Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011

SCOPING OPINION Application Site and Description of Development Request for Scoping Opinion: Proposed Didcot North Perimeter Road (Phase 3) Neil Carpenter (Atkins Limited) on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council has requested a scoping opinion and submitted a scoping report providing details of the proposed development, dated 17th December 2015. More detail about the proposals Atkins Ltd. on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council seeks a scoping opinion from Oxfordshire County Council in respect of proposed development on land between the B4016 Abingdon Road and the A4130. The proposed road is located to the east of Didcot. It is proposed to construct a 1,400 metre length of road. The proposal would include roundabout junctions at either end of the scheme, including a third roundabout part way along the route to provide access to the Ladygrove East development area. The northern roundabout would be constructed on the triangular piece of land between the A4130, B4016 and Cow Lane. The southern roundabout would provide a junction with the A4130 Hadden Hill. The proposal would also provide a new spur road from the southern roundabout to provide a new access road into Hadden Hill Golf Club. The scheme would include a segregated footway/cycleway along the full length of the road, lighting columns and piped surface water drainage system attenuated in flood storage ponds, plus associated landscaping and planting. Due to the close proximity of a golf driving range at the southern end of the development, the development would include the construction of a 200m long and 20m high fence with protective netting along the golf club’s western boundary. It is proposed to construct a new phase of the perimeter road as part of a wider scheme of highways improvements in the Science Vale UK area. It is proposed that the new road would run from the existing A4130/B4016 Abingdon Road junction, to join the A4130 south east at Hadden Hill. The proposed scheme would be a single carriageway road with a speed limit of 40 miles per hour. The boundary of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) runs along the proposal’s southern boundary (A4130) and to the east the proposal passes north through the Hadden Hill Golf Course. This is shown to fall within the Impact Risk Zone (IRZ) of two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The Environmental Statement should be submitted as a separate document from the planning application and would need to include the information as set out in Parts I and II of Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. Please find attached document in Annex 1.

The consultation responses set out in Annex 2 have been received in relation to the Scoping Request submission. Oxfordshire County Council recommends that the details requested by these specialist consultees are incorporated into the Environmental Statement. Assessment Specific Chapters The following potential topics were proposed in the Scoping Report:

1. Guidance and Policy Context 2. Traffic and Transport 3. Noise and Vibration 4. Air Quality and Emissions 5. Land Use and Agriculture 6. Pedestrians, Cyclists, Equestrians and Community Effects 7. Vehicle Travellers 8. Landscape, Townscape and Visual Amenity 9. Drainage and the Water Environment 10. Biodiversity 11. Cultural Heritage 12. Materials 13. Assessment of Cumulative Effects

Oxfordshire County Council can confirm that it agrees that these topics must be considered in the Environmental Statement. Please see additional comments below. A Non-Technical Summary should also be provided. Cumulative impacts should be considered for all topics. Under the introduction the report refers to Ladygrove East planning application. South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) commented on Paragraph 1.2.8 which refers to there being no decision made on the Ladygrove East planning application. ‘This is not quite accurate as a resolution has been made to grant planning permission subject to Section 106 so it would be more accurate to state that planning permission hasn’t been issued.’ Guidance and Policy Context The proposed development appears to have strong links to the Vale of White Horse District. Therefore under section 4.3 (Other Local Policies and Strategies) the applicant may wish to reference the Vale of White Horse District Council 2031 Part 1 Local Plan, which is currently going through examination. The Local Plan allocates housing and employment in and around Didcot, in which the development potentially could impact. Traffic and Transport

As set out in the Scoping Opinion request, a Transport Assessment should be provided; this should not only consider access and traffic impact but must include matters relating to Public Rights of Way and the mitigation measures proposed.

Noise and Vibration

Please see the advice of the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) at South Oxfordshire District Council as set out in Annex 2 for more details. The EHO has significant concerns regarding noise created by traffic using the proposed perimeter road on existing residential properties. The EHO requires further information on the potential noise levels produced by the perimeter road and their impact on the existing properties, particularly the flats in Middle Furlong, which overlook the proposed road.

The noise mitigation should target reaching the levels given in Table 4 of BS8233:2014 for internal noise as based on WHO guidelines for noise to prevent noise levels reaching SOAL levels. Air Quality and Emissions

As set out in the Scoping Report there should be an assessment of air quality, including from vehicles both during construction and once the road is in use on sensitive receptors including local residents and users of public rights of way and the mitigation measures proposed.

