Footpaths/Public Rights of Way. 27. Chapter 6. Environmental Impacts for Local Residents. 28. Chapter 7. Biodiversity an
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NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL LOCAL IMPACT REPORT
HORNSEA OFFSHORE WIND FARM PROJECT ONE SMARTWIND
Planning Inspectorate Reference:
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EN010033
HORNSEA OFFSHORE WIND FARM PROJECT ONE SMARTWIND LOCAL IMPACT REPORT CONTENTS
PAGE
Chapter 1
Introduction
2
Chapter 2
Site and Project Description
4
Chapter 3
Site History (Within North Lincolnshire Council’s Area)
15
Chapter 4
Designated Sites and Archaeology
18
Chapter 5
Footpaths/Public Rights of Way
27
Chapter 6
Environmental Impacts for Local Residents
28
Chapter 7
Biodiversity and Ecology
29
Chapter 8
Highways
31
Chapter 9
Draft Development Consent Order
32
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1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
This report has been prepared by North Lincolnshire Council in accordance with the advice and requirements set out in the Planning Act 2008 and the Advice Note One: Local lmpact Reports issued by the Infrastructure Planning Commission in March 2010.
1.2
The Advice Note states that a Local lmpact Report (LIR) is a 'Report in writing giving details of the likely impact of the proposed development on the authority's area’.
1.3
The Advice Note states that when the Commission decides to accept an application it will ask the relevant local authorities to prepare a Local Impact Report and its preparation should be prioritised and indicate where the local authority considers that the development would have a positive, negative or neutral effect on the area. The Report may include any topics that they consider to be relevant to the impact of the development on their area as a means by which their existing body of knowledge and evidence on local issues can be fully and robustly reported to the Commission.
1.4
The Advice Note indicates that topics addressed in the Local Impact Report may include: •
Site description and surroundings/location;
•
Details of the proposal;
•
Relevant planning history and any issues arising;
•
Relevant development plan policies, supplementary planning guidance or documents, development briefs or approved master plans and an appraisal of their relationship and relevance to the proposals;
•
Relevant development proposals under consideration or granted permission but not commenced or completed;
•
Local area characteristics such as urban and landscape qualities and nature conservation sites;
•
Local transport patterns and issues;
•
Site and area constraints;
•
Designated sites;
•
Socio-economic and community matters;
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•
Consideration of the impact of the proposed provisions and requirements within the draft Order in respect of all of the above; and
•
Development consent obligations and their impact on the local authority’s area.
1.5
The Local Impact Report may also comment on the development consent obligations and the requirements and also any relevant representations.
1.6
In producing the Local Impact Report the council has not sought the views of local parish councils and local interest groups as to any particular matters that should be reflected in the report because the parish councils and other local groups have the opportunity, through the consultation process, to make their observations direct to the National Infrastructure Directorate.
1.7
The Local Impact Report is intended to be used by the local authority as a means by which the existing body of local knowledge and evidence on local issues is fully and robustly reported to the Commissioners.
1.8
The Local Impact Report has been written so as to incorporate the topic areas suggested in the Advice Note (set out above), the subject areas in the Environmental Statement, and the obligations and proposed requirements submitted with the application for DCO.
1.9
In this specific case, the council’s approach to the LIR requires explanation.
1.10
Due to the character of the project, only very small parts of the works are within North Lincolnshire, and, they are underground in the form of an underground electricity cable.
1.11
Accordingly, the LIR that follows will concentrate on Archaeology and relevant matters relating to the Historic Environment.
1.12
Additionally, the LIR will refer to temporary impacts and those impacts likely to arise during the construction phase in respect of Habitat, Ecology, Highways and issues of environmental protection such as noise, watercourses and pollution.
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2.
SITE AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Zone
2.1
Under the Round 3 offshore wind licensing arrangements, The Crown Estate (TCE) awarded SMart Wind the right to develop wind energy generation in the Hornsea Zone, located off the east coast of England (Figure 3.2) pursuant to the Zone Development Agreement (ZDA). Through the ZDA, a target capacity of 4,000 megawatts (MW) i.e. 4 GW of offshore wind power has been established.
2.2
The Hornsea Zone is located in the southern North Sea, covering an area of 4,735 square kilometres (km) (Figure 3.2). The East Riding of Yorkshire coast lies 31 km to the west of the Zone’s boundary. The Zone’s eastern boundary is 1 km from the median line between UK and Netherlands waters.
2.3
The right to develop the Hornsea Zone is subject to SMart Wind being successful in obtaining the necessary consents and licences from any authority, government department, agency or court for the construction, operation and decommissioning of each of the individual offshore wind farms that would be located within the Hornsea Zone.
2.4
Development of the Hornsea Zone will consist of a number of future projects which will be identified through analysis of the spatial constraints within the Zone supported by the Zone Environmental Appraisal (ZEA) process (EMU Ltd., 2011). Summary of the Project Components
2.5
Project One comprises wind turbine generators (WTGs) and all infrastructure, such as export cables and substations, up to the point of connection with the National Grid via the North Killingholme substation, an existing 400 kilovolt (kV) substation located in the Humber region.
2.6
Project One will have a total generating capacity of up to 1.2 GW. Therefore, there will be up to 332 WTGs (depending on WTG type) within Project One, with WTG capacities ranging from 3.6 MW up to 8 MW being considered. Offshore infrastructure
2.7
Subzone 1 is situated within the centre of the Hornsea Zone with a total area of 407 km2.
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2.8
The term Subzone 1 is used to describe the area within the Hornsea Zone containing the offshore array, comprising WTGs and foundations, inter-array cabling, offshore converter stations, offshore collector stations, offshore accommodation platforms, and all associated infrastructure. Project One consists of the infrastructure contained in Subzone 1, offshore export cable route, offshore reactive compensation substation, and landfall as well as the onshore cabling, onshore HVAC substation or HVDC converter station, and associated infrastructure and works (Figure 3.3).
