severn trent water limited proposed mcc kiosk …€¦ · 4.2 mcc kiosk: measures 6.5m (length) x...

SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED

PROPOSED MCC KIOSK

CHERINGTON SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS

PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT

FEBRUARY 2014

Wardell Armstrong Sir Henry Doulton House, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BD, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)845 111 7777 Facsimile: +44 (0)845 111 8888 www.wardell-armstrong.com

Wardell Armstrong is the trading name of Wardell Armstrong LLP, Registered in England No. OC307138.

Registered office: Sir Henry Doulton House, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BD, United Kingdom

UK Offices: Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Greater Manchester, London, Newcastle upon Tyne, Penryn, Sheffield, Truro, West Bromwich. International Offices: Almaty, Moscow

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES

LAND AND PROPERTY

MINING AND MINERAL PROCESSING

MINERAL ESTATES AND QUARRYING

WASTE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

DATE ISSUED: February 2014

JOB NUMBER: ST13712STEM

REPORT NUMBER: RPT-01

SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED

PROPOSED MCC KIOSK

CHERINGTON SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS

PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT

FEBRUARY 2013

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Roeton Senior Planner

APPROVED BY:

Stephen Stoney Technical Director

This report has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the Contract with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client and Wardell Armstrong LLP accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third

parties to whom this report may be made known.

No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of Wardell Armstrong LLP.

SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED Cherington Sewage Treatment Works Planning Supporting Statement

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CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 4

2. THE NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT 5

3. SITE LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION 5

4. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL 6

5. PRE-APPLICATION ADVICE & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 6

6. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS 7

7. CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 9

8. CONSTRUCTION STATEMENT 10

9. PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT 10

10. CONCLUSION 16

DRAWINGS

A5S-112641-PA26003 V. B - Proposed Site Layout

A5S-112641-PA26002 V. B - Existing Site Layout

A5S-112641-PA26001 V. B - Site Location Plan

A5S-112641-PB26251 V. A - Proposed Landscaping Plan

A5S-112641-PT30751 V. A - MCC GRP Kiosk Elevations


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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Severn Trent Water Limited (STWL) is seeking full planning permission for the

construction of an MCC kiosk at Cherington Sewage Treatment Works in

Warwickshire. The proposed kiosk measures 6.5m (length) x 3.4m (width) x 3m

(height) to be stationed on a concrete plinth and would be sited within the confines

of the existing operational site. This proposal is interpreted as a ‘building’ requiring

planning permission under Part 16 Class A A. (e) of the GPDO 1995 (as amended).

Permitted Development Elements

1.2 The proposed works on the site includes the provision of the following elements:

Bio-filter (x2)

Bio-filter distribution chamber

Recirculation pump station & draw-off chamber

Humus tank

Primary settling tank

PST desludge pump pad

Mixing chamber

Extension of existing humus tank distribution chamber

1.3 These elements are considered to constitute permitted development under the

provisions of Part 16 Class A A. (e) of the GPDO 1995 (as amended) as they would

comprise ‘plant and machinery’ located on STW operational land. The proposed

scheme also includes the creation of an internal road with turning head to serve the

proposed kiosk. This is also permitted development under Part 16 Class A of the

GPDO. Therefore, the only element of the proposed works that requires planning

permission is the MCC kiosk.


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2 THE NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT

2.1 The proposed works form an effluent compliance scheme required to ensure that

the Cherington Sewage Treatment Works discharges effluent at the standard

required by the Environment Agency. On the 31st March 2015, Cherington STW will

be required to meet a new Ammonia (NH3) consent of 15mg/l (no ammonia consent

currently) due to a change in the consented Dry Weather Flow as enforced by the

Environment Agency.

2.2 The existing Inlet Pumping Station will lift flows to the new Primary Settling Tank

(PST), which will then be treated through two new Biofilters and two existing and

one new Humus Tank (HT). A new de-sludge pump station will be installed at the

PST. New electrically driven biofilter arms and variable speed driven recirculation

pumps will also be installed for the Biofilters. The existing Biofilter and Primary

Settling Tank will be decommissioned by removing access, mechanical equipment,

drilling holes in the bottom slabs and backfilled as necessary.