Land Use and Agriculture

Please see the advice of the SODC Planning Officer as set out in Annex 2 for more details. The report does not fully express the magnitude of development anticipated for Didcot over the next fifteen years. Some details of allocations are mentioned in the report, but it does not refer to recent planning applications, therefore does not give a complete picture of the scale of the development. As mentioned, please see Annex 2 for further details on some of the specific developments. This section should be more reflective of the aspirations for the wider area around Didcot through emerging Local Plans and the Strategic Economic Plan. There are further errors in the report:

- Paragraph 8.4.3 states that 2700 homes are allocated at Great Western Park to the North East of the site as allocated in Policy DID2 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy. It was actually allocated in the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011, not the Core Strategy.

- Paragraph 8.4.6 refers to the Didcot Area Action Plan DPD, which is not the correct title; it should be the Science Vale Area Action Plan.

An assessment of the agricultural quality of the existing soils should be carried out and the quantities of any best and most versatile agricultural land that would be lost should be identified. The effect on farm structure and viability, both during the site working period and once restored should be addressed. The requirements of Natural England, as set out in Annex 2 should be met.

Pedestrians, Cyclists, Equestrians and Community Effects

OCC confirms that this will need to be addressed as set out in the Scoping Report.

Vehicle Travellers

OCC confirms that this will need to be addressed as set out in the Scoping Report.

Landscape, Townscape and Visual Amenity

The Environmental Statement should be informed by the detailed advice concerning the scope of the Landscape and Visual Assessments provided by Natural England and appended to this Scoping Opinion. The impact on local landscape character should be assessed using landscape assessment methodologies. The assessments should comply with the methodology set out in the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment’, produced by the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Management in 2013 (3rd edition). As the development site is adjacent to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), consideration should be given to the direct and indirect effects upon these designated landscapes and in particular the effect upon the purposes for designation within the environmental impact assessment, as well as the content of the relevant management plans for these AONBs. Details of local landscape character areas mapped at a scale appropriate to the development site should be provided. The Environmental Statement should include assessments of visual effects on the surrounding area and landscape both during the construction and once operational, together with any physical effects of the development, such as changes to local topography and the mitigation measures proposed. The potential loss of any trees or hedgerows should be addressed. In order to assess the impact of the development to trees on site a British Standard (BS) 5837:2012 survey should be undertaken in relation to design, demolition and construction. This chapter should also refer to the South Oxfordshire District Council Landscape Assessment. Drainage and the Water Environment A Flood Risk Assessment will be required. This should assess all stages of the development and all forms of flooding and any mitigation measures proposed.

Please see the advice of the SODC Planning Officer as set out in Annex 2 for more details. The storage/attenuation areas used for to collect runoff from the proposed road. Please ensure there is enough land to incorporate these within the application area.

The crossings of the existing watercourses described will be subject to a Land Drainage Consent agreement.

Biodiversity

The detailed advice of Natural England, the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), and the County Council’s Ecologist Planner, as set out in Annex 2, should be followed to determine the scope of species and habitat survey work required. The guidance provided in the consultation response from Natural England on the information that would be expected in the ecology chapter of the Environmental Statement should be followed. The chapter should include a full assessment of potential impacts of the proposed 20 metre high fence on biodiversity and connectivity, including potential impacts on bird and bat flight paths. The assessment should consider all direct, indirect, cumulative impacts both on- and off-site of site clearance, development and operation of the road and associated infrastructure/works. As part of this, there should be full assessment of habitat connectivity and potential severance by the fencing and road. The Environmental Statement should identify protected, notable or priority species, designated sites, important habitats or other biodiversity features on or adjacent to the development site. A desktop study should be undertaken to identify existing ecological records, include a data search from the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC). Additional input could be sought from BBOWT in relation to species records and local knowledge. The ecology chapter should assess the potential direct and indirect impacts on designated and local sites and include an extended Phase 1 survey to determine the habitat present and identify whether there is any UK BAP priority habitat present or potential habitat for protected species. Further surveys will be required if UK BAP priority habitat or potential habitat for protected species are identified. There is further advice available in Annex 2 of the report and questions the Environmental Statement should answer. The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management Ecological Impact Assessment guidelines should be followed. The Environmental Statement should include survey reports for habitats and species. However, surveys relating to badgers or certain bird species should be provided in a confidential annex. The Environmental Statement should state whether

the proposed works have the potential to impact on a European protected species and result in an offence under the Habitats Regulations 2010. Protected species surveys may only be valid for 12 months, so if works are planned to occur more than 12 months after the date of the initial survey then the survey will need to be updated. The mitigation measures to any impacts should be identified. In addition to appropriate mitigation and compensation, the development should result in a net enhancement in biodiversity (in line with NPPF paragraphs 9, 109 and 118). The OCC Ecologist Planner agrees with the comments made by BBOWT that the development is designed so the applicant can deliver a net gain in biodiversity. The Ecologist Planner agrees with the proposals to incorporate biodiversity enhancement measures, proposed in paragraph 13.4.1 of the EIA Scoping Report. Although these enhancements should be designed into the proposal from the early stages of design work. The Environmental Statement should provide details of the proposed management and monitoring to ensure that there is no net loss in biodiversity. The BBOWT ecologist suggests the use of DEFRAs Biodiversity Offsetting Metric to demonstrate that the scheme achieves this. Please consider the recommendations made by BBOWT in Annex 2 including design and management of the SUDS, road verge seeding, wildlife crossings under the road and compensatory scrub and hedgerow habitat planting in a suitable location that does not increase the risk of animals on the highway. Cultural Heritage