2.9
The western boundary of Subzone 1 lies 103 km off the East Riding of Yorkshire coast and the eastern boundary of Subzone 1 is 43.6 km from the median line between UK and Dutch waters (Figure 3.2). The co-ordinates of the outer points of Subzone 1 are provided below in Table 3.2 and are fully illustrated in the Work Plans and listed in the DCO. Table 3.2 Co-ordinates of Subzone 1 Point Latitude Point Latitude 1 53° 58' 42.179" N 2 53° 55' 46.445" N 3 53° 56' 22.870" N 4 53° 55' 31.318" N 5 53° 55' 37.592" N 6 53° 55' 23.329" N 7 53° 55' 8.162" N 8 53° 55' 35.429" N 9 53° 55' 2.525" N 10 53° 55' 22.663" N 11 53° 56' 16.303" N 12 53° 56' 46.586" N 13 53° 57' 12.481" N 14 53° 57' 24.509" N 15 53° 50' 10.018" N 16 53° 49' 14.297" N 17 53° 49' 58.584" N 18 53° 49' 58.944" N 19 53° 50' 5.118" N 20 53° 55' 9.293" N 21 53° 56' 3.228" N 22 53° 56' 29.670" N 23 53° 58' 17.828" N
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Longitude Longitude 1° 44' 31.880" E 1° 47' 47.796" E 1° 51' 57.409" E 1° 52' 54.282" E 1° 53' 38.108" E 1° 55' 20.262" E 1° 56' 10.619" E 1° 59' 20.944" E 1° 59' 45.776" E 2° 2' 14.219" E 2° 1' 15.269" E 2° 5' 4.031" E 2° 4' 32.376" E 2° 6' 6.700" E 2° 13' 57.158" E 2° 11' 36.820" E 1° 59' 54.762" E 1° 58' 59.804" E 1° 38' 58.430" E 1° 39' 52.024" E 1° 41' 0.143" E 1° 43' 45.592" E 1° 41' 46.795" E
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Offshore cable route 2.10
The offshore cable route extends from the proposed landfall at Horseshoe Point in Lincolnshire, offshore in a north-easterly direction to the southern boundary of Subzone 1 (Figure 3.2). The route is approximately 150 km in length.
2.11
The detailed co-ordinates for the offshore cable route are included in the Work Plans (Document reference: 5.1 Offshore Work Plans).
2.12
The process of selection and routing of the offshore cable route has avoided, where possible, significant engineering and environmental constraints, such as deep water and aggregate extraction areas. Onshore elements of the project
2.13
From the proposed landfall point at Horseshoe Point, onshore cables will connect the offshore wind farms to the existing National Grid substation at North Killingholme in North Lincolnshire, a distance of approximately 40 km (Figure 3.4). In order to connect the HVDC or HVAC cables to the National Grid, a new onshore HVDC converter station or HVAC substation will be required in the vicinity of the existing North Killingholme substation. Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) WTG layout
2.14
Optimising the layout of the WTGs within Subzone 1 is a complex process which requires taking into account a significant number of factors, including: •
WTG selection (manufacturer, generating capacity, rotor diameter);
•
Energy yield (related to WTG capacity, wake loss, and inter-array loss);
•
Ground conditions (subsurface geology);
•
Water depth;
•
Installation cost;
•
Foundation type;
•
Environmental constraints;
•
Electrical layout (e.g., inter-array cables);
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•
Seabed obstructions and unexploded ordnance;
•
Operation and maintenance requirements;
•
Stakeholder considerations (e.g., navigation considerations); and
•
Pre-determined boundaries (The Crown Estate Zone 4).
2.15
SMart Wind has defined four indicative WTG layout options which are presented in Figure 3.5 and Table 3.3. These layout options are for assessment purposes only where the worst case layout is selected for each receptor.
2.16
The final layout will be determined post-consent. There will up to 332 WTGs of between 3.6 and 8 MW in size depending on the rating of the wind turbine selected for the final design.
2.17
The four principles below will be used to determine the final layout design that will be subject to approvals as required by the Marine Licence: •
No WTG will be positioned closer than 924m away from the nearest neighbouring WTG.
•
The WTGs will be spaced approximately evenly within the wind farm in straight lines with the exception of the WTGs around the perimeter which could have a smaller spacing compared to the WTGs within the wind farm array. However, this will not breach principle 1.
•
Wake recovery gaps (large areas without WTGs) will not be included within the Subzone 1; and
•
There may be micro siting or changes to the approximate grid or grids where WTGs are sited around anthropological constraints (Oil & Gas/Wrecks), environmental constraints, and difficult ground conditions or to give adequate spacing between other infrastructure.
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Table 3.3 Indicative WTG rating and dimensions for Project One Layouts Layout WTG Size (MW) 1
Number Max blade Of Tip Height WTGs (m) above MHWS 3.6 - 6 332 200
Max Rotor Diameter (m) 178
2
3.6 - 6 269
200
178
3
6
208
200
178
4
8
150
200
178
Indicative Spacing (m)
Comments
924 x 1,320
Excludes micrositing 924 x 1,617 Excludes micrositing 1,155 x 1,617 Excludes micrositing 1,651 x 2,046 Excludes micrositing
TG components 2.18
The WTGs installed for Project One will consist of three primary components: •
The tower;
•
The nacelle; and
•
The rotor (including a hub and blades).
2.19
The tower structure connects the flanged connection at the top of the foundation unit or transition piece to the nacelle. The tower structure usually consists of two or three tapering steel tubular or concrete sections that are lifted into place and bolted together.
2.20
The rotor is usually connected to a low-speed shaft, which in-turn is connected to a gearbox, from which a high-speed shaft turns the generator. However direct drive models are also available where no gearbox is used. The shafts, gearbox and generator are located inside a container at the top of the tower called the ‘nacelle’. The nacelle and rotor are capable of turning (‘yawing’) to face the wind at any given point.
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Offshore Transmission Infrastructure 2.21
In order to collect and transfer the electricity generated by the offshore WTGs to the onshore National Grid transmission system a range of different design options are under consideration. The final decisions will be dependent on the final WTG and electrical design, as well as a detailed analysis of the costs, technical aspects and available technology of the various options.
