South Cheshire
High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Supplementary Environmental Statement and Additional Provision Environmental Statement Volume 2: Community Area report CA5: South Cheshire
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited Two Snowhill Snow Hill Queensway Birmingham B4 6GA 08081 434 434 [email protected]
G13
March 2018
G13
High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Supplementary Environmental Statement and Additional Provision Environmental Statement Volume 2: Community Area report CA5: South Cheshire
March 2018
G13
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has been tasked by the Department for Transport (DfT) with managing the delivery of a new national high speed rail network. It is a non-departmental public body wholly owned by the DfT.
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, Two Snowhill Snow Hill Queensway Birmingham B4 6GA Telephone: 08081 434 434 General email enquiries: [email protected] Website: www.gov.uk/hs2 A report prepared for High Speed Two (HS2) Limited:
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has actively considered the needs of blind and partially sighted people in accessing this document. The text will be made available in full on the HS2 website. The text may be freely downloaded and translated by individuals or organisations for conversion into other accessible formats. If you have other needs in this regard, please contact High Speed Two (HS2) Limited. © High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, 2018, except where otherwise stated. Copyright in the typographical arrangement rests with High Speed Two (HS2) Limited. This information is licensed under the Open Government Licence v2.0. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, version/2 Kew, London TW9 4DU, or e-mail: [email protected]. Where we have identified any third-party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
Printed in Great Britain on paper containing at least 75% recycled fibre.
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
Contents
Structure of the HS2 Supplementary Environmental Statement and Additional Provision Environmental Statement
iv
Structure of this report
vii
1
Introduction
1
Part 1: Supplementary Environmental Statement
3
2 2.1 2.2 2.3
Summary of changes in the South Cheshire area New environmental baseline information Changes to the construction assumptions not requiring a change to the Bill Corrections to the main ES
3 3 3 7
3 3.1 3.2 3.3
Assessment of changes in the South Cheshire area Introduction Agriculture, forestry and soils Ecology and biodiversity
14 14 14 17
Part 2: Additional Provision Environmental Statement
24
4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4
Summary of amendments in the South Cheshire area Introduction Engineering amendments Minor utility amendments Other amendments requiring changes to Bill powers
24 24 24 26 30
5 5.1
Assessment of engineering amendments in the South Cheshire area 32 Additional land permanently required associated with amendment to the Network Rail access road (AP-005-001) 32
6 6.1
Assessment of minor utility amendments in the South Cheshire area Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead lines along Checkley Lane realignment (AP-005-101) Additional land for the permanent diversion of United Utilities 63mm water mains between the WCML and Den Lane (AP-005-102)
6.2
i
37 37 37
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 6.18 6.19 6.20
6.21
6.22
6.23
Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead lines along Mill Lane and Den Lane (AP-005-103) 38 Additional land for a new temporary Scottish Power Energy Networks power supply to Blakenhall Northbound Spur embankment satellite compound (AP-005-104) 38 Additional land for a new temporary Scottish Power Energy Networks power line to Blakenhall cutting satellite compound (AP-005-105) 39 Additional land for a new permanent Scottish Power Energy Networks power supply to the South Crewe mid-point auto-transformer station (AP-005-106) 40 Additional land for a new temporary United Utilities water mains supply to the Crewe South cutting satellite compound (AP-005-107) 41 Additional land for a new temporary Scottish Power Energy Networks power line to Waybutt Lane satellite compound (AP-005-108) 41 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead line along Chorlton Lane (AP-005-109) 43 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Severn Trent Water 27-inch water main along Chorlton Lane (AP-005-110) 45 Additional land for the permanent diversion of BT Openreach overhead and underground telecommunications cable along Chorlton Lane (AP-005-111) 46 Additional land for the permanent diversion of BT Openreach overhead telecommunications cable along Newcastle Road (AP-005-112) 46 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead lines under Casey Lane (AP-005-113) 47 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead line along the diverted Casey Lane (AP-005-114) 48 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead line along Weston Lane (AP-005-115) 48 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead line along the realigned Newcastle Road (AP-005-116) 49 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead line around Chorlton cutting satellite compound (AP-005-117) 49 Additional land for the permanent diversion of three United Utilities sewers along Newcastle Road and Casey Lane (AP-005-118) 50 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 33kV overhead line near the Basford cutting main compound (AP-005-119) 51 Additional land for new temporary Scottish Power 11kV power supply to Crewe South portal satellite compound and a new permanent Scottish Power 11kV power supply to balancing pond pump station (AP-005-120) 52 Additional land for a new temporary United Utilities water main supply to the Basford cutting main compound and a temporary batching plant located within the compound (AP-005-121) 52 Additional land for a new temporary United Utilities water mains supply and Scottish Power Energy Networks power supply to the Crewe South crossovers satellite compound (AP-005-122) 54 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Zayo telecommunication cable along the realigned Newcastle Road (AP-005-123) 55
ii
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire List of figures Figure 1: Structure of the SES and AP ES Figure 2: Location of engineering amendment in the South Cheshire area Figure 3: Locations of minor utility amendments in the South Cheshire area
vi 25 29
List of tables Table 1: Summary of changes to the construction assumptions within the existing powers of the Bill in the South Cheshire area 5 Table 2: Summary of corrections to the main ES in the South Cheshire area 8 Table 3: Amendments to Table 7, Volume 5: Appendix AG-001-005 16 Table 4: Summary of engineering amendment in the South Cheshire area 24 Table 5: Summary of minor utility amendments in the South Cheshire area 26 Table 6: Summary of other amendments requiring changes to Bill powers in the South Cheshire area 31
iii
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
Structure of the HS2 Supplementary Environmental Statement and Additional Provision Environmental Statement This report is part of the suite of documents that make up the Supplementary Environmental Statement (SES) and Additional Provision Environmental Statement (AP ES) for Phase 2a of the High Speed Two (HS2) rail network between the West Midlands and Crewe. The SES and the AP ES are separate documents, however, they are bound together and presented in a number of volumes as described below. The structure of the SES and AP ES is shown in Figure 1. Non-technical summary (NTS). This provides a summary in non-technical language of the SES (Part 1) and the AP ES (Part 2). It presents a summary of any likely residual significant environmental effects (i.e. effects which are likely to remain after mitigation measures are put in place), both beneficial and adverse, which are new or different to those reported in the Environmental Statement (ES) submitted to Parliament in July 2017 in support of the hybrid Bill for Phase 2a of HS2 (‘the main ES’), and where relevant the SES; Glossary of terms and list of abbreviations. This contains any new or different terms and abbreviations used throughout the SES and the AP ES which are not already explained in the main ES; Volume 1: Introduction to the SES and the AP ES. This introduces the supplementary environmental information, changes to the design and construction assumptions included within the SES and amendments within the AP ES. The report explains the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process that has been applied; Volume 2: Community area reports and map books. These report the supplementary environmental information and changes to the design and construction assumptions included within the SES (Part 1), amendments within the AP ES (Part 2) and any new or different likely significant environmental effects arising from these changes and amendments in each community area. These effects are compared to those reported in the main ES, and where relevant, the SES. The maps relevant to each community area are provided in separate Volume 2 map books and should be read in conjunction with the relevant community area report; Volume 3: Route-wide effects. This describes any new or different likely significant environmental effects arising at a route-wide level from the supplementary environmental information and changes to the design and construction assumptions included within the SES (Part 1) and the amendments within the AP ES (Part 2) compared to those reported in the main ES, and where relevant the SES; and Volume 5: Appendices and map book. These contain supporting environmental information and associated maps.
iv
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire A Volume 4: Off-route effects report was produced as part of the main ES. A separate Volume 4 has not been produced as part of the SES and AP ES as off-route effects are very limited in number and so are reported in the most relevant Volume 2 community area report. Certain reports and maps containing background information and data (BID) have been produced, which do not form part of the SES and AP ES. These documents are available on the HS2 website. The BID documents and maps present background survey information and other relevant background material.
v
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Figure 1: Structure of the SES and AP ES
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
Structure of this report This volume of the SES and AP ES is divided into five community area reports, which are in turn divided into two parts, except CA4 which has no proposed amendments to the design and therefore has no Part 2. Part 1 for each community area provides supplementary environmental information, where relevant, relating to: new baseline information with respect to environmental surveys completed and additional information received since the production of the main ES; changes to the design and construction assumptions which do not require changes to the Bill; and corrections to the main ES. Part 2 for CAs 1, 2, 3 and 5 provides environmental assessment information relating to proposed amendments to the design, which have resulted in the need to alter the powers conferred by the Bill. Parts 1 and 2 include, where relevant: a description of the SES changes (Part 1) or the proposed amendments (Part 2) within the community area that have triggered the need for reassessment; an assessment of the environmental effects of the SES changes (Part 1) or the proposed amendments (Part 2) for relevant environmental topics considering the: - scope, assumptions and limitations of the assessment; - environmental baseline; - effects arising during construction; - effects arising from operation; and - mitigation and residual effects; and a summary of any new or different likely residual significant effects as a result of the SES changes (Part 1) and the proposed amendments (Part 2).
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SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
1
Introduction
1.1.1
The High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Bill was submitted to Parliament together with an Environmental Statement (ES) in July 2017 (‘the main ES’). If enacted by Parliament, the Bill will provide the powers to construct, operate and maintain Phase 2a of HS2.
1.1.2
Since the deposit of the Bill, a number of updates or changes to environmental information, the design and construction assumptions have occurred, which may lead to new or different significant effects. These effects, depending on the type of change, are reported in the SES or the AP ES, which form Part 1 and Part 2 of this document respectively.
1.1.3
The SES contains updated environmental baseline information and scheme information relating to changes within the current limits and powers of the Bill, and therefore, which do not require an Additional Provision to the Bill. The SES changes within the South Cheshire area include: additional environmental baseline information for agriculture, forestry, and soils; and ecology and biodiversity; changes to the construction assumptions which do not require changes to the Bill; and corrections to the main ES.
