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Blackmore Gate, Lynton & Barnstaple

Railway Reinstatement:

Arboricultural method statement

Prepared for: Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust

Project ref: D14 280 05

Date: July 2015

Prepared by: JP Associates

46 St Peter Street

Tiverton

EX16 6NR

T 0845 643 1161

F 01884 258340

Wwww.jp-associates.co.uk

JP Associates (Consultants) Ltd. Company registered in Cardiff No. 4578455. Registered office as above

Certificate Number 9587ISO 9001, ISO 14001

Blackmore Gate:Arboricultural method statement

JP Associates, 46 St Peter Street, Tiverton, EX16 6NRRef: D14 280 05 Date: July 2015 of 11

View of hedgerow to north of A399 looking west towards Blackmore Gate, hedgerowwill require re location to achieve the visibility splays

View of proposed car parking area to north of A399, note the vegetated spoilmounds in the middle ground that will need to be removed



Appendices

Tree protection plan (TPP) Ref; D14 280 P1

Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) Ref; D14 280 04

Arboricultural Management Programme (AMP) Ref; D14 280 03

Hedge translocation methodology Ref; D14 280 06

Site inspection form

Cell web technical drawings

Operations

This method statement refers to, and should be read in conjunction with, the attached

TPP. It has been drawn up to detail how the following operations are to be undertaken.

1 Tree work

2 Installation of tree and hedge protection barriers

3 Site monitoring

4 Excavation within RPAs of trees 002- 004

5 Excavation to east of trees 0019 – 0022

6 Ground level changes in proposed new parking areas

7 Footpath construction within RPAs (to south of A39 road)

8 Landscaping works within RPAs

9 Location of site facilities

10 Location of drainage and service runs

11 Order of operations

12 General procedures

Background

This arboricultural method statement (AMS) has been prepared in support of the planning

application for the main railway car park.

Features of the proposals include the following:

- The reinstated railway will pass under the A399 in a proposed tunnel.

- Car parking provision on the former site of the Blackmore Gate Hotel

- New access off the A399, and an underpass between the car park and the Old

Station Inn.

- New engine shed, sidings and new access via Rowley Moor Farm.

- Improvements to Blackmore Gate public car park, new station and public

conveniences.



BS 5837: 2012 ‘Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction –

Recommendations’ (BS 5837) requires that retained trees should be protected during

development by observing sacrosanct, ‘no-go’ construction exclusion zones (CEZs). CEZs

are observed during development so that the underlying roots of the retained trees are

offered a degree of protection from construction and development activity. Protecting the

roots will ensure that trees can be retained to form continuing features of the local

landscape. The CEZs are formed by the erection of tree protection barriers.

BS 5837 stipulates that a professional arboriculturist may, using their knowledge of tree

morphology, alter the shape (but not the area) of the root protection area (RPA) to fit in

with development proposals. The Standard allows RPAs, in certain instances, to be used

for other light activities such as private driveways and paths, but stipulates that any such

activity can only proceed if it can be shown that there will be no significant detrimental

effect to the retained trees or their root systems.

The tree numbers on the tree protection plan and in the other arboricultural documents

correspond with the numbering used in the original tree survey carried out by Gary

Snellgrove in 2014.

1 Tree work

1.1 Before the start of the approved demolition, ground work or construction

activities, the trees and hedges outlined in red on the TPP will be felled or cleared as

required to facilitate the proposed development. The trees on the site that are due to be

removed or require pruning work have been listed in the Arboricultural Management

Programme (AMP).

1.2 Where necessary trees will be dismantled in sections to avoid damaging any

adjacent retained trees. Stumps of felled trees that are located outside the CEZs or away

from retained hedges/vegetation may be removed by excavation. Any tree stumps that are

located within CEZs or immediately adjacent to retained hedges/vegetation will be

removed by the use of a stump grinder to ensure that there is no unnecessary ground

disturbance.

1.3 The trees and hedgerows that are within the proposed new visibility splays

required for the new access off the A399, (T61 through to T70, G14, G15 and G16) will need

to be coppiced to allow the hedge bank itself to be translocated back into the site. The



hedgerow translocation works are covered in an additional method statement (Ref; D14

280 06).

2 Installation of tree protection barrier

2.1 Prior to the commencement of any demolition, groundwork, or construction

activity on the site and following the approved tree felling and pruning, the specified

protection barrier will be erected to protect the retained trees and hedges, in accordance

with the appended tree protection plan. The area enclosed by the protection barriers will

form sacrosanct, no-go construction exclusion zones (CEZs) that must be maintained

throughout the periods of demolition, groundwork and construction.

2.2 No materials will be stored within the CEZs and no fires will be lit or other activities

undertaken that could be harmful or injurious to the trees or their root systems. All-

weather notices will be placed on the barriers prohibiting either vehicular or pedestrian

access in to the enclosed area.

2.3 The barriers will be inspected regularly during the demolition to ensure that they

remain fit for purpose. Any damage to the barriers will be repaired immediately.

2.4 The tree protection barrier will comprise a scaffold frame that will form a stout

structure to which ‘Heras’ style panels will be attached. The TPP indicates the areas that

will be protected by the barriers and details their specification.

