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East Leeds Orbital Road

Environmental Statement;

Non-Technical Summary

Prepared for

Prepared by

Mouchel,

St Johns House

Queen Street

Manchester

M2 5JB

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Document Control Sheet

Project Title East Leeds Orbital Road

Report Title Environmental Statement; Non-technical Summary

Report Reference 1072071-MOU-EAC-XX-RP-A-0002

Status Final

Report Date June 2017

Record of Issue

Version Status Author Date Checked by Date Approved by Date

1 Final P Reid June 17 T Taylor June 17 H Roberts June 17

Distribution

Date Organisation Contact Format Copies

June 2017 Leeds City Council e 1

Limitations

This report is presented to Leeds City Council in respect of the East Leeds Orbital Road and

may not be used or relied on by any other person. It may not be used by Leeds City Council

in relation to any other matters not covered specifically by the agreed scope of this Report.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the report, Mouchel Limited is obliged

to exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence in the performance of the services required

by Leeds City Council and Mouchel Limited shall not be liable except to the extent that it has

failed to exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence, and this report shall be read and

construed accordingly.

This report has been prepared by Mouchel Limited. No individual is personally liable in

connection with the preparation of this report. By receiving this report and acting on it, the

client or any other person accepts that no individual is personally liable whether in contract,

tort, for breach of statutory duty or otherwise.

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Contents

Document Control Sheet ............................................................................................ 2

Contents ...................................................................................................................... 3

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4

2 Alternatives considered .................................................................................... 4

3 The proposed scheme ....................................................................................... 4

4 Environmental impacts, mitigation and significant effects ............................. 8

5 Deposit Locations ............................................................................................ 18

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1 Introduction

1.1.1 Leeds City Council (the Council) is submitting a planning application for the development of a 6.8km dual carriageway, the East Leeds Orbital Road, which will run north to south around the north-eastern and eastern fringes of the Leeds urban area. The proposed scheme will link the A6120 to the east of Roundhay Park and Manston Lane north of Thorpe Park.

1.1.2 The proposed scheme constitutes Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 and amended by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations 2015. Under the Regulations the Council, as the applicant, is required to submit an Environmental Statement (ES) as part of the application documentation.

1.1.3 The ES reports the findings of studies and assessments which have been undertaken to investigate to what extent, if any, the implementation of the proposed scheme will be likely to have a significant effect or significant effects on the environment. This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) is a required part of an ES under Schedule 4 of the Regulations. It provides an outline of the information contained in the ES.

1.1.4 The scope of the studies and assessments which are reported in the ES were identified following internal consultation between the Council’s highways and planning departments and external consultation with a wide range of environmental bodies and agencies.

1.1.5 The information provided in the ES is open to comment from any interested party, including members of the public. The information, including any representations from interested parties, must be taken into account by the planning authority in advance of any decision regarding development consent.

2 Alternatives considered

2.1.1 Alternatives considered during the development of the proposed scheme have been limited to the location and design form for bridges providing for:

• pedestrian and cyclist access across the proposed road corridor; and

• the crossing of Cock Beck.

2.1.2 A total of seven locations were considered. Two were discounted because of the extent of land take that would be required and there being access available via one of the other five structures. Selection of the design form for the remaining five involved consideration of consistency of form, cost and prominence in the landscape.

3 The proposed scheme

3.1.1 The proposed scheme is located in the countryside that extends east of the suburbs of Whinmoor, Swarcliffe and Manston to the villages of Shadwell, Thorner, Scholes and Barwick-in-Elmet. The partly developed, and currently being extended, Thorpe Park marks the southern end of the proposed road. Agriculture is the primary land use within the application site and surrounding area. Cock Beck, a tributary of the River Wharfe, runs along the western margin of the proposed scheme corridor and then to the east as it approaches the southern end of the proposed road corridor. The key parameters of the proposed scheme and its surrounding environment is shown on Figure 1 in this NTS.

3.1.2 There are a number of roads which radiate to the north and east from the urban core. These include the A58 to Wetherby, the A64 to York and Scarborough and Leeds Road/ Barwick

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Road. There is a network of rights of way and pathways which link the urban core and nearby villages and provide for access to the countryside and open areas.

3.1.3 The proposed scheme comprises a 6.8km-long dual carriageway running from a new three-arm roundabout located immediately east of the A6120, where it marks the eastern boundary of the Leeds Golf Club, to a proposed roundabout at Manston Lane at the proposed scheme’s southern end. This roundabout is part of the Manston Lane Link Road which provides access to the M62 as part of the extension of development at Thorpe Park and is not part of the proposed scheme.

3.1.4 There will be four intermediate junctions located between these two terminal points:

• an at-grade five-arm roundabout where the proposed scheme crosses the A58

Wetherby Road;

• an at-grade four-arm roundabout where the proposed scheme crosses Skeltons

Lane;

• an at-grade six-arm throughabout where the proposed scheme crosses the A64 York

Road; and

• an at-grade four-arm roundabout where the proposed scheme crosses

Barwick/Leeds Road.