The request for a scoping opinion submitted by the applicant contains a section that deals with the historic environment. In preparation for the scoping opinion request, the Oxfordshire County Archaeological Officer was consulted in November 2015. He advised an assessment of the below ground archaeological remains was needed informed by both archaeological investigation work and previous archaeological evaluations. The County Archaeological Officer again was consulted by the case officer and his advice is set out in Annex 2. The County Archaeological Officer agrees with the proposals and recommends that the geophysical survey is undertaken along the entire proposed route and incorporated into the Environmental Statement. It is understood that the southern part of the proposed route has already been subject to an archaeological evaluation and the Environmental Statement chapter should include an assessment of these results. The remainder of the route not already investigated will require an archaeological evaluation, the results of which should also be incorporated into the assessment. Impacts on nearby listed buildings and conservation areas should be assessed and any necessary mitigation measures identified.

Materials

Additional information should be supplied relating to the finished road surface specifications and how this will minimise noise impact to local residents living within Ladygrove, Middle Furlong, Bush Furlong and The Frith.

Assessment of Cumulative Effects OCC confirms that this will need to be addressed as set out in the Scoping Report. Additional Topics • Climate Change A section on climate change should include wider sustainability considerations. The impact of climate change will need to be considered as part of other assessment work, including the Flood Risk Assessment and the ecological work. • Social Economic Impacts There should be a section in the Environmental Statement to address Social and Economic impacts. This should include the impact on surrounding development and future growth in the area. It should also cover potential impacts on heritage, tourism and recreation in the area, including rights of way. The Environmental Statement should cover the whole site, including all ancillary development. Other impacts that are not considered to be significant will not need to be assessed to the same level of detail as the impacts identified above. However, some detail will be required to indicate that they have been considered and why they are not considered to be significant. Mitigation measures should also be identified. Conclusion Provided that the above information is included, Oxfordshire County Council considers that the Environmental Statement would sufficiently cover the necessary information for inclusion in an Environmental Impact Assessment. However EIA is an iterative process that allows the development proposal to be continually refined. Therefore further information may be required at a later stage.

Signed ……Matthew Case………………………………………. (Case Officer)

Date …25th January 2016………………

Approved by …David Periam ………… (Development Management Team

Leader)

On behalf of the Director for Environment & Economy

Date …25th January 2016………………………

ANNEX 1 INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011. Under the definition in Regulation 2 (1), ‘environmental statement’ means a statement:

(a) that includes such of the information referred to in Part I of Schedule 4 as is reasonably required to assess the environmental effects of the development and which the applicant can, having regard in particular to current knowledge and methods of assessment, reasonably be required to compile, but

(b) that includes at least the information referred to in Part II of Schedule 4. PART I 1. Description of the development, including in particular - (a) a description of the physical characteristics of the whole development and the land-use requirements during the construction and operational phases; (b) a description of the main characteristics of the production processes, for instance, nature and quantity of the materials used; (c) an estimate, by type and quantity, of expected residues and emissions (water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, radiation, etc.) resulting from the operation of the proposed development. 2. An outline of the main alternatives studied by the applicant or appellant and an indication of the main reasons for his choice, taking into account the environmental effects. 3. A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the development, including, in particular, population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the inter-relationship between the above factors. 4. A description of the likely significant effects of the development on the environment, which should cover the direct effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects of the development, resulting from: (a) the existence of the development; (b) the use of natural resources;

(c) the emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste, and the description by the applicant of the forecasting methods used to assess the effects on the environment. 5. A description of the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and where possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment. 6. A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 5 of this Part. 7. An indication of any difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered by the applicant in compiling the required information. PART II 1. A description of the development comprising information on the site, design and size of the development. 2. A description of the measures envisaged in order to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy significant adverse effects. 3. The data required to identify and assess the main effects which the development is likely to have on the environment. 4. An outline of the main alternatives studied by the applicant or appellant and an indication of the main reasons for his choice, taking into account the environmental effects. 5. A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 4 of this Part.

