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Great Billing STC Biosolids Resilience Scheme (SEW-09683) Planning Statement January 2014 Anglian Water Services Limited

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Great Billing STC Biosolids Resilience

Scheme (SEW-09683)

Planning Statement

January 2014

Anglian Water Services Limited

279559 EVT EMS 005 C

http://pims01/pims/llisapi.dll/open/1544785536

17 January 2014

Great Billing STC Biosolids Resilience Scheme (SEW-09683)

Planning Statement

Great Billing STC Biosolids Resilience Scheme (SEW-09683)

Planning Statement

January 2014

Anglian Water Services Limited

Mott MacDonald, Demeter House, Station Road, Cambridge CB1 2RS, United Kingdom

T +44 (0)1223 463500 F +44 (0)1223 461007 W www.mottmac.com

Thorpe Wood House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6WT

Great Billing STC Biosolids Resilience Scheme (SEW-09683) Planning Statement

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Revision Date Originator Checker Approver Description StandardA December 2013 S. Reeson R. Mackay

D. Mackay R. Lee Issue to client

B December 2013 S. Reeson R. Mackay D. Mackay

R. Lee Issue for planning

C January 2014 S. Reeson B. Pridgeon R. Mackay

R. Lee Updated issue for planning

Issue and revision record

This document is issued for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the above-captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose.

We accept no responsibility for the consequences of this document being relied upon by any other party, or being used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to us by other parties.

This document contains confidential information and proprietary intellectual property. It should not be shown to other parties without consent from us and from the party which commissioned it.

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Chapter Title Page

1 The Proposed Development 1

1.1 Introduction ________________________________________________________________________ 1 1.2 Site location and description ___________________________________________________________ 1 1.3 Background _______________________________________________________________________ 1 1.4 The proposed development ___________________________________________________________ 2 1.5 Proposed construction sequence _______________________________________________________ 3 1.6 Permitted development _______________________________________________________________ 3 1.7 This planning application _____________________________________________________________ 4

2 Planning Policy 6

2.1 Introduction ________________________________________________________________________ 6 2.2 National Planning Policy Framework ____________________________________________________ 6 2.3 Local planning policy ________________________________________________________________ 7

3 Environmental Considerations 11

3.1 Introduction _______________________________________________________________________ 11 3.2 Air quality ________________________________________________________________________ 11 3.3 Contaminated land _________________________________________________________________ 12 3.4 Cultural heritage ___________________________________________________________________ 13 3.5 Ecology __________________________________________________________________________ 13 3.6 Flood risk and drainage _____________________________________________________________ 15 3.7 Noise ___________________________________________________________________________ 17 3.8 Odour ___________________________________________________________________________ 18 3.9 Traffic and access _________________________________________________________________ 19 3.10 Landscape and visual impact _________________________________________________________ 20 3.11 Construction management ___________________________________________________________ 21

4 Community Consultation 24

4.1 Stakeholder strategy________________________________________________________________ 24

5 Conclusion 25

5.1 Summary ________________________________________________________________________ 25

Appendices 26

Appendix A. Flood Risk Assessment _____________________________________________________________ 27

Contents

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1.1 Introduction

The current capacity of the Sludge Treatment Centre (STC) at Great Billing Water Recycling Centre (WRC)

is insufficient to maximise the sludge digestion period and produce maximum volumes of biogas. In

addition, there is no standby capacity when the existing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant is

unavailable. As such, gas production and renewable power generation is being reduced.

The Great Billing STC Biosolids Resilience Scheme (‘the proposed development’) will provide an additional

digester, flue stack and CHP plant at the STC, to increase renewable power generation and standby

capacity when the existing CHP plant is unavailable or offline. This will improve the resilience and reliability

of the STC. The total amount of sludge processed by the STC will remain the same.

The proposed development will take place at the Great Billing STC which is located within Great Billing

Water Recycling Centre (WRC). The sludge treatment process will provide resilience for the current

enhanced digestion process which is carried out at the STC. The sludge treatment process is separate

from the water recycling treatment which is also carried out at the site.

This planning application is submitted on behalf of Anglian Water Services Limited (AWS) by Mott

MacDonald Limited.

1.2 Site location and description

Great Billing WRC is located on the south-eastern periphery of Northampton, approximately 6km from the

town centre. The site is accessed from Lower Ecton Lane off Crow Lane adjoining the A45. To the north of

the site is a permanent traveller’s site, beyond which is the A45 and residential properties. Great Billing

WRC is centred at national grid reference SP 817 618.

To the south of the WRC site are the River Nene and Billing Aquadrome. The Crow Lane industrial estate

is located to the west of the WRC site and farmland to the east.

The location of Great Billing WRC is shown on drawing SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-401-P1, which

accompanies this planning application.

1.3 Background

Sludge, an unavoidable by-product from the treatment of sewage, is treated to provide an important raw

material for use in agriculture. Treated sludge (known as biosolids) is recycled to agriculture as a soil

conditioner and can offset the use of artificial fertilizers in the farming process. Sludge is an important

agricultural raw material as it contains useful nutrients and organic matter for the enrichment of soil.

Currently over 95% of the biosolids produced by AWS are recycled in this manner. This practice is

supported by the United Kingdom government which acknowledges this as the most Best Practicable

Environmental Option (BPEO) when compared to alternatives such as landfill or incineration.

1 The Proposed Development

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A by-product of the sludge digestion process is the production of biogas. This is a renewable energy

resource which has a calorific value approximately two thirds of that for natural gas. The enhanced

digestion plant at Great Billing STC (which commenced operation in 2009) has increased the production of

biogas at the site. The enhanced digestion plant has enabled biogas to be converted into power by a CHP

plant.

The CHP plant efficiently integrates the generation of electricity and the capture of useable heat energy.

This contrasts with conventional means of generating electricity where large amounts of heat can be

wasted. The CHP plant will be used to power the WRC site, reducing the need to import power from the

national grid. The process also means that surplus generated power can be exported to the national grid.

The CHP technology at Great Billing WRC is industry-recognised as the most efficient method of

recovering energy from fuel, where both electrical power and heat are required on-site.

An additional digester will be installed as part of the proposed development. The additional digester will

facilitate the generation of biogas and will increase the contact time during the digestion process ensuring

sludge is more stable and less odorous. The biogas generated from the digestion process will be

transferred to the CHP plant.

There will be no increase in the amount of sludge that is processed at the STC. Sludge will be distributed

between five digesters, instead of the existing four.