2.22
There are two main options available for the design of the offshore transmission system (Figure 3.3): one solution based exclusively on High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) equipment, and one that utilises High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) equipment as well. Onshore Infrastructure
2.23
2.24
Project One will connect to the National Grid substation at North Killingholme. The onshore electrical transmission infrastructure comprises a number of key elements: •
Cable landfall at Horseshoe Point, near the village of North Coates, within the district of East Lindsey, Lincolnshire;
•
HVDC option will include an onshore HVDC cable route (up to 4 cable trenches for approximately 40 km) and an onshore HVDC converter station located at North Killingholme, North Lincolnshire;
•
HVAC option will include an onshore HVAC cable route (up to 4 cable trenches for approximately 40 km) and an onshore HVAC substation located at North Killingholme, North Lincolnshire; and
•
Both the HVAC and HVDC options will include interconnecting HVAC cables from the onshore HVDC converter/HVAC substation to the existing National Grid substation at North Killingholme, North Lincolnshire.
As described above, either the HVDC or HVAC Export Option will be selected, not both. Each of the key elements listed above are described in more detail below. Onshore cable route
2.25
The onshore cable route corridor runs from the landfall at Horseshoe Point to the proposed substation location at North Killingholme. A plan of the onshore cable route is shown in Figure 3.18.
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2.26
Prior to the installation of the onshore cable route, various preconstruction activities will be carried out, including surveys, environmental mitigation, erecting fences, and instating compounds.
2.27
The onshore cable route permanent works will consist of:
2.28
•
Up to four cable circuits, each in its own cable trench (including associated fibre optic cables and their associated ducts);
•
Various crossings, obstructions;
•
Jointing pits, which will be located every 750 m to 2500 m along each cable circuit; and
•
Link boxes and associated manhole covers will be connected to some of the jointing pits. These may be located away from the jointing pits, but still within the onshore cable route corridor.
located
where
necessary
to
pass
various
During construction, the following temporary works may be required: •
One ‘haul road’ and one ‘access track’, running the length of the cable route;
•
Top soil and sub soil mounds for storage of this material during construction, running the length of the cable route;
•
Construction compounds described in detail in Annex 4.3.4: Crossing Schedule (Onshore); and
•
HDD compounds are also located along the route where a HDD crossing is required away from a main compound area; these are also described in detail in Annex 4.3.4: Crossing Schedule (Onshore).
2.29
The width of the permanent works will be up to 20 m, within which the cable trenches will be located in an arrangement to be confirmed. The permanent works width can increase to up to 30 m where a physical obstacle is encountered. During installation the width of the corridor will expand temporarily to 40 m to accommodate access and haul roads for construction vehicles and storage areas for excavated soil (Figure 3.20).
2.30
Once the onshore cable route corridor is fully installed, the temporary works will be removed and the land reinstated to as good a condition as before work commenced, so far as reasonably possible. When the cable route crosses agricultural land, it is expected that agricultural activity may resume above the buried cables.
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Onshore Substation Options 2.31
Depending on which transmission option is chosen, the ‘onshore substation’ will either be an HVAC substation or an HVDC converter station. For the remainder of this section, when "substation" is used it is taken to mean the HVAC substation or the HVDC converter station as appropriate depending on the transmission option chosen, unless otherwise stated. The onshore substation will be unmanned except for during maintenance visits and can be monitored and operated completely remotely.
2.32
The substation will consist of a building at one end of the site abutting an open ‘yard’, possibly partitioned with concrete or steel walls or fences, containing switchgear, electrical reactors, and other electrical equipment.
2.33
The electrical export cables will enter the substation site from the north west corner and connect to the substation building. The electrical power will pass through the building and into the equipment in the yard. It will exit the site via underground 400 kV HVAC cables which will connect to North Killingholme National Grid substation, located to the south of the site.
2.34
The general arrangement of the site is shown in Figure 3.26. It should be noted that vegetation that is removed will be replaced, through agreement with the relevant Planning Authorities. Figure 3.26 is generic such that it is applicable for either the HVDC or HVAC option. More detailed schematic drawings can be found in Volume 4: Annex 4.3.7.
2.35
Worst case assumptions have been made for drainage, and these are described in detail in Volume 3, Chapter 2: Hydrology and Flood Risk. The maximum parameters of buildings and equipment are listed in Table 3.31 and Table 3.32. Please refer to relevant land and work plans for details.
2.36
The transmission technology – HVAC or HVDC - will be selected post consent. The finalised detailed engineering design will be agreed with the local planning authority, North Lincolnshire Council as a requirement of the DCO. Location
2.37
The location of the onshore substation is presented in Figure 3.27. It is located on greenfield, arable land, adjacent to the North Killingholme National Grid Substation and the E.ON and Centrica Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power stations. It is bordered on the south by high voltage overhead power lines and on the northwest by a bund, erected as mitigation for the visual impacts of the Centrica power station. To the north, it is bordered by the proposed ‘Marine Energy Park’ at Able Humber Port.
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Onshore HVDC converter station 2.38
If the HVDC Export Option is used, an onshore HVDC converter station will be required to allow Project One to be connected to the National Grid. The HVDC converter station is required to convert HVDC electricity back into HVAC suitable for connection to the grid. Design
2.39
The footprint and layout of the substation is determined in part by the equipment, connections, safety clearances and access required for components. The HVDC converter station will incorporate up to two approximately 500 MW or one up to 1,200 MW Voltage Source Converter (VSC) to convert the potential maximum ± 400 kV HVDC to 400kV HVAC. HVDC and HVAC switchgear will be provided to control circuits and allow safe working access. The filtering requirements of this technology are expected to be minimal if required at all. The indicative layout for the onshore HVDC converter station is shown in Figure 3.28.
2.40
Control and communications equipment will be accommodated in a building that will include an interface to the National Grid Control Centre via telecommunications facilities. Low voltage electrical power supplies (low voltage power and lighting) for the onshore HVDC converter station will be provided by a locally connected auxiliary transformer with a separate supply from the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
2.41
The main building and site perimeter of the onshore HVDC converter station will be designed to reduce its visual impact through the type, colour, and shape of materials used, and through the use of effective landscaping within the boundary of the red line illustrated in Figure 3.27. Further details are provided in Volume 3, Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Resources. The key materials for the building exterior will be determined in the detailed design phase and in consultation with the local planning authority.