Annex 2: Consultation Responses

1. Archaeology (OCC)

The scoping document states that the EIA will contain a chapter setting out and assessing the cultural heritage of the site. The Report also highlights that a programme of archaeological investigation will be undertaken to inform the environmental statement consisting of geophysical survey and trenched evaluation. We would agree with these proposals and recommend that the geophysical survey is undertaken along the entire proposed route and incorporated into the environmental statement. The southern part of the proposed route has already been subject to an archaeological evaluation and the EIA chapter should include an assessment of these results. The remainder of the route not already investigated will require an archaeological evaluation the results of which should also be incorporated into the assessment.

2. Natural England 1. General Principles Schedule 4 of the Town & Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, sets out the necessary information to assess impacts on the natural environment to be included in an ES, specifically:

A description of the development – including physical characteristics and the full land use requirements of the site during construction and operational phases.

Expected residues and emissions (water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, radiation, etc.) resulting from the operation of the proposed development.

An assessment of alternatives and clear reasoning as to why the preferred option has been chosen.

A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the development, including, in particular, population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors.

A description of the likely significant effects of the development on the environment – this should cover direct effects but also any indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects. Effects should relate to the existence of the development, the use of natural resources and the emissions from pollutants. This should also include a description of the forecasting methods to predict the likely effects on the environment.

A description of the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and where possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment.

A non-technical summary of the information.

An indication of any difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered by the applicant in compiling the required information.

It will be important for any assessment to consider the potential cumulative effects of this proposal, including all supporting infrastructure, with other similar proposals and a thorough assessment of the ‘in combination’ effects of the proposed development with any existing developments and current applications. A full consideration of the implications of the whole scheme should be included in the ES. All supporting infrastructure should be included within the assessment.

2. Biodiversity and Geology 2.1 Ecological Aspects of an Environmental Statement Natural England advises that the potential impact of the proposal upon features of nature conservation interest and opportunities for habitat creation/enhancement should be included within this assessment in accordance with appropriate guidance on such matters. Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) have been developed by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and are available on their website. EcIA is the process of identifying, quantifying and evaluating the potential impacts of defined actions on ecosystems or their components. EcIA may be carried out as part of the EIA process or to support other forms of environmental assessment or appraisal. The National Planning Policy Framework sets out guidance in S.118 on how to take account of biodiversity interests in planning decisions and the framework that local authorities should provide to assist developers. 2.2 Internationally and Nationally Designated Sites The ES should thoroughly assess the potential for the proposal to affect designated sites. European sites (e.g. designated Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) fall within the scope of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. In addition paragraph 118 of the National Planning Policy Framework requires that potential Special Protection Areas, possible Special Areas of Conservation, listed or proposed Ramsar sites, and any site identified as being necessary to compensate for adverse impacts on classified, potential or possible SPAs, SACs and Ramsar sites be treated in the same way as classified sites. However, it is our advice that this development will not have an impact on any Internationally or Nationally designated sites. 2.3 Regionally and Locally Important Sites The EIA will need to consider any impacts upon local wildlife and geological sites. Local Sites are identified by the local wildlife trust, geoconservation group or a local forum established for the purposes of identifying and selecting local sites. They are of county importance for wildlife or geodiversity. The Environmental Statement should therefore include an assessment of the likely impacts on the wildlife and geodiversity interests of such sites. The assessment should include proposals for mitigation of any impacts and if appropriate, compensation measures. Contact the local wildlife trust, geoconservation group or local sites body in this area for further information. 2.5 Protected Species - Species protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 The ES should assess the impact of all phases of the proposal on protected species (including, for example, great crested newts, reptiles, birds, water voles, badgers and bats). Natural England does not hold comprehensive information regarding the locations of species protected by law, but advises on the procedures and legislation relevant to such species. Records of protected species should be sought from appropriate local biological record centres, nature conservation organisations, groups and individuals; and consideration should be given to the wider context of the site for example in terms of habitat linkages and protected species populations in the wider area, to assist in the impact assessment. The conservation of species protected by law is explained in Part IV and Annex A of Government Circular 06/2005 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation: Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System. The area likely to be affected by the proposal should be thoroughly surveyed by competent ecologists at appropriate times of