As part of the proposed development two redundant gas holders will be demolished. The concrete base of

these gas holders will remain in-situ. Demolition is being undertaken as part of the the proposed

development due to the impracticality of attempting demolition after the proposed digester has been

constructed.

1.4 The proposed development

The following structures and undertakings are subject to this planning application.

Table 1.1: Structures and undertakings subject to this planning application

Component Drawing

Demolition of 2no. existing gas holders SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G- PLG -403

Installation of 1no. 1.5 MW Containerised CHP Engine, intercooler and jacket radiator

SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G- PLG -410

Erection of 1no. flue stack SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-420

Installation of 1no. 11KV transformer SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-422

Erection of 1no. digester and 3 no. mixer pumps SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-423

Installation of 1no. digester Motor Control Centre (MCC) kiosk

SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-424

Installation of pipe supports SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-403

Erection of acoustic fencing SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-LOC-430

Construction of temporary construction compound SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-401

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Component Drawing

Associated landscaping SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-417

1.5 Proposed construction sequence

The construction methodology has not been finalised. However, the anticipated sequence of construction

is set out below:

� Initial excavation to include removal (excavation) of top soil to reduce ground level locally;

� Diversion of services (including excavation of new trench and laying of new pipework and cables);

� Pilling of foundations for digester and flue stack with continuous flight auger (CFA) piling (including

importing and installation of a granular pilling mat), and delivery of concrete and reinforcement. Piling

activities will also include removal of excess piling matt;

� Drainage and cable ducting installation (to include delivery of pipework/ducting and excavation of

trench and laying of pipework/ducting). This phase will include backfilling of the trench with granular

material;

� Construction of reinforced concrete slab foundations for all structures (to include laying of granular sub-

base by excavator and roller). This phase will also include delivery and assembly of steel

reinforcement, temporary works, and delivery and pouring of concrete;

� Digester assembly to include the following:

– Delivery of steel tank panels;

– Digester roof constructed on base slab and lifted, followed by construction of wall sections;

– Access gantry delivered and assembled (with crane and high level access);

– Mixer pumps and associated pipework and cabling delivered and installed;

– MCC kiosk delivered and installed;

– Above-ground pipe and cable supports delivered and installed with crane.

� Installation of CHP, Flue Stack and Transformer to include the following:

– Delivery to site in sections and lifted into place with crane;

– Assembly of parts; and

– Installation of pipework and electrical cabling.

Construction of the proposed development will take place between March 2014 and October 2014.

Demolition of the existing redundant gas holders is anticipated to take place in the first three months of the

construction phase. All construction activity will take place within the WRC and in the vicinity of the STC.

The temporary site compound will be reinstated to its original condition of completion of construction

activities.

1.6 Permitted development

A temporary construction compound will be established adjacent to the proposed development works and

will be used for storage of plant and materials. The proposed temporary construction compound will be

reinstated to its original condition on completion of construction activity.

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The proposed temporary construction compound is considered to constitute permitted development by

virtue of Schedule 2, Part 4, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)

Order (1995) (as amended). As such the proposed temporary construction compound is not subject to this

planning application.

1.7 This planning application

This planning application is supported by the following documents and drawings.

Table 1.2: Supporting documents and plans

Document/drawing Location/reference

Planning application form Standalone document

Planning Statement Standalone document

Air Quality Assessment Standalone document

Contaminated Land Assessment Standalone document

Noise Assessment Standalone document

Transport Statement Standalone document

Preliminary Ecological Assessment Standalone document

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Standalone document

Flood Risk Assessment Planning Statement (Appendix A)

Location plan SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-LOC-001

Anglian Water land ownership SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-400

Location plan and proposed site layout SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-401

Existing site layout SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-402

Proposed digester plant layout SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-403

Digester area north elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-404

Digester area east elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-405

Digester area south elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-406

Digester area west elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-407

Proposed CHP plant layout SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-410

CHP area north elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-411

CHP area east elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-412

CHP area south elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-413

CHP area west elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-414

Landscape and visual impact plan SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-415

Landscape character areas SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-416

Landscape and visual impact plan proposed mitigation SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-417

Ecology and tree protection drawing SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-418

CHP area lighting plan SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-419

CHP and flue stack - roof plan and elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-420

CHP radiators - roof plan and elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-421

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Document/drawing Location/reference

HV Transformer - roof plan and elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-422

Digester - roof plan and elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-423

MCC Kiosk - roof plan and elevation SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-424

Acoustic fence SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-430

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2.1 Introduction

This section identifies the national and local planning policies that are relevant to the proposed

development.

2.2 National Planning Policy Framework

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provides planning policy guidance at a national level.

The NPPF promotes a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’. This presumption requires that

economic, social and environmental considerations should all be assessed in determining development

proposals. The NPPF is clear that development proposals that are considered ‘sustainable’ and that

accord with the development plan should be approved without delay. Relevant policies contained in the

NPPF are outlined below.

2.2.1 Delivering a Strong Economy

The NPPF requires that significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth

through the planning system. Local Planning Authorities should plan proactively to meet the development

needs of business and the economy and should plan positively for the provision of infrastructure.

2.2.2 Good Design

The NPPF places emphasis on the need for appropriate design and landscaping in any proposal for

development. Applicants will be expected to work closely with those affected by their proposals to evolve

designs that take account of the community. Proposals that can demonstrate this in developing the design

of any proposed development should be looked on more favourably.

2.2.3 Flooding and Climate Change

When new development is brought forward in areas which are vulnerable to flood risk, care should be

taken to ensure that risks can be managed through suitable adaptation measures. When determining

planning applications, local planning authorities should ensure flood risk is not increased elsewhere and

only consider development appropriate in areas at risk of flooding where it can be demonstrated that

development is appropriately flood resilient and resistant.

Associated NPPF Technical Guidance (NPPFTG) which sets out how to asses flood risk is further

discussed within the Flood Risk Assessment located within Appendix A of this document.

2 Planning Policy

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2.2.4 The Natural Environment

The NPPF requires that the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local

environment by:

� Protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils;

� Recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services;

� Minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible; and

� Preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being adversely affected by

unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability.

2.3 Local planning policy

2.3.1 The Northamptonshire Core Strategy Development Plan Document 2010

The Northamptonshire Core Strategy was formally adopted in May 2010. The document outlines the

strategic strategy for waste within the county up to 2026.