1.1.4
These changes are described in Part 1 and are assessed on a topic by topic basis where relevant using the same approach adopted in the main ES.
1.1.5
The purpose of the SES is to provide an assessment of any new or different likely significant environmental effects arising from the changes described.
1.1.6
The AP ES describes the likely significant effects of amendments to the design of the scheme, which require the use of land outside the original limits of the Bill, additional access rights, or other extensions to the powers conferred by the Bill, making it necessary to submit an Additional Provision to the Bill.
1.1.7
The amendments within the South Cheshire area assessed within the AP ES include: additional land permanently required associated with amendment to the Network Rail access road; additional land required for works associated with new and existing minor utilities; and other changes to Bill powers to enable permanent access for maintenance over certain areas of land.
1.1.8
The AP ES reports the assessment of each amendment separately for all relevant topics. The purpose of the AP ES is to provide an assessment of any new or different likely significant environmental effects arising from the amendments.
1
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire 1.1.9
The standard measures that will be used to mitigate likely significant adverse environmental effects during construction and operation of the scheme are described in the main ES, Volume 1, Section 9 and the draft Code of Construction Practice (CoCP)1 submitted in support of the Bill. Implementation of these measures has been assumed in this SES and AP ES.
1.1.10
The following terms are used to differentiate between changes included in the SES and those included in the AP ES: ‘SES design changes’ – changes to the scheme design reported in the SES that do not require additional powers; ‘SES changes’ – all changes reported in the SES that do not require additional powers. This may include new baseline information, changes to the design and construction assumptions, and corrections; and ‘AP amendments’ – changes to the scheme reported in the AP ES that include requirements for additional powers in the Bill.
1.1.11
In order to differentiate between the original proposals assessed as part of the main ES and subsequent changes and amendments, the following terms are used throughout the SES and the AP ES to define the scheme as it relates to the HS2 Phase 2a project: ‘the original scheme’ – the Bill scheme submitted to Parliament in July 2017, which was assessed in the main ES; ‘the SES scheme’ – the original scheme with any changes described in the SES that are within the existing powers of the Bill; and ‘the AP revised scheme’ – the original scheme as amended by the SES changes and AP amendments.
1
HS2 Ltd (2017). High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Environmental Statement, Volume 5: Technical appendices, draft Code of Construction Practice (CT-003-000). Available online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/draft-code-of-construction-practice-for-hs2-phase-2a
2
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
Part 1: Supplementary Environmental Statement 2 Summary of changes in the South Cheshire area 2.1
New environmental baseline information Agriculture, forestry, and soils
2.1.1
Since the production of the main ES, additional information relating to agricultural farm holdings in the South Cheshire area has been obtained. Detail of supplementary agriculture, forestry, and soils information that is relevant to the SES assessment is provided in Section 3.
Ecology and biodiversity 2.1.2
Since the production of the main ES ecological surveys for Phase 1 habitat, hedgerow, wintering birds, bats, great crested newt, badger, otter and water vole have been completed in the South Cheshire area.
2.1.3
Details of additional ecological surveys completed in the South Cheshire area are provided in Background Information and Data (BID) documents2 (BID-EC-004-000 and Map Series EC-02, EC-04, EC-05, EC-10, EC-11 and EC-12), which accompany the SES and AP ES.
2.1.4
SES and AP ES Volume 5: Appendix EC-002-000 provides a summary of additional ecological survey data, which has resulted in no change to the conclusions of the main ES. SES and AP ES Volume 5: Appendix EC-003-000 identifies additional local/parish level effects that are likely to occur as a consequence of SES changes and AP amendments but which will not be significant.
2.1.5
Detail of supplementary ecological information that is relevant to the SES assessment is provided in Section 3.
2.2
Changes to the construction assumptions not requiring a change to the Bill
2.2.1
Since submission of the Bill, the need to make changes to construction assumptions has been identified. These changes relate to railway systems compounds and are detailed further below. These do not require a change to the Bill.
Railway systems compounds 2.2.2
The Bill provides for land to be acquired for establishment and operation of a number of railway systems compounds from which railway installation works will be managed.
2 HS2
Ltd (2018), High Speed Two (HS2) Phase 2a (West Midlands - Crewe), Background Information and Data, Available online at: www.gov.uk/hs2
3
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire These works include: installation of the hydraulically bound layer3 and pre-cast slab, rails (including crossovers) and overhead line equipment, installation of autotransformer stations and changes to the existing rail network. 2.2.3
Since the submission of the Bill further information relating to the construction methodology for the installation of a slab track formation has required a change to the operational characteristics of three railway systems compounds in the South Cheshire area. The change to these compounds relates to: a change to the operational period (duration and start/end date); a change in the number of railway system workers (peak and/or average); and a change in railway systems construction traffic numbers (heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and cars/light goods vehicles (LGV)).
2.2.4
Volume 1 of the SES and AP ES provides further detail on the approach taken to considering the potential for new or different significant effects from those reported in the main ES in relation to the changes to railway systems compounds. The changes to the existing compounds in this area do not require a change to the Bill and are not considered to require a reassessment of the environmental effects or mitigation as set out in the main ES with respect to any environmental topics.
2.2.5
While the changes to the construction methodology for the installation of a slab track formation will increase the number of railway systems HGV movements, these will be generally later in the construction programme than civil engineering HGV movements. Any increase in traffic due to these changes will generally be relatively small in comparison to the peak level of traffic generated by the civil engineering works. As there will be no increase or only a small increase in peak traffic levels, it is not expected that there will be any new or different significant traffic effects on the road network to those reported in the main ES.
2.2.6
Table 1 provides details on the changes to the operational characteristics of the existing railway systems compounds in this area.
3
Aggregate mixture incorporating cement, lime-based or other binders, which harden in-situ by a chemical/hydraulic reaction.
4
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Table 1: Summary of changes to the construction assumptions within the existing powers of the Bill in the South Cheshire area
Details of changes to construction assumptions
Description of the original scheme
Description of the SES scheme
Change to significant effects
Change to the operational duration4, railway systems worker numbers, and railway systems HGV trips for the Checkley Lane West satellite compound
This railway systems compound would be operational for one year and three months, commencing during 2025.
Railway installation works managed from this compound will commence earlier in the construction programme and will be undertaken over a longer period of time than stated in the main ES. This compound will be operational for a total of one year and six months, commencing during 2024.
No change.
This railway systems compound would support an average of 15 railway systems workers per day (30 workers at peak times). This railway systems compound would generate 19-34 railway systems HGV trips per day during busy periods5 and within the peak month of activity. (Map CT-05-235, F7 in the main ES, Volume 2, CA5 Map Book)
There will be a decrease in the number of railway systems workers supported by this compound with an average of 10 railway systems workers per day (20 workers at peak times). There will be an increase in the number of railway systems HGV trips generated by this compound with 44-48 trips per day during the busy periods and within the peak month of activity. This compound will support the implementation of track works.
The increase in duration of the compound to support the extended duration of railway systems works is relatively small in comparison to the overall duration of the compound. The decrease in railway systems worker numbers at the compound is small in comparison to the overall construction phase employment. The consequential reduction in traffic associated with the decreased worker numbers is also small in relation to the peak traffic volumes in the area which will occur during the construction phase. The increase in railways systems HGV movements will increase the total daily movements from the compound. This will not, however, materially change the overall impact of the combination of these HGV movements and those associated with other compounds in the area compared to the traffic levels assessed in the original scheme. Therefore, the level of significance reported in the main ES with regard to compound durations, worker numbers and traffic will not change.
4
The Volume 2 scheme description of the construction phase represents the duration of works in a different way to the Volume 5 Transport Assessment. The Volume 2 scheme description is based on quarters (each representing three months), e.g. December (Quarter 4) to February (Quarter 1) is rounded to six months, whereas the Volume 5 Transport Assessment counts the absolute duration e.g. three months. 5 The busy period is the period during which HGV traffic serving that compound will be greater than 50% of the HGV traffic in the peak month. The average daily combined two-way vehicle trips for the busy period is the lower end of the range and for the peak month is the upper end of the range.
5
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Details of changes to construction assumptions
Description of the original scheme
Description of the SES scheme
Change to significant effects
Change to the railway systems worker numbers and railway systems HGV trips for the Checkley Lane East main compound
This compound would be operational for a total of six years, commencing during 2020. Civil engineering works would be managed from this compound for a period of four years and three months, followed by railway installation works for a period of two years6.
There are no changes to the operational characteristics for this compound related to civil engineering works.
No change.
The compound would support an average of 20 civil engineering workers per day (30 workers at peak times) and an average of 35 railway systems workers per day (50 workers at peak times). The compound would generate 16-34 civil engineering HGV trips per day and 16-34 railway systems HGV trips during busy periods and within the peak month of activity. (Map CT-05-235, F5 in the main ES, Volume 2, CA5 Map Book)
There will be a decrease in the number of railway systems workers supported by this compound with an average of 25 railway systems workers per day (30 workers at peak times). There will be an increase in the number of railway systems HGV trips generated by this compound with 44-48 trips per day during the busy periods and within the peak month of activity. This compound will support the implementation of track works.
The decrease in railway systems worker numbers at the compound is small in comparison to the overall construction phase employment. The consequential reduction in traffic associated with the decreased worker numbers is also small in relation to the peak traffic volumes in the area which will occur during the construction phase. The increase in railways systems HGV movements will increase the total daily movements from the compound. This will not, however, materially change the overall impact of the combination of these HGV movements and those associated with other compounds in the area compared to the traffic levels assessed in the original scheme. Therefore, the level of significance reported in the main ES with regard to worker numbers and traffic will not change.
6
The duration of this railway systems compound has been corrected from that which was reported in the main ES. The correction is shown in Table 2
6
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Details of changes to construction assumptions
Description of the original scheme
Description of the SES scheme
Change to significant effects
Change to the operational duration, railway systems worker numbers, and railway systems HGV trips for the Heath Farm satellite compound
This railway systems compound would be operational for nine months, commencing during 2025.