3.1.5 On leaving the roundabout at the A6120, the dual carriageway will follow an easterly alignment on low embankment crossing land currently occupied by an LCC nursery/depot and encroaching into an area used for informal recreation at Red Hall. A new bridge over the dual carriageway will maintain established access for pedestrians and cyclists between Red Hall and Whin Moor Lane. The dual carriageway will continue in an easterly direction through the proposed A58 roundabout which includes a spur to cater for future access to parts of the planned East Leeds Extension (ELE). It will enter a shallow cutting upon leaving the roundabout and cross Coal Road which will be stopped up each side of the new highway corridor.

3.1.6 The dual carriageway will curve to the south-east as it approaches the proposed roundabout at Skeltons Lane. A section of Skeltons Lane will be re-aligned to accommodate the western arm of the roundabout. A spur will also be provided off the western arm of the roundabout to cater for future access to parts of the planned ELE (The Northern Quadrant). Leaving Skeltons Lane, the dual carriageway will continue in cutting and follow a gentle curve to the south across fields defined to the west by Whinmoor and to the east by Thorner Lane. An area of land to the east of the dual carriageway extending between Skeltons Lane and York Road will be developed as a country park. Access between Whinmoor and the Northern Quadrant and the country park will be catered for via an underpass.

3.1.7 The dual carriageway will pass through the proposed six-arm throughabout / roundabout on the A64 York Road between Morwick Farm and Mortec Business Park. Two of the proposed arms will cater for future access to parts of the planned ELE. It will then pass between the eastern fringe of Swarcliffe and the village of Scholes and curve to the south-east as it crosses Wood Lane and a dismantled railway line before progressing to the proposed Barwick Lane roundabout. A proposed bridge on the line of Wood Lane will cater for pedestrian and cyclist movement over the dual carriageway. The dual carriageway will initially be at-grade and then in a 6-8m deep cutting north of Wood Lane and between the disused railway and Barwick Road.

3.1.8 On leaving the Barwick Road roundabout, the dual carriageway will follow a gentle curve on low embankment to the south before entering a 6.5m cutting where it crosses the line of Leeds Footpath 116. Access along the right of way for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained via a proposed `landmark` cable-stay bridge over the cutting. Emerging from the

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cutting, the dual carriageway will descend towards Cock Beck and be raised on 4m high embankment on its approach to the beck to enable it to be bridged over the watercourse. The bridge will comprise a three-span structure. Some 80m of the watercourse will be realigned to enable it to be directed through the central span. South of the bridge, the dual carriageway will follow a gradual descent from embankment to existing ground levels and then rise on a 7-8m high embankment to tie into the Manston Lane roundabout at the northern end of the Manston Lane Link Road.

3.1.9 In addition to the proposals in the form of bridges and underpasses providing for continuation of established rights of way / footpaths, which would otherwise be severed by the proposed scheme, provision has been made for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians in the form of two routes aligned along each side of the dual carriageway. The first comprises a new footpath / cycle route which will run west of the dual carriageway for the full length of the proposed scheme from the A6120 to the Manston Lane roundabout. The footpath / cycle route will be separated from the main carriageway by a 2m high mound which will serve to enhance the amenity value of the route and screen parts of the road and its traffic from properties on the urban fringe.

3.1.10 The second comprises a leisure route providing for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians which will run east of the dual carriageway from an established non-definitive bridleway that links the A6120 with Whin Moor Lane and will terminate at Cock Beck. This facility will be extended from the point at which the existing bridleway meets the A6120 along the eastern side of the A-road to connect with existing rights of way at Roundhay Park. There will be a number of leisure orientated facilities provided along the leisure route including the country park, pocket parks and seating and viewing areas. There will also be two sections of 2m-high mounding provided between the dual carriageway and the leisure route to provide screening for the village of Scholes.

3.1.11 The drainage design for the proposed scheme includes five surface water discharge points into Cock Beck and its tributaries and one infiltration (soakaway) outfall to groundwater. The drainage design follows conventional Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) techniques including combinations of swales and/or wet retention ponds (attenuation ponds).

3.1.12 The discharge rate to Cock Beck and its tributaries will be limited to the existing greenfield runoff rate (i.e. the runoff rate from a green field without development) which will be achieved through the provision of holding water during rainfall in ponds which will provide for storage prior to discharge. Stop cocks will also be provided at each of the discharge points to allow the network to be isolated should there be a need for extensive maintenance or to contain an accidental spillage.

3.1.13 Lighting will be provided at the proposed junctions and along the shared pedestrian/cycleway. The new junctions will comprise LED luminaires mounted on 12m-high columns. The shared pedestrian/cycleway will be lit by LED luminaires mounted on 5m-high columns spaced at 35 to 40m. The link between the pedestrian/cycleway and the leisure route at the country park underpass will be lit with the same lighting. Lighting of the underpass and its approaches will be directional and designed to minimise light spill in order to provide a passage for bats under the proposed scheme.