2.5 During removal of the spoil mounds in the proposed new car parking areas (see

section 6 of this AMS) the tree protection barrier will need to be positioned just beyond the

existing mounds, as soon as the spoil has been removed and replaced with clean topsoil

the barrier will be relocated as indicated on the TPP.

3 Site monitoring

3.1 The project arboriculturist will visit the site regularly during the demolition and

construction phases of the development to monitor the tree protection measures and

ensure that they are maintained in accordance with the approved TPP. A site monitoring

log (see attached site inspection form) will be completed for each site visit to record any

defects in the tree protection barrier and/or any issues with the potential to be detrimental

to the retained trees. Any necessary remedial action will then be taken to ensure the tree

protection arrangements remain effective. Copies of the site monitoring forms will be kept



on site and a copy forwarded to the client’s office and to the LPA. The frequency of the

arboricultural site inspections made during the development will be influenced by the

intensity and location of the construction activities, but will normally be monthly unless it

is deemed necessary that they should be more frequent.

3.2 A pre-commencement site meeting will be held before the start of any

construction works, attended by at least the site manager and the arboriculturist. The

methods of tree protection outlined in this statement will be fully discussed, so that

aspects of their implementation and sequencing are made clear to all parties.

4 Excavation within RPAs of trees 002 - 004 (beeches)

4.1 A new retaining structure is due to be constructed near the new engine shed, prior

to the ground excavations being undertaken T002 will be felled and T003 & T004 will be

crown lifted and pruned to allow access, as detailed in the attached arboricultural

management program.

4.2 The tree protection barrier will be installed as outlined on the TPP; the project

arboriculturist will be in attendance during the excavations within the RPAs of the trees, if

any significant roots (greater than 25mm diameter) are found they will be pared back by

hand to a clean cut surface.

4.3 The vertical face of the excavated soil will be supported with sheet piling rather

than banking back into the RPA that would cause additional root damage; any exposed

roots will be covered with damp hessian to prevent drying out or frost damage if they

need to be left exposed overnight.

4.4 If the new retaining structure needs to be constructed of block or stone and

mortar (rather than leaving the sheet piling in place) then a polythene membrane will be

inserted between the retaining wall and the tree roots to prevent the leaching of any

potentially injurious cement substances into the soil around the roots.

5 Excavation to east of trees 0019 – 0022 (beeches)

5.1 Trees T19-22 are a row of large, mature beech within a hedge bank located to the

east of the existing Blackmore Gate car park. The trees are subject to tree preservation

order (TPO) and are prominent features that add significantly to the quality of the local

landscape.



5.2 The proposed course of the reinstated railway has been modified so that it will

pass into a tunnel further to the east to minimise encroachment into their RPAs.

5.3 We understand a root investigation by means of a trial hole was undertaken in

2014 to explore the extent of root distribution along the edge of the proposed excavation.

While we have not seen any reports outlining the findings of the root investigation we

understand that no significant roots were found as indicated in photos taken at the time.

5.4 The tree protection barrier will be installed around the trees to set out the CEZs

and the excavation will proceed in the same manner as that outlined in section 4 above –

using sheet piling to support the exposed face of the excavation. This will limit

encroachment into the RPAs and enable the work to be carried out from the east side of

the track, furthest from the trees.

6 Ground level changes in proposed new parking areas

6.1 The proposed new visitor car parking will be located to the north of the A399 on

the site of the former Blackmore Gate Hotel. The area currently consists of two

overgrown ‘fields’ surrounded by hedge banks planted with beech. The ’fields’ are heavily

colonised mostly with goat willow and bramble that will need to be cleared.

6.2 There are two sizeable mounds of spoil (believed to be from the former hotel)

located within the southern of the two ‘fields’. The spoil mounds fall at least partially

within the RPAs of the mature beech trees growing in the hedge bank that divides the two

new car parking areas.

6.3 The spoil mounds will need to be removed to facilitate the new car parking

arrangements, the removal operation will need to be carried out carefully to minimise

damage to any underlying roots.

6.4 The canopies of the trees will be lifted to allow access as outlined in the

arboricultural management program (AMP); the tree protection barriers will be then be

erected around the outer extent of the mounds on the side nearest the trees.



6.5 The mounds may be removed by mechanical means using an excavator with a

toothed bucket to progressively pull back the material so it can be transported away. The

operation will be supervised by the project arboriculturist.

6.6 When the depth of material is approaching the original ground level particular care

should be taken to avoid damaging any underlying roots and roots that may have grown

into the spoil material itself.

6.7 If any significant roots are found the arboriculturist will provide advice as to how

they should be treated, any severed roots over 25mm diameter will be paired back by

hand to a clean cut surface and any exposed roots covered with clean topsoil or damp

hessian if they need to be left exposed overnight or during periods of hot weather or frost.

6.8 As outlined above, when the spoil mounds have been removed the tree protection

barriers will be repositioned to their locations as shown on the attached TPP.

6.9 It is understood that the surfacing of the new car park will be formed of crushed

stone or similar to create the parking bays with the circulation roads being made up of

tarmac. It is also understood that the finished levels will be achieved through a build-up of

material rather than through excavation.

6.10 The trees in the surrounding hedge banks will require crown lifting to permit

access, as outlined in the AMP.