2.3 As part of the scheme a new power supply cable will be taken from the existing

supply. The cable will be laid within the ground for health and safety purposes. A

new walk-in GRP enclosure is required to house the Main Control Panel and

associated electrical equipment for the new primary settling tank, biofilter, humus

tank and recirculation pumping station.

3 SITE LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION

3.1 The application site has a long and established history as a Sewage Treatment

Works. The STW owned land edged in blue on the Site Location Plan is well-screened

by mature vegetative cover along the north and eastern boundaries of the site;

dense woodland cover to the south and west of the site.

3.2 The new MCC kiosk is located within the confines of the existing works boundary in

close proximity to the new equipment to ensure minimum cable lengths to the major

power requirements and to enable safe access, operational and maintenance


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requirements of the proposed assets. The proposal will sit in the context of the

existing operational site, and situated in close proximity to existing plant apparatus

(see Proposed Site Layout drawing A5S-101001-PA26003 V. B).

4 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

4.1 The proposed development comprises the following elements:

4.2 MCC kiosk: measures 6.5m (length) x 3.4m (width) x 3m (height). The kiosk will be

constructed of GRP in the colour Grey to the code BS4800 (00-A-05) and would be

set upon a concrete plinth. For more details, please see drawing A5S-112641-

PT30751 V. A. The proposed MCC kiosk is provided to house the control panel. The

MCC kiosk is a standard minimum size for its required purpose.

4.3 A Design and Access Statement is not required for this type of waste development,

as deemed by the Town and Country Planning (Development Management

Procedure) (England) (Amendment) Order 2013.

5 PRE-APPLICATION ADVICE & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

5.1 Informal pre-application advice was provided by both Mohammed Nasser and

Matthew Williams of Warwickshire County Council during a STW meeting on 18th

December 2013 where the development proposal and material planning

considerations were discussed. Informal discussions indicated that the development

would not have any major implications upon the surrounding area since it is a single

kiosk located within the operational confines of the current STW site. However, it

was advised that particular regard should be had to the setting of the Area of

Outstanding Natural Beauty and screening out views of the proposal through

appropriate landscaping. A landscape proposal forms part of this application (see

drawing A5S-112641-PB26251 V. A).

5.2 It is understood that the key stakeholders and the relevant consultees will be

consulted as part of the statutory consultation process when the planning

application is submitted.


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6 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

6.1 Introduction

6.2 The development of the proposed works has been informed by the need to meet a

new Ammonia consent standard set by the Environment Agency coming into force

on 31st March 2015. Notwithstanding the need for the proposed scheme

consideration has also been given to the need to address a range of other issues.

Flood Risk and Drainage 6.3 The proposed MCC kiosk will be situated on land outside a flood risk area. Currently

the majority of the site drains to an existing drainage swale in the low-lying area of

the site. Rain water from the kiosk roof and road is expected to drain to the

surrounding permeable ground.

Archaeology

6.4 The proposed development will not have any significant impact on any known

archaeological considerations. A geo-environmental desktop study has been

performed and there are no recorded sites of archaeological interest within the

vicinity of the site. As per the study, no battlefields were found around the proposed

works. One site of archaeological interest was found. The site is a Scheduled Ancient

Monument (SAM) approximately 700m East of Cherington STW. The moat will be

outside the zone of influence for the proposed works. Given the siting and scale of

the proposed development, as well as the distance to the moat, there will be no

adverse impact on the setting of the SAM. Although listed buildings were found,

none of these are of archaeological interest or within close proximity to Cherington

STW.