Railway installation works managed from this compound will commence earlier in the construction programme and will be undertaken over a longer period of time than stated in the main ES. This compound will be operational for a total of one year, commencing during 2025.
No change.
This railway systems compound would support an average of 15 railway systems workers per day (15 workers at peak times). This railway systems compound would generate 28-32 railway systems HGV trips per day during busy periods and within the peak month of activity. (Map CT-05-238, D6 in the main ES, Volume 2, CA5 Map Book)
There will be an increase in the number of railway systems peak workers supported by this compound (30 per day). There will be no change to the average number of railway systems workers. There will be an increase in the number of railway systems HGV trips generated by this compound with 70-80 trips per day during the busy periods and within the peak month of activity. This compound will support the implementation of track works.
The increase in duration of the compound to support the extended duration of railway systems works is relatively small in comparison to the overall duration of the compound. The increase in railway systems worker numbers at the compound is small in comparison to the overall construction phase employment. The consequential increase in traffic associated with the increased worker numbers is also small in relation to the peak traffic volumes in the area which will occur during the construction phase. The increase in railways systems HGV movements will increase the total daily movements from the compound. This will not, however, materially change the overall impact of the combination of these HGV movements and those associated with other compounds in the area compared to the traffic levels assessed in the original scheme. Therefore, the level of significance reported in the main ES with regard to compound durations, worker numbers and traffic will not change
2.3
Corrections to the main ES
2.3.1
Since submission of the Bill, the need for a number of corrections to the contents of the main ES has been identified. Table 2 provides a list of those instances where there has been a need to correct the Volume 2 community area report for the South Cheshire area because of the potential to alter the significant environmental effects reported in the main ES or a factual inaccuracy relating to a significant effect that has been identified. Table 2 also clarifies elements of the scheme description reported in the main ES. The table gives the location of the text that is subject to the correction in the main ES, the reason for the correction, replicates the text from the main ES, where applicable provides revised text, and identifies whether the correction changes a significant effect reported in the main ES.
7
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Table 2: Summary of corrections to the main ES in the South Cheshire area
Reference in the main ES
Reason for correction
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Change to significant effects and mitigation
Overview of the area and description of the Proposed Scheme
The operational durations of the railways systems work managed from the Checkley Lane East main compound, Crewe South cutting satellite compound and Crewe South portal satellite compound were incorrectly described in the scheme description.
Paragraph 2.3.38 - first bullet (Checkley Lane East main compound):
Paragraph 2.3.38 - first bullet (Checkley Lane East main compound):
No change.
Paragraphs 2.3.38, 2.3.96, 2.3.135 and Figure 8, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Checkley Lane East main compound and Crewe South portal satellite compound were incorrectly illustrated in Figure 8.
Traffic and transport Paragraph 14.4.6 (Table 34),
As above.
… Civil engineering works will be managed from this compound for a period of four years and three months, followed by railway installation works for a period of one year and nine months;
… Civil engineering works will be managed from this compound for a period of four years and three months, followed by railway installation works for a period of two years;
Paragraph 2.3.96 – first bullet (Crewe South cutting satellite compound):
Paragraph 2.3.96 - first bullet (Crewe South cutting satellite compound):
… After the civil engineering works are complete, this compound will continue to be used to manage railway systems works for one year;
… After the civil engineering works are complete, this compound will continue to be used to manage railway systems works for one year and three months;
Paragraph 2.3.135 - first bullet (Crewe South portal satellite compound):
Paragraph 2.3.135 - first bullet (Crewe South portal satellite compound):
…Civil engineering works will be managed from this compound for a period of four years and three months, and the compound will then continue to be used for railway installation works for the remaining one year and nine months;
The assessment was based on the correct duration.
… Civil engineering works will be managed from this compound for a period of four years and three months, and the compound will then continue to be used for railway installation works for the remaining two years and six months;
Figure 8 shows that railways systems work managed from the Checkley Lane East satellite compound would be operational for one year and nine months, commencing 2025
Figure 8 should show that railways systems work managed from the Checkley Lane East satellite compound would be operational for two years, commencing 2024.
Figure 8 shows that railways systems work managed from the Crewe South cutting satellite compound would be operational for one year and six months, commencing 2024.
Figure 8 should show that railways systems work managed from the Crewe South cutting satellite compound would be operational for one year and three months, commencing 2024.
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, first entry (Checkley Lane East main compound):
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, first entry (Checkley Lane East main compound):
Estimated duration of use (years) – 1 year and 9 months
Estimated duration of use (years) – 2 years
As above.
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Reference in the main ES
Reason for correction
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, ninth entry (Crewe South cutting satellite compound):
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, ninth entry (Crewe South cutting satellite compound):
Estimated duration of use (years) – 1 year and 6 months
Estimated duration of use (years) – 1 year and 3 months
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, 15th entry (Crewe South portal satellite compound):
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, 15th entry (Crewe South portal satellite compound):
Estimated duration of use (years) – 2 years and 9 months
Estimated duration of use (years) – 2 years and 6 months
The number of railway installation workers supported by the Den Lane West satellite compound was reported incorrectly in the scheme description as an average of 20 workers per day. This should have been reported as an average of 25 workers per day.
Paragraph 2.3.65 - second bullet:
Paragraph 2.3.65 - second bullet:
No change.
The assessment was based on the correct number of workers.
Demolition of an outbuilding at Basford Hall (CA5/21) was not reported in the agriculture, forestry and soils assessment.
Paragraph 4.4.32 –Table 15, 21st entry:
Paragraph 4.4.32 –Table 15, 21st entry:
Yes.
Holding reference/name/sensitivity – CA5/21, Basford Hall, Low sensitivity
Holding reference/name/sensitivity – CA5/21, Basford Hall, Low sensitivity
Land required from holding – 0ha (0%), Negligible
Land required from holding – 0ha (0%), Negligible
Severance – Negligible
Severance – Negligible
Infrastructure – Negligible
Infrastructure – High
Scale of effect – Negligible
Scale of effect – Moderate adverse due to demolition
A high infrastructure impact due to the demolition of a building at Basford Hall will result in a moderate adverse permanent effect on the holding, which is significant. This correction will not require a change to mitigation reported in the main ES.
Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Overview of the area and description of the Proposed Scheme Paragraphs 2.3.65, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Agriculture, forestry and soils Paragraph 4.4.32 (Table 15), 4.4.33, 4.4.36 and 4.4.44, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
support 20 railway systems installation workers per day (105 workers at peak times) throughout the works period;
support 25 railway systems installation workers per day (105 workers at peak times) throughout the works period;
Paragraph 4.4.33: Paragraph 4.4.33: Overall, the construction of the Proposed Scheme will affect 21 holdings in the South Cheshire area, with 13 holdings experiencing moderate, major/moderate or
Overall, the construction of the Proposed Scheme will affect 21 holdings in the South Cheshire area, with 14 holdings experiencing moderate, major/moderate or
Change to significant effects and mitigation
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Reference in the main ES
Community Paragraph 6.4.8 and 6.4.24, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Reason for correction
The community assessment reported significant noise effects during construction for approximately 12 properties on Den Lane north of Wrinehill. The construction of the original scheme will result in noise effects on 11 properties.
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Change to significant effects and mitigation
major adverse permanent effects, which will be significant.
major adverse permanent effects, which will be significant.
Paragraph 4.4.36:
Paragraph 4.4.36:
Other moderate adverse effects arise from a medium land requirement and severance impact on a medium sensitivity farm at The Moss (CA5/16); and low land requirements, severance or infrastructure impacts on high sensitivity farms at Grange Farm (CA5/1) and Ash Tree Farm (CA5/3).
Other moderate adverse effects arise from a high infrastructure impact on a low sensitivity farm Basford Hall (CA5/21), a medium land requirement and severance impact on a medium sensitivity farm at The Moss (CA5/16); and low land requirements, severance or infrastructure impacts on high sensitivity farms at Grange Farm (CA5/1) and Ash Tree Farm (CA5/3).
Paragraph 4.4.44:
Paragraph 4.4.44:
Twenty-one holdings will be affected permanently, of which 13 will experience major, major/moderate or moderate permanent effects following construction, which is significant. Of these, 12 will be likely to remain as agricultural or rural businesses and the use of compensation payments to purchase replacement land or farm buildings could reduce the effects….
Twenty-one holdings will be affected permanently, of which 14 will experience major, major/moderate or moderate permanent effects following construction, which is significant. Of these, 13 will be likely to remain as agricultural or rural businesses and the use of compensation payments to purchase replacement land or farm buildings could reduce the effects….
Paragraph 6.4.8:
Paragraph 6.4.8:
Yes.
…In total, 12 residential properties will experience significant noise effects (with five during the day as a result of construction traffic and seven from general construction works). Residents at all 12 of the properties will experience significant adverse visual effects due to views of construction works and the Blakenhall cutting satellite compound. The noise and visual effects will result in an in-combination effect on the amenity of residents at the 12 properties for up to four years and five months….
…In total, 11 residential properties will experience significant noise effects (with five during the day as a result of construction traffic and six from general construction works). Residents at all 11 of the properties will experience significant adverse visual effects due to views of construction works and the Blakenhall cutting satellite compound. The noise and visual effects will result in an in-combination effect on the amenity of residents at the 11 properties for up to four years and five months….
Paragraph 6.4.24 – second bullet:
Paragraph 6.4.24 - second bullet:
This correction will result in a different significant community effect due to a reduction in the number of residential properties affected by the construction of the original scheme from 12 to 11, but will not change the level of significance of the effect reported in the main ES.
twelve properties on Den Lane north of Wrinehill due to the combination of noise and visual effects;
eleven properties on Den Lane north of Wrinehill due to the combination of noise and visual effects;
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Reference in the main ES
Reason for correction
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Change to significant effects and mitigation
Ecology and biodiversity
Areas of grassland habitat relevant to the assessment were incorrectly reported in the ecology assessment
Paragraph 8.3.12:
Paragraph 8.3.12:
No change.