3.2 Landscaping and environmental mitigation

3.2.1 The landscape and visual mitigation strategy for the proposed scheme includes a combination of integrated screen bunds, retention and reinstatement of existing planting and targeted screen planting for surrounding visual receptors.

3.2.2 Screen bunding is proposed in the following locations:

• along the western margin of the dual carriageway from the A6120 to Manston; and

• along the eastern margin of the dual carriageway where it runs west of Scholes.

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3.2.3 Retention and re-instatement of existing vegetation in areas where the proposed scheme will be in close proximity to, or will require the partial removal of some areas of vegetation that is prominent in the existing landscape is proposed in the following locations:

• A6120 junction;

• Special Landscape Area - belt of mature trees approximately 1km long north of

Skeltons Lane, reinstatement of an approximately 50m gap required for the works;

• Mortec Park - reinstatement of hedgerow with intermittent trees to restore the

character of the boundary treatment; and

• Cock Beck - reinstatement of bankside vegetation either side of the viaduct crossing

on the realigned channel.

3.2.4 Targeted screen planting is proposed in the following locations:

• Woodland planting to replace the redundant sections of the A6120 carriageway;

• Woodland planting on the approaches to and around the bridge at Red Hall;

• A58 Junction. Woodland planting to the north-east and north-west of the junction;

• Woodland planting along the northern boundary of the linear park;

• Skeltons Lane Junction. Woodland planting to the north-west of the roundabout;

• A64 Junction. Woodland planting to the north-east and south-east of the junction;

• Woodland planting in combination with the 2m high bund on the northbound

carriageway in the vicinity of Wood Lane;

• Barwick Road Junction. Woodland planting to the north-east and south-east of the

junction;

• Woodland planting in combination with the 2m high bund along the northbound

carriageway to the south of Barwick Road Roundabout;

• Woodland planting in combination with the 2m high bund along the northbound

carriageway to the north of Cock Beck;

• Woodland planting in combination with the 2m high bund along the northbound

carriageway to the south of Cock Beck; and

• Woodland planting to the embankment to the south of the junction with Manston

Lane.

3.2.5 Other mitigation measures include three lengths of environmental barrier comprising 1.8m high noise fencing in the vicinity of Hazel Avenue, Stanks Drive and Chelsfield Way and habitat creation in the form of species rich grassland and wetland habitat.

3.2.6 Other proposals beyond the mitigation measures which have been identified, include the introduction of artworks at each of the junctions and the provision of information boards explaining the archaeological and ecological interests which are represented in the area.

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3.3 Construction

3.3.1 Subject to planning approval, it is anticipated that construction of the proposed scheme will commence during 2018 and take some 3 years to complete. Construction activities will include:

• site establishment, clearance and preparation;

• establishment of contractor’s site compounds;

• levelling and major and minor earthworks using scrapers, bulldozers and dump

trucks;

• the import and export of material (fill, spoil and road stone) to establish the

carriageways;

• the use of generators, temporary machinery and lighting;

• construction vehicle movements to deliver and dispose of materials;

• the use of temporary diversions and temporary access restrictions;

• temporary and permanent watercourse stop-ups and / or diversions;

• possible de-watering activities; and

• restoration of temporarily used sites on completion.

3.3.2 Piling may be required for some of the structures.

3.3.3 Measures to control and mitigate potential impacts which could occur during construction will be formalised by way of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). These will include measures which have been identified in the ES, any other measures which are identified once detailed methods of construction have been prepared and others required in light of statutory obligations relative to environmental safeguards and controls. The CEMP will be a mandatory part of any contract which is let for the construction of the proposed scheme.

4 Environmental impacts, mitigation and significant effects

4.1 Air quality

4.1.1 Studies and assessments undertaken relative to air quality have involved:

• identification of likely risks to human health, ecological receptors and nuisance

associated with dust generation and deposition during construction of the proposed

scheme;

• changes in local concentrations of traffic-related pollutants associated with changes

in traffic volumes and movements within parts of the road network affected by the

implementation of the proposed scheme; and

• changes in total emissions of air pollutants and carbon dioxide associated with

changes in traffic volumes and speeds within parts of the road network affected by

the implementation of the proposed scheme.

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4.1.2 The assessment of risks associated with dust generation and deposition established that likely significant effects will be limited to earthworks, construction and the risk of mud on the highway, there being no requirement for demolition of any notable scale. It further established there will be no risk relative to sensitive ecological receptors. With regard to nuisance associated with dust deposition (soiling) and effects on human health, the assessment indicated the risk will be high and medium respectively. In light of these findings a number of mitigation measures have been identified based on the recommendations provided in guidance published by the Institute of Air Quality Management. These include the appointment of site staff with responsibility for the implementation of specific dust control and suppression measures, communication of the intended programming of dust generating activities and the receipt of complaints/concerns from members of the public and measures focused on risks identified relative to earthworks, construction and track out. Taking into account the nature of the proposed construction activities, the location of sensitive receptors relative to the anticipated activities and the proposed mitigation measures, the assessment concluded dust generation and deposition during construction will not have a significant effect on the environment.