6.11 In places the parking bays are encroaching on the RPAs of the trees and the hedge

banks are being breached to permit the circulation roads; if the road material or crushed

stone needs to be retained within the RPAs of the trees then this will be done through the

use of suitable timbers held in place with metal pegs rather than by conventional kerbing,

this will minimise the level of ground disturbance and potential root damage.



7 Footpath construction within RPAs (to south of A39)

7.1 There will be a proposed new pedestrian crossing over the A399 to link the visitor

centre area to the new car parking areas.

7.2 The crossing will breach the hedge on the south side of the road and lead to a

new footpath that will be aligned parallel to the road (within the extremity of the current

Exmoor sheep market) before it breaches a second hedge bank to give access into the car

park itself.

7.3 A section of the roadside hedge bank will need to be removed, or the hedge

coppiced to allow the visibility splays for pedestrians.

7.4 The section of new footpath that is aligned parallel to the road and roadside hedge

is within the RPAs of the roadside hedgerow trees in this area (although these trees don’t

appear to have been recorded in the tree survey).

7.5 In order to avoid damaging the roots of the hedgerow trees the footpath will be

using a non-dig system: the no dig system consists of a geo textile membrane beneath a

cellular confinement system filled with stone, overlaid with a top surface of (for example)

tarmac.

7.6 A ‘no-dig’ system such as Geosynthetics’ Cellweb will be used; it is manufactured

in various thicknesses that are used for different situations. The 75mm thickness is suitable

for footpaths and will be used in this case.

Technical drawings of the specification are appended to this method statement.

7.7 The area of footpath to be constructed using the ‘no-dig’ method is indicated on

the attached tree protection plan in pink hatching; it will be constructed in the following

way:

Any existing vegetation over the area of the no-dig construction should be

sprayed off with a proprietary translocated, Glyphosate based herbicide such as

‘Roundup’ and/or cut down to ground level.

Any minor irregularities, lumps or hollows in the ground level will be evened out

or filled in with topsoil using hand tools



The geotextile separation membrane will be spread out over the no-dig footpath

area and the Cellweb opened out and pegged into place.

The confinement cells will then be progressively filled with the specified 20-

40mm angular no fines clean stone.

As the cells are progressively filled the completed area can be accessed with a

small tracked excavator fitted with rubber tracks which can be used to fill the

cells, providing it stands only on the area of previously filled Cellweb

The stones can then be overlaid with the final surface, i.e. gravel or tarmac

The Cellweb system will be contained and held in place with treated timber gravel

board, supported in place with 50mm x 50mm treated wooden pegs, and by in

filled topsoil,.

All work with in the area of the no-dig specification will be supervised by an

experienced arboriculturist.

8 Landscaping works within RPAs of retained trees

8.1 On completion of the construction works the tree protection barriers can be

removed to give access for any landscaping works that are due to be carried out within

the RPAs. The extent of the works within the RPAs will be agreed with the project

arboriculturist.

8.2 Any significant lumps or hollows in the ground surface may be regularised using

hand tools and dressed with good quality top soil to comply with BS 3882.

8.3 Once agreed the landscaping may be undertaken but care must be taken to

ensure that the works do not cause any damage to the existing trees. When carrying out

the landscaping works within the RPAs the following points shall be observed:

- Ground levels will not be altered

- No heavy plant or machinery such as tractors shall enter the RPAs

- No fuels or chemicals shall be brought into or stored within these areas.

9 Location of site facilities

9.1 Details of the locations of the site compound, car parking and construction

facilities were not available at the time of writing this method statement; all such facilities

will need to be located outside the CEZs around retained trees.



10 Location of service runs, water attenuation and drainage

10.1 The new drainage and service details were not available at the time of writing,

however we understand that there will be a water attenuation pond in the field to the east

of the new engine shed and the trees in this area have been shown on the attached TPP as

being removed. All trenches, water attenuation, drainage and service runs will need to be

located outside the CEZs around the retained trees and hedges.

11 Order of operations

The work detailed in this method statement will be undertaken in the following order:

1. Tree and vegetation clearance/management work

2. Erection of tree protection barriers

3. Pre-commencement site meeting

4. Demolition of existing buildings & removal of spoil within the RPAs of retainedtrees

5. Ground works & construction activity, including the re-instatement of the railway.

6. Completion of final landscape works, installation of non- dig footpath and removal

of tree protection barriers


Once sanctioned by the LPA, this method statement should be regarded as an approved

procedure. Any variation of the details specified will need further sanction and work will

need to be halted until further approval has been granted.

Any and all contractors working on the operations covered by this method statement

must research, supply and adhere to their own risk assessments and working method

statements. JP Associates and its instructing client, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust,

cannot be held liable for any accident, injury or other incident that may occur in

carrying out the operations described in this method statement.

Blackmore Gate, Lynton & Barnstaple

Railway Reinstatement,:

Hedgerow translocation method statement

Prepared for: Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust

Project ref: D14 280 06

Date: August 2015

Prepared by: JP Associates

46 St Peter Street

Tiverton

EX16 6NR

T 0845 643 1161

F 01884 258340

W www.jp-associates.co.uk

JP Associates (Consultants) Ltd. Company registered in Cardiff No. 4578455. Registered office as above

Certificate Number 9587ISO 9001, ISO 14001

Blackmore Gate, Lynton & BarnstapleRailway Reinstatement: Hedgrow translocation method statement

JP Associates, 46 St Peter Street, Tiverton, EX16 6NRRef: D14 280 06 Date: August 2015 Page 2 of 5

Notes:



This method statement has been drawn up to detail how the following operations are to

be undertaken.