An area of marshy grassland, covering an area of approximately 2ha occurs to the south-east of Heath Farm within the land required for the Proposed Scheme….
An area of marshy grassland, covering an area of approximately 1.3ha occurs to the south-east of Heath Farm within the land required for the Proposed Scheme….
The corrected areas will not change the level of significance of the effect reported in the main ES.
Paragraph 8.3.13:
Paragraph 8.3.13:
The majority of the remaining grassland within the land required for the Proposed Scheme is improved grassland, with smaller scattered areas of species-poor semi-improved grassland. These grasslands are of up to local/parish value.
The majority of the remaining grassland within the land required for the Proposed Scheme is improved grassland and amenity grassland of negligible value. Areas of poor semi-improved grassland, neutral semiimproved grassland and acid grassland are of up to local/parish value.
Paragraph 8.4.16:
Paragraph 8.4.16:
...will result in a permanent loss of approximately 2ha of marshy grassland to the south-east of Heath Farm….
...will result in a permanent loss of approximately 1.3ha of marshy grassland to the south-east of Heath Farm….
Paragraph 8.4.39:
Paragraph 8.4.39:
The Proposed Scheme will result in the loss of approximately 2ha of marshy grassland to the southeast of Heath Farm, which is significant at the district/borough level.
The Proposed Scheme will result in the loss of approximately 1.3ha of marshy grassland to the southeast of Heath Farm, which is significant at the district/borough level.
Paragraph 8.4.41:
Paragraph 8.4.41:
...In particular this will compensate for losses of 2ha of marshy grassland to the south-east of Heath Farm.
...In particular this will compensate for losses of 1.3ha of marshy grassland to the south-east of Heath Farm.
Paragraph 8.3.14:
Paragraph 8.3.14:
Yes.
There are approximately 13.1km of hedgerows within the land required…. Hedgerows within the land required for the Proposed Scheme comprise approximately:
There are approximately 21.9km of hedgerows within the land required…. Hedgerows within the land required for the Proposed Scheme comprise approximately:
2.7km of native species-poor; and
8.8km of native species-poor; and
10.4km of native species-rich….
13.1km of native species-rich….
This correction will result in a different residual adverse effect that is significant at the district/borough level due to an increase in the amount of hedgerow
Paragraph 8.3.12, 8.3.13, 8.4.16, 8.4.39, and 8.4.41, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Ecology and biodiversity Paragraph 8.3.14, 8.3.15, 8.4.17, 8.4.43, and 8.4.56, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
The length of hedgerow within the land required for the original scheme was incorrectly reported in the ecology assessment.
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Reference in the main ES
Reason for correction
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Paragraph 8.3.15:
Paragraph 8.3.15:
Of the 13.1km of hedgerow a total of 8.4km has not been subject to survey….
Of the 21.9km of hedgerow a total of 8.4km has not been subject to survey….
Paragraph 8.4.17:
Paragraph 8.4.17:
On a precautionary basis, it is assumed that all hedgerows (approximately 13.1km) within the land required to construct the Proposed Scheme in the South Cheshire area will be permanently lost and the remaining hedgerow network fragmented….
On a precautionary basis, it is assumed that all hedgerows (approximately 21.9km) within the land required to construct the Proposed Scheme in the South Cheshire area will be permanently lost and the remaining hedgerow network fragmented….
Paragraph 8.4.43:
Paragraph 8.4.43:
…Approximately 17km of new hedgerows will be
...Approximately 17km of new hedgerows will be planted and the species composition will be characteristic of the surrounding area. This represents a net loss in hedgerow of approximately 4.9km after mitigation, which is a residual adverse effect that is significant at the district/borough level….
planted and the species composition will be characteristic of the surrounding area. This represents a net gain in hedgerow of approximately 3.9km after mitigation, which when mature represents a residual beneficial effect that is significant at the district/borough level Paragraph 8.4.56:
Paragraph 8.4.56:
There will be a net gain in hedgerow of approximately 3.9km after mitigation, which when mature represents a residual beneficial effect that is significant at the district/borough level.
On a precautionary basis, it is assumed that there is a net loss in hedgerow of approximately 4.9km, which will result in a permanent adverse residual effect that is significant at the district/borough level. However, restoration of land required only for the construction of the Proposed Scheme to its current use, offers potential for reinstatement of a further 10.1km of existing hedgerow. The provision of the majority of this reinstated hedgerow would reduce the residual effect to a level that is not significant.
Change to significant effects and mitigation habitat lost as a result of construction of the original scheme.
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Reference in the main ES
Reason for correction
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Change to significant effects and mitigation
Ecology and biodiversity
Areas of woodland habitat loss were incorrectly reported in the ecology assessment, but were assessed correctly.
Paragraph 8.4.14:
Paragraph 8.4.14:
No change.
Construction of the Proposed Scheme...will result in the permanent loss of approximately 6.4ha of woodland at Checkley Lane/Randilow Farm, Lower Den Farm, Coppice Bank, Wychwood Park, Chorlton Lane, Burrow Coppice and Basford Hall.
Construction of the Proposed Scheme...will result in the permanent loss of approximately 9.5ha of woodland at Checkley Lane/Randilow Farm, Lower Den Farm, Coppice Bank, Wychwood Park, Chorlton Lane, Burrow Coppice and Basford Hall.
The assessment was based on the correct areas and therefore this correction will not change the level of significance of the effect reported in the ES.
Three properties (Basford House, Oakleigh Cottage and Casey Lane Stables) were not included in the list of residential properties forecast to experience noise above the eligibility criteria as defined in the HS2 noise insulation and temporary rehousing policy.
Paragraph 13.4.12:
Paragraph 13.4.12:
Yes.
…the following six residential properties are forecast to experience noise above the eligibility criteria as defined in the HS2 noise insulation and temporary rehousing policy….
…the following nine residential properties are forecast to experience noise above the eligibility criteria as defined in the HS2 noise insulation and temporary rehousing policy….
Three additional residential buildings are identified as being subject to a significant adverse effect, and are consequently estimated to be likely to qualify for noise insulation.
Paragraph 8.4.14, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Sound, noise and vibration Paragraph 13.4.12, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
The total number of properties forecast to experience noise above the eligibility criteria is nine.
Insert new bullets (fifth, sixth and seventh bullet):
Basford House, Newcastle Road (assessment location ref: 15111);
Oakleigh Cottage, Newcastle Road (assessment location ref: 15112); and
Casey Lane Stables, Newcastle Road (assessment location ref: 15114).
Further information regarding the construction sound levels are provided in SES and AP ES Volume 5: Appendix SV-002-005.
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
3
Assessment of changes in the South Cheshire area
3.1
Introduction
3.1.1
Section 3 reports the assessment for agriculture, forestry and soils and ecology and biodiversity as a result of the SES changes.
3.2
Agriculture, forestry and soils Introduction
3.2.1
The environmental baseline relevant to the agriculture, forestry, and soils assessment is described below. Any new or different likely significant environmental effects as a result of the changes introduced in Section 2 are then identified, compared to the original scheme. Consideration is given to new baseline information received since the production of the main ES.
Scope, assumptions and limitations 3.2.2
The assessment scope, key assumptions and limitations for agriculture, forestry and soils are as set out in Volume 1, the Scope and Methodology Report (SMR) 7 and the SMR Addendum8 of the main ES.
SES changes of relevance to this assessment 3.2.3
New baseline information relating to two agricultural farm holdings in the South Cheshire area are relevant to this assessment.
Environmental baseline Existing baseline 3.2.4
The baseline agriculture, forestry and soils information for the South Cheshire area is as described in Volume 2, CA5, Section 4 of the main ES. New baseline information relating to two farm holdings has been obtained since the production of the main ES: land south of the A500 Shavington Bypass (CA5/24) is an arable field of 4ha and is of medium sensitivity to change, as detailed in the main ES. New baseline information identifies this holding as part of Forge Mill Farm, which is a beef and sheep unit of 105ha and is of medium sensitivity to change. See Map AG-01-117 in the SES and AP ES Volume 5 Map Book; and Shavington Lodge (CA5/25) is a beef unit of 14ha and is of medium sensitivity to change. In the main ES, the land associated with this holding was described as part of the land south of the A500 Shavington Bypass (CA5/24). New
7HS2
Ltd (2017). High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Environmental Statement, Volume 5: Technical appendices, Environmental Impact Assessment Scope and Methodology Report (Appendix CT-001-001). Available online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scope-andmethodology-report-for-hs2-phase-2a 8 HS2 Ltd (2017). High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe), Environmental Statement, Volume 5: Technical appendices, Environmental Impact Assessment Scope and Methodology Report Addendum (Appendix CT-001-002). Available online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scope-and-methodology-report-for-hs2-phase-2a
14
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire baseline information about this holding has been obtained following the production of the main ES and it is now being considered as a separate holding. See map AG-01-117 in the SES and AP ES, Volume 5 Map Book.
Future baseline Construction (2020) and operation (2027) 3.2.5
SES and AP ES Volume 5: Appendix CT-004-000 provides details of the developments which are assumed to have been implemented by 2020 and 2027 respectively, additional to those identified in the main ES (Volume 5: Appendix CT-004-000).
3.2.6
None of the identified developments affect the assessment of the SES scheme’s likely construction and operation impacts on agriculture, forestry and soils.
Effects arising during construction Avoidance and mitigation measures 3.2.7
No further measures are applicable to this assessment, above those stated in the draft Code of Construction Practice (CoCP)9.
Assessment of impacts and effects 3.2.8
The main ES reported that the original scheme required 0.6ha of land from land south of the A500 Shavington Bypass (CA5/24) during construction, which was reported as a medium impact, and that there would be a high severance impact for the arable field identified, resulting in a major/moderate adverse construction effect, which is significant. A reassessment was undertaken as a result of the new baseline information, which identified that the 4ha field, previously described as land south of the A500 Shavington Bypass, forms part of Forge Mill Farm, which is 105ha in total area. Following reassessment, the original scheme will require 0.6ha (
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited Two Snowhill Snow Hill Queensway Birmingham B4 6GA 08081 434 434 [email protected]
G13
March 2018
G13
High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Supplementary Environmental Statement and Additional Provision Environmental Statement Volume 2: Community Area report CA5: South Cheshire
March 2018
G13
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has been tasked by the Department for Transport (DfT) with managing the delivery of a new national high speed rail network. It is a non-departmental public body wholly owned by the DfT.