Ecology

6.5 The proposed development will not have any adverse impacts on ecology. In order

to support this application a Phase 1 Habitat & Ecology Survey was undertaken by

jbm4ecology (dated January 2014). The proposed works will take place within the

existing site boundary and within the main working area focused between the north


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and east of the existing humus tanks. The majority of the site consists of amenity

grassland and includes twelve trees. The amenity grassland is species poor and

therefore is considered to be of low ecological value. Recommendations have been

put forward and should these be followed then it is not considered that the project

will cause any long term, negative impacts on the ecology of the site.

6.6 The Cherington Sewage Treatment Works is situated outside the Cotswold AONB,

but in close proximity in terms of setting and impact. All proposed trees, shrubs and

hedges forming part of the landscape scheme will comprise of native species. Given

the separation distances no work will be in close vicinity to the River Stour, and

therefore a water vole survey would not be required.

Landscaping

6.7 Despite the majority of the existing site being well screened from public views a

detailed landscape scheme is proposed due to its siting in close proximity to the

Cotswold AONB. The development proposal has been founded on a high degree of

sensitivity towards the natural beauty of the landscape and towards the special

qualities and features that contribute to the distinctive character of the area.

6.8 Details of a proposed landscaping forms part of this scheme and therefore not

requiring a pre-commencement planning condition but can form a well worded

condition in compliance with the details submitted. The proposed landscaping

scheme involves planting a new hedgerow along the northern and eastern

boundaries of the Sewage Treatment Works (see drawing A5S-112641-PB26251 V.

A), this will provide an additional landscape buffer to further enhance the existing

screening which forms the boundary of the wider section of land owned by STW. The

Stratford-on-Avon District Design Guide (2001) requests that native and long

established naturalised species should be the dominant and most common species in

any landscape proposal. The tree and hedge planting proposed as part of the


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landscaping of this scheme are considered to be native species to the site and wider

area.

Noise & Odour

6.9 There are no known existing nuisance issues relative to odour, flies or noise. No such

issues are expected after completion of the proposed works as the nature of the

process units will remain the same as existing. The proposed MCC kiosk will house

electrical control equipment only and therefore no noise or odour will emanate from

the proposed development seeking planning permission.

Operational Traffic

6.10 There will be no increase in operational traffic as a result of the completed works.

There is a possibility that the number of operational vehicle movements will reduce

as a result of the more efficient process.

Construction Traffic

6.11 During construction the following vehicle movements are expected:

2 No LGV (Category C or C+E) over 1 week - Construction materials e.g.

reinforcing steel, wood + kiosk delivery

1 No mobile 25t crane over 4 weeks

3 No Concrete delivery wagons over 2 weeks

6.12 Access to site for construction and operational traffic will be the existing access to

the operational sewage treatment works off the unnamed public highway. As the

flow to the works is not increasing there is not expected to be any significant

increase in delivery or waste removal vehicles to the site. Access to the inlet works

area will be maintained (as existing) with site access road.

7 CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME

7.1 Construction is expected to start in May 2014, with completion in December 2014.

GRP enclosure delivery is expected around July 2014.


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8 CONSTRUCTION STATEMENT

8.1 The kiosk will be fabricated off-site and installed on a cast-in-situ reinforced concrete

slab, complete with an internal service trench. All waste will be disposed of in line

with environmental legislation. Soils, where practicable, will be incorporated into

permanent works. Approximate quantity of material will be 34 m³. Temporary

construction facilities will be self contained within Severn Trent works in line with

Construction (Design and Management) requirements.

9 Planning Policy Context

9.1 The proposal has been assessed against both national and local planning policy. The

following section sets the proposals within a policy context.

National Policy

9.2 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) came into force on 27th March 2012,

replacing all Planning Policy Statements (PPS) and Planning Policy Guidance notes

(PPG) with the exception of PPS 10 - Planning for Sustainable Waste Management.

9.3 The NPPF sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are

expected to be applied. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) are required to take this

guidance into account when formulating planning policy and when determining

planning applications.