year for relevant species and the survey results, impact assessments and appropriate accompanying mitigation strategies included as part of the ES. In order to provide this information there may be a requirement for a survey at a particular time of year. Surveys should always be carried out in optimal survey time periods and to current guidance by suitably qualified and where necessary, licensed, consultants. Natural England has adopted standing advice for protected species which includes links to guidance on survey and mitigation.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/protected-species-and-sites-how-to-review-planning-proposals#standing-advice-for-protected-species 2.6 Habitats and Species of Principal Importance The ES should thoroughly assess the impact of the proposals on habitats and/or species listed as ‘Habitats and Species of Principal Importance’ within the England Biodiversity List, published under the requirements of S41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. Section 40 of the NERC Act 2006 places a general duty on all public authorities, including local planning authorities, to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Further information on this duty is available in the Defra publication ‘Guidance for Local Authorities on Implementing the Biodiversity Duty’. Government Circular 06/2005 states that Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species and habitats, ‘are capable of being a material consideration…in the making of planning decisions’. Natural England therefore advises that survey, impact assessment and mitigation proposals for Habitats and Species of Principal Importance should be included in the ES. Consideration should also be given to those species and habitats included in the relevant Local BAP. Natural England advises that a habitat survey (equivalent to Phase 2) is carried out on the site, in order to identify any important habitats present. In addition, ornithological, botanical and invertebrate surveys should be carried out at appropriate times in the year, to establish whether any scarce or priority species are present. The Environmental Statement should include details of:

Any historical data for the site affected by the proposal (e.g. from previous surveys);

Additional surveys carried out as part of this proposal;

The habitats and species present;

The status of these habitats and species (e.g. whether priority species or habitat);

The direct and indirect effects of the development upon those habitats and species;

Full details of any mitigation or compensation that might be required. The development should seek if possible to avoid adverse impact on sensitive areas for wildlife within the site, and if possible provide opportunities for overall wildlife gain. The record centre for the relevant Local Authorities should be able to provide the relevant information on the location and type of priority habitat for the area under consideration. 2.7 Contacts for Local Records Natural England does not hold local information on local sites, local landscape character and local or national biodiversity priority habitats and species. We recommend that you seek further information from the appropriate bodies (which may include the local records centre, the local wildlife trust, local geo-conservation group or other recording society and a local landscape characterisation document). 3. Designated Landscapes and Landscape Character

Nationally Designated Landscapes As the development site is adjacent to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and in close proximity to the North Wessex Downs AONB, consideration should be given to the direct and indirect effects upon this designated landscape and in particular the effect upon its purpose for designation within the environmental impact assessment, as well as the content of the relevant management plans for these AONBs. Landscape and visual impacts Natural England would wish to see details of local landscape character areas mapped at a scale appropriate to the development site as well as any relevant management plans or strategies pertaining to the area. The EIA should include assessments of visual effects on the surrounding area and landscape together with any physical effects of the development, such as changes in topography. The European Landscape Convention places a duty on Local Planning Authorities to consider the impacts of landscape when exercising their functions. The EIA should include a full assessment of the potential impacts of the development on local landscape character using landscape assessment methodologies. We encourage the use of Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), based on the good practice guidelines produced jointly by the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Assessment in 2013. LCA provides a sound basis for guiding, informing and understanding the ability of any location to accommodate change and to make positive proposals for conserving, enhancing or regenerating character, as detailed proposals are developed. Natural England supports the publication Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, produced by the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Management in 2013 (3rd edition). The methodology set out is almost universally used for landscape and visual impact assessment. In order to foster high quality development that respects, maintains, or enhances, local landscape character and distinctiveness, Natural England encourages all new development to consider the character and distinctiveness of the area, with the siting and design of the proposed development reflecting local design characteristics and, wherever possible, using local materials. The Environmental Impact Assessment process should detail the measures to be taken to ensure the building design will be of a high standard, as well as detail of layout alternatives together with justification of the selected option in terms of landscape impact and benefit. The assessment should also include the cumulative effect of the development with other relevant existing or proposed developments in the area. In this context Natural England advises that the cumulative impact assessment should include other proposals currently at Scoping stage. Due to the overlapping timescale of their progress through the planning system, cumulative impact of the proposed development with those proposals currently at Scoping stage would be likely to be a material consideration at the time of determination of the planning application. The assessment should refer to the relevant National Character Areas which can be found on our website. Links for Landscape Character Assessment at a local level are also available on the same page. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-character-area-profiles-data-for-local-decision-making Heritage Landscapes You should consider whether there is land in the area affected by the development which qualifies for conditional exemption from capital taxes on the grounds of outstanding scenic,