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, Two Snowhill Snow Hill Queensway Birmingham B4 6GA Telephone: 08081 434 434 General email enquiries: [email protected] Website: www.gov.uk/hs2 A report prepared for High Speed Two (HS2) Limited:
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has actively considered the needs of blind and partially sighted people in accessing this document. The text will be made available in full on the HS2 website. The text may be freely downloaded and translated by individuals or organisations for conversion into other accessible formats. If you have other needs in this regard, please contact High Speed Two (HS2) Limited. © High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, 2018, except where otherwise stated. Copyright in the typographical arrangement rests with High Speed Two (HS2) Limited. This information is licensed under the Open Government Licence v2.0. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, version/2 Kew, London TW9 4DU, or e-mail: [email protected]. Where we have identified any third-party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
Printed in Great Britain on paper containing at least 75% recycled fibre.
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
Contents
Structure of the HS2 Supplementary Environmental Statement and Additional Provision Environmental Statement
iv
Structure of this report
vii
1
Introduction
1
Part 1: Supplementary Environmental Statement
3
2 2.1 2.2 2.3
Summary of changes in the South Cheshire area New environmental baseline information Changes to the construction assumptions not requiring a change to the Bill Corrections to the main ES
3 3 3 7
3 3.1 3.2 3.3
Assessment of changes in the South Cheshire area Introduction Agriculture, forestry and soils Ecology and biodiversity
14 14 14 17
Part 2: Additional Provision Environmental Statement
24
4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4
Summary of amendments in the South Cheshire area Introduction Engineering amendments Minor utility amendments Other amendments requiring changes to Bill powers
24 24 24 26 30
5 5.1
Assessment of engineering amendments in the South Cheshire area 32 Additional land permanently required associated with amendment to the Network Rail access road (AP-005-001) 32
6 6.1
Assessment of minor utility amendments in the South Cheshire area Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead lines along Checkley Lane realignment (AP-005-101) Additional land for the permanent diversion of United Utilities 63mm water mains between the WCML and Den Lane (AP-005-102)
6.2
i
37 37 37
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 6.18 6.19 6.20
6.21
6.22
6.23
Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead lines along Mill Lane and Den Lane (AP-005-103) 38 Additional land for a new temporary Scottish Power Energy Networks power supply to Blakenhall Northbound Spur embankment satellite compound (AP-005-104) 38 Additional land for a new temporary Scottish Power Energy Networks power line to Blakenhall cutting satellite compound (AP-005-105) 39 Additional land for a new permanent Scottish Power Energy Networks power supply to the South Crewe mid-point auto-transformer station (AP-005-106) 40 Additional land for a new temporary United Utilities water mains supply to the Crewe South cutting satellite compound (AP-005-107) 41 Additional land for a new temporary Scottish Power Energy Networks power line to Waybutt Lane satellite compound (AP-005-108) 41 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead line along Chorlton Lane (AP-005-109) 43 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Severn Trent Water 27-inch water main along Chorlton Lane (AP-005-110) 45 Additional land for the permanent diversion of BT Openreach overhead and underground telecommunications cable along Chorlton Lane (AP-005-111) 46 Additional land for the permanent diversion of BT Openreach overhead telecommunications cable along Newcastle Road (AP-005-112) 46 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead lines under Casey Lane (AP-005-113) 47 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead line along the diverted Casey Lane (AP-005-114) 48 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead line along Weston Lane (AP-005-115) 48 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead line along the realigned Newcastle Road (AP-005-116) 49 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 11kV overhead line around Chorlton cutting satellite compound (AP-005-117) 49 Additional land for the permanent diversion of three United Utilities sewers along Newcastle Road and Casey Lane (AP-005-118) 50 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Scottish Power Energy Networks 33kV overhead line near the Basford cutting main compound (AP-005-119) 51 Additional land for new temporary Scottish Power 11kV power supply to Crewe South portal satellite compound and a new permanent Scottish Power 11kV power supply to balancing pond pump station (AP-005-120) 52 Additional land for a new temporary United Utilities water main supply to the Basford cutting main compound and a temporary batching plant located within the compound (AP-005-121) 52 Additional land for a new temporary United Utilities water mains supply and Scottish Power Energy Networks power supply to the Crewe South crossovers satellite compound (AP-005-122) 54 Additional land for the permanent diversion of Zayo telecommunication cable along the realigned Newcastle Road (AP-005-123) 55
ii
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire List of figures Figure 1: Structure of the SES and AP ES Figure 2: Location of engineering amendment in the South Cheshire area Figure 3: Locations of minor utility amendments in the South Cheshire area
vi 25 29
List of tables Table 1: Summary of changes to the construction assumptions within the existing powers of the Bill in the South Cheshire area 5 Table 2: Summary of corrections to the main ES in the South Cheshire area 8 Table 3: Amendments to Table 7, Volume 5: Appendix AG-001-005 16 Table 4: Summary of engineering amendment in the South Cheshire area 24 Table 5: Summary of minor utility amendments in the South Cheshire area 26 Table 6: Summary of other amendments requiring changes to Bill powers in the South Cheshire area 31
iii
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
Structure of the HS2 Supplementary Environmental Statement and Additional Provision Environmental Statement This report is part of the suite of documents that make up the Supplementary Environmental Statement (SES) and Additional Provision Environmental Statement (AP ES) for Phase 2a of the High Speed Two (HS2) rail network between the West Midlands and Crewe. The SES and the AP ES are separate documents, however, they are bound together and presented in a number of volumes as described below. The structure of the SES and AP ES is shown in Figure 1. Non-technical summary (NTS). This provides a summary in non-technical language of the SES (Part 1) and the AP ES (Part 2). It presents a summary of any likely residual significant environmental effects (i.e. effects which are likely to remain after mitigation measures are put in place), both beneficial and adverse, which are new or different to those reported in the Environmental Statement (ES) submitted to Parliament in July 2017 in support of the hybrid Bill for Phase 2a of HS2 (‘the main ES’), and where relevant the SES; Glossary of terms and list of abbreviations. This contains any new or different terms and abbreviations used throughout the SES and the AP ES which are not already explained in the main ES; Volume 1: Introduction to the SES and the AP ES. This introduces the supplementary environmental information, changes to the design and construction assumptions included within the SES and amendments within the AP ES. The report explains the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process that has been applied; Volume 2: Community area reports and map books. These report the supplementary environmental information and changes to the design and construction assumptions included within the SES (Part 1), amendments within the AP ES (Part 2) and any new or different likely significant environmental effects arising from these changes and amendments in each community area. These effects are compared to those reported in the main ES, and where relevant, the SES. The maps relevant to each community area are provided in separate Volume 2 map books and should be read in conjunction with the relevant community area report; Volume 3: Route-wide effects. This describes any new or different likely significant environmental effects arising at a route-wide level from the supplementary environmental information and changes to the design and construction assumptions included within the SES (Part 1) and the amendments within the AP ES (Part 2) compared to those reported in the main ES, and where relevant the SES; and Volume 5: Appendices and map book. These contain supporting environmental information and associated maps.
iv
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire A Volume 4: Off-route effects report was produced as part of the main ES. A separate Volume 4 has not been produced as part of the SES and AP ES as off-route effects are very limited in number and so are reported in the most relevant Volume 2 community area report. Certain reports and maps containing background information and data (BID) have been produced, which do not form part of the SES and AP ES. These documents are available on the HS2 website. The BID documents and maps present background survey information and other relevant background material.
v
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Figure 1: Structure of the SES and AP ES
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
Structure of this report This volume of the SES and AP ES is divided into five community area reports, which are in turn divided into two parts, except CA4 which has no proposed amendments to the design and therefore has no Part 2. Part 1 for each community area provides supplementary environmental information, where relevant, relating to: new baseline information with respect to environmental surveys completed and additional information received since the production of the main ES; changes to the design and construction assumptions which do not require changes to the Bill; and corrections to the main ES. Part 2 for CAs 1, 2, 3 and 5 provides environmental assessment information relating to proposed amendments to the design, which have resulted in the need to alter the powers conferred by the Bill. Parts 1 and 2 include, where relevant: a description of the SES changes (Part 1) or the proposed amendments (Part 2) within the community area that have triggered the need for reassessment; an assessment of the environmental effects of the SES changes (Part 1) or the proposed amendments (Part 2) for relevant environmental topics considering the: - scope, assumptions and limitations of the assessment; - environmental baseline; - effects arising during construction; - effects arising from operation; and - mitigation and residual effects; and a summary of any new or different likely residual significant effects as a result of the SES changes (Part 1) and the proposed amendments (Part 2).
vii
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
1
Introduction
1.1.1
The High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Bill was submitted to Parliament together with an Environmental Statement (ES) in July 2017 (‘the main ES’). If enacted by Parliament, the Bill will provide the powers to construct, operate and maintain Phase 2a of HS2.
1.1.2
Since the deposit of the Bill, a number of updates or changes to environmental information, the design and construction assumptions have occurred, which may lead to new or different significant effects. These effects, depending on the type of change, are reported in the SES or the AP ES, which form Part 1 and Part 2 of this document respectively.
1.1.3
The SES contains updated environmental baseline information and scheme information relating to changes within the current limits and powers of the Bill, and therefore, which do not require an Additional Provision to the Bill. The SES changes within the South Cheshire area include: additional environmental baseline information for agriculture, forestry, and soils; and ecology and biodiversity; changes to the construction assumptions which do not require changes to the Bill; and corrections to the main ES.
1.1.4
These changes are described in Part 1 and are assessed on a topic by topic basis where relevant using the same approach adopted in the main ES.