1 Hedgerow trimming work

2 Hedgerow translocation

3 Other matters


Background; This hedgerow translocation method statement (HTMS) has been

prepared in support of the planning application for the main railway car park.

The hedgerows are located immediately to the north of the A39 either side of the

proposed enhanced entrance to new car parking areas will be situated.

The hedgerows are being physically moved back to allow construction of the new 160m

visibility splays.

The hedgerows are of traditional Devon construction consisting of a stone faced earthen

bank of some 1m in height topped with beech trees. While the trees were historically

coppiced or layered to maintain a compact form, many of them have not been managed

in recent years (other than to trim the lower growth against the highway) and have

become outgrown, developing into a closely spaced line of trees.

Before any translocation operation can be carried out the hedgerow trees will need to be

coppiced back to near bank level, this is done to allow the hedgerow to be moved more

easily and to compensate for the severance and loss of root system the plants will incur

during the operation; it is anticipated there will be sufficient root system retained within

the hedge bank that the trees will survive and re-establish once adjusted to their new

location.

In order to minimise stress all coppicing work and translocation must be carried out

during the winter months when the plants are dormant. It is recommended the advice of

a qualified ecologist should be sought to check for the presence of legally protected

species before attempting to carry out the operation.



1 Hedge trimming work

The existing hedgerow trees (T61 through to T70, G14, G15 and G16) will be reduced to

approx.300mm in height using standard arboricultural tools to accord with current best

practice. Reducing the hedgerow plants in this way will facilitate the translocation

operation and help to promote regrowth from the coppice stools in the first few years

after translocation.

2 Hedgerow translocation

2.1 Once reduced to coppice stools T61 through to T70, G14, G15, G16 and their

associated hedge bank will need to be moved back from their present location to allow for

the required visibility splays. The hedgerow will be cut out in small sections by mechanical

excavator and transported to the new location.

2.2 Much of the bank’s integrity will come from the adherence of the soil to the trees’

root systems; once the roots are severed during translocation it is inevitable that the soil

and stone in the bank will break apart to a certain extent and the success of the operation

will be dependent on how the hedge is re-formed in its new location.

2.2.1 While the working process detailed here will outline a method that should allow

the hedge to successfully re-establish, the process must allow the contractor undertaking

the work a degree of flexibility in how the operation is undertaken and re-establishment is

achieved.

2.3 It is anticipated the re-formed hedgerows will, within a few years support a dense

cover, supplemented where necessary with additional native hedge planting.

2.4 The translocation will broadly be undertaken by excavating a new trench of about

1m wide by 200-300mm deep in the new location, this will form a ‘key’ or foundation for

the re-assembled hedge. The hedge bank will then be carefully moved in to the new

trench with as much of the existing material retained as possible. While using a trench to

form a foundation may appear to be adding additional work, experience has shown that

by undertaking the work in this manner, the remaining root growth will benefit from the

more favourable conditions providing by the shallow trench. Some of the regrowth will

generate from the seed bank contained within the translocated material, supplemented

with the new planting.



2.5 As suggested, the translocation process will inevitable cause significant

disturbance to the hedge bank and as a result a number of plants may fall out of the bank.

Any plants that are lost that are deemed still viable will be collected and replanted as part

of the re-assembling work. As the existing banks are principally formed of soil it may be

necessary to stabilise the re-formed bank with additional stone.

2.6 Once moved and re assembled the new hedge will need to be intensively

maintained and looked after for the duration of the first growing season. The maintenance

will include watering the hedge bank to compensate for the inevitable disturbance to the

existing root growth. A water supply will be installed from the site’s supply and the hedge

bank will be kept moist by regular watering. The project arboricultural consultants and

landscape contractors will converse regularly to ensure that any necessary operations are

undertaken as needed.

3 Other matters

The project ecologist and arboriculturist will attend site to supervise the contractors

undertaking the hedge translocation works. Once the hedge has been translocated the

arboriculturist will visit the site regularly to monitor the condition of the hedge and

provide advice on how it can be managed and tended to ensure its re-establishment and

survival.

4 General Procedures

Once sanctioned by the LPA, this method statement should be regarded as an approved

procedure; any variation of the details specified will need further sanction and work will

need to be halted until further approval has been granted.

Any and all contractors working on the operations covered by this method statement

must research, supply and adhere to their own risk assessments and working method

statements. JP Associates and their instructing client, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

Trust cannot be held liable for any accident, injury or other incident that may occur in

carrying out the operations described in this method statement.

Blackmore Gate:Arboricultural management programme

JP Associates, 46 St. Peter Street, Tiverton, EX16 6NRRef: D14 280 03 Date: July 2015 Page 1 of 5

Blackmore Gate, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Reinstatement: Arboricultural Management Program

Client: Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust

Prepared by JP Associates

This management schedule has been prepared to outline the tree works necessary to implement the proposed reinstatement ofthe railway and associated construction.

The numbering on this schedule corresponds with numbering on the tree survey schedule prepared by Gary Snellgrove in 2014.

All work is to be carried out in accordance with BS 3998, (2010) Recommendations for Tree Works by suitably qualified, insuredand experienced arborists.