scientific or historic interest. An up-to-date list may be obtained at www.hmrc.gov.uk/heritage/lbsearch.htm and further information can be found on Natural England’s landscape pages here. 4. Access and Recreation Natural England encourages any proposal to incorporate measures to help encourage people to access the countryside for quiet enjoyment. Measures such as reinstating existing footpaths together with the creation of new footpaths and bridleways are to be encouraged. Links to other green networks and, where appropriate, urban fringe areas should also be explored to help promote the creation of wider green infrastructure. Relevant aspects of local authority green infrastructure strategies should be incorporated where appropriate. 5. Soil and Agricultural Land Quality Soil is a finite resource that fulfils many important functions and services (ecosystem services) for society, for example as a growing medium for food, timber and other crops, as a store for carbon and water, as a reservoir of biodiversity and as a buffer against pollution. It is therefore important that the soil resources are protected and used sustainably. The applicant should consider the following issues as part of the Environmental Statement: a. The degree to which soils are going to be disturbed/harmed as part of this development and whether ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land is involved. b. This may require a detailed survey if one is not already available. For further information on the availability of existing agricultural land classification (ALC) information see www.magic.gov.uk. Natural England Technical Information Note 049 - Agricultural Land Classification: protecting the best and most versatile agricultural land also contains useful background information. c. If required, an agricultural land classification and soil survey of the land should be undertaken. This should normally be at a detailed level, e.g. one auger boring per hectare, (or more detailed for a small site) supported by pits dug in each main soil type to confirm the physical characteristics of the full depth of the soil resource, i.e. 1.2 metres. The Environmental Statement should provide details of how any adverse impacts on soils can be minimised. Further guidance is contained in the Defra Construction Code of Practice for the Sustainable Use of Soil on Development Sites 6. Air Quality Air quality in the UK has improved over recent decades but air pollution remains a significant issue; for example over 97% of sensitive habitat area in England is predicted to exceed the critical loads for ecosystem protection from atmospheric nitrogen deposition (England Biodiversity Strategy, Defra 2011). A priority action in the England Biodiversity Strategy is to reduce air pollution impacts on biodiversity. The planning system plays a key role in determining the location of developments which may give rise to pollution, either directly or from traffic generation, and hence planning decisions can have a significant impact on the quality of air, water and land. The assessment should take account of the risks of air pollution and how these can be managed or reduced. Further information on air pollution impacts and the sensitivity of different habitats/designated sites can be found on the Air Pollution Information System (www.apis.ac.uk). Further information on air pollution modelling and assessment can be found on the Environment Agency website. 7. Climate Change Adaptation The England Biodiversity Strategy published by Defra establishes principles for the consideration of biodiversity and the effects of climate change. The ES should reflect these principles and identify how the development’s effects on the natural environment will be

influenced by climate change, and how ecological networks will be maintained. The NPPF requires that the planning system should contribute to the enhancement of the natural environment ‘by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures’ (NPPF Para 109), which should be demonstrated through the ES. 8. Cumulative and in-combination effects A full consideration of the implications of the whole scheme should be included in the ES. All supporting infrastructure should be included within the assessment. The ES should include an impact assessment to identify, describe and evaluate the effects that are likely to result from the project in combination with other projects and activities that are being, have been or will be carried out. The following types of projects should be included in such an assessment, (subject to available information): a. existing completed projects;

b. approved but uncompleted projects;

c. ongoing activities;

d. plans or projects for which an application has been made and which are under consideration by the consenting authorities; and

e. plans and projects which are reasonably foreseeable, i.e. projects for which an application has not yet been submitted, but which are likely to progress before completion of the development and for which sufficient information is available to assess the likelihood of cumulative and in-combination effects.

3. Ecologist Planner (OCC) Thank you for consulting me on this EIA Scoping Opinion request. I have the following comments. Assessment & Mitigation

In addition to following the advice in the consultation response from Natural England, the applicant should ensure that the Nature Conservation chapter includes a full assessment of potential impacts of the proposed 20 metre high fence on biodiversity and connectivity. The Nature Conservation chapter must include a detailed assessment of potential impacts of the proposed fencing/netting on bird and bat flight paths. The assessment should consider all direct, indirect, cumulative impacts both on- and off-site of site clearance, development and operation of the road and associated infrastructure/works. As part of this, there should be full assessment of habitat connectivity and potential severance by the fencing and road. The EIA should identify protected, notable or priority species, designated sites, important habitats or other biodiversity features on or adjacent to the development site. Desk study information is available from the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (http://www.tverc.org/). Input should also be sought from local experts, including BBOWT (Berks, Bucks, Oxon Wildlife Trust) and TVERC for species records and input into the scheme. The ecology chapter should assess the potential direct and indirect impacts on designated and local sites and include an extended Phase 1 survey to determine the habitat present and identify whether there is any UK BAP priority habitat present or potential habitat for protected species. If potential UK BAP priority habitat or potential habitat for protected species is identified further surveys will be required (phase 2 habitat and protected species surveys) to determine

what biodiversity is present and the potential impacts of the development. The EIA should answer the following questions:

1. What species are involved? 2. What is the population level (or area) likely to be affected by the proposal? 3. What is the impact of the proposal on protected species/ UK BAP priority habitat? 4. Is the impact necessary or acceptable? 5. What can be done to mitigate the impact? 6. Will a licence be required from Natural England?