� Policy CS2 identifies that waste management facilities, particularly advanced treatment facilities with

wide catchment areas should be focused within the central spine, including Northampton;

� Policy CS7 details the sustainable design aspirations of the council. It endeavours to ensure that

suitable materials are used during construction and operation;

� Policy CS9 seeks to encourage minimisation of transport movements; and

� Policy CS14 seeks to ensure that waste development does not have a detrimental effect on the built or

natural environment.

2.3.2 The Northamptonshire Control and Management of Development Plan 2011

Part of the supporting documents to the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy is the Control and Management

of Development DPD. This was adopted in 2011 and provides additional supporting policies to the Core

Strategy. Applicable policies are highlighted below:

� Policy CMD1 seeks to ensure that extensions to waste management facilities processing non-inert and

hazardous waste are broadly in line with sustainable development principles. This policy outlines that

development should be integrated, should maximise the re-use of energy, heat and residues and

maximise the use of brownfield land;

� Policy CMD7 sees to ensure that waste development achieves a net gain in natural assets and

environmental resources by;

– Protecting and enhancing green infrastructure and biodiversity networks;

– Contributing towards the county biodiversity action plan for habitats and species; and

– Where necessary undertaking appropriate mitigation to reduce and manage any adverse impacts.

� Policy CMD8 identifies that waste development should reflect the landscape character of

Northamptonshire. Appropriate mitigation should be undertaken to reduce any adverse impacts.

Development should reflect the assets of local distinctiveness or character and should consider

opportunities for enhancement; and

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� Policy CMD10 seeks to ensure that waste management facilities are designed in such a way that they

do not harm the local landscape.

2.3.3 The Northamptonshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework Partial

Review (Submission Plan) 2013

A Partial Review of the adopted Minerals and Waste Development Framework (MWDF)/Local Plan is now

underway. This is bringing together the separate elements of the adopted MWDF into one combined Local

Plan and extending the plan period to 2031. As such, the polices contained within this document hold

material weight in the determination of this planning application (equivalent policies in the MWDF are given

in brackets):

� Policy 12 (CS2) identifies where waste management facilities should be located;

� Policy 13 (CMD1) identifies the development criteria for waste management facilities. It identifies that

the proposed development should be in accordance with general sustainability principles, should

maximise the re-use of energy, heat and residues and should maximise the use of previously

developed land;

� Policy 22 (CS14) seeks to ensure that waste facilities:

– Protect Northamptonshire’s natural resources and environmental designation;

– Avoid and minimise any adverse impacts, to an acceptable level and address air emissions

(including dust), odour, noise and vibration;

– Are designed to be in keeping with the local area;

– Are safe, sustainable and environmentally acceptable; and

– Protect local amenity.

� Policy 23 (CS9) seeks to ensure that waste facilities should accommodate sustainable transport

movements;

� Policy 24 (CMD7) seeks to ensure that waste development achieves a net gain in natural assets by:

– Protecting and enhancing green infrastructure and biodiversity networks;

– Contributing towards the county biodiversity action plan for habitats and species; and

– Where necessary undertaking appropriate mitigation to reduce and manage any adverse impacts.

� Policy 25 (CMD8) identifies that waste development should reflect the landscape character of the

Northamptonshire. Appropriate mitigation and mitigation should be undertaken to reduce any adverse

impacts. Development should reflect the specific assets of local distinctiveness or character;

� Policy 27 (CMD10) seeks to ensure that waste management facilities are designed in such a way that

they do no harm the landscape and incorporate appropriate safety and security measures; and

� Policy 30 (CS7) seeks to ensure that development incorporates sustainable principles. In particular,

construction and demolition activities should seek to minimise waste and recycle materials.

2.3.4 The West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy 2011

The West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit is the body responsible for producing the Joint Core

Strategy for West Northamptonshire (WNJCS), which covers Northampton Borough, South

Northamptonshire Council and Daventry District Council. The WNJCS has been publicly consulted upon

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and has been submitted for independent examination and carries material weight in the determination of

planning applications. Relevant polices are identified below.

� Policy S1 is concerned with the appropriate location of development within Northampton;

� Policy S10 identifies the sustainable principles of new development. In particular minimising waste

generation and maximising recycling;

� Policy S11 relates to renewable energy generation. Applications that will generate energy from

renewable sources should have a significant adverse impact on the built and natural environment;

� Policy BN2 identifies that development that has the potential to harm biodiversity must use methods to

conserve and enhance it throughout design and implementation;

� Policy BN5 ensures that development considers the historic environment;

� Policy BN7 is concerned with flood risk and requires that development demonstrates there is no

increased risk of flooding or of harm to water quality; and

� Policy BN9 ensures that new development will provide opportunities to address existing pollution

issues relating to contaminated land, air and water quality.

2.3.5 North Northamptonshire Emerging Joint Core Strategy 2021-2031

The first Core Strategy was adopted in 2008 and covers the period to 2021. It is being reviewed to take

account of the recession delaying development and infrastructure investment, and to plan forward to 2031.

The review is also responding to the Government’s reforms to the planning system. Consultation of an

initial draft of this document has been undertaken (ending in October 2013) and certain material weight can

be afforded to its policies.

� Draft Policy 2 seeks to ensure that new development are designed in such a way that is it sensitive to

its landscape setting;

� Draft Policy 3 seeks to ensure that development does not significantly harm geo-diversity or

biodiversity;

� Draft Policy 4 seeks to ensure that development does not increase the risk of flooding and that

development is outside of medium and high risk flood areas;

� Draft Policy 26 addresses renewable energy and decentralised energy networks and seeks to ensure

that the most appropriate technology is selected in respect of sites characteristics and that

development mitigates against any harm to the built and natural environment during construction and

implementation; and

� Draft Policy 31 concerns gypsy and traveller sites. This ensures that sites are served by adequate

amenities and that the health and safety of its occupants are not put at risk of poor air quality,

unacceptable noise or flood risk.

2.3.6 Northampton Local Plan ‘saved’ polices

The current adopted planning policy document for the area is the Northampton Local Plan ‘saved’ Policies,

adopted in 1997. In 2007 the Secretary of State approved for policies of the Local Plan 1997 to be saved.

Relevant policies are outlined below:

� Policy E1 identifies that planning permission will not be granted where its design and layout would be

detrimental to the character and structure of the landscape;

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� Policy E11 identifies that development that would involve the destruction or substantial damage to

trees, hedgerows or woodland would be denied planning permission;

� Policy E12 ensures sites that currently have hedgerows, trees or woodland on the site should make

adequate provision to incorporate it into development without having a significant detrimental impact;

� Policy E14 ensures special importance is afforded to the landscape, particularly principle landscapes

and townscapes;

� Policy E20 ensures that the design of new development is adequately reflects character of its

surroundings; and

� Policy E39 allows development that would involve renewable energy installations from waste (and

other renewables) be permitted where there is no adverse effect on the character or skylines of the

area, where noise and disturbance is acceptable in relation for the surrounding land use and the

design of the facility will not harm the amenity of the locality.