9.4 The NPPF emphasises the need for sustainable development and explains under

paragraph 14 that at the heart of the NPPF is a presumption in favour of sustainable

development. There are three dimensions to sustainable development; economic,

social and environmental with each dimension performing the following roles: an

economic role; social role and environmental role. The proposed development

strongly promotes the environmental role by ensuring effluent discharge standards

are conformed to, and in doing so reduces pollution, protects and enhances the

environment. The proposal is for an essential operational requirement to the

Sewage Treatment Works where there is a clear need demonstrated in terms of

delivering essential infrastructural needs to the local population. The proposal will

deliver the social role of benefiting the local community with regard to sewage


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treatment and provides a long term economic solution. The proposal is therefore

considered to deliver sustainable development.

9.5 In terms of decision making the NPPF highlights that:

Development proposals that accord with the development plan should be approved

without delay; and

Where local development plans are absent, silent or relevant policies are out-of-

date the permission should be granted unless:

o Any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly or

demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against

the policies of NPPF as a whole; or

o Specific policies in the NPPF indicate development should be

restricted.

9.6 The following policies are considered to be relevant for the proposed development:

Requiring good design - The NPPF emphasises the importance that the

Government places on good design of the built environment. It acknowledges

that good design is a key aspect of sustainable development; is indivisible from

good planning and should contribute positively to making places better for

people. In this instance Severn Trent Water Limited has opted for a standard

functional design, which is typical of MCC structures of this type across the water

industry. The colour has been chosen as the preferred colour for STW works.

9.7 Regional Spatial Strategy

9.8 The Regional Spatial Strategy for the West Midlands was revoked by Government

Order in May 2013.

9.9 Warwickshire County Council

9.10 Waste Core Strategy Adopted July 2013


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9.11 The Waste Core Strategy was adopted at the Full Council meeting on 09 July 2013.

The Core Strategy of the Waste Development Framework is a Development Plan

Document which sets out the spatial strategy, vision, objectives and policies for

managing waste for a 15 year plan period up to 2023/2028. It also provides the

framework for waste development management including implementation and

monitoring.

9.12 Policy DM1 – protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment –

new waste development should conserve and where possible enhance the natural

and built environment by ensuring that there are no unacceptable adverse impacts

upon:

Natural resources

Biodiversity

Geodiversity

Archaeology

Heritage and cultural assets and their settings

The quality and character of the landscape

Adjacent land uses or occupiers

The distinctive character and setting of the Countys settlements and the

development satisfies Green Belt policies.

9.13 Policy DM2 – Managing Health, Economic and Amenity Impacts if Waste

Development – Planning permission will not be granted for waste management

proposal which have unacceptable adverse impacts on the local environment,

economy or communities through any of the following:

Noise

Lighting / illumination

Visual intrusion

Vibration

Odour

Dust

Emissions

Contamination


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Water quality

Water quantity

Road traffic

Loss of best and most versatile agricultural land

Land instability

either individually or cumulatively with other existing or proposed developments.

Proposal will only be permitted where the adverse impact cannot be avoided as far

as possible.

9.14 As discussed under Section 6 - Environmental Considerations the proposed

development would not have an adverse impact on any environmental

considerations. The proposal is for essential infrastructure, being located in an

already well established operational site which is sited outside the AONB. The

proposal is therefore considered to comply with Policy DM1 and DM2 of the WCC

Waste Core Strategy (2013).

9.15 Stratford-on-Avon District Council

9.16 The Council adopted the Stratford-on-Avon District Local Plan 2006-2011 in July

2006. The Local Plan Review expired on 14 July 2009. However, most of the policies

and proposals it contained have been ‘saved' and can continue to be applied. They

will remain in force until they are replaced by the Local Development Framework -

Core Strategy. The draft Core Strategy 2012 went out for consultation between

February to March 2012.