4.1.3 The assessment of changes in local concentrations of traffic-related pollutants focused on predicted emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). The assessment identified some 18,200 residential receptors and no sensitive ecological receptors which will be likely to be affected. It demonstrated the substantial majority of the identified receptors will experience a negligible change in concentrations of the three pollutants with the proposed scheme in operation. It further demonstrated that concentrations for the three pollutants relative to affected receptors will not exceed the limit values defined in the Air Quality Standards in 2021 (the anticipated opening year for the proposed scheme) either with or without the proposed scheme. It identified ten receptors which will be at risk of exceedance of the annual mean limit value for NO2 with and without the proposed scheme. Nine of these will, however, experience a small reduction in concentrations when comparing concentrations with the proposed scheme against those without the proposed scheme. The change for the remaining receptor will be imperceptible. As such, changes in emissions of traffic-related pollutants will not have a significant effect on local concentrations of the identified pollutants relative to receptors associated with the affected road network. In light of the findings, the assessment concluded there will be no requirement for mitigation and no significant effect on the environment

4.1.4 The assessment of changes in total annual emissions of traffic-related pollutants across the network of roads likely to be affected by the implementation of the proposed scheme focused on oxides of nitrogen (NOX), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The results of the assessment demonstrated that emissions will increase across the affected road network with the proposed scheme in operation, but will be negligible and will not constitute a significant effect on the environment

4.2 Cultural heritage

4.2.1 The application site and landscape east of the Leeds urban area is one where evidence of the historic evolution of the area is found in the form of archaeological resources and designated sites, buildings and structures. It is also an area which is currently the subject of an ongoing historic landscape classification which is being completed by the West Yorkshire Archaeological Service (WYAS). These resources and the effects which the proposed scheme will be likely to have on them have been the subject of investigation and assessment as part of the planning, design and assessment of the proposed scheme. The effects have been considered under the three broad headings of archaeological resources, the built heritage and historic landscapes.

4.2.2 With regard to archaeological resources, a combination of studies of documents, registers, photographs, consultation with WYAS, site walkover surveys, geophysical survey and a watching brief during geotechnical investigations resulted in the identification of some 78

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sites and features of interest. One of the resources, National Filling Factory no 1: Barnbow, comprising the extensive remains of a First World War munitions factory, is a Scheduled Monument. The proposed scheme will have a large adverse effect on the Scheduled Monument. It will sever the route of a railway line which served the factory and encroach onto earthworks which mark the location of one, and potentially two, of the factory warehousing sites. The proposed scheme will have a moderate adverse effect on 10 other archaeological resources.

4.2.3 With regard to resources of built heritage value, some 30 buildings and structures have been identified. The assessment established that six of these, which are designated, will be adversely affected. The new road and its traffic will have a moderate adverse effect on the setting of two grade II listed buildings, Lazencroft Farmhouse and a Pigeon House at Red Hall. They will also have a slight adverse effect on the setting of four grade II listed buildings. These comprise a former coach house and stables west of Red Hall House, Red Hall, Field Head and Morwick Hall.

4.2.4 With regard to historic landscapes, the principal area which will be affected comprises the enclosed agricultural landscape which extends from the eastern fringe of the Leeds urban area to the outlying villages of Shadwell, Thorner, Scholes and Barwick-in-Elmet. A combination of Piecemeal Enclosure and Surveyed Enclosure within the area remains relatively intact such that elements of both have changed very little since the 18th century. The alignment of the proposed scheme through these landscapes will introduce new earthworks and structures within a still very rural area and sever established patterns of enclosure such that they will be subject to moderate adverse impact.

4.2.5 In light of the findings relative to all three aspects of the cultural heritage the assessment concluded the proposed scheme will have a significant effect on archaeological, built heritage and historic landscape resources. To mitigate these effects a programme of archaeological excavation and recording will be produced following further intrusive investigation prior to construction of the proposed scheme. Planting and earthworks will be employed to reduce impacts upon the setting of cultural heritage resources.

4.3 Landscape & visual effects

4.3.1 The studies and assessments relating to effects on landscape character established that likely significant effects will be contained within the area extending from the eastern fringe of the Leeds urban area to the outlying villages of Shadwell, Thorner, Scholes and Barwick-in-Elmet. Information contained in the Leeds Landscape Character Assessment (1994) supported the assessment in the identification of four local landscape character areas (LCAs):

• LCA 1 Wike Ridge to East Rigton ;

• LCA 2 Barwick and Austhorpe Open Arable Farmland;

• LCA 3 Roundhay Park; and

• LCA 4 Leeds Eastern Urban Edge.