2.42
The use of the external meshed air terminals is being proposed as a form of lightning protection for the onshore HVDC converter station building. This is a grid of conductors that is placed over/around the building to provide lightning protection and in particular to protect the sensitive equipment inside. This will not impact on the building profile although there would be a visible mesh of conductive material on the building’s exterior.
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Onshore HVAC substation 2.43
If the HVAC Export Option is used, an onshore HVAC substation will be required to allow Project One to be connected to the National Grid. The onshore HVAC substation will allow transformation of the voltage to the required transmission system level and will provide reactive power compensation and filtering equipment to ensure that the wind farm complies with the technical requirements to connect to the National Grid. Design
2.44
This equipment is likely to include three main onshore transformers, 400 kV and export cable transmission switchgear, up to two sets of harmonic filtering equipment, up to four sets of static reactor shunts, up to three dynamic compensation devices, other lightning and transient protection equipment and other auxiliary equipment. An indicative example of what an HVAC onshore substation could look like is shown in Figure 3.29, but the final size and the amount of those components will be decided during the detailed design phase of the project.
Figure 3.29 Indicative site layout an onshore HVAC substation
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2.45
As with the onshore HVDC converter station, control and communications equipment will be accommodated in a building that will include an interface to the National Grid Control Centre via telecommunications facilities. Low voltage electrical power supplies (small power and lighting) for the onshore station will be provided by a locally connected auxiliary transformer with either an internal supply or a separate supply from the local DNO.
2.46
The main building and site perimeter of the onshore HVAC converter substation will be designed to reduce its visual impact through the type, colour, and shape of materials used, and through the use of effective landscaping within the boundary. The materials for the building exterior will be determined in the detailed design phase and in consultation with the local planning authority.
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3.
SITE HISTORY (WITHIN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL’S AREA) Planning permissions from 1974 7/1987/0849 – Planning permission to retain a concrete base and eight lighting columns in contractors compound and retain a hardcore track and 23 boreholes for monitoring purposes – granted conditionally -19.11.87 7/1990/0159 – Planning permission to erect an indoor electricity transforming and switching substation, control building including office mess room, meeting room and toilets at first floor, workshop and access road – granted conditionally -17.5.90 7/1992/0379 – Planning permission to construct a 20 inch diameter underground pipeline – 1265 metres long to carry natural gas from Kinetica Reception Area to CCGT Power Station – granted conditionally - 23.7.92 1996/1510 – Consent to display non illuminated directional sign – granted conditionally -17.9.1996 1999/0869 – Form B application to erect a 2.5 km long 400Kv overhead line and two gantry towers – withdrawn – 20.4.2001 2000/1284 – Planning permission to construct a gas off-take above ground installation and a high pressure gas pipeline – granted - 02/03/2001 2001/0512 - Form B application to construct a 400KV overhead line – no objections subject to conditions – 2.8.2001 2002/1555 – Planning permission to use land and erect warehouse and distribution units for port related purposes – refused -12.9.2003 2006/1880 - Planning permission to erect a bioethanol plant and machinery producing 200,000 tons of ethanol per year from wheat with an associated combined heat and power plant to include administration buildings and a plant water lagoon and internal process conveyor and vehicular access off Chase Hill Road with construction related elements with landscaping and lighting – granted conditionally - 02/04/2007 2008/0988 - Planning permission to erect a glass wool insulation product manufacturing plant, including storage, landscaping and access – granted 03/12/2008
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2008/1458 - Planning permission to construct a new 12" pipeline between existing Gas Reception Facility (GRF) off Chase Hill Road and the proposed URSA Glass Wool Plant and a new gas processing skid unit – granted conditionally - 08/12/2008 2008/1459 - Planning permission to construct a 12" pipeline between the Gas Reception Facility and the new URSA glass wool plant and a new gas processing skid unit – granted conditionally - 22/12/2008 2009/0600 - Planning permission to erect buildings and use land for purposes within Use Classes A3, C1, B1, B2 and B8 for port-related storage and associated service facilities together with amenity landscaping and habitat creation, including flood defences, new railway siding, estate roads, sewage and drainage facilities, floodlighting, waste processing facility, hydrogen pipeline spur and two 20 metre telecommunication masts (IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND PLANS CONTAINED WITHIN THE ADDENDUM TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT DATED APRIL 2011 RECEIVED BY THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY ON 20 APRIL) – granted - 10/07/2013 2009/0489 - Planning permission to vary conditions 6, 7, 10,13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 25, 28, and 29 on planning application PA/2008/0988 – no decision 2010/0286 - Planning application to replace an extant planning permission (PA/2006/1880 dated 02/04/2007) to erect a bioethanol plant and machinery producing 200,000 tons of ethanol per year from wheat with an associated combined heat and power plant to include administration buildings, a plant water lagoon and internal process conveyor and vehicular access off Chase Hill Road with construction related elements with landscaping and lighting – withdrawn - 06/04/2010 2010/0325 - Planning permission to replace an extant planning permission (PA/2006/1880 dated 02/04/2007) to erect a bioethanol plant and machinery producing 200,000 tons of ethanol per year from wheat with an associated combined heat and power plant to include administration buildings, a plant water lagoon and internal process conveyor and vehicular access off Chase Hill Road with construction-related elements with landscaping and lighting – granted conditionally - 28/09/2010 2010/1087 - Planning permission to install a 4km, 400kV underground electrical connection together with associated groundworks and infrastructure – granted conditionally - 22/12/2010 2011/1101 - Planning permission to erect extensions to existing substation and replace existing fencing with new 3.4m high electric fencing on the east, north and west boundaries – granted conditionally - 26/10/2011
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2011/1317 - Application for planning permission to replace an extant application 2008/0988 (erect a glass wool insulation product manufacturing plant, including storage landscaping and access on land north of Chase Hill Road) in order to extend the time limit – pending 7/CIRC/166/1989 – Form B application for a combined cycle gas turbine power station – granted 17.4.1990 7/CIRC/167/1989 – From B application erect a new 400 KV overhead transmission line to serve proposed power station – withdrawn 10/10/1989 7/CIRC/168/1989 – Form B application for the erection of approximately 3 km of 3 conductor high voltage overhead transmission line – withdrawn 19/02/1990 7/CIRC/169/1989 – Form B application for the erection of Powergen combined cycle gas turbine power station – granted - 31/01/1990 7/CIRC/178/1989 – Form B application to erect an overhead line – granted 18.6.90 7/CIRC/182 – Superseded by 7/CIRC/186. 7/CIRC/186/1990 – Form B application to erect two 400 KV overhead lines associated with the construction of 2 combined cycle gas turbine power stations – no objections - 27.4.1990 7/CIRC/204/1990 - Consultation under circular to construct gas pipeline – no objections - 13.9.90 7/CIRC/279/1996 – Form B application for the construction of a combined cycle gas turbine generating station (700MW output) with ancillary buildings being an extension of an existing generating station and to extend an existing 400KV substation and modify/extend an existing gas reception facility – deemed granted – 31.10.1996
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4.