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3.1 Introduction

This section identifies relevant environmental considerations. Where necessary, appropriate mitigation will

be implemented as part of the proposed development.

3.2 Air quality

An Air Quality Assessment has been undertaken for the proposed development. Monitoring within the

vicinity of the proposed development indicates that current background pollutant concentrations are low

and do not exceed the relevant environmental quality standards.

An assessment of the temporary construction dust effects has been undertaken for the proposed

development. The construction phase is predicted to cause ‘temporary slight adverse’ effects as a result of

dust. The following dust mitigation measures will be implemented on site during the construction phase:

� No bonfires;

� No idling vehicles;

� Hard surfacing and effective cleaning of haul routes and appropriate speed limits around the site;

� All loads entering and leaving site to be covered;

� Use water as dust suppressant where applicable; and

� Keep stockpiles for the shortest possible time.

For the operational phase of the proposed development, the pollutant of key concern for potential human

health effects is NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), although emissions of SO2 (sulphur dioxide) and CO (carbon

monoxide) have also been considered. Effects of atmospheric concentrations of NOX (oxides of nitrogen)

and SO2 have also been assessed with respect to sensitive ecological sites. The method of the

assessment has taken a conservative approach by assuming worst case conditions for a number of

aspects including emissions characteristics, operating scenarios and meteorological conditions.

Results of this assessment indicate the proposed development will have a negligible impact on human

health and on designated ecological sites.

3.2.1 Compliance with planning policy

The Air Quality Assessment has concluded that the proposed development will have a negligible impact on

air quality and will be within acceptable standards.

The proposed development is considered to be in accordance with the NPPF. The proposed development

is considered to be relevant local polices, as follows:

� Policy CS14 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy 2010;

� Policy CMD7 of the Northamptonshire Control and Management of Development Plan 2011;

� Policies 22 and 24 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy Partial Review 2013;

� Policy BN9 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy 2011;

� Policies 26 and 31 of the North Northamptonshire Emerging Joint Core Strategy 2021-2031; and

3 Environmental Considerations

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� Policy E39 of the Northampton Local Plan “saved” policies 1997.

3.3 Contaminated land

A Contaminated Land Assessment has been undertaken for the proposed development. This assessment

anticipates that the ground conditions comprise the following:

� Topsoil (where present) underlain by;

� Made ground (where present) underlain by;

� Alluvium (where present) underlain by;

� River Terrace Deposits underlain by;

� The Whitby Mudstone Formation.

Groundwater was encountered within the River Terrace Deposits between 2.2m and 4.5m below ground

level (bgl) and occasionally within the Whitby Mudstone Formation in areas where a limestone bed was

identified.

The main potential sources of contamination at the site are associated with the current and historical

activities associated with the WRC in the area adjacent to the proposed development site. This includes

the potential presence of made ground, the construction and future use of the proposed development and

a historical hydrocarbon spill from a former transformer.

Removal of the disused gas holders will be required prior to construction of the sludge digester. There is

the potential for contaminated material to be present within the base of the gas holders, which may contain

heavy metals and hydrocarbons. During demolition of the disused gas holders, sampling and laboratory

analysis of any material which has collected in the base of the gas holders will be undertaken. This

analysis will inform the management options for this material: if elevated concentrations of contaminants

are encountered the material will either require treatment or disposal off site. If not found to be

contaminated the material may be re-used on site assuming it is geotechnically suitable, subject to

appropriate permitting.

The risks to construction workers and end-site users have been assessed as low during the construction

and operational phases assuming that, as is standard practice, the workers will be wearing suitable

personal protective equipment, adopt good site hygiene procedures, receive appropriate tool box training,

and comply with site health, safety and environmental management plans when in contact with this

material and during demolition of the tanks as gas may be being produced.

There are anticipated to be moderate risks to groundwater within the River Terrace Deposits and Alluvium

Secondary aquifers as a result of leaching and transport through man made conduits, vertical leaching

through permeable sub-strata and migration through groundwater. These risks mainly relate to

construction of the proposed development and historical uses of the site.

The potential identified risks will be mitigated by appropriate design (e.g. of site drainage and foundations)

and rigorous environmental management during future construction and operational use of the site

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3.3.1 Compliance with planning policy

The proposed development is considered to be in accordance with the NPPF. The proposed development

is considered to be in accordance with the following relevant local polices:

� Policies CS14 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy 2010;

� Policy 30 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy Partial Review 2013

� Policy BN9 of the West Northampton Joint Core Strategy 2011; and

� Policy E39 of the Northampton Local Plan “saved” Policies 1997.

3.4 Cultural heritage

The online Northamptonshire County Council Interactive Mapping and National Heritage List for England

were searched for details on Designated Assets and Archaeological Records within 1km of Great Billing

WRC.

There are no Scheduled Monuments within 1km of the site. Clifford Hill Castle is located within 2km of the

site. There are four listed buildings within 1km of the WRC. All four listed buildings are located in built up

urban areas and will not be affected by the proposed development.

The proposed development is located within the existing WRC, on ground already built up with structures

or containing underground services. These areas of the site have been completely disturbed during initial

construction and subsequent developments at the WRC. As such, it is not envisaged that the proposed

development will have no effect regarding the disturbance of archaeological remains.

3.5 Ecology

A Preliminary Ecology Assessment (PEA) forms a supporting document to this planning application. A

desktop study has been undertaken and an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey within the WRC site

boundary was carried out on 17 October 2013 by a qualified Ecologist.

The site does not lie in any statutory sites for nature conservation. Within approximately 2km of the Great

Billing WRC there are three statutory sites and thirteen non-statutory sites for nature conservation. None of

these designated sites will be adversely affected due to the small-scale and location of the proposed

development within the existing WRC.

The area in which the proposed CHP and flue stack will be located comprises hard-standing. The area in

which the proposed digester will be located comprises amenity grassland and an area of gravel which has

been colonised by tall ruderal species and sycamore saplings. The proposed construction compound will

be located on amenity grassland. Adjacent to the compound and digester location is an area of semi-

natural broadleaf woodland. The habitats which will be affected by the proposed development are

considered to be of ‘site only’ conservation importance.