The EIA should include survey reports for habitats and species. However, surveys relating to badgers or certain bird species should be provided in a confidential annex. The EIA should state whether the proposed works have the potential to impact on a European protected species and result in an offence under the Habitats Regulations 2010. If an offence is likely, the applicant will need a licence from Natural England and OCC must consider whether a licence from Natural England is likely to be given before granting planning permission. Protected species surveys may only be valid for 12 months, so if works are planned to occur more than 12 months after the date of the initial survey then the survey will need to be updated. Net gain in biodiversity In addition to appropriate mitigation and compensation, the development should result in a net enhancement in biodiversity (in line with NPPF paragraphs 9, 109 and 118). I agree with the comments made by BBOWT that the development should be designed so that the applicant can demonstrate that it would deliver a net gain in biodiversity and their suggestions for how net gain could be delivered. In particular, I recommend that the applicant considers incorporating the features referred to in the letter from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust’s letter and any other suitable enhancements, including design and management of the SUDS, road verge seeding, wildlife crossings under the road and compensatory scrub and hedgerow habitat planting in a suitable location that does not increase the risk of animals on the highway. Whilst I agree with the proposals to incorporate biodiversity enhancement measures, as proposed in paragraph 13.4.1 of the EIA Scoping Report, I consider that it should be made clear that these should be designed in from early in the design work for the scheme. The EIA should provide details of the proposed management and monitoring to ensure that there is no net loss in biodiversity.

4. Transport Development Control (OCC)

I am pleased to confirm the submitted scoping report is appropriate and I have no comments or recommendations to make at this stage. Please contact me if you have any specific queries or would like clarification of any matters.

5. Environmental Health Officer (SODC)

I have concerns that noise from traffic using the new proposed ring road extension will have a negative impact on the existing residential properties.

Should this scoping opinion develop into an application I require further information on the potential noise levels produced by the ring road and their impact on the existing properties, particularly the flats in Middle Furlong, which will overlook the road and the two story properties which will border the perimeter of the housing estate and the road. The noise mitigation should target reaching the levels given in Table 4 of BS8233:2014 for internal noise as based on WHO guidelines for noise to prevent noise levels reaching SOAL levels.

6. Thames Water

Thank you for given Thames Water the opportunity to respond to the above application.

On the basis of the information provided we have no comment on the applicants request for a Scoping Opinion.

7. Environment Agency

No Comment

8. South Oxfordshire District Council Thank you for your letter dated 21 December 2015 in relation to the Scoping Opinion for the Environmental Statement for the Didcot Northern Perimeter Road (Phase 3). This letter summarises comments received from specialist officers in relation to the document Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report dated December 2015. Section 1 Paragraph 1.2.8 refers to their being no decision made on the Ladygrove East planning application, this is not quite accurate as a resolution has been made to grant planning permission subject to Section 106 so it would be more accurate to state that planning permission hasn’t been issued. Section 4 Though the site is located in South Oxfordshire, it has close links with development proposed in the Vale of White Horse (as is mentioned in the document). It would therefore be appropriate in Section 4.3 – Other Local Policies and Strategies, to make reference to the Vale of White Horse District Council 2031 Part 1 Local Plan, which is currently going through examination. This Local Plan allocates housing and employment in and around Didcot and is therefore part of setting the baseline for the area. This section of the report should also refer to the fact that South Oxfordshire District Council is in the process of updating its Core Strategy by producing a new Local Plan, the most recent stage of which was the Refined Options consultation. Section 6 Officers have concerns that noise from traffic using the new proposed ring road extension will have a negative impact on the existing residential properties. Should this scoping opinion develop into an application we require further information on the potential noise levels produced by the ring road and their impact on the existing properties,

particularly the flats in Middle Furlong, which will overlook the road and the two story properties which will border the perimeter of the housing estate and the road. The noise mitigation should target reaching the levels given in Table 4 of BS8233:2014 for internal noise as based on WHO guidelines for noise to prevent noise levels reaching SOAL levels. Section 8 Section 8 of the Report does not fully express the magnitude of development that is anticipated in Didcot over the next fifteen years. It gives some detail of allocations in the Didcot area but it does not take into account recent planning applications and therefore does not give a complete picture of the scale of development happening in the Didcot area. As well as the allocations in the adopted Development Plan Documents, recent planning applications give a more up to date picture of development in Didcot, which this Section in particular seems to be lacking. For instance, Erection of 74 dwellings South of Haddon Hill (P14/S4066/FUL) and Mixed use redevelopment of Land at Former Didcot A Power Station (P15/S1880/O). It should also be noted that planning applications have been submitted for Didcot North East (P15/S2902/O) and the Orchard Centre (P15/S0433/FUL). This chapter also refers to the proposed allocation at Valley Park for 4150 homes, but that this is not in an adopted Development Plan Document. However, there is currently a planning application under consideration for the site for 4,254 homes which is overdue for a determination (P14/V2873/O) so the delivery of this site is more certain than the Report suggests. In general, this Section should be more reflective of the aspirations for the wider Didcot area through the emerging Local Plans and the Strategic Economic Plan, as described in Section 4 of the report, to more accurately reflect the scale of development anticipated in Didcot. Paragraph 8.4.3 states that 2700 homes are allocated at Great Western Park to the North East of the site as allocated in Policy DID2 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy. It was actually allocated in the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011, not the Core Strategy. Paragraph 8.4.6 refers to the Didcot Area Action Plan DPD, which is not the correct title, it should be the Science Vale Area Action Plan.