It should be noted that some of the trees are covered by a Tree Preservation Order and works to those trees (other than toimplement approved development) will require an application to be made and approved in writing by ENPA prior to the worksbeing carried out.

Trees recorded as individuals

Tree Description Tree Works and Management Recommendations

0001 Beech No works required0002 Beech Fell0003 Beech Lift crown and shorten branches to allow construction access for the engine shed0004 Beech Lift crown and shorten branches to allow construction access for the engine shed0005 Beech Fell to facilitate railway track reinstatement0006 Ash Lift canopy if required over course of reinstated railway0007 Ash No works required0008 Beech No works required0009 Ash No works required



0010 Beech To be felled0011 Beech To be felled0012 Ash To be felled0013 Ash To be felled0014 Ash To be felled0015 Ash To be felled0016 Hazel To be felled0017 Rowan To be felled0018 Sycamore To be felled0019 Beech Review result of decay test carried out by Gary Snellgrove0020 Beech No works required0021 Beech No works required0022 Beech No works required0023 Birch No works required0024 Birch To be felled0025 Ash No works required0026 Ash No works required0027 Birch No works required0028 Rowan No works required0029 Birch To be felled0030 Birch No works required0031 Sycamore No works required but fell birch growing into lower crown0032 Scots pine No works required0033 Scots pine Fell0034 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on north side0035 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on north side0036 Beech To be felled to allow new access0037 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on north side0038 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on north side



0039 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on all sides0040 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0041 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0042 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0042 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0043 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0044 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0045 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0046 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0047 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0048 Beech To be felled to allow new access through hedge bank0049 Beech To be felled to allow new access through hedge bank0050 Beech To be felled to allow new access through hedge bank0051 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0052 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0053 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0054 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0055 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0056 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0057 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0058 Beech Crown lift to 3m above ground level on either side of the hedge bank0059 Oak To be felled to allow new access through hedge bank0060 Beech Retained0061 Beech

61-70 Part of hedge bank to be repositioned, trees will be coppiced to approx. 300mm from bank height

0062 Beech0063 Beech0064 Beech0065 Beech0066 Beech



0067 Beech

61-70 Part of hedge bank to be repositioned, trees will be coppiced to approx. 300mm from bank height0068 Beech0069 Beech0070 Beech0071 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0072 Sycamore Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0073 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0074 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0075 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0076 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0077 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0078 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0079 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0080 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0081 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0082 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0083 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0084 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0085 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0086 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0087 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0088 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0089 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0090 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0091 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0092 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access0093 Beech Crown lift on south side to 3m above ground level to provide access



Groups of trees

G1 90% Willow, 7% hazel, 3% hawthorn To be felled/cleared to facilitate railway track reinstatementG2 50% Willow, 35% ash, 10% birch, 5% rowan To be felled/cleared to facilitate railway track reinstatementG3 3 ash To be felled/clearedG4 6 ash To be felled/clearedG5 5 ash To be felled/clearedG6 75% ash, 10% field maple, 15% beech To be felled/clearedG7 3 ash, 1 birch To be felled/clearedG8 Ash To be felled/clearedG9 3 ash, 2 birch To be felled/clearedG10 75% Hawthorn, 25% hazel RetainedG11 3 ash To be felled/clearedG12 2 ash To be felled/clearedG13 95% Beech, 2% elder, 3% hawthorn RetainedG14 Beech

G14 –G16 part of hedge bank to be repositionedG15 BeechG16 BeechG17 99% Beech, 1% sycamore Part of retained boundary hedge bank, to be trimmed/crown lifted

as required

Blackmore Gate, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Reinstatement: Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)

Ref; D14 280 04 Date; July 2015

Prepared for; Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust Prepared by; JP Associates

Based on Layout; LUC Landscape proposals plan, drawing no. LD_PLN_005

This table outlines the arboricultural impacts of the proposed development and details measures to mitigate any significant adverse effects.

Impact assessment:

None – No effect, no mitigation needed; Slight – limited impact, but effects can be successfully mitigated; Significant – notable impacts,mitigation measures are likely to be largely effective but there may be some outstanding effects; Substantial – considerable impacts,mitigation measures are not feasible or are likely to be ineffective in overcoming impacts, & the proposals may require amendment.

Background: This arboricultural impact assessment has been prepared in support of a planning application to reinstate part of the Lynton &Barnstaple Railway and redevelop the Blackmore gate site. This AIA should be read in conjunction with the attached JP Associatesarboricultural method statement and tree protection plans.

A tree survey on the site was carried out by Gary Snellgrove in 2014 that identified the trees on the site; the numbering in this AIA followsthe numbering used in the tree survey.