1.1.5
The purpose of the SES is to provide an assessment of any new or different likely significant environmental effects arising from the changes described.
1.1.6
The AP ES describes the likely significant effects of amendments to the design of the scheme, which require the use of land outside the original limits of the Bill, additional access rights, or other extensions to the powers conferred by the Bill, making it necessary to submit an Additional Provision to the Bill.
1.1.7
The amendments within the South Cheshire area assessed within the AP ES include: additional land permanently required associated with amendment to the Network Rail access road; additional land required for works associated with new and existing minor utilities; and other changes to Bill powers to enable permanent access for maintenance over certain areas of land.
1.1.8
The AP ES reports the assessment of each amendment separately for all relevant topics. The purpose of the AP ES is to provide an assessment of any new or different likely significant environmental effects arising from the amendments.
1
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire 1.1.9
The standard measures that will be used to mitigate likely significant adverse environmental effects during construction and operation of the scheme are described in the main ES, Volume 1, Section 9 and the draft Code of Construction Practice (CoCP)1 submitted in support of the Bill. Implementation of these measures has been assumed in this SES and AP ES.
1.1.10
The following terms are used to differentiate between changes included in the SES and those included in the AP ES: ‘SES design changes’ – changes to the scheme design reported in the SES that do not require additional powers; ‘SES changes’ – all changes reported in the SES that do not require additional powers. This may include new baseline information, changes to the design and construction assumptions, and corrections; and ‘AP amendments’ – changes to the scheme reported in the AP ES that include requirements for additional powers in the Bill.
1.1.11
In order to differentiate between the original proposals assessed as part of the main ES and subsequent changes and amendments, the following terms are used throughout the SES and the AP ES to define the scheme as it relates to the HS2 Phase 2a project: ‘the original scheme’ – the Bill scheme submitted to Parliament in July 2017, which was assessed in the main ES; ‘the SES scheme’ – the original scheme with any changes described in the SES that are within the existing powers of the Bill; and ‘the AP revised scheme’ – the original scheme as amended by the SES changes and AP amendments.
1
HS2 Ltd (2017). High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Environmental Statement, Volume 5: Technical appendices, draft Code of Construction Practice (CT-003-000). Available online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/draft-code-of-construction-practice-for-hs2-phase-2a
2
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
Part 1: Supplementary Environmental Statement 2 Summary of changes in the South Cheshire area 2.1
New environmental baseline information Agriculture, forestry, and soils
2.1.1
Since the production of the main ES, additional information relating to agricultural farm holdings in the South Cheshire area has been obtained. Detail of supplementary agriculture, forestry, and soils information that is relevant to the SES assessment is provided in Section 3.
Ecology and biodiversity 2.1.2
Since the production of the main ES ecological surveys for Phase 1 habitat, hedgerow, wintering birds, bats, great crested newt, badger, otter and water vole have been completed in the South Cheshire area.
2.1.3
Details of additional ecological surveys completed in the South Cheshire area are provided in Background Information and Data (BID) documents2 (BID-EC-004-000 and Map Series EC-02, EC-04, EC-05, EC-10, EC-11 and EC-12), which accompany the SES and AP ES.
2.1.4
SES and AP ES Volume 5: Appendix EC-002-000 provides a summary of additional ecological survey data, which has resulted in no change to the conclusions of the main ES. SES and AP ES Volume 5: Appendix EC-003-000 identifies additional local/parish level effects that are likely to occur as a consequence of SES changes and AP amendments but which will not be significant.
2.1.5
Detail of supplementary ecological information that is relevant to the SES assessment is provided in Section 3.
2.2
Changes to the construction assumptions not requiring a change to the Bill
2.2.1
Since submission of the Bill, the need to make changes to construction assumptions has been identified. These changes relate to railway systems compounds and are detailed further below. These do not require a change to the Bill.
Railway systems compounds 2.2.2
The Bill provides for land to be acquired for establishment and operation of a number of railway systems compounds from which railway installation works will be managed.
2 HS2
Ltd (2018), High Speed Two (HS2) Phase 2a (West Midlands - Crewe), Background Information and Data, Available online at: www.gov.uk/hs2
3
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire These works include: installation of the hydraulically bound layer3 and pre-cast slab, rails (including crossovers) and overhead line equipment, installation of autotransformer stations and changes to the existing rail network. 2.2.3
Since the submission of the Bill further information relating to the construction methodology for the installation of a slab track formation has required a change to the operational characteristics of three railway systems compounds in the South Cheshire area. The change to these compounds relates to: a change to the operational period (duration and start/end date); a change in the number of railway system workers (peak and/or average); and a change in railway systems construction traffic numbers (heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and cars/light goods vehicles (LGV)).
2.2.4
Volume 1 of the SES and AP ES provides further detail on the approach taken to considering the potential for new or different significant effects from those reported in the main ES in relation to the changes to railway systems compounds. The changes to the existing compounds in this area do not require a change to the Bill and are not considered to require a reassessment of the environmental effects or mitigation as set out in the main ES with respect to any environmental topics.
2.2.5
While the changes to the construction methodology for the installation of a slab track formation will increase the number of railway systems HGV movements, these will be generally later in the construction programme than civil engineering HGV movements. Any increase in traffic due to these changes will generally be relatively small in comparison to the peak level of traffic generated by the civil engineering works. As there will be no increase or only a small increase in peak traffic levels, it is not expected that there will be any new or different significant traffic effects on the road network to those reported in the main ES.
2.2.6
Table 1 provides details on the changes to the operational characteristics of the existing railway systems compounds in this area.
3
Aggregate mixture incorporating cement, lime-based or other binders, which harden in-situ by a chemical/hydraulic reaction.
4
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Table 1: Summary of changes to the construction assumptions within the existing powers of the Bill in the South Cheshire area
Details of changes to construction assumptions
Description of the original scheme
Description of the SES scheme
Change to significant effects
Change to the operational duration4, railway systems worker numbers, and railway systems HGV trips for the Checkley Lane West satellite compound
This railway systems compound would be operational for one year and three months, commencing during 2025.
Railway installation works managed from this compound will commence earlier in the construction programme and will be undertaken over a longer period of time than stated in the main ES. This compound will be operational for a total of one year and six months, commencing during 2024.
No change.
This railway systems compound would support an average of 15 railway systems workers per day (30 workers at peak times). This railway systems compound would generate 19-34 railway systems HGV trips per day during busy periods5 and within the peak month of activity. (Map CT-05-235, F7 in the main ES, Volume 2, CA5 Map Book)
There will be a decrease in the number of railway systems workers supported by this compound with an average of 10 railway systems workers per day (20 workers at peak times). There will be an increase in the number of railway systems HGV trips generated by this compound with 44-48 trips per day during the busy periods and within the peak month of activity. This compound will support the implementation of track works.
The increase in duration of the compound to support the extended duration of railway systems works is relatively small in comparison to the overall duration of the compound. The decrease in railway systems worker numbers at the compound is small in comparison to the overall construction phase employment. The consequential reduction in traffic associated with the decreased worker numbers is also small in relation to the peak traffic volumes in the area which will occur during the construction phase. The increase in railways systems HGV movements will increase the total daily movements from the compound. This will not, however, materially change the overall impact of the combination of these HGV movements and those associated with other compounds in the area compared to the traffic levels assessed in the original scheme. Therefore, the level of significance reported in the main ES with regard to compound durations, worker numbers and traffic will not change.
4
The Volume 2 scheme description of the construction phase represents the duration of works in a different way to the Volume 5 Transport Assessment. The Volume 2 scheme description is based on quarters (each representing three months), e.g. December (Quarter 4) to February (Quarter 1) is rounded to six months, whereas the Volume 5 Transport Assessment counts the absolute duration e.g. three months. 5 The busy period is the period during which HGV traffic serving that compound will be greater than 50% of the HGV traffic in the peak month. The average daily combined two-way vehicle trips for the busy period is the lower end of the range and for the peak month is the upper end of the range.
5
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Details of changes to construction assumptions
Description of the original scheme
Description of the SES scheme
Change to significant effects
Change to the railway systems worker numbers and railway systems HGV trips for the Checkley Lane East main compound
This compound would be operational for a total of six years, commencing during 2020. Civil engineering works would be managed from this compound for a period of four years and three months, followed by railway installation works for a period of two years6.
There are no changes to the operational characteristics for this compound related to civil engineering works.
No change.
The compound would support an average of 20 civil engineering workers per day (30 workers at peak times) and an average of 35 railway systems workers per day (50 workers at peak times). The compound would generate 16-34 civil engineering HGV trips per day and 16-34 railway systems HGV trips during busy periods and within the peak month of activity. (Map CT-05-235, F5 in the main ES, Volume 2, CA5 Map Book)
There will be a decrease in the number of railway systems workers supported by this compound with an average of 25 railway systems workers per day (30 workers at peak times). There will be an increase in the number of railway systems HGV trips generated by this compound with 44-48 trips per day during the busy periods and within the peak month of activity. This compound will support the implementation of track works.
The decrease in railway systems worker numbers at the compound is small in comparison to the overall construction phase employment. The consequential reduction in traffic associated with the decreased worker numbers is also small in relation to the peak traffic volumes in the area which will occur during the construction phase. The increase in railways systems HGV movements will increase the total daily movements from the compound. This will not, however, materially change the overall impact of the combination of these HGV movements and those associated with other compounds in the area compared to the traffic levels assessed in the original scheme. Therefore, the level of significance reported in the main ES with regard to worker numbers and traffic will not change.
6
The duration of this railway systems compound has been corrected from that which was reported in the main ES. The correction is shown in Table 2
6
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Details of changes to construction assumptions
Description of the original scheme
Description of the SES scheme
Change to significant effects
Change to the operational duration, railway systems worker numbers, and railway systems HGV trips for the Heath Farm satellite compound
This railway systems compound would be operational for nine months, commencing during 2025.
Railway installation works managed from this compound will commence earlier in the construction programme and will be undertaken over a longer period of time than stated in the main ES. This compound will be operational for a total of one year, commencing during 2025.