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There is suitable habitat for breeding birds in the trees on site. Some saplings which may offer enough

cover for nesting birds may require removal. If these are removed during the breeding season (March-

August) this will be done under ecological supervision. As there are species such as pied wagtail on site,

which are known for nesting on manmade structures and inside pipes, all plant and equipment will be

stored to reduce potential for the creation of suitable nesting sites. These measures will include:

� Plugging the end of any stored pipe-work; and

� Ensuring plant is not left standing in the same location for extended periods of time.

As badgers are known to be present in the area of the proposed digester, the following measures will be

implemented:

� A toolbox talk will be given to all site staff notifying them that badgers are present in close proximity to

the proposed development site and may be foraging at night;

� Any excavations deeper than 0.5m will be covered at night and an egress route provided to prevent

badgers becoming trapped (such as propping a plank up the side of the excavation);

� Avoid vegetation removal directly in front of the retaining wall in the woodland (the area between the

two gas holders) in order to keep the area under cover;

� Erect Heras-style demarcation fencing along the woodland edge to prevent construction personnel

from entering the woodland, ensuring the habitat as a whole is not damaged or disturbed; and

� The contractor will add information on badger onto the site hazard plans, Construction Environmental

Management Plan (CEMP) and any other relevant documents.

Low level lighting will be installed as part of the proposed development. These lights will be triggered by

movement and are localised to the proposed development. It is not envisaged that these will impact any

areas suitable for foraging bats. No floodlighting will be required during construction or operation of the

proposed development.

As part of the proposed development, the following enhancement measures will be implemented at the

WRC site:

� 5no 28mm holed boxes erected on trees, suitable for blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus);

� 5no 32mm holed boxes erected on trees, suitable for great tit (Parus major); and

� 5no bat boxes erected on trees.

3.5.1 Compliance with planning policy

A Preliminary Ecology Assessment has concluded that the proposed development site is of ‘negligible’

ecological importance. Appropriate mitigation measures will ensure that ecological impacts during

construction are minimised.

The proposed development is in accordance with the NPPF. The proposed development is considered to

be in accordance with the following relevant local polices:

� Policy CS14 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy Development Plan Document 2010;

� Policies CMD7 and CMD8 of the Northamptonshire Control and Management of development Plan

2011

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� Policies 22, 24 and 25 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy Partial Review 2013;

� Policy S1 and BN2 of the West Northampton Joint Core Strategy 2011;

� Draft policies 3 and 26 of the North Northamptonshire Emerging Joint Core Strategy 2021-2031; and

� Policies E11 and E12 of the Northampton Local Plan ‘saved’ Policies 1997.

3.6 Flood risk and drainage

A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) has considered all sources of flooding and has addressed the

management of surface water. All components of the proposed development are located in areas

designated as Flood Zone 1, which implies low probability of flooding from fluvial and tidal sources. The

FRA may be found in Appendix A

The proposed development is classified by NPPF Technical Guidance as ‘Essential Infrastructure’. Such

development is deemed by NPPF Technical Guidance to be acceptable in Flood Zone 1.

3.6.1 Other sources of flood risk

The EA ‘Risk of Flooding from Reservoirs Map’ shows that the site is not at risk of flooding from the

potential failure of reservoirs in the vicinity.

The topography and location of the site mitigate against any risk of groundwater flooding or flooding from

overland flows. This is supported by no known history of such flooding at the location.

The surface water flood map for the area shows some areas around the site where there is risk of surface

water ponding during extreme rainfall events. This mapping does not make allowance for the effect of

surface water drainage systems which will reduce the likelihood of such accumulation of surface water.

Other sources of potential flooding to the site are therefore considered and are assessed to be

insignificant.

3.6.2 Surface water management

The site of the proposed CHP plant is currently part-grassed and part concrete hard-standing. This area

has a fall to the grassed area, and runoff infiltrates into the ground or finds its way into the adjacent surface

water drainage swale. The proposed CHP and flue stack will be constructed on part of the existing hard-

standing (total existing area 313m2). The CHP radiators and transformer will be installed on approximately

98m2 of additional (new) hard-standing as part of the proposed development.

A new channel drain will be installed to collect surface water from the additional impermeable hard-

standing, in addition to replacing current drainage for part of the existing hard-standing. The proposed

channel drain will collect approximately 320m2 of surface runoff and discharge into the existing site foul

drainage system. This will ultimately discharge into to an existing pumping station that returns the flows to

the head of the WRC for treatment. There will also be some minor new process flows that will also utilise

the existing site foul drainage system. All foul or contaminated flows associated with operation and

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maintenance of the proposed development, will be collected and returned to the head of the works for

treatment.

The site of the proposed digester is currently grassed. The proposed development will ential an additional

impermeable area of 485m2 for the roof of the digester and associated impermeable paths. All of the

surface run-off from this area will be un-contaminated and allowed to infiltrate into the surrounding

permeable stone and grass area. All process flows will be contained within sealed pipework. The Digester

Mixer Pumps will be founded within individual concrete bunds to capture any contaminated spills

associated with maintenance. Any spills will be collected and returned to the head of the works for

treatment. There will be 50m2 of new gravel surfacing at this area which will be permeable.

During construction there will be a crushed stone haul road and crane pad which will be removed once

construction activities are complete. This can be considered as permeable, and will therefore have no

impact on the existing runoff regime. The gas holders will be demolished to ground level and the base

slabs will remain, hence there will be no change in impermeable area due to this.

The discharge of treated effluent from the treatment works to the River Nene is regulated by consents on

quality, quantity and peak flow. The additional flows contributed by the drainage to the new development

will be attenuated by the works to ensure they do not compromise these consents.

With the above measures in place for surface water drainage, it is assessed that there will be no significant

risk of surface water flooding to the development itself and no increase in flood risk to others.

The area surrounding the WRC is designated a Nitrate Vulnerability Zone (NVZ) and strict limits on the

discharge of nitrates are in place. The EA discharge consent for the WRC site will be adhered to and

changes to the biosolids treatment processes will not increase the current nitrate discharge levels.

3.6.3 Impacts during construction

In order to facilitate construction of the proposed developments, a crushed stone haul road and crane pad

will be put in place and will remain after construction is complete. These works will be within Flood Zone 1

and can be considered as permeable. They will therefore be at no significant flood risk themselves, and will

have no adverse impact on flood risk elsewhere.

Any other temporary works required in connection with the development should also be located in Flood

Zone 1. This will avoid any adverse flood risk impacts.