4.3.2 The assessment demonstrated the effect on one of the LCAs, LCA2, will be significant, it being the area within which the proposed scheme will be primarily located and where it will have a direct impact on existing landform, severance of field patterns and the removal of established woodland and hedgerows. Proposed measures focused on the reduction of these impacts include the introduction of roadside mounding and/or screen planting to reduce the prominence of the proposed road and its associated traffic and the replacement of tree planting which will be removed to accommodate the road. With regard to the other three LCAs, the assessment concluded there will be no significant effect as there will be no direct impact upon them or change in their perceived quality by virtue of the proximity of the

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proposed scheme. In light of the identified impact relative to LCA2 it has been concluded the proposed scheme will have a significant effect on the landscape that constitutes the countryside between the eastern fringe of Leeds and the outer settlements of Shadwell, Thorner, Scholes and Barwick-in-Elmet.

4.3.3 With regard to effects on views, the assessment focused on evaluating views from 18 viewpoints chosen to be representative of communities and individuals which will be likely to experience a change in their established views as a result of the construction and future presence of the proposed scheme. Those to the west of the proposed scheme generally represent views from the developed fringe of the Leeds conurbation. Those to the east are generally representative of views from local roads and rights of way. The assessment demonstrated the effects on views will be most marked during construction with 13 of the 18 viewpoints being temporarily subject to a moderate or large adverse effect. It further demonstrated the effect will be reduced upon the completion of construction and once the extensive earthworks proposed along both margins of the dual carriageway serve to screen and integrate the road into the landscape. The assessment demonstrated the effects will be further, and notably, reduced as the proposed planting establishes and begins to mature such that 2 of the viewpoints will be subject to moderate adverse effect whilst the remaining 16 will be subject to effects no greater than slight and adverse. The two locations which will be subject to moderate adverse effect comprise footpaths, including a section of the Leeds Country Way where it runs close to the M1 and Wood Lane. In light of these findings the assessment concluded the proposed scheme will not have a significant effect relative to views of and across the landscape.

4.4 Ecology & nature conservation

4.4.1 Studies and assessments undertaken relative to nature conservation sites, habitats and protected species established there are no sites which have been designated for their international, national or local importance which will be affected by the construction or future use of the proposed scheme.

4.4.2 Two habitats were identified and investigated in light of the findings of a desk based evaluation of documentation and records and initial site surveys. These comprised semi-improved grassland and running water (Cock Beck). Consideration was also given to measures which will be adopted to achieve appropriate control of invasive plant species which have become established within the application site. It was concluded that both the semi-improved grassland and running water are of low biodiversity value and that their interest relates to their potential as host to protected species.

4.4.3 With regard to protected species, studies and assessments have been undertaken for

• Bats;

• Great crested newts;

• Reptiles;

• Breeding birds;

• Barn owls; and

• White clawed crayfish

4.4.4 With regard to bats, surveys established the presence of a roost at the Red Hall pigeon house and a number of commuting routes which will be crossed by the proposed scheme. Most of these were found to be used by small numbers of bats though one, following Cock Beck, has been assessed as being of local biodiversity value by virtue of its use as a well-established commuting route for pipistrelle bats. Historical records, provided by West

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Yorkshire Ecology Service, have shown the presence of a number of bat roosts to the south west of the Skeltons Lane roundabout.

4.4.5 Proposed mitigation measures include the maintenance of access along commuting routes via the underpass at Skeltons Lane and beneath the bridge over Cock Beck, the reinstatement of planting along the banks of the beck on the approach to the bridge along the watercourse, controlled working times and methods in the vicinity of the pigeon house roost, minimising vegetation removal, provision of temporary crossings through the works, and provision of alternative crossing points where possible to guide bats over the completed road safely. Taking the mitigation measures into account, the assessment concluded the proposed scheme will have a minor adverse impact on bats except in the area of Skeltons Lane where a commuting and foraging route, likely to be used by the known bat roost to the south west, will be severed resulting in a significant effect at the local level.

4.4.6 With regard to great crested newts, surveys undertaken at ponds located within 500 metres of the proposed scheme found no evidence of the species being present.

4.4.7 Habitat surveys identified a range of habitats suited to reptiles but no direct evidence of presence. In light of the habitat potential, precautionary mitigation will comprise supervised stripping of suitable reptile habitat with hand tools to encourage individuals to relocate to adjacent suitable habitat.

4.4.8 A number of birds were identified during the site surveys some of which were found to be nesting. Mitigation has accordingly been proposed. This will involve vegetation clearance outside of the bird breeding season and planting to provide further nesting habitat. The surveys also established the presence of barn owls, the species being observed using short semi-improved grassland areas for feeding across land contained within the application boundary and there being reports of their presence at Lazencroft Farm. Proposed mitigation includes the planting of tall vegetation on both sides of the carriageway, in the vicinity of Lazencroft Farm, to guide barn owl over the road. In addition, habitat management proposals for the site will ensure that areas of short grassland suitable for barn owl prey species, will not be allowed, reducing the potential for barn owl to be attracted to the road verges.