DESIGNATED SITES AND ARCHAEOLOGY
4.1
The council’s Historic Environment Record has been in consultation with the applicant since November 2010 liaising on the various stages of archaeological assessment the results of which are summarised in chapter 5 of Environmental Statement and detailed in the relevant appendices. Archaeology Baseline
4.2
The proposed route of the cable through North Lincolnshire passes through an area where there is a growing body of evidence for settlement dating to the Iron Age and Roman periods as well as of medieval occupation and surviving historic landscape features, in particular areas of extant ridge and furrow associated with several medieval manorial sites designated as Scheduled Monuments. It was recognised that this was an area where the discovery of further archaeological sites was to be anticipated.
4.3
The assessment and field evaluations undertaken to date have revealed a number of new sites and elucidated the nature, date and character of known sites where no previous investigations have taken place. These sites and the results of the evaluation are summarised in section 5.5 of the ES.
4.4
With regard to the Roman site revealed in trench 99 (5.5.43) we note that these remains appear to indicate settlement along a drove way extending south through plot 111 where it underlies the medieval settlement (5.5.61) but that the full extent of the Roman activity to the north into plot 112 is as yet unknown where it may be masked by the earthworks of later ridge and furrow.
4.5
The council is satisfied with the methodologies employed in the evaluations though we note that the evaluation could not be completed at a number of locations in North Lincolnshire due to route alterations and access issues, in particular along the cable route from the north side of Chase Hill to the site of the proposed HVDC/HVAC facility. We consider that there is potential for archaeological remains in this area and that further evaluation will be necessary before archaeological significance and impact can be assessed and appropriate detailed mitigation agreed.
4.6
The site of the HVDC/HVAC facility has been satisfactorily surveyed.
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Assessment 4.7
The potential impacts of the construction work on archaeology are adequately identified (Table 5.13) and include the width of the stripped area of the cable route, any stripping required for soil storage, compounds and construction side accesses.
4.8
The impacts of the construction phase on the archaeology are assessed in paragraphs 5.6.54-5.6.124. We are in general agreement with the assessments of the overall significance of effect for the sites in North Lincolnshire, though we note that the magnitude of impact at several of these sites may be more extensive than stated given the locations of construction compounds shown on Document 7.4.3.4 Crossing Schedule Onshore.
4.9
For example at the Iron Age site in Plot 120 (Trench 104) it is stated that the cable route corridor would ‘only impact upon part of the site’ (5.6.61), but a construction compound is also located on south side of Chase Hill Road covering the northwestern quarter of the Iron Age enclosure and the associated geophysical anomalies identified adjacent to the road (figs153-4, 7.6.5.3).
4.10
At the Roman period site in Plot 112 (Trench 99) it is not clear that much of the site lies outside the cable route corridor as stated (5.6.66); the majority of the mapped geophysical anomalies that are likely to relate to the Roman settlement appear to be within the cable route (figs 145-6, 7.6.5.3). These anomalies extend southwest to trench 98 where the earlier excavated features were dated to the Iron Age and Roman periods (p23-4 & fig 38, 7.6.5.5).
4.11
The Medieval site in Plot 111 (Trenches 95-98) is assessed as a heritage asset of medium ‘sensitivity or value’ (5.6.91) Given the apparent completeness and state of preservation of the archaeological remains, the council considers that the site is potentially of schedulable quality and thus national importance; it should therefore be assessed as of high importance in terms of its sensitivity or value in accordance with the assessment methodology in Table 5.14 ‘Undesignated heritage assets of schedulable quality and importance’.
4.12
Spatially, construction would only impact upon part of the site (5.6.89), however the integrity and completeness of the site would be irreversibly destroyed; the magnitude of impact should therefore be assessed as medium/high (Table 5.17) rather than medium (5.6.90) and therefore that the significance of effect is not just moderate adverse but moderate/major – major adverse (5.6.92).
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4.13
For the Second World War site in Plot 116, a heritage asset of low sensitivity or value (Table 5.14) the magnitude of impact is assessed as low (5.6.113). The council considers that the latter assessment should be medium (Table 5.17) given that the cable corridor would appear likely to result in the destruction of two of the three extant structures on this site in contrast to the Second World War site in North East Lincolnshire that is already destroyed (5.6.119). Thus the significance of effect assessed as negligible (5.6.114) should be one of minor adverse significance.
4.14
Notwithstanding these comments, the council agrees that the impact assessment has correctly identified those effects on individual sites that are significant in EIA terms.
4.15
The full extent of these construction impacts that will lead to the destruction of archaeological remains of local, regional and potential national importance will need to be addressed in a detailed mitigation strategy for the project. Mitigation
4.16
Generalised mitigation measures for the construction phase are set out in Table 5.21 and slightly more specific mitigation proposals are outlined in Table 5.22 for the identified undesignated sites of importance, including those in North Lincolnshire. The council agrees in principle that these suggested headline measures are appropriate, however, the council also requires the details and extents of the programmes of advance archaeological investigation before being able to assess whether the impacts on the undesignated heritage assets will be satisfactorily mitigated.