3.6.4 Compliance with planning policy

The proposed development is not at risk of flooding and will not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.

The proposed development is considered to be in accordance with the NPPF and the following relevant

local policies:

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� Policy CS14 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy 2010;

� Policy CMD7 of the Northamptonshire Control and Management of Development Plan 2011;

� Policies 22 and 24 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy Partial Review Document;

� Policies BN7 and BN9 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy 2011; and

� Draft Policy 4 of the North Northamptonshire Emerging Joint Core Strategy 2021-2031.

3.7 Noise

A noise survey has been undertaken to determine the background noise levels at the site. The survey

included the following:

� Noise emitted by all significant sources of operational noise currently on site; and

� Baseline noise levels at receptor locations off-site.

Background noise is dominated by road traffic noise and plant noise. The results of this survey form the

baseline against which predicted future noise levels have been compared. The impact of noise from the

proposed items of plant has been assessed according to British Standard 4142. Predicted rating levels are

at least 10dB below the recorded background noise levels. Noise levels are therefore low enough that

‘complaints are unlikely’.

A spectral analysis of the impact of individual octave band noise levels has been made at the nearest

dwellings to the north of the site, by assessment using noise modelling software. When compared against

the existing noise environment at the same position, predictions show that the noise from any proposed

plant will fall well below that of the current background noise levels at all octave band frequencies.

The increase in operational noise as a result of the proposed development is unlikely to be perceptible at

the nearest residential properties. Nevertheless, an acoustic fence will be installed to the north of the STC

site in the vicinity of the proposed CHP Unit.

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (to be prepared by the contractor) will mitigate temporary

noise generated from the temporary construction activities.

3.7.1 Compliance with planning policy

The Noise Impact Assessment concludes that operational noise will be unlikely to be perceptible by the

nearest receptors due to the location of acoustic fencing. Construction noise will be mitigated within a

Construction Environmental Management Plan.

The proposed development is considered to be in accordance with the NPPF. The proposed development

is considered to be in accordance with the following local polices:

� Policy CS14 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy 2010;

� Policy CMD7 of the Northamptonshire Control and Management of Development Plan 2011;

� Policy 22 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy Partial Review Document 2013;

� Policies BN2 and BN9 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy 2011; and

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� Policy E39 of the Northampton Local Plan ‘saved’ Policies 1997.

3.8 Odour

The proposed development will provide standby capabilities for the existing three CHP units. The

proposed development is very unlikely to cause an increase in odour at the STC. Rather, the provision of

an additional digester will allow the sludge to become more stable during the treatment process and will

reduce potential odour releases from the digester in the future.

The components of the proposed development and their potential odour impacts are identified below.

3.8.1 CHP Engine

The proposed CHP engine works by burning biogas generated by anaerobic digestion at high

temperatures. Odorous compounds found in the gas are also combusted. The flue exhaust gases

associated with this process are emitted from the flue stack at increased temperature and are odour free.

3.8.2 Transformer

The proposed Transformer MCC kiosk and lighting arrangements are electrical units that will not be in

contact with odorous compounds and will not give rise to the odour emissions on site.

3.8.3 Digester

The proposed digester will destroy volatile matter in the sludge, thus generating biogas. The digester is

fully enclosed and sealed, meaning it will not give rise to odorous emissions. Only under emergency

conditions will the digester safety valves lift and odorous gases potentially be released. The inclusion of an

additional digester will increase the resilience of the existing digesters, thereby reducing the chance of the

pressure relief valves operating. Operation of the pressure relief valves will occur in an emergency

situation only. Due to this emergency nature, it is not usual to model this dispersion.

3.8.4 Biogas pumps

The proposed biogas pumps will be used to transfer the biogas from the existing STC to the CHP units.

The pumps are fully enclosed and will not provide direct contact of odorous compounds to the atmosphere

and will not give rise to the odour emissions at the STC and WRC site.

3.8.5 Pipe supports

The proposed pipe supports are static mechanical components which are fully sealed to the atmosphere.

As such, they do not have any odour impacts.

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3.8.6 Compliance with planning policy

The components and plant that make up the proposed development do not emit odour and will not

contribute to increasing odour levels at the site.

The proposed development is considered to be in accordance with the NPPF. The proposed development

is considered to be in accordance with the following relevant local polices:

� Policy CS14 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy 2010;

� Policy CMD7 of the Northamptonshire Control and Management of Development Plan 2011;

� Policy 22 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy Partial Review Document 2013;

� Policy BN9 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy 2011;

� Draft Policy 26 and 31 of the North Northamptonshire Emerging Joint Core Strategy 2021-2031; and

� Policy E39 of the Northampton Local Plan ‘saved’ Policies 1997.

3.9 Traffic and access

The construction works for the proposed development will generate vehicle movements consisting of

HGV/LGV and cars. In total it is anticipated that there will be 21 to 22 vehicle movements per day (42 to 44

two-way movements), with a peak increase of 32 movements per day (64 two-way movements) during

periods where concrete pours are required. The construction period is predicted to last a total of 8 months

(March – October 2014).

To mitigate the impact of the predicted construction vehicle movements, the following measures will be

implemented:

� HGV construction vehicle routing to the site from the north via the existing HGV route along the A45

Nene Valley Way, Crow Lane, and then either the Lower Ecton Lane site access (for the construction

of the CHP plant) or the Crow Lane site access (for the construction of the additional sludge digester.

This will avoid the nearby villages of Ecton, Billing, Cogenhoe, Brafield-on-the-Green and Little

Houghton;

� Where possible HGV deliveries will be managed to take place outside of the weekday highway peak

periods; and

� Submission of a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) to the local highway authority prior to

the start of construction.

Access to/from the proposed development site will be from Crow Lane and Lower Ecton Lane. Access to

Crow Lane is via the A45/A5076 Great Billing Interchange. It is recognised that this junction experiences

congestion during the AM and PM peak hours, however it is predicted that the construction staff will arrive

outside of the AM and PM peak hours due to the proposed construction working hours of 0730 to 1800

Monday to Friday.

It is not considered that construction of the proposed development will have a significant detrimental

impact on the operation of the junction during the AM and PM peak hours.

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The proposed development will not generate additional operational traffic other than infrequent

maintenance vehicles, which will generate minimal additional vehicle movements on the local highway

network.

It is concluded that the construction and operational vehicle movements generated by the proposed

development will not have a significant impact on the operation of the local highway network.