4.4.9 No evidence of white clawed crayfish was found during the surveys. A method statement to provide further protection to the species during Cock Beck realignment works has been provided. Enhancement of the realigned beck will also provide suitable habitat for white clawed crayfish in the future.

4.4.10 Areas of Himalayan balsam and a stand of Japanese knotweed have been recorded within the Red Hall Estate. Good practice construction methods will ensure that these species are not spread by the works, and will include chemical control of both species prior to commencement of works within the vicinity of the plants.

4.5 Flooding

4.5.1 Studies and assessments relative to flooding have involved:

• assessment of the risk to the proposed scheme from all potential sources of flooding;

• assessment of the risk of increasing flooding elsewhere as a consequence of the

introduction of the proposed scheme into the landscape; and

• identification of mitigation measures as required to limit the impact of flooding on the

proposed scheme and offsite flooding due to increased runoff.

4.5.2 The proposed scheme has been designed to ensure that only water compatible parts of the proposed scheme, such as amenity open space, will be located within areas which are prone

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to flooding. Drainage for the scheme has also been designed to ensure that discharge rates will be limited to the existing greenfield runoff rate for the site.

4.6 Noise & vibration

4.6.1 Studies and assessments undertaken relative to noise and vibration have involved:

• the identification of indicative noise thresholds for representative receptors located

close to those areas which will be required for construction of the proposed scheme

and of measures to be adopted to address likely construction related noise;

• an assessment of changes in traffic-related noise arising from the introduction of the

proposed scheme into the established road network; and

• an assessment of nuisance as a result of vibration once the proposed scheme is

open to use.

4.6.2 The identification of indicative construction noise thresholds has involved the application of methods described in BS5228 2009 ‘Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites’. Subject to the proposed scheme being approved, the thresholds will be re-evaluated once a contractor has been appointed and detailed working methods are prepared. Values will be agreed with the Environmental Health Officer for the local planning authority as will any exceptions that may be related to specific activities such as piling or extensive breakout. The thresholds and exceptions will be incorporated into the CEMP for the contract along with the site management protocols and activity-specific mitigation measures which will be observed. A list of commonly adopted measures for schemes of the proposed type which will be included in the CEMP are detailed in the ES.

4.6.3 The assessment of changes in traffic-related noise established the introduction of the proposed scheme into the local road network will be likely to result in a moderate or major increase in traffic- related noise for some 1,969 households and 20 non-residential receptors in 2021, the anticipated year of opening for the proposed scheme. It further established that some 671 households will be likely to experience a major or moderate reduction in traffic-related noise.

4.6.4 The assessment demonstrated the introduction of the proposed scheme into the local road network will be likely to result in a moderate or major increase in traffic-related noise for some 1,405 households and 17 non-residential receptors in 2036, allowing for 15 years of traffic growth following the opening of the proposed scheme. It also demonstrated that some 26 households will be likely to experience a major or moderate reduction in traffic-related noise. Allowing for the presence of the three proposed sections of environmental barrier those likely to experience a moderate or major increase will be reduced to 1,369 households and a moderate or major reduction will be increased to 27 households. It has been concluded that the anticipated increase in traffic-related noise, allowing for the proposed environmental barriers, will constitute a significant environmental effect.

4.6.5 The assessment also considered predicted changes in night time traffic-related noise in 2036. This demonstrated there will be no increases greater then minor adverse such that there will be no significant effect on the environment.

4.6.6 The assessment relative to vibration, once the proposed scheme is open to use, established that there will be no notable change in vibration level as a result of the scheme and there will, accordingly, be no significant effect as a result of traffic-related vibration.

4.7 Effects on all travellers

4.7.1 The proposed scheme will sever a number of established footpaths, cycle ways and bridleways which cater for access along the principal radial routes running north and east from the eastern fringe of the Leeds urban area and which provide for access to the

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countryside for local communities within the urban area and neighbouring villages. The severance of these established routes and the identification of mitigation measures to address the associated impacts have been the subject of discussion with LCCs Public Rights of Way Section, as have the proposed inclusion of new facilities catering for pedestrians and cyclists along the western margin of the proposed dual carriageway and pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders along the eastern margin of the dual carriageway. The impacts associated with the identified severance, proposed mitigation measures and new facilities have been subject to assessment.

4.7.2 The assessment established that impacts associated with severance will be severe adverse where the proposed dual carriageway crosses the line of the A58, A64 and Leeds Road / Barwick Road and Leeds Footpath 117 (LF117). The users of the existing footpaths alongside the three roads will be required to negotiate the proposed roundabouts at their junction with the dual carriageway via at-grade signalised crossings such that there will be an increase in the journey length and time taken by users of the footpaths. The users of LF117 will be required to undertake an increase in journey length in the order of 300 metres. The assessment has also established that impacts for users of a footpath linking Red Hall and Whin Moor Lane and of Leeds Footpath 114 would be subject to moderate adverse impact by virtue of an increase in their journey length and the need to negotiate a bridge.