4.17
A detailed Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) should therefore be prepared and submitted for consideration by the relevant authorities for agreement under the Statement of Common Ground; this would provide comparable treatment of the terrestrial (and intertidal) archaeology with that in the marine zone for which a detailed WSI has been submitted with the ES (document ref 7.5.10.2), and also with the sister topic of Ecology for which an Ecological Management Plan has been submitted (Annex 6.3.12). We note that the Planning Inspectorate and English Heritage requested the preparation of a formal archaeological mitigation strategy in response to the Second Scoping Opinion (Table 5.3), as has the council throughout the preapplication process.
4.18
It is important that the local authority is satisfied with the proposed treatment of the archaeological remains that are within their remit prior to agreeing that the impacts can and will be adequately mitigated. Where WSIs are drawn up post-decision, there can be a lack of an effective framework within which to reach an agreement that ensures that the proposed mitigation scheme is appropriate.
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4.19
The requirement for a WSI to be agreed in advance of a decision is supported in the national planning policies on the Historic Environment, in both the NPPF (policy 141) and NPS EN-1 (policies 5.8.20-22). We note that the relevant paragraphs from the NPS EN-1 are not referenced in Table 5.2 Summary of NPS EN-1 policy on decision making (and mitigation) in relation to the historic monument. The relevant paragraphs state: Where the loss of the whole or a material part of a heritage asset's significance is justified, the IPC should require the developer to record and advance understanding of the significance of the heritage asset before it is lost. The extent of the requirement should be proportionate to the nature and level of the asset's significance. Developers should be required to publish this evidence and deposit copies of the reports with the relevant Historic Environment Record. They should also be required to deposit the archive generated in a local museum or other public depository willing to receive it (paragraph 5.8.20). Where appropriate, the IPC should impose requirements on a consent that such work is carried out in a timely manner in accordance with a written scheme of investigation that meets the requirements of this Section and has been agreed in writing with the relevant Local Authority (where the development is in English waters, the Marine Management Organisation and English Heritage, or where it is in Welsh waters, the MMO and Cadw) and that the completion of the exercise is properly secured (paragraph 5.8.21).
4.20
The footnote to this paragraph notes that guidance on the contents of a written scheme of investigation is set in the Practice Guide to PPS5. Paragraph 140 of the latter document states: ‘To secure effective implementation after the decision is made it will be important to finalise the content of the written scheme of investigation prior to determination’. Where the IPC considers there to be a high probability that a development site may include as yet undiscovered heritage assets with archaeological interest, the IPC should consider requirements to ensure that appropriate procedures are in place for the identification and treatment of such assets discovered during construction (paragraph 5.8.22).
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4.21
The WSI should include details of those mitigation measures outlined in Tables 5.21 & 5.22 for all sites in North Lincolnshire where sufficient assessment information is currently available, and should include those sites of identified importance as well as sites of lesser importance, such as where undated features or finds were identified. The WSI should include for the completion of the evaluation to the north of Chase Hill Road and of trench 92 west of East Halton Road and mitigation proposals for other as yet unidentified sites should be agreed as soon as adequate information becomes available. The WSI should incorporate the recommendations of the specialist reports appended to the Archaeological Trial Trenching Report (Document ref 7.6.5.5).
4.22
Provision should also be made in the WSI for an archaeological watching brief to be maintained along the cable route corridor and within the HVDC/HVAC site to ensure that unexpected archaeological sites are properly identified, assessed and recorded.
4.23
All works should be undertaken to recognised professional standards by a suitably qualified archaeological organisation as approved by the local planning authority.
4.24
The council encourages opportunities for local community engagement with the archaeological works proposed in the WSI. Other opportunities may include educational and interpretation work of the archaeological results along the cable corridor route as a whole. The WSI should therefore set out the requirement for archaeological organisations undertaking works to include appropriate arrangements for public open days, school site visits, and to provide real-time publicity information via traditional and electronic media. Nationally Designated Sites
4.25
The council is satisfied that the relevant Scheduled Monuments (SM), Listed Buildings, Registered Parks and Gardens and Conservation Areas within North Lincolnshire have been assessed (and that the potential impacts during the construction works, operation and decommissioning phases of the development have been identified (Table 5.13).
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Assessment 4.26
The council has concerns regarding the assessment of impact on the settings of the Scheduled Monuments (5.6.128-180) and the contribution of the setting to the significance of the monuments. There is an emphasis on visual impacts without consideration of other aspects of setting such as the ability to experience a site and its spatial or geographic relationship to other assets (English Heritage, 2011). Despite this emphasis on visual impacts, the ES does not provide adequate representative visualisations of the development at some of the sites to support the results of the settings assessment.
4.27
Baysgarth Moated Site is one of a series of medieval manorial centres within the villages of East Halton, North and South Killingholme and further south into North East Lincolnshire along the north-south ridge that rises above the marshland to the east. There is no assessment of impact from within the SM as access was not obtained.
4.28
The ES asserts that the setting of Baysgarth Farm moated site does not extend beyond the hedgerow outside the eastern boundary of the scheduled monument (SM) (5.6.134). The council disagrees with this assessment considering that it does not adequately assess the setting or the contribution of setting to the significance of the monument in terms of the stated methodology of English Heritage guidance and is overly concerned with the perceived visual impact from within the SM.
4.29
The setting includes the fields immediately east of the scheduled boundary that contain the earthworks of medieval ridge and furrow. These most likely form part of the medieval manorial estate associated with the moated site and should definitely be considered as part of the immediate setting to the monument. As upstanding earthworks they make a significant visual contribution to the archaeological and historical value of the monument.
4.30
The setting thus comprises the areas of ancient enclosures and enclosed fields to the east of the monument, several of which contain well-preserved ridge and furrow. This setting can be appreciated visually from the roadside to the north and south of the SM and in other ways, and makes a high contribution to the significance of the monument. The visual impact of the HVDC/HVAC facility within the setting is likely to be high though no photomontage from a useful viewpoint is included with the ES.