3.9.1 Compliance with planning policy

Construction of the proposed development will require a small increase in vehicle movements. These

increased movements are not considered to be significant. The proposed development will not increase

traffic to and from the development during operation.

The proposed development is considered to be in accordance with the NPPF. The proposed development

is in accordance with policy CS9 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy and policy 23 of the

Northamptonshire Core Strategy Partial Review Document 2013 which are relevant to transport and

access issues.

3.10 Landscape and visual impact

A Landscape and Visual impact Assessment has been undertaken to support this planning application.

This assessment demonstrates that the proposed development would be largely screened by the existing

vegetation, the existing WRC site boundary fence and the existing WRC plan. As such, its overall impact

on the surrounding landscape character is considered to be ‘negligible’. The character area affected is

industrial, of which the existing WRC forms part. The industrial character of the area would experience a

negligible magnitude of change, assessed alongside the low sensitivity, which would result in ‘neutral’

effects which are not considered to be significant.

The proposed maintenance and security lighting is unlikely to adversely affect the visual amenity of

residential receptors in view of the proposed development, due to the context and distance at which the

lights would be viewed. Furthermore, the proposed lighting will not be in use for prolonged periods and will

only be activated for maintenance or emergency.

3.10.1 Mitigation and enhancement

It is recognised that further planting is required to the north-eastern corner of the STC site, where it is

considered to be most beneficial. Additional planting will be undertaken to the existing bund at the STC

site. The proposed mitigation will include tree planting of local provenance and has been located to

integrate and enhance the existing mitigation planting and will in time filter views from the north and north-

east towards the proposed development.

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As the proposed flue stack will be as tall as the existing flue stack, the proposed mitigation will take longer

than the 15 years assessed to begin to mitigate the top half. It will however mitigate the lower level of the

flue stack and also improve the visual amenity of the current views of the STC site.

The proposed mitigation has been carefully considered so that it would also offer mitigation for the

cumulative impacts of the whole STC site.

Mitigation planting has not been proposed along the northern boundary of the proposed development site

due to existing plant and associated structures already present in this location.

Any soft works, trees or hedgerows damaged or removed during the proposed works will be replaced on a

like for like basis.

3.10.2 Compliance with planning policy

It is concluded that the proposed development will have a negligible impact upon the landscape character

of the area. The proposed development itself is not out of character with the existing buildings on site and

those afforded views of the site should not be adversely affected.

The proposed development is considered to be in accordance with the NPPF. The proposed development

is considered to be in accordance with the following relevant local polices:

� Policy CS14 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy 2010;

� Policies CMD7 CMD8 and CMD10 of the Northamptonshire Control and Management of Development

Plan 2011;

� Policies 22, 25 and 27 of the Northamptonshire Core Strategy Partial Review Document 2013

� Draft Policy 2 of the North Northamptonshire Emerging Joint Core Strategy 20121 to 2031

� Policies E1, E14 and E20 of the Northampton Local Plan ‘saved’ policies 1997

3.11 Construction management

3.11.1 Construction timescale

Construction of the proposed development will take place between March 2014 and October 2014, with

demolition of the existing redundant gas holders predicted to take place in the first three months of this

construction phase.

3.11.2 Hours of working

Construction activities will take place at the following times:

� Monday to Friday: 0730 - 1800;

� Saturday (if required): 0730 - 1300;

� Sundays, public and bank holidays: No construction activities.

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Northamptonshire County Council will be notified in advance of any construction activity which takes place

outside these times.

During commissioning of the proposed development, some activities may be required outside these times

as continuous working will be required for this process.

3.11.3 Lighting

The proposed development will be constructed between spring and early autumn and it is not anticipated

that any temporary flood lighting will be required during construction.

Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR) lighting will be installed as part of the proposed development. The lights will

be activated when operatives are in the vicinity of the proposed development, for maintenance or

emergency only. The lights will be installed during the commissioning stage. The lights will be angled

downwards and will not be installed higher than 4.5m.

The lighting plan is shown on drawing SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-419.

3.11.4 Tree protection

Temporary protective barriers to guard against accidental damage to trees onsite will be installed prior to

(and for the duration of) construction.

Protective barriers will be installed outside the root protection areas of the existing trees adjacent to the

existing digesters. This will be undertaken in full accordance with Section 6.2 of BS 5837:2012. The

location of the trees protected is shown on drawing SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-PLG-418, which

accompanies this planning application.

The protective barrier will comprise a robust post and rail frame work, braced to resist impact supporting

mesh panels. This will be achieved by the use of scaffold poles to form a post and rail frame work, braced

at 3m intervals and faced with anti-climb wire mesh panels. The final alignment will be agreed prior to

commencement of construction of the proposed development.

The protective tree fencing will remain in place and be maintained throughout the duration of site works.

The area enclosed by the tree protection fencing will be considered inviolable and no operations will take

place on the tree side of the fence. If entry or works within the root protection area is necessary, then a

qualified Arboriculturalist will be contacted for advice.

‘Tree Protection Zone’ notices will be placed on protective barriers and staff suitably briefed over via

toolbox talks.

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3.11.5 Construction Environmental Management Plan

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be produced by the contractor. This

document will set out:

� Roles and responsibilities for environmental management (including noise and dust);

� The regime for regular on site and off site inspections;

� Requirements for record keeping;

� The approach to construction waste management;

� Arrangements for auditing environmental compliance;

� How communication with the relevant authorities and the public would be conducted; and

� The procedure for response to environmental incidents.

3.11.6 Construction Traffic Management Plan

A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be prepared by the contractor prior to work

commencing on site. The CTMP will outline the following:

� Details, specification and location of route signage for construction traffic;

� Confirmation of the imposed speed limit for construction vehicles accessing/egressing the site;

� Details of a site induction note to be reviewed and implemented by all construction staff;

� Details of a note to be issued to supplier drivers indicating the potential presence of vulnerable road

users on Crow Lane and Lower Ecton Lane;

� Details of the construction vehicle access arrangements and confirmation of the HGV vehicular routes

to site for construction vehicles; and

� Details of how construction vehicle movements will be managed throughout the construction period,

including restrictions on timings of deliveries to avoid peak periods on the local highway network.

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4.1 Stakeholder strategy

The applicant has made contact with parish councils and community groups in close proximity to Great

Billing WRC, namely:

� Ecton Parish Council;

� Cogenhoe Parish Council;

� Great Billing Parish Council; and

� Travellers site north of Great Billing WRC.

AWS has allocated a member of its staff who is the dedicated point of contact for liaison with the above-

named parish councils and to feedback responses to AWS.