No change.
This railway systems compound would support an average of 15 railway systems workers per day (15 workers at peak times). This railway systems compound would generate 28-32 railway systems HGV trips per day during busy periods and within the peak month of activity. (Map CT-05-238, D6 in the main ES, Volume 2, CA5 Map Book)
There will be an increase in the number of railway systems peak workers supported by this compound (30 per day). There will be no change to the average number of railway systems workers. There will be an increase in the number of railway systems HGV trips generated by this compound with 70-80 trips per day during the busy periods and within the peak month of activity. This compound will support the implementation of track works.
The increase in duration of the compound to support the extended duration of railway systems works is relatively small in comparison to the overall duration of the compound. The increase in railway systems worker numbers at the compound is small in comparison to the overall construction phase employment. The consequential increase in traffic associated with the increased worker numbers is also small in relation to the peak traffic volumes in the area which will occur during the construction phase. The increase in railways systems HGV movements will increase the total daily movements from the compound. This will not, however, materially change the overall impact of the combination of these HGV movements and those associated with other compounds in the area compared to the traffic levels assessed in the original scheme. Therefore, the level of significance reported in the main ES with regard to compound durations, worker numbers and traffic will not change
2.3
Corrections to the main ES
2.3.1
Since submission of the Bill, the need for a number of corrections to the contents of the main ES has been identified. Table 2 provides a list of those instances where there has been a need to correct the Volume 2 community area report for the South Cheshire area because of the potential to alter the significant environmental effects reported in the main ES or a factual inaccuracy relating to a significant effect that has been identified. Table 2 also clarifies elements of the scheme description reported in the main ES. The table gives the location of the text that is subject to the correction in the main ES, the reason for the correction, replicates the text from the main ES, where applicable provides revised text, and identifies whether the correction changes a significant effect reported in the main ES.
7
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Table 2: Summary of corrections to the main ES in the South Cheshire area
Reference in the main ES
Reason for correction
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Change to significant effects and mitigation
Overview of the area and description of the Proposed Scheme
The operational durations of the railways systems work managed from the Checkley Lane East main compound, Crewe South cutting satellite compound and Crewe South portal satellite compound were incorrectly described in the scheme description.
Paragraph 2.3.38 - first bullet (Checkley Lane East main compound):
Paragraph 2.3.38 - first bullet (Checkley Lane East main compound):
No change.
Paragraphs 2.3.38, 2.3.96, 2.3.135 and Figure 8, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Checkley Lane East main compound and Crewe South portal satellite compound were incorrectly illustrated in Figure 8.
Traffic and transport Paragraph 14.4.6 (Table 34),
As above.
… Civil engineering works will be managed from this compound for a period of four years and three months, followed by railway installation works for a period of one year and nine months;
… Civil engineering works will be managed from this compound for a period of four years and three months, followed by railway installation works for a period of two years;
Paragraph 2.3.96 – first bullet (Crewe South cutting satellite compound):
Paragraph 2.3.96 - first bullet (Crewe South cutting satellite compound):
… After the civil engineering works are complete, this compound will continue to be used to manage railway systems works for one year;
… After the civil engineering works are complete, this compound will continue to be used to manage railway systems works for one year and three months;
Paragraph 2.3.135 - first bullet (Crewe South portal satellite compound):
Paragraph 2.3.135 - first bullet (Crewe South portal satellite compound):
…Civil engineering works will be managed from this compound for a period of four years and three months, and the compound will then continue to be used for railway installation works for the remaining one year and nine months;
The assessment was based on the correct duration.
… Civil engineering works will be managed from this compound for a period of four years and three months, and the compound will then continue to be used for railway installation works for the remaining two years and six months;
Figure 8 shows that railways systems work managed from the Checkley Lane East satellite compound would be operational for one year and nine months, commencing 2025
Figure 8 should show that railways systems work managed from the Checkley Lane East satellite compound would be operational for two years, commencing 2024.
Figure 8 shows that railways systems work managed from the Crewe South cutting satellite compound would be operational for one year and six months, commencing 2024.
Figure 8 should show that railways systems work managed from the Crewe South cutting satellite compound would be operational for one year and three months, commencing 2024.
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, first entry (Checkley Lane East main compound):
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, first entry (Checkley Lane East main compound):
Estimated duration of use (years) – 1 year and 9 months
Estimated duration of use (years) – 2 years
As above.
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Reference in the main ES
Reason for correction
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, ninth entry (Crewe South cutting satellite compound):
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, ninth entry (Crewe South cutting satellite compound):
Estimated duration of use (years) – 1 year and 6 months
Estimated duration of use (years) – 1 year and 3 months
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, 15th entry (Crewe South portal satellite compound):
Paragraph 14.4.6 – Table 34, 15th entry (Crewe South portal satellite compound):
Estimated duration of use (years) – 2 years and 9 months
Estimated duration of use (years) – 2 years and 6 months
The number of railway installation workers supported by the Den Lane West satellite compound was reported incorrectly in the scheme description as an average of 20 workers per day. This should have been reported as an average of 25 workers per day.
Paragraph 2.3.65 - second bullet:
Paragraph 2.3.65 - second bullet:
No change.
The assessment was based on the correct number of workers.
Demolition of an outbuilding at Basford Hall (CA5/21) was not reported in the agriculture, forestry and soils assessment.
Paragraph 4.4.32 –Table 15, 21st entry:
Paragraph 4.4.32 –Table 15, 21st entry:
Yes.
Holding reference/name/sensitivity – CA5/21, Basford Hall, Low sensitivity
Holding reference/name/sensitivity – CA5/21, Basford Hall, Low sensitivity
Land required from holding – 0ha (0%), Negligible
Land required from holding – 0ha (0%), Negligible
Severance – Negligible
Severance – Negligible
Infrastructure – Negligible
Infrastructure – High
Scale of effect – Negligible
Scale of effect – Moderate adverse due to demolition
A high infrastructure impact due to the demolition of a building at Basford Hall will result in a moderate adverse permanent effect on the holding, which is significant. This correction will not require a change to mitigation reported in the main ES.
Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Overview of the area and description of the Proposed Scheme Paragraphs 2.3.65, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Agriculture, forestry and soils Paragraph 4.4.32 (Table 15), 4.4.33, 4.4.36 and 4.4.44, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
support 20 railway systems installation workers per day (105 workers at peak times) throughout the works period;
support 25 railway systems installation workers per day (105 workers at peak times) throughout the works period;
Paragraph 4.4.33: Paragraph 4.4.33: Overall, the construction of the Proposed Scheme will affect 21 holdings in the South Cheshire area, with 13 holdings experiencing moderate, major/moderate or
Overall, the construction of the Proposed Scheme will affect 21 holdings in the South Cheshire area, with 14 holdings experiencing moderate, major/moderate or
Change to significant effects and mitigation
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Reference in the main ES
Community Paragraph 6.4.8 and 6.4.24, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Reason for correction
The community assessment reported significant noise effects during construction for approximately 12 properties on Den Lane north of Wrinehill. The construction of the original scheme will result in noise effects on 11 properties.
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Change to significant effects and mitigation
major adverse permanent effects, which will be significant.
major adverse permanent effects, which will be significant.
Paragraph 4.4.36:
Paragraph 4.4.36:
Other moderate adverse effects arise from a medium land requirement and severance impact on a medium sensitivity farm at The Moss (CA5/16); and low land requirements, severance or infrastructure impacts on high sensitivity farms at Grange Farm (CA5/1) and Ash Tree Farm (CA5/3).
Other moderate adverse effects arise from a high infrastructure impact on a low sensitivity farm Basford Hall (CA5/21), a medium land requirement and severance impact on a medium sensitivity farm at The Moss (CA5/16); and low land requirements, severance or infrastructure impacts on high sensitivity farms at Grange Farm (CA5/1) and Ash Tree Farm (CA5/3).
Paragraph 4.4.44:
Paragraph 4.4.44:
Twenty-one holdings will be affected permanently, of which 13 will experience major, major/moderate or moderate permanent effects following construction, which is significant. Of these, 12 will be likely to remain as agricultural or rural businesses and the use of compensation payments to purchase replacement land or farm buildings could reduce the effects….
Twenty-one holdings will be affected permanently, of which 14 will experience major, major/moderate or moderate permanent effects following construction, which is significant. Of these, 13 will be likely to remain as agricultural or rural businesses and the use of compensation payments to purchase replacement land or farm buildings could reduce the effects….
Paragraph 6.4.8:
Paragraph 6.4.8:
Yes.
…In total, 12 residential properties will experience significant noise effects (with five during the day as a result of construction traffic and seven from general construction works). Residents at all 12 of the properties will experience significant adverse visual effects due to views of construction works and the Blakenhall cutting satellite compound. The noise and visual effects will result in an in-combination effect on the amenity of residents at the 12 properties for up to four years and five months….
…In total, 11 residential properties will experience significant noise effects (with five during the day as a result of construction traffic and six from general construction works). Residents at all 11 of the properties will experience significant adverse visual effects due to views of construction works and the Blakenhall cutting satellite compound. The noise and visual effects will result in an in-combination effect on the amenity of residents at the 11 properties for up to four years and five months….
Paragraph 6.4.24 – second bullet:
Paragraph 6.4.24 - second bullet:
This correction will result in a different significant community effect due to a reduction in the number of residential properties affected by the construction of the original scheme from 12 to 11, but will not change the level of significance of the effect reported in the main ES.
twelve properties on Den Lane north of Wrinehill due to the combination of noise and visual effects;
eleven properties on Den Lane north of Wrinehill due to the combination of noise and visual effects;
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Reference in the main ES
Reason for correction
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Change to significant effects and mitigation
Ecology and biodiversity
Areas of grassland habitat relevant to the assessment were incorrectly reported in the ecology assessment
Paragraph 8.3.12:
Paragraph 8.3.12:
No change.
An area of marshy grassland, covering an area of approximately 2ha occurs to the south-east of Heath Farm within the land required for the Proposed Scheme….