4.31
It is likely that the proposed development would be visible from within the setting to the east of the SM, even though there may be some screening from existing vegetation and other industrial features of the existing power station are also likely to be visible.
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4.32
The council therefore considers that the magnitude of impact to be low/medium, rather than negligible as in the EIA (5.6.136) and that the significance of effect on the SM is therefore minor/moderate adverse which could be significant in EIA terms but without a visualisation, the tendency to either minor or moderate cannot be assessed.
4.33
The council is therefore unable to fully assess this impact and consider any appropriate mitigation, for example in the form of further screening, without the production of a photomontage from this location.
4.34
We have similar concerns about the assessment of effects on the SM at Manor Farm moated site, East Halton. In this case, the EIA does concede that the ridge and furrow to the east of the monument is part of its setting but does not assess the contribution of this setting to the significance of the monument which the council considers to be high.
4.35
The setting of Manor Farm Moated Site includes all the land to the east and south of the scheduled area and includes a building platform to the immediate east of the moat and the well-preserved ridge and furrow earthworks of the former medieval fields surrounding the moated manorial site. These fields would have formed the landholding belonging to the manor administered from the estate centre within the moated site. This setting thus makes a significant contribution to the historical and evidential significance of this heritage asset.
4.36
Figure 5.9 provides a photomontage of the proposed development from within the immediate setting of the scheduled monument; the monument and its relationship with its setting can be best understood from this location along the public right of way.
4.37
Existing views from the public right of way alongside the monument include the tall vertical elements of the oil refineries in the distance to the south and the chimneys and turbine halls of the two power stations in the middle distance. The proposed development, also in the middle distance, would be almost entirely visible through and above the boundary hedgerow, and would extend the massing and intrusion of industrial development into the setting of the monument.
4.38
The council therefore considers that the magnitude of impact to be low/medium adverse, rather than negligible as in the EIA (5.6.154) and that the significance of effect on the SM is moderate adverse which is significant in EIA terms.
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4.39
Mitigation of this significant impact is not proposed in the ES other than landscape planting at the HVDC/HVAC site (Tables 5.21 & 5.24). The council considers that more effective screening could be provided between the monument environs and the proposed development. Gapping up and planting of trees along the hedgerow boundary visible in Figure 5.9 together with planting of a number of strategically located mature tree specimens within this field could more effectively screen the proposed development.
4.40
Thornton Abbey comprises a Scheduled Monument encompassing several individual Listed Buildings of Grade I, II* and II and includes the ornate fortified gatehouse one of the largest in England. As well as its historic and archaeological importance, the abbey is a major visitor destination contributing to the local economy in North Lincolnshire. There are expansive views from the upper floors of the Gatehouse and from within the abbey ruins across the surrounding area.
4.41
The Abbey and its gatehouse were designed to be seen from the surrounding landscape to impress the approaching visitor, its setting is therefore far ranging and makes an important contribution to the historical significance of the site. The HVDC/HVAC site is thus within the setting of the SM.
4.42
Useful photomontages have been submitted with the ES (Figures 5.10 and 5.11). Figure 5.11 demonstrates that at ground level the proposed development will not be visible from key views looking down the main axis of the church site. Figure 5.10, however, provides an elevated view across the site from the second floor window of the gatehouse with the low walls of the church and ruins of the Chapter House in the foreground and in the background the chimney and flare stacks of the oil refineries and power stations and
4.43
In Figure 5.10 from the gatehouse upper floor window, the HVDC/HVAC facility is clearly visible in the background view left of centre adjacent to the existing power station. The existing view includes the tall vertical elements of the oil refineries including the upper parts of some of the circular storage tanks, the chimneys and upper levels of the turbine halls of the two power stations, as well as the line of pylons and glimpses of the Ro-Ro terminal. Though part of this industrial setting, the upper half of the HVDC/HVAC structure would break the skyline across a considerable area and would be seen to dominate the large block of woodland to the immediate right. It would appear closer in the view than the two power stations and would thus extend the massing and intrusion of industrial development further into the setting of the monument.
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4.44
For these reasons the council does not accept that the assessment in the ES that the proposed development will have no change or effect on the setting of the listed buildings or SM at Thornton Abbey (5.6.173) or that the significance of effect will be none (5.6.175). In our assessment the magnitude of impact would be low adverse, and therefore the significance of effect on the designated assets is minor or moderate adverse which is not significant in EIA terms.
4.45
Goxhill Hall Moated Site is a Scheduled Monument and includes a fine medieval hall, which is listed Grade I; the adjacent 17th century house known as Goxhill Hall is listed Grade II*. The medieval chamber block is a first floor hall with under croft, designed to reflect the status of the landholder and impress the visitor. The hall has windows to the first floor east elevation that were designed to afford views across the landscape in the direction of the proposed development and its setting is thus far ranging. The EIA has however not established whether there is any visibility of the HVDC/HVAC facility from this upper level; a photomontage from this view would have been useful to enable the council to assess any impact.
4.46
With regard to North Lincolnshire’s other Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, designated assets and their settings assessed in the ES, the council is satisfied that the assessed adverse impacts will not be significant in terms of this EIA and do not warrant mitigation in this instance.
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5.
FOOTPATHS/PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY
5.1
The attached map shows the public rights of way potentially affected by the scheme. These need to be temporarily stopped up in accordance with relevant statutory procedures, allowing for suitable prior notice (at least six weeks). Furthermore, any damage caused to the surface of an affected public right of way arising from the scheme needs to be made good at the developer’s expense to a standard at least as good as before disturbance.
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6.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS Contaminated Land
6.1
Requirement 15 of the Draft Development Consent Order provides appropriate control to deal with concerns relating to contaminated land. Construction phase: Light pollution, Noise & Vibration, Dust & Air Quality
6.2
During the construction phase there is the potential for residents to be subjected to considerable disturbance due to light pollution, noise & vibration and dust. However, Requirement 10 of the Draft Development Consent Order provides appropriate means of control to minimise these impacts. Operational Phase: Noise
6.3
During operation, there is potential for ongoing noise disturbance associated with the substation, converter and associated plant. The results of noise modelling reported in the Environmental Statement indicate that the combined noise rating level associated with operation of the substation, converter and associated plant will be below a rating level of 35dB LAeq,T at any residential property. The predicted operational noise levels are well within the WHO guidelines for community noise and for sleep disturbance. The predicted noise levels also indicate that complaints are unlikely when considering a BS4142 assessment.