TreeNo Species & age class Proposed location in

proposed projectImpact/treeprotection

implicationsProposed

mitigation/actionImplications

aftermitigation

002 Beech, matureIn hedge bank next tonorthern corner of proposedengine shed

Significant -Construction accessneeded immediatelyadjacent to tree, wellwithin RPA, Felling tofacilitate proposedworks due to rootencroachment

Suggest standard tree ortrees be planted in hedgebank to provide eventualreplacement

Slight

003, 004 Beech, mature (twin stemmed) In hedge bank to north ofproposed engine shed

Potentially significant,construction withinRPA

Crown lifting required foraccess, excavation/workswithin RPA to be carriedout under an arboriculturalmethod statement

May belastingsignificanteffects

005 Beech, mature Hedge bank next to courseof railway track

Felling required due toproximity to track

Replacement planting Slight

006 Ash, middle aged Hedge bank next to courseof railway track

Crown lifting requiredover the course of therailway None needed None

0010 Beech, middle aged Adjacent to course ofrailway track

Felling required due toproximity to track Replacement planting Slight

0011 - 0018Beech, ash, hazel, rowan &sycamore, middle aged &young

Adjacent to course ofrailway track

Felling required due toproximity to track Replacement planting Slight

0019 - 0022 Beech , matureSome 11.5m to west ofproposed railway tunnel atnearest point

Potential rootdisturbance duringexcavations

Root investigation carriedout, tree protectionmeasures to beimplemented

Slight





aftermitigation

0024 Birch, middle aged Part of retained group tonorth of A39

To be felled formanagement reasons– poor quality & value

Replacement planting invicinity None

0029 Birch, middle aged Part of retained group tonorth of A39

To be felled formanagement reasons– poor quality & value

Replacement planting invicinity None

0033 Scots pine, matureAdjacent to main carparking area

To be felled due topoor condition

Replacement plantingin vicinity None

0034, 0035 Beech, mature In hedge bank to south ofproposed main carparking area

Car parking bays &access roadcausing someincursions intoRPAs,

Crown lifting requiredfor access, treeprotection measures tobe implemented

Significant

0036 Beech, mature In hedge bank to south ofproposed main carparking area

Significant – willrequire removal tofacilitate accessroad

Re placement plantingwithin scheme

Slight

0037 - 0047 Beech, mature In hedge bank betweenproposed car parkingareas

Potentiallysignificant,incursions intoRPAs

Crown lifting requiredfor access, treeprotection measures tobe implemented,arboricultural methodstatement to befollowed

Significant

0048, 0049,0050

Beech, mature In hedge bank betweenproposed parking areas

Significant – willrequire removal tofacilitate accessroad

Re placement plantingwithin scheme

Slight





aftermitigation

0051 - 0058 Beech, mature In hedge bank betweenproposed parking areas

No incursions intoRPAs, but car parkconstruction in thegeneral vicinity

Tree protectedmeasures to beimplemented

None

0059 Oak, middle aged Within proposed newcirculation access

Felling required Re placement plantingwithin landscapescheme

Slight

0051 - 0058 Beech, mature In hedge bank betweenproposed parking areas

No incursions intoRPAs, but car parkconstruction in thegeneral vicinity


None

0059 Oak, middle aged Within proposed newcirculation access

Felling required Re placement plantingwithin landscapescheme

Slight

0060 Beech, mature Some 14m to SE ofproposed underpass

No incursions intoRPAs, but car park& underpassconstruction in thegeneral vicinity


Slight

0061 - 0070 Beech, middle aged Forming roadsidehedgerow to north ofA399

Trees will requirecoppicing & thehedge bank itself tobe moved to allowthe new visibilitysplays to be formed

Hedge rowtranslocation to becarried out under aspecific methodstatement

Significant

0071 - 0093 Beech, mature & middleaged (outgrown hedgerow)

Northern boundary ofproposed car parkingarea

Significantincursions into theRPAs of sometrees, notably 71-73, 79, 81, 83

Tree protectionmeasures & methodstatement to beimplemented, crownlifting required foraccess

Significant

GroupNo

Species & age classProposed locationin proposed project

Impact/treeprotectionimplications

Proposedmitigation/action

Implicationsaftermitigation

G190% Willow, 7% hazel, 3%hawthorn, middle aged

Within course ofproposed trackreinstatement

To be felled/clearedto facilitate railwaytrack reinstatement

Compensatory replantingin proposed landscapescheme

Slight

G250% Willow, 35% ash, 10% birch, 5%rowan, middle aged

Within course ofproposed trackreinstatement

To be felled/clearedto facilitate railwaytrack reinstatement


Slight

G3 3 ash, young Within re designedcar parking area tonorth of A39

To be felled/cleared Compensatory replantingin proposed landscapescheme

Slight

G4 6 ash, youngWithin re designedcar parking area tonorth of A39

To be felled/cleared


Slight

G5 5 ash, young Within re designedcar parking area tonorth of A39

To be felled/clearedCompensatory replantingin proposed landscapescheme

Slight

G6 75% ash, 10% field maple, 15%beech, middle aged

Within re designedcar parking area tonorth of A39



Slight

G7 3 ash, 1 birch, young Within re designedcar parking area tonorth of A39

To be felled/clearedCompensatory replantingin proposed landscapescheme

Slight

G8 Ash, youngWithin re designedcar parking area tonorth of A39



Slight

GroupNo.





G9 3 ash, 2 birch, young Within re designedcar parking area tonorth of A39


Slight

G10 75% Hawthorn, 25% hazel, young Eastern edge of carparking area to northof A39

Retained group NA NA



Slight



Slight

G13 95% Beech, 2% elder, 3% hawthorn,mixed age

Part of hedgerow tosouth of main carparking area

Retained NA NA

G14 – G16 Beech, middle aged Next to A399 Part of hedgerow tobe relocated backinto site

Hedgerow relocation tobe carried out under aspecific methodstatement

Significant

GroupNo.