An area of marshy grassland, covering an area of approximately 1.3ha occurs to the south-east of Heath Farm within the land required for the Proposed Scheme….
The corrected areas will not change the level of significance of the effect reported in the main ES.
Paragraph 8.3.13:
Paragraph 8.3.13:
The majority of the remaining grassland within the land required for the Proposed Scheme is improved grassland, with smaller scattered areas of species-poor semi-improved grassland. These grasslands are of up to local/parish value.
The majority of the remaining grassland within the land required for the Proposed Scheme is improved grassland and amenity grassland of negligible value. Areas of poor semi-improved grassland, neutral semiimproved grassland and acid grassland are of up to local/parish value.
Paragraph 8.4.16:
Paragraph 8.4.16:
...will result in a permanent loss of approximately 2ha of marshy grassland to the south-east of Heath Farm….
...will result in a permanent loss of approximately 1.3ha of marshy grassland to the south-east of Heath Farm….
Paragraph 8.4.39:
Paragraph 8.4.39:
The Proposed Scheme will result in the loss of approximately 2ha of marshy grassland to the southeast of Heath Farm, which is significant at the district/borough level.
The Proposed Scheme will result in the loss of approximately 1.3ha of marshy grassland to the southeast of Heath Farm, which is significant at the district/borough level.
Paragraph 8.4.41:
Paragraph 8.4.41:
...In particular this will compensate for losses of 2ha of marshy grassland to the south-east of Heath Farm.
...In particular this will compensate for losses of 1.3ha of marshy grassland to the south-east of Heath Farm.
Paragraph 8.3.14:
Paragraph 8.3.14:
Yes.
There are approximately 13.1km of hedgerows within the land required…. Hedgerows within the land required for the Proposed Scheme comprise approximately:
There are approximately 21.9km of hedgerows within the land required…. Hedgerows within the land required for the Proposed Scheme comprise approximately:
2.7km of native species-poor; and
8.8km of native species-poor; and
10.4km of native species-rich….
13.1km of native species-rich….
This correction will result in a different residual adverse effect that is significant at the district/borough level due to an increase in the amount of hedgerow
Paragraph 8.3.12, 8.3.13, 8.4.16, 8.4.39, and 8.4.41, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Ecology and biodiversity Paragraph 8.3.14, 8.3.15, 8.4.17, 8.4.43, and 8.4.56, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
The length of hedgerow within the land required for the original scheme was incorrectly reported in the ecology assessment.
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Reference in the main ES
Reason for correction
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Paragraph 8.3.15:
Paragraph 8.3.15:
Of the 13.1km of hedgerow a total of 8.4km has not been subject to survey….
Of the 21.9km of hedgerow a total of 8.4km has not been subject to survey….
Paragraph 8.4.17:
Paragraph 8.4.17:
On a precautionary basis, it is assumed that all hedgerows (approximately 13.1km) within the land required to construct the Proposed Scheme in the South Cheshire area will be permanently lost and the remaining hedgerow network fragmented….
On a precautionary basis, it is assumed that all hedgerows (approximately 21.9km) within the land required to construct the Proposed Scheme in the South Cheshire area will be permanently lost and the remaining hedgerow network fragmented….
Paragraph 8.4.43:
Paragraph 8.4.43:
…Approximately 17km of new hedgerows will be
...Approximately 17km of new hedgerows will be planted and the species composition will be characteristic of the surrounding area. This represents a net loss in hedgerow of approximately 4.9km after mitigation, which is a residual adverse effect that is significant at the district/borough level….
planted and the species composition will be characteristic of the surrounding area. This represents a net gain in hedgerow of approximately 3.9km after mitigation, which when mature represents a residual beneficial effect that is significant at the district/borough level Paragraph 8.4.56:
Paragraph 8.4.56:
There will be a net gain in hedgerow of approximately 3.9km after mitigation, which when mature represents a residual beneficial effect that is significant at the district/borough level.
On a precautionary basis, it is assumed that there is a net loss in hedgerow of approximately 4.9km, which will result in a permanent adverse residual effect that is significant at the district/borough level. However, restoration of land required only for the construction of the Proposed Scheme to its current use, offers potential for reinstatement of a further 10.1km of existing hedgerow. The provision of the majority of this reinstated hedgerow would reduce the residual effect to a level that is not significant.
Change to significant effects and mitigation habitat lost as a result of construction of the original scheme.
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire Reference in the main ES
Reason for correction
Text in the main ES
Revised text
Change to significant effects and mitigation
Ecology and biodiversity
Areas of woodland habitat loss were incorrectly reported in the ecology assessment, but were assessed correctly.
Paragraph 8.4.14:
Paragraph 8.4.14:
No change.
Construction of the Proposed Scheme...will result in the permanent loss of approximately 6.4ha of woodland at Checkley Lane/Randilow Farm, Lower Den Farm, Coppice Bank, Wychwood Park, Chorlton Lane, Burrow Coppice and Basford Hall.
Construction of the Proposed Scheme...will result in the permanent loss of approximately 9.5ha of woodland at Checkley Lane/Randilow Farm, Lower Den Farm, Coppice Bank, Wychwood Park, Chorlton Lane, Burrow Coppice and Basford Hall.
The assessment was based on the correct areas and therefore this correction will not change the level of significance of the effect reported in the ES.
Three properties (Basford House, Oakleigh Cottage and Casey Lane Stables) were not included in the list of residential properties forecast to experience noise above the eligibility criteria as defined in the HS2 noise insulation and temporary rehousing policy.
Paragraph 13.4.12:
Paragraph 13.4.12:
Yes.
…the following six residential properties are forecast to experience noise above the eligibility criteria as defined in the HS2 noise insulation and temporary rehousing policy….
…the following nine residential properties are forecast to experience noise above the eligibility criteria as defined in the HS2 noise insulation and temporary rehousing policy….
Three additional residential buildings are identified as being subject to a significant adverse effect, and are consequently estimated to be likely to qualify for noise insulation.
Paragraph 8.4.14, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
Sound, noise and vibration Paragraph 13.4.12, Volume 2, CA5 of the main ES
The total number of properties forecast to experience noise above the eligibility criteria is nine.
Insert new bullets (fifth, sixth and seventh bullet):
Basford House, Newcastle Road (assessment location ref: 15111);
Oakleigh Cottage, Newcastle Road (assessment location ref: 15112); and
Casey Lane Stables, Newcastle Road (assessment location ref: 15114).
Further information regarding the construction sound levels are provided in SES and AP ES Volume 5: Appendix SV-002-005.
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire
3
Assessment of changes in the South Cheshire area
3.1
Introduction
3.1.1
Section 3 reports the assessment for agriculture, forestry and soils and ecology and biodiversity as a result of the SES changes.
3.2
Agriculture, forestry and soils Introduction
3.2.1
The environmental baseline relevant to the agriculture, forestry, and soils assessment is described below. Any new or different likely significant environmental effects as a result of the changes introduced in Section 2 are then identified, compared to the original scheme. Consideration is given to new baseline information received since the production of the main ES.
Scope, assumptions and limitations 3.2.2
The assessment scope, key assumptions and limitations for agriculture, forestry and soils are as set out in Volume 1, the Scope and Methodology Report (SMR) 7 and the SMR Addendum8 of the main ES.
SES changes of relevance to this assessment 3.2.3
New baseline information relating to two agricultural farm holdings in the South Cheshire area are relevant to this assessment.
Environmental baseline Existing baseline 3.2.4
The baseline agriculture, forestry and soils information for the South Cheshire area is as described in Volume 2, CA5, Section 4 of the main ES. New baseline information relating to two farm holdings has been obtained since the production of the main ES: land south of the A500 Shavington Bypass (CA5/24) is an arable field of 4ha and is of medium sensitivity to change, as detailed in the main ES. New baseline information identifies this holding as part of Forge Mill Farm, which is a beef and sheep unit of 105ha and is of medium sensitivity to change. See Map AG-01-117 in the SES and AP ES Volume 5 Map Book; and Shavington Lodge (CA5/25) is a beef unit of 14ha and is of medium sensitivity to change. In the main ES, the land associated with this holding was described as part of the land south of the A500 Shavington Bypass (CA5/24). New
7HS2
Ltd (2017). High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Environmental Statement, Volume 5: Technical appendices, Environmental Impact Assessment Scope and Methodology Report (Appendix CT-001-001). Available online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scope-andmethodology-report-for-hs2-phase-2a 8 HS2 Ltd (2017). High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe), Environmental Statement, Volume 5: Technical appendices, Environmental Impact Assessment Scope and Methodology Report Addendum (Appendix CT-001-002). Available online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scope-and-methodology-report-for-hs2-phase-2a
14
SES and AP ES Volume 2 – Community Area 5, South Cheshire baseline information about this holding has been obtained following the production of the main ES and it is now being considered as a separate holding. See map AG-01-117 in the SES and AP ES, Volume 5 Map Book.
Future baseline Construction (2020) and operation (2027) 3.2.5
SES and AP ES Volume 5: Appendix CT-004-000 provides details of the developments which are assumed to have been implemented by 2020 and 2027 respectively, additional to those identified in the main ES (Volume 5: Appendix CT-004-000).
3.2.6
None of the identified developments affect the assessment of the SES scheme’s likely construction and operation impacts on agriculture, forestry and soils.
Effects arising during construction Avoidance and mitigation measures 3.2.7
No further measures are applicable to this assessment, above those stated in the draft Code of Construction Practice (CoCP)9.
Assessment of impacts and effects 3.2.8
The main ES reported that the original scheme required 0.6ha of land from land south of the A500 Shavington Bypass (CA5/24) during construction, which was reported as a medium impact, and that there would be a high severance impact for the arable field identified, resulting in a major/moderate adverse construction effect, which is significant. A reassessment was undertaken as a result of the new baseline information, which identified that the 4ha field, previously described as land south of the A500 Shavington Bypass, forms part of Forge Mill Farm, which is 105ha in total area. Following reassessment, the original scheme will require 0.6ha (