Section 11 This chapter should also refer to the South Oxfordshire District Council Landscape Assessment, which can be found on the website. (http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/planningpolicy/evidence-studies/policy-publications/south) Section 12 Section 12 of the Scoping Report refers to storage/attenuation areas that will be required for the runoff from the road. It should be ensured that enough land to incorporate these is included within the application area. The crossings of the existing watercourses described will be subject to a Land Drainage Consent agreement.

Section 14 Officers agree with the conclusions and the recommendations on the level of assessment that is proposed. Please note that these are officers’ comments and are not legally binding on any subsequent decision that the Council makes.

9. Rights of Way (OCC)

No Comments Received

10. Lead Flood Authority (OCC)

I have gone through the scoping report and I am happy with what it says, therefore I have no comments

11. BBOWT

Thank you for consulting the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) on the above Scoping Opinion Request. As a wildlife conservation charity, our comments relate specifically to the protection and enhancement of the local ecology on and around the application site. I consider the scope of the ecological surveys identified within the Environmental Assessment Scoping Report to be sufficient. However, I consider that further assessment could be integrated to ensure that the proposals deliver a net gain in biodiversity, as required by the NPPF. Paragraph 109 of the NPPF states: ‘The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: ...minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures’ In line with paragraph 109 of the NPPF the new road should deliver a net gain in biodiversity. I suggest the use of DEFRAs Biodiversity Offsetting Metric to demonstrate that the scheme achieves this. The approach should aim to create a habitat corridor along the route of the road to provide ecological connectivity. Consideration should be given to the potential for associated works, such as the four flood storage ponds/channels that are proposed, to provide biodiversity enhancements. Road verges should be seeded with native wildflower rich grassland of local provenance and appropriate to the area, compensation should also be provided for loss of scrub and hedgerow habitats. Provision should be made for the safe crossing of the road by animals – I note that the barrier created by the netting alongside the golf course has already been identified. Consideration should also be given to provision of passage under the road for other species. I hope that these comments are useful; should you wish to discuss any of the matters raised, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

12. Arboricultural Officer

With regard to Scoping Opinion for Didcot North Perimeter Road (Phase 3) at land between the B4016 Abingdon Road and the A4130.

In order to evaluate the impact of the development to trees I would expect the applicant to submit a BS 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction.

13. Councillor Neville Harris

The case officer took a phone call from County Councillor Neville Harris on the 12th January 2016. The Councillor commented on the positive effects the development will bring to residents living on Ladygrove B4016 which runs north away from the proposed development. Ladygrove is not properly designed for HGV moment and general noise affecting local residents. Cllr. Neville Harris would like to see more information provided within the EIA on the proposed road surface specifications (including drains), and how these specifications will minimise noise impact to residents north of the railway, in particular properties on Ladygrove, Middle Furlong, Bush Furlong and The Frith.

Email sent on 18th January I refer to your letter below and our subsequent telephone conversation. May I confirm with regard to the environmental impacts of the completion of the NPR. The environmental improvement to the section B4016 between the T junction of the NPR and the roundabout at Marsh Bridge which is described as the A4130 will be dramatically improved. The section I refer to is a B road and a patchwork of decaying repairs and service drains. The section causes a great deal of inconvenience to not only the residents of the ribbon development on either side of the road but also to a great number of residents in nearby Ladygrove and Ladygrove East. Speeding vehicles are a danger to residents and their property. At all times vehicles, speeding or not, are noisy; they disturb sleep patterns and shake pictures from walls. The road at this point was not built for purpose. Hopefully the section to be built to complete the NPR will be. Paradoxically hundreds of new houses are planned to be built alongside the existing NPR, is this a first for Oxfordshire? (having a town with a perimeter road within it that is). The point of the question is that close study of why the construction of these houses is acceptable in environmental impact terms (reversed perhaps) may help inform your own researches.

14. Councillor Patrick Greene

Through conversation with an officer, County Councillor Patrick Greene advised that he would wish to see the environmental impacts on users of the golf course included in the Environmental Statement.

15. Didcot Town Council

Didcot Town Council wholeheartedly supports this application.