6.4
It is agreed therefore that, provided their predicted operational noise rating levels are not exceeded, the noise impact associated with ongoing operation of the substation, converter and associated plant will be “negligible to minor“.
6.5
However, there is no provision in the draft Development Consent Order to control the noise impact to ensure that the total rating level from the operation of this development will achieve the predicted noise levels described in the application documents. A requirement should be included for the control of operational noise, the following is a suggestion:
6.6
“The combined rating level of noise emitted from the substation, converter and associated plant shall not exceed 35 dB, measured as LAeq, 5 minutes at any residential boundary. The definition of rating level shall be as described in BS4142:1997.”
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7.
BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY Scope of Comments
7.1
The Biodiversity and Ecology section of the Local Impact Report shall focus primarily on those local impacts that may not be addressed by statutory consultees. For that reason, effects on the internationally important Humber Estuary SAC, SPA and Ramsar site, for which the Planning Inspectorate is the Competent Authority and Natural England is the Nature Conservation Adviser, have been consciously excluded from this account. Note, however, that North Lincolnshire Council has commented in detail at the preapplication stage, on the Scoping Report, on the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) and the draft Environmental Statement (ES). Most of the comments made previously appear to have been considered by the applicant and incorporated into the project design, mitigation proposals and the draft requirements in the Development Consent Order. Protected and Priority Species
7.2
This application has been considered in accordance with Natural England's recently published standing advice for protected specieshttp://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/planningtransportlocalgov/spatialp lanning/standingadvice/default.aspx.
7.3
North Lincolnshire Council have focused on the advice dealing with bats, badgers, water voles, great crested newts, reptiles, nesting birds, plants and invertebrates. And have looked at the submitted Environmental Statement and appendices in detail. The council is content with the range of protected and priority species targeted by survey work.
7.4
Where effects on protected or priority species are possible, a comprehensive package of mitigation has been proposed, incorporating advice given by North Lincolnshire Council. This will be secured by the draft text of requirement 9. Assuming the above approach to mitigation and enhancement is followed through the requirements of the Order, then the council considers the overall effect to be neutral or minor positive.
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Overall approach to biodiversity 7.5
North Lincolnshire Council encourages development that not only mitigates for harm to wildlife but also provides biodiversity enhancement. This reflects our commitment in policy CS17 of the North Lincolnshire Core Strategy and our duties under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. With this application, there are proposals to enhance hedgerows along the construction route and to provide landscaping using native trees and shrubs. Bat boxes and nest boxes shall be deployed. North Lincolnshire Council welcomes these measures. The council also welcomes the range of protective measures set out in the draft requirements, such as the adoption and implementation of an Ecological Management Plan (EMP). The council broadly supports the approach taken to the enhancement of hedgerows set out in submitted Annex 6.4.16, though we would generally avoid the planting of elder Sambucus nigra, which is likely to colonise hedgerows naturally. In common with the requirements of Environmental Stewardship schemes, we would generally favour replanting with hawthorn Crataegus monogyna along with at least five other locally native species in each length of hedgerow.
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8.
HIGHWAYS
8.1
In overall terms the highways authority is satisfied that the proposal can, with suitable control and mitigation, be accommodated on the network without adversely affecting its performance. The following issues will need to be addressed though. A160 Port of Immingham Improvement Scheme
8.2
The Highway Authority re-iterates its support for this scheme, a major scheme proposal by the Highways Agency to improve the A160 from the port entrance to the A180 at Brocklesby Interchange. At a cost of over £100 million this level of infrastructure provision is outside the ability for individual developments to deliver and it is recognised that all parties would like to see the expedient delivery of the full scheme.
8.3
It is anticipated that work will begin on the scheme in summer 2015 and be completed by autumn 2016. It is possible that the A160 and the SMart Wind project will be under construction simultaneously. We would advise that a project management plan is agreed with the Highways Agency to avoid conflict. It may be appropriate to address this through a Construction Phase Traffic Management Plan, which could be conditioned within the Consent Order for Development. Travel Planning Commitments
8.4
Access to the site by sustainable modes of travel is extremely limited at the present time. Public transport access is non-existent and there is a very low baseline to work from in terms of improving sustainable connections for a potentially large construction workforce.
8.5
It may be beneficial to produce a travel plan for the construction phase which includes robust and realistic measures to reduce single car occupancy and a detailed action plan, with clear responsibilities and specific timescales.
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9.
DRAFT DEVELOPMENT CONSENT ORDER
9.1
With regard to the Draft Development Consent Order we welcome the inclusion of requirement 8 (Schedule A Part 3). The written scheme of investigation incorporating detailed mitigation measures should be agreed prior to any consent being granted. The ‘condition’ should refer specifically to the agreed WSI documentation. The council support the requirement (3) for any archaeological works to be carried out by a suitably qualified person or body. Such persons and/or organisation should be acceptable to the local planning authority in order that we can ensure all standards are met and effectively monitor the mitigation works.
9.2
The council considers that additional separate conditions providing for the implementation of the iterative stages of the archaeological mitigation strategy would be appropriate as follows:
9.3
•
To secure the implementation of the agreed scheme of works in accordance with approved details and timings,
•
To secure completion of the site investigation and post investigation assessment set out in the approved written scheme of investigation and to ensure provision is made for analysis, publication and dissemination of results and archive deposition prior to the commencement of the operational phase of the terrestrial site; and
•
To deposit a copy of any analysis, reporting, publication or archiving required as part of the mitigation strategy with the North Lincolnshire Historic Environment Record within an agreed period.
In addition the council requests an additional condition regarding mitigation at Manor Farm Moated Site at East Halton as follows: •
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To secure the implementation of an agreed landscaping scheme in accordance with approved details and timings for Manor Farm Moated Site at East Halton.
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