4.7.3 The proposals do, however, provide for the introduction of notable additions to the existing network of footpaths, cycleways and bridleways by virtue of the new routes along both margins of the dual carriageway. These will extend access and leisure opportunities for the community.

4.7.4 The redistribution of traffic following opening of the proposed scheme will result in a reduction in volumes of traffic using some sections of the existing road network and an increase in volume for other sections. This will have the effect of reducing severance where reduced traffic on the road becomes less of an obstruction for pedestrians who have to cross the roads to access facilities such as schools, shops and leisure facilities. Likewise, an increase in severance will be experienced at the new roundabouts, although neither will constitute a significant effect.

4.7.5 The assessment has considered likely effects relative to changes in driver stress by comparing predicted changes in traffic flows for sections of the existing road network with and without the proposed scheme. It concluded there would generally be no material impact.

4.8 Community & private assets

4.8.1 Studies and assessments relating to community and private assets involved the investigation of impacts on land use relative to residential and commercial property, land which is in public ownership and is used by the community, land which has been identified for future development and/or has received development consent but is yet to be implemented and land which is in agricultural use.

4.8.2 The proposed scheme will involve the rearrangement of the current access arrangements to two residential properties, Morwick House and Morwick Farm. In both instances the impact will be slight and adverse.

4.8.3 Three established commercial sites will be affected. Two are located at Red Hall, a Leeds City Council nursery with yard and the Rugby Football League headquarters. The third is Mortec Business Park. The nursery and yard are in the process of being relocated transferred to a new site at Whinmoor Grange. The Red Hall site has also been identified in the Leeds Unitary Development Plan Review (2006) for future housing development. The property and land used by the RFL will be unaffected as will the access to the site. Some 15% of the land at Mortec Business Park will be taken. The land is, however, not an

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essential part of the site relative to its business use. In all three instances the impact will be no greater than slight.

4.8.4 The proposed scheme will involve the loss of some 2.4ha of 11ha of open land which is used by members of local communities as an informal recreational facility. It will also establish some 10.5 ha of new recreational land in the form of the proposed pocket park and country park such that there will be an overall benefit to the community.

4.8.5 The proposed scheme will take land from two areas which have been identified for development in the Leeds Unitary Development Plan Review. It will occupy some 22% of land extending from the existing fringe of Leeds and the application boundary for the proposed scheme which has been identified for future housing development. It will also occupy some 21% of land which has been identified for employment purposes at Red Hall. In both instances the proposed scheme is an important element of the infrastructure which is required to support the future uses.

4.8.6 Some 57ha of agricultural land will be taken out of agricultural use, 3ha of which comprises higher quality land (grades 2 and 3a). A total of 12 agricultural holdings will be affected 2 of which will be subject to a substantial adverse impact and 6 to a moderate adverse impact.

4.8.7 The assessment concluded that impacts on residential and commercial assets and on community land and development land will not be significant, whilst those on individual farms will be significant.

4.9 Road drainage & the water environment

4.9.1 The assessments in relation to potential impacts on the water environment focussed on surface waters and groundwater. Potentially significant impacts considered include:

• pollution due to increased generation and release of sediments and suspended solids

and increased risk of accidental spillage of pollutants such as oil, fuel and concrete

during construction;

• pollution associated with routine road runoff once the proposed scheme is open to

use;

• pollution due to operational accidental spillage;

• changes in the geomorphological regime, such as erosion, deposition and channel

migration as a result of watercourse realignment; and

• changes in groundwater flows and levels as a result of groundwater drawdown

effects from the dewatering of deep cuttings.

Construction related pollution

4.9.2 The ES describes impacts which could result from the deposition of silt and sediment arising from activities such as earthworks where construction will be undertaken on, over or in close proximity to watercourses and Cock Beck in particular. It also describes the risk to water quality which could result from accidental spillage of potential pollutants such as oils, fuels, concrete, cement and sewage from staff welfare facilities. A range of mitigation measures have been identified, including the establishment of prescribed safety distances from watercourses for the storage of materials, off-line construction of the watercourse diversion,

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clear span bridge construction, and the use of coffer dams to prevent sediment from entering watercourses in an uncontrolled manner.

Surface water and groundwater pollution related to routine runoff

4.9.3 Pollutants, such as fuel and lubricants, fuel additives, metal from corrosion of vehicles, de-icer and gritting material, can accumulate on roads. These can be washed off the road by rain potentially polluting nearby watercourses and waterbodies. The assessment has involved use of the industry standard Highways Agency’s spreadsheet assessment tools to establish risks relative to pollutants associated with runoff which would be discharged at the five surface water outfalls.

4.9.4 The assessment demonstrated that, with the conventional SuDS techniques which have been included as part of the drainage proposals, all five outfalls pass the assessment standards for the quality of highway runoff. It accordingly concluded that discharge associated with routine runoff will not have a significant effect on the environment.