Policy CTY.1 (control over development) in the countryside is relevant. This

policy states that ‘all development in the countryside will be resisted unless in

accordance with other policies contained within the local plan’. The proposal is

for an essential operational requirements to the Sewage Treatment Works where

there is a clear need in terms of delivering essential infrastructural needs to the

http://www.stratford.gov.uk/planning/core-strategy.cfm


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local population. By virtue of the kiosks design, scale and siting within the

context of the existing operational site and additional screening through

implementation of a proposed landscaping scheme to buff up the existing

boundary treatments, the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the

character of the surrounding countryside.

Policy PR.1 (landscape and settlement character) this policy states that

‘development should respect and, where possible enhance the quality and

character of the area’. The proposed kiosk is confined within the already

established operational site next to existing plant. Given there is existing

vegetative screening and further secondary screening proposed, enhancing the

existing soft edge boundaries to the site, it is therefore considered the proposed

development would not have a detrimental impact on the character of the

surrounding area.

Policy DEV. 1 (layout and design) this policy requires that ‘all development

proposals have regard to the character and quality of the local area’. The

proposal will be incorporated into the existing site layout of the established

operational site and remains enclosed within the site. The design approach

selected is typical of MCC structures of this type commonly used across the

water industry and is in keeping with the context of the operational site.

Policy EF. 1 (Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is also applicable in

this instance since the site falls outside but in close proximity to the AONB and

therefore impact on setting is a consideration. Local plan policy states that

‘proposals which would have a detrimental impact on the AONB will not be

permitted, whether located within the AONB or outside the designated area’.

The development proposal has been founded on a high degree of sensitivity

towards the natural beauty of the surrounding Cotswold AONB. Whilst the


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proposal is situated within the context of an already well-established Sewage

Treatment Works and remains sited outside the AONB, special regard has

nevertheless been had towards the special character and setting of the AONB.

A detailed landscape proposal has been prepared that shows a sympathetic

appreciation towards the special character of the area. The proposed

landscaping will ensure that views of the kiosk from outside the site will be

screened with native hedgerow and carefully positioned tree planting. The

planting of native species to the area shows an appreciation towards the special

qualities and features that contribute to the distinctive character of the area.

Overall, the proposed development will be well-screened from westward views

in to the site from the AONB. It is therefore considered that the proposal would

not have a detrimental impact on the Cotswold AONB or the rurality and

tranquillity of the surrounding area.

9.17 Other relevant documents that have been considered for this proposed

development

Proposed Submission Core Strategy

9.18 The District Council is currently finalising its Proposed Submission Core Strategy, the

plan which once adopted will manage development in the District up to 2028. The

Core Strategy is a strategic policy document and will provide a broad framework for

determining planning applications and for making development control decisions.

Proposals Map

9.19 The proposals map illustrates the policies and allocations set out in the Stratford-on-

Avon District Local Plan Review 2006-2011. The proposal map has been used to

visually establish what Local Plan policies are relevant to the proposed scheme.


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Policy conclusions

9.20 There are no specific policies relevant to sewage infrastructure. However, it is a

material consideration that this proposal will reduce pollution, protect and enhance

the environment by meeting a new Ammonia consent standard to be set by the

Environment Agency in March 2015. The proposed MCC kiosk is considered to be in

compliance with both National and Local Plan Policy.

10 CONCLUSION

10.1 The proposed MCC kiosk is seen to be in accordance with both National and Local

Planning Policy. The kiosk will be sited in the most appropriate location within

operational constraints; will not have a detrimental impact upon the environment or

character of the surrounding area.

10.2 The proposed kiosk with associated development, which is plant equipment

constituting permitted development, is necessary for effluent discharge compliance

standards set by the Environment Agency which will come enforce on 31st March

2015.

10.3 In conclusion the main consideration in the determination of this application is the

impact of development on the setting of the AONB. A purpose designed landscape

scheme is therefore proposed to mitigate any impact in a positive way bearing in

mind the limited scale of development. Given the proposed development will be

sited on land within the boundary of an existing and well-established site, situated

between existing plant and machinery, with appropriate measures in place to

visually screen development from public view, it is considered the proposed

development will not have a detrimental impact on the AONB.


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