G17 99% Beech, 1% sycamore, middleaged

Part of retainedboundary hedgebank,

Potential rootdisturbance, to betrimmed/crown liftedas required

Tree protectionmeasures

Slight

Notes:

While it will be necessary to fell some trees on the site to facilitate the proposals they are generally relatively small semi mature trees or are part ofgroups rather than significant individuals and the visual impacts can successfully be mitigated by new planting.In terms of impacts on retained trees there will be some, where the excavation or build up impinges upon the root protection areas, for example thetrees lining the new car parks, however this will be limited as far as possible by the methods of construction used and by following the measuresoutlined in the arboricultural method statement.

References:

BS 5837: 2012 ‘Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations’ (British Standards Institute)

SITE INSPECTION REPORT FORM

Inspection undertaken by:

Accompanied by:

Contractors on site:

SITE CLIENT SITE REF INS No

DATE REASON FOR INSPECTION PREVIOUS REF & DATE

PREVIOUS NOTED ISSUES

INSPECTION NOTES

ACTION BY DATE

ACTION BY DATE

ACTION BY DATE

ACTION BY DATE

CIRCULATE TO

DATE

ENGINE SHEDProposed Level 272.5

1:10 Gradient

1:2.5 Grass Bank

LOCATION FORNEW BUS STOP

NEW PLANTING TO FILTERVIEWS OF CAR PARK

NEW HEDGE BANK

NEW HEDGE BANK


TREE CLUMPS TO FILTERVIEWS OF CATTLE MARKET

TWO ACCESSIBLEPARKING BAYS

INDICATIVE RETAININGWALLS TO ENGINEERSDETAILS

TREES RETAINED

EXISTING HEDGE BANKRETAINED

NEW 4M WIDEACCESS TRACK

NEW ENTRANCEREQUIRED

1:2.5 Grass Bank

EXISTING HEDGE TO BERETAINED

NEW TOILETS ANDINTERPRETATION CENTRE

INTERPRETATION POINT

NEW PUBLICAMENITY SPACE

PASTURE

VIEW OFEXMOOR

NEW HEDGE BANK &DITCH

NEW HEDGE BANK &DITCH

NEW HEDGE BANK

NEW FENCE TOPREVENT ACCESS

NEW FENCE TOPREVENT ACCESS

NEW 4M WIDEACCESS TRACK

20 PUBLIC CAR PARKINGSPACES 2.4X4.8M

VEHICLERESTING AREA

INDICATIVE TUNNELDETAILED DESIGN

PROVIDED BY ENGINEER.HORIZONTAL & VERTICALTRACKING REQUIRED TO

UNDERPASS LOCATIONREFER TO TYPICAL

DESIGN PROVIDED BYENGINEERS

NEW HEDGEBANK

INDICATIVE RETAININGWALL

1:2.5 Grass Bank

NEW TREE CLUMPS TOPROVIDE BACKDROP TOENGINE SHED WHENVIEWED FROMILFRACOMBE ROAD

NEW TREE CLUMPS TOPROVIDE BACKDROP TOENGINE SHED WHENVIEWED FROMILFRACOMBE ROAD

NEW FENCE ANDGATE TO PREVENTACCESS

SIGHTLINES TBC

PATH

NEW RAMPEDACCESS& SUPPORTINGRETAININGWALLS

ROAD LEVELS REQUIRERAISING

EXISTING HEDGEBANKSTRENGTHENED WITHNEW PLANTING

EXISTING HEDGEBANK

EXISTING HEDGEBANK

EXISTING HEDGEBANK


EXISTIN

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FRENCH DRAIN TOBOTTOM OF SLOPE

FRENCH DRAIN TOBOTTOM OF SLOPE

NEW HEDGE BANK

section of beechhedge to be removed

JP Associates46St. Peter StreetTivertonEX16 6NR

Tel: 0845 643 1161Email:[email protected]

Please refer to JP Associates arboricultural methodstatement ref: D14 280 05

Given scale accurate @ A1

Scale :

Client:

Date:Drawn by:Plan Ref:

Lynt' & Barns' Railway TrustD14 280 P1 1 of 2

CWH1: 500

Blackmore Gate, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Reinstatement:Tree Protection Plan

Key:

Tree protection:Pink lines - tree protection barriersPurple lines - hedge protection fencesPink hatched area - non-dig footpath

Red trees/vegetation - to be felled/ clearedGreen trees/vegetation - to be retained

ATTENTION:IMPORTANT INFORMATION- READ CAREFULLY

Failure to properly implement and adhere to the treeprotection measures outlined on this plan may constitute abreach of the planning conditions, this may lead to the LPAtaking official enforcement action.

If non implementation of tree protection measuresresults in damage, including root damage by compactionor severance, or the death of legally protected trees, thismay constitute a CRIMINAL OFFENCE and result inprosecution.