4.9.5 The assessment also investigated the risk that groundwaters might be polluted where the proposals allow for a single discharge of routine runoff via an infiltration tank at Red Hall. In this instance a pre-mitigation medium risk to groundwater receptors has been identified. This triggers a requirement for detailed assessment and a consideration of mitigation measures. At present, there is insufficient ground investigation data available for the proposed infiltration tank location to undertake a more detailed risk assessment. However, some previous groundwater studies near to the proposed infiltration tank location indicate that the groundwater table is more than 10 metres below ground. Also, mitigation in the form of either filter drains or retention ponds is proposed. The assessment accordingly concluded that it is likely the detailed assessment will find the risk of groundwater pollution can be adequately managed.

Pollution related to accidental spillage

4.9.6 On all roads there is a risk that road traffic accidents or vehicle fires may result in accidental spillage of potential pollutants on the road surface. These may then enter the road drainage network and subsequently be discharged to the water environment, causing an acute pollution event.

4.9.7 An assessment has been undertaken to establish the risk for the proposed scheme. This has established the risk, judged by the predicted return period relative to accidental spillage, is anticipated to considerably exceed 1 in 100 years. A 1 in 100 year return period is recommended as the threshold below which consideration should be given to mitigation. In light of the findings no mitigation specific to the risk has been proposed, although elements of the drainage proposals including the attenuation ponds, swales and shut-off valves at outfalls will serve to further reduce the risk. In light of the findings it has been concluded potential impacts associated with accidental spillage will not be likely to have a significant effect on the environment.

Channel migration

4.9.8 Channel modifications such as watercourse realignment and the construction of in-channel structures can result in changes to the nature of watercourses. A reduction in the diversity of a watercourse’s features can impact on water quality and biodiversity.

4.9.9 The new bridge over Cock Beck will require a realignment of the watercourse, straightening and shortening the channel at this location. The realignment has been designed to replicate the existing capacity of the watercourse, and provides for a stepped channel bed, which will

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maintain the existing water levels and velocities. The effect of the channel diversion upon the flow of the Beck will, therefore, be negligible.

Groundwater changes

4.9.10 Where cuttings penetrate into or close to the water table this can lead to permanent change to local groundwater levels and flow patterns, affecting groundwater dependant receptors such as rivers which are fed by groundwater and businesses and other users who remove groundwater for operational reasons. It is anticipated that groundwater will be intercepted at six cuttings and the underpass at the country park. In all instances it has been established the magnitude of impact on groundwater and groundwater dependent receptors will be negligible. It has also been established that there are no groundwater abstractions that would be likely to be affected. It has accordingly been concluded there will be no significant effect on the environment.

4.10 Cumulative Effects

4.10.1 Consideration has been given to likely cumulative effects taking into account other committed development proposals in the area.

4.10.2 Two forms of cumulative assessment have been addressed in the ES:

• one focused on effects which will be likely to arise as a result of a combination of

impacts associated with the proposed scheme and other planned developments; and

• one which has considered effects which will be likely to result from a combination of

impacts on specific receptors should the proposed scheme be constructed and

opened to use.

4.10.3 The first of the assessments focused on the proposed scheme and the Northern Quadrant proposed housing development. It concluded there will be no cumulative effects over and above those identified for the proposed scheme.

4.10.4 The second of the assessments concluded there will be a cumulative effect for properties at Penda’s Fields as a result of traffic-related noise impacts and visual effects.

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5 Deposit Locations

5.1.1 Full copies of the ES will be available at the following locations:

Opening Times

Whinmoor Library

Naburn Approach

Leeds

LS14 2DF

Tel: 0113 378 3129

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 1pm to 4pm

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 10am to 12pm

Friday: 1pm to 4pm

Saturday:10am to 12pm

Sunday: Closed

Crossgates Library

Farm Road

Leeds

LS15 7LB

Tel: 0113 3785729

Monday: 10am to 5pm

Tuesday: 10am to 5pm

Wednesday: 9am to 7pm

Thursday: 9am to 7pm

Friday: 10am to 5pm

Saturday: 10am to 3pm

Sunday: Closed

Shadwell Library

99 Main Street

Shadwell

Leeds

LS17 8HL

Tel: 0113 2656450

Monday: 3pm to 5pm

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 10am to 12pm

Thursday: 3pm-5pm

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 10am- 12pm

Sunday: Closed

Leeds City Council

Leonardo Building

2 Rossington St

Leeds

LS2 8HD

Monday: 9am to 5pm

Tuesday: 9am to 5pm

Wednesday: 10am to 5pm

Thursday: 9am to 5pm

Friday: 9am to 5pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

5.1.2 Hard copies of this NTS and electronic copies of the whole ES (CD) are available free of charge, on written request, from: LCC. A hard copy of the ES is available from the same address for a fee of £250.

© Mouchel 2017 19

Figure 1 – The proposed scheme