the excavation of

minerals

Geographical

Information Systems

(GIS)

A computer based system for capturing, storing, integrating,

manipulating, analysing and displaying data spatially.

Habitats Directive EC Directive (92/43/EEC) on the Conservation of natural habitats

and of wild flora and fauna. Implemented (with the Birds Directive

(79/409/EEC)) in the UK as the Conservation (Natural habitats and

wild flora and fauna) Regulations (1994). This establishes a system

of protection of certain flora, fauna and habitats considered to be

of International or European conservation importance. Sites are

designated as Special areas of conservation (SACs), special

protection areas (SPAs) and/or Ramsar sites. Any developments in

or close to these designated areas are subject to the Habitat

Regulations for approval of English Nature. Together these sites are

referred to as the Natura 2000 network.

Health impact

assessment

“A combination of procedures, methods and tools by which a

policy, programme or project may be judged as its potential

effects on the health of a population, and the distribution of those

effects within a population.” World Health Organisation.

Higher level scheme See ESS

Indicative

landscape plan (ILP)

Overlay of existing environment and scheme proposals to highlight

environmental constraints and opportunities including designated

sites and landscape character.

Land Drainage

Regulations

The Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage

Improvement Works) Regulations (SI 1999 No. 1783) apply to

improvement works to land drainage infrastructure undertaken by

land drainage bodies, including the Environment Agency. Such

works are permitted development and therefore not subject to the

Town and Country Planning EIA requirements.

Local Biodiversity

Action Plan (LBAP)

A local plan with targets to protect and enhance biodiversity to

achieve national targets and also to protect locally important

species

Local Nature

Partnerships

Local Nature Partnerships were one of the key proposals made in

the June 2011 Natural Environment White Paper. Their purpose is to

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/whitepaper/



bring a diverse range of individuals, businesses and organisations

together to create a vision and plan of action about how the

natural environment can be taken into account in decision making

in that area.

Local Nature

Reserve (LNR)

Nature reserves designated under the National Parks and

Countryside Act (1949) for locally important wildlife or geological

features. They are controlled by local authorities in liaison with

English Nature.

Main river A watercourse designated by DEFRA. The Environment Agency has

permissive powers to carry out flood defence works, maintenance

and operational activities on main rivers. Responsibility for

maintenance rests on the riparian owner.

Marine

Management

Organisation

An executive non-departmental public body established under the

Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 with responsibilities including

marine licensing and working with Natural England and others to

manage a network of marine protected areas (marine conservation

zones and European marine sites).

Mitigation measures Actions that are taken to minimise, prevent or compensate for

adverse effects of the development.

National Nature

Reserve (NNR)

Nature reserves designated under the National Parks and

Countryside Act (1949) for nationally important wildlife or

geological features (these may be the best examples in the

country). They are controlled by English Nature.

Natural Areas Sub-divisions of England, characterised by wildlife and natural

features. There are 120 Natural Areas in England. Designations are

managed by English Nature.

Natural England Natural England is an Executive Non-departmental Public Body

responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and

Rural Affairs. Their purpose is to protect and improve England’s

natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get

involved in their surroundings. Their aim is to create a better natural

environment that covers all of our urban, country and coastal

landscapes, along with all of the animals, plants and other

organisms that live with us.

Nature Improvement

Areas

12 new nature zones in England covering hundreds of thousands of

hectares receiving Government funding to create wildlife havens,

restore habitats and encourage local people to get involved with

nature.

Nitrate vulnerable

zone (NVZ)

Area where surface or ground waters are above the standards set

by the Nitrates Directive (91/676), as implemented in England and

Wales by SI2164/2002

Ordinary water

course

A watercourse not designated as main river. The local authority or

Internal Drainage Board has permissive powers to maintain them.



Ramsar site Wetland site of international importance listed under the

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance under the

Conservation of Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar) Convention 1973.

Riparian Area of land or habitat adjacent to rivers and streams

Scheduled

monument

Nationally important historic sites, buildings or monuments identified

by English Heritage and designated by the Secretary of State for

Culture, Media and Sport. Any work affecting a scheduled

monument must gain consent from English Heritage under the

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979).

Scoping

The process of deciding the scope or level of detail of an EIA/ SEA.

During this stage the key environmental issues (likely significant

effects) of a project/strategy are identified so that the rest of the

process can focus on these issues. Issues may result from the

proposal itself or from sensitivities of the site.

Screening (1) For environmental impact assessment, the process of deciding

which developments require an environmental impact assessment

to be carried out and whether this will be statutory.

(2) For strategic environmental assessment, the decision on which

plans, strategies or programmes require strategic environmental

assessment to be carried out and whether this will be statutory.

Screening opinion Statutory opinion from the competent authority as to whether a

proposed project requires statutory environmental impact

assessment according to the Environmental Impact Assessment

Regulations.

SEA Directive European Directive 2001/42/EC “on the assessment of the effects of

certain plans and programmes on the environment”

Site of Special

Scientific Interest

(SSSI)

Nationally important sites designated for their flora, fauna,

geological or physiographical features under the Wildlife and

Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and the Countryside Rights of

Way (CRoW) Act (2000).

Special Area for

Conservation (SAC)

Sites of European importance for habitats and non bird species.

Above mean low water mark they are also SSSIs.

Special Protection

Area (SPA) and

proposed Special

Protection Area

(pSPA)

An area designated for rare or vulnerable birds, or migratory birds

and their habitats, classified under Article 4 of the EC Directive on

the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC). They are also SSSIs.

Proposed sites receive the same protection as fully protected sites

Standard of

protection (SoP)

The level of protection from flooding, for example an SoP of 1 in 100

means that the flood defences in an area provide protection from

floods up to a size of flood with a probability of occurring of 1 in 100

in any year



Strategic

Environmental

Assessment

SEA is a process designed to ensure that significant environmental

effects arising from proposed plans and programmes are identified,

assessed, subjected to public participation, taken into account by

decision-makers, and monitored. SEA sets the framework for future

assessment of development projects, some of which require

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). SEA is carried out

according to the requirements of the SEA Directive 2001/42/EC

Sustainable

development

A concept defined by the Brundtland Report (1987) as

“Development that meets the needs of the present without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own

needs”

Sustainable urban

drainage systems

(SuDs)

A system of controlling the quality and quantity of water run-off so

as to prevent flooding or pollution.

Washland Area of land adjacent to a watercourse, which is allowed to flood

when the watercourse overtops its banks.

Water Framework

Directive (WFD)

EC Directive (2000/60/EC) on integrated river basin management.

The WFD sets out environmental objectives for water status based

on ecological and chemical parameters, common monitoring and

assessment strategies, arrangements for river basin administration

and planning and a programme of measures in order to meet the

objectives.

Water level

management plan

(WLMP)

A plan that sets out water level management requirements in a

defined floodplain area (usually an SSSI) which is designed to

reconcile different needs for drainage.



APPENDIX SR-1

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL PRE-APPLICATION PLANNING ADVICE



APPENDIX SR-2

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL BIODIVERSITY VALIDATION CHECKLIST



APPENDIX SR-3

WRITTEN SCHEME OF INVESTIGATION FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION (TRIAL TRENCHING)



APPENDIX SR-4

TRANSPORT SCOPING REQUEST



APPENDIX SR-5

BRADWELL QUARRY LIGHTING ASSESSMENTS

Documents

COGGESHALL, FEERING & KELVEDON FLOOD ALLEVIATION … · and the creation of an “off-line” flood storage area and connection points within the flood plain of the Blackwater Valley