Tree Protection Notes :

Tree & hedge protection fences shall be erected prior to any demolition,development or ground works taking place on the site. They shall formsacosanct construction exclusion zones (CEZs) & shall be kept clear ofconstruction activity, material storage and fires, no excavations shalltake place within the CEZs.No topsoil stripping shall take place within the CEZs or prior to theerection of the protective fences

The protection fences shall remain in place until completion ofconstruction & shall only be removed as part of the final landscapeworks.The protection fences shall be regularly inspected to ensure theyremain effective and any defects shall be rectified immediately. In theinterests of safety mature trees shall be inspected annually or afterperiods of high winds

35

36

37

INDICATIVE ADDITIONALAREA REQUIRED FORCOACH WAITING AREA

APPROXIMATELY 176PARKING SPACES, SUBJECTTO TREE SURVEY

HEDGE BREAK REQUIREDFOR CIRCULATION

HEDGE BREAK REQUIREDFOR CIRCULATION

EXISTING HEDGEBANK RETAINED




NEW PLANTING TO FILTERVIEWS OF CAR PARK

NEW HEDGE BANK

NEW HEDGE BANK


TREE CLUMPS TO FILTERVIEWS OF CATTLE MARKET

TWO ACCESSIBLEPARKING BAYS

TREES RETAINED

1:2.5 GrassBank

EXISTING HEDGE TO BERETAINED

NEW TOILETS ANDINTERPRETATION CENTRE

NEW HEDGE BANK

20 PUBLIC CAR PARKINGSPACES 2.4X4.8M

VEHICLERESTING AREA

INDICATIVE TUNNELDETAILED DESIGN

PROVIDED BY ENGINEER.HORIZONTAL & VERTICALTRACKING REQUIRED TO

ENSURE ANTICIPATEDVEHICLES DON'T GROUND

TEN ACCESSIBLEPARKING BAYS

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

UNDERPASS LOCATIONREFER TO TYPICAL

DESIGN PROVIDED BYENGINEERS

NEW FENCE ANDGATE TO PREVENTACCESS

COACH DROP OFF

EXISTING LEVELSSIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED

10 CAR PARKING SPACES

AMENITY SPACE

STATION

EXISTING HEDGEBANK RETAINED

STEPPED ACCESSTO UNDERPASS

PATH

NEW RAMPEDACCESS& SUPPORTINGRETAININGWALLS

RELOCATEDWATER TOWER

& SIGNAL BOX

NEW EXTENSION

ROAD LEVELS REQUIRERAISING

FENCED COACHDROP-OFF/ PICK-UP

EXISTING HEDGEBANK

EXISTING HEDGEBANK

EXISTING LEVELSSIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED

RETAINING WALLAND RAILINGSREQUIRED TO

PLATFORM EDGEPARTIALLY SCREENEDBY 1:3 EMBANKMENT

RETAINING WALL AND RAILINGSREQUIRED TO PLATFORM EDGE. WALL

PARTIALLY SCREENED BY APPROX 1:3GRASS EMBANKMENT. VISIBLE EXTENT OF

WALL APPROX 2M AT SOUTHERN END(CHANGE IN LEVEL 3.7M) AND 0.5M AT

NORTHERN END (CHANGE IN LEVEL 1.5M)

PLA

TFO

RM


TREES INPAVING

PLA

TFO

RM

PLA

TFO

RM

PLA

TFO

RM

PLAYGROUNDAREA

CROSSING

LAWN

OP

OP

OP

EXISTING DEVON HEDGE TO BECUT BACK AND REPOSITIONED

OUTSIDE VISIBILITY SPLAYS(HATCHED AREAS)

VIS SPLAY

VIS SPLAY

VIS SPLAY

NEW HEDGE BANK

EXISTING PLANTING

TEMPORARY CAR PARK

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NEW HEDGE BANK

JP Associates46St. Peter StreetTivertonEX16 6NR

Tel: 0845 643 1161Email:[email protected]

Please refer to JP Associates arboricultural methodstatement ref: D14 280 05

Given scale accurate @ A1

Scale :

Client:

Date:Drawn by:Plan Ref:

Lynt' & Barns' Railway TrustD14 280 P1 2 of 2

CWH1: 500

Blackmore Gate, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Reinstatement:Tree Protection Plan

Key:

Tree protection:Pink lines - tree protection barriersPurple lines - hedge protection fencesPink hatched area - non-dig footpath

Red trees/vegetation - to be felled/ clearedGreen trees/vegetation - to be retained

ATTENTION:IMPORTANT INFORMATION- READ CAREFULLY

Failure to properly implement and adhere to the treeprotection measures outlined on this plan may constitute abreach of the planning conditions, this may lead to the LPAtaking official enforcement action.

If non implementation of tree protection measuresresults in damage, including root damage by compactionor severance, or the death of legally protected trees, thismay constitute a CRIMINAL OFFENCE and result inprosecution.

Tree Protection Notes :

Tree & hedge protection fences shall be erected prior to any demolition,development or ground works taking place on the site. They shall formsacosanct construction exclusion zones (CEZs) & shall be kept clear ofconstruction activity, material storage and fires, no excavations shalltake place within the CEZs.No topsoil stripping shall take place within the CEZs or prior to theerection of the protective fences

The protection fences shall remain in place until completion ofconstruction & shall only be removed as part of the final landscapeworks.The protection fences shall be regularly inspected to ensure theyremain effective and any defects shall be rectified immediately. In theinterests of safety mature trees shall be inspected annually or afterperiods of high winds

Hedge Protection Fence Detail

1.5m

0.6m

2m

Ground LevelCleft Chestnut Pailing fence

100mm treated timber posts75mm treated timber rails

blackmore gate, lynton & barnstaple railway … devon... · railway reinstatement:...

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