Consultation with the above-named bodies is intended to provide the opportunity for local stakeholders to

provide a response to the proposed development directly to the applicant. Consultation with parish councils

is also intended as a tool for notifying the neighbouring communities of the proposed development and for

local residents and stakeholders to comment on the proposed development.

Consultation has been undertaken with parish councils in advance of submission of the planning

application in order that local residents and stakeholders have reasonable notice of the proposed

development and have reasonable time in which to respond.

The proposed development also includes the provision of landscaping to the northeast of the site. This is

been undertaken to help upgrade and enhance the existing landscaping bund on site. Consultation will be

undertaken with local residential representatives, the LPA and other interested parties, at Great Billing

WRC’s quarterly stakeholder meeting.

4 Community Consultation

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5.1 Summary

The proposed development will optimize the current sustainable, renewable energy generation currently in

operation at Great Billing STC. It will also enhance and increase the reliability and resilience of the

enhanced digestion process at the STC. As outlined above, there are no significant adverse environmental

impacts associated with the proposed development. It is therefore considered that the development is in

conformity with the NPPF and all relevant local planning policies.

It is requested that full planning permission is granted for the proposed development.

5 Conclusion

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Appendices

Appendix A. Flood Risk Assessment _____________________________________________________________ 27

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Appendix A. Flood Risk Assessment

Great Billing STC Biosolids Resilience

Scheme (SEW-09683)

Flood Risk Assessment

January 2014

Anglian Water Services Limited

279559 EVT EMS 012 C

http://pims01/pims/llisapi.dll/open/1544785550

17 January 2014

Great Billing STC Biosolids Resilience Scheme (SEW-09683)

Flood Risk Assessment

Great Billing STC Biosolids Resilience Scheme (SEW-09683)

Flood Risk Assessment

January 2014

Anglian Water Services Limited

Mott MacDonald, Demeter House, Station Road, Cambridge CB1 2RS, United Kingdom

T +44 (0)1223 463500 F +44 (0)1223 461007 W www.mottmac.com

Thorpe Wood House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6WT

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Revision Date Originator Checker Approver Description StandardA December 2013 R. Gamble R. Mackay

R. Lee Issue to client

B December 2013 R. Gamble R. Mackay

R. Lee Issue for planning

C January 2014 R. Gamble R. Mackay

R. Lee Updated issue for planning

Issue and revision record

This document is issued for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the above-captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose.

We accept no responsibility for the consequences of this document being relied upon by any other party, or being used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to us by other parties.

This document contains confidential information and proprietary intellectual property. It should not be shown to other parties without consent from us and from the party which commissioned it.

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Chapter Title Page

1 The Proposed Development 1

1.1 The proposed development ___________________________________________________________ 1 1.2 Site location _______________________________________________________________________ 1 1.3 Proposed construction schedule _______________________________________________________ 2

2 Planning Policy 3

2.1 Introduction ________________________________________________________________________ 3 2.2 National Planning Policy Framework ____________________________________________________ 3 2.3 Local planning policy ________________________________________________________________ 4

3 Assessment of Flood Risk 6

3.1 Fluvial flood risk at the proposed development ____________________________________________ 6 3.2 Application of planning guidance _______________________________________________________ 7 3.3 Other sources of flood risk ____________________________________________________________ 7 3.4 Surface water management ___________________________________________________________ 8

4 Conclusion 10

Contents

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The Sludge Treatment Centre (STC) at Great Billing Water Recycling Centre (WRC) currently has

insufficient capacity to maximise the digestion period and produce maximum volumes of biogas. In

addition, there is no standby capacity when the existing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant is

unavailable. As such, gas production and renewable power generation is not optimised.

The proposed development (known as the Great Billing STC Biosolids Resilience Scheme) will provide an

additional sludge digester to increase the overall retention and digestion time of the sludge, and thus

maximise biogas production and renewable power generation. The proposed development will also provide

a stand-by CHP plant to provide capacity when the existing CHP plant is unavailable, due to maintenance

etc. The total volume of sludge treated by the STC will remain the same.

This document is a supporting document to a planning application for the proposed development.

The applicant is Anglian Water Services Limited (AWS). This planning application is submitted on behalf of

AWS by Mott MacDonald.

1.1 The proposed development

The following proposed structures are subject to this planning application.

Table 1.1: Structures subject to this planning application

Component Drawing

Demolition of 2no. existing gas holders SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-403

Installation of 1no. 1.5MW Containerised CHP Engine, intercooler and jacket radiator

SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-410

Erection of 1no. flue stack SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-420

Installation of 1no. 11KV transformer SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-422

Erection of 1no. digester and 3 no. mixer pumps SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-423

Installation of 1no. digester Motor Control Centre (MCC) kiosk

SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-424

Installation of pipe supports SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-403

Erection of acoustic fencing SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-430

Construction of temporary construction compound SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-400

Associated landscaping SEW-09683-GIBLST-2G-PLG-417

1.2 Site location

Great Billing WRC is located on the south-east edge of Northampton at national grid reference SP 817

619. The site is bounded by the A45 to the north and the River Nene to the south.

The location of the proposed development is shown on drawing SEW-09683-GBILST-2G-400 which

accompanies this planning application.

1 The Proposed Development

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1.3 Proposed construction schedule

The construction methodology has not been finalised. However, the anticipated sequence of construction

is set out below:

� Initial excavation to include removal (excavation) of top soil to reduce ground level locally;

� Diversion of services (including excavation of new trench and laying of new pipework and cables);

� Pilling of foundations for digester and flue stack with continuous flight auger (CFA) piling (including

importing and installation of a granular pilling mat), and delivery of concrete and reinforcement. Piling

activities will also include removal of excess piling matt;

� Drainage and cable ducting installation (to include delivery of pipework/ducting and excavation of

trench and laying of pipework/ducting). This phase will include backfilling of the trench with granular

material.

� Construction of reinforced concrete slab foundations for all structures (to include laying of granular sub-

base by excavator and roller). This phase will also include delivery and assembly of steel

reinforcement, temporary works, and delivery and pouring of concrete;

� Digester assembly to include the following:

– Delivery of steel tank panels

– Digester roof constructed on base slab and lifted, followed by construction of wall sections;

– Access gantry delivered and assembled (with crane and high level access);

– Mixer pumps and associated pipework and cabling delivered and installed;

– MCC kiosk delivered and installed;

– Above-ground pipe and cable supports delivered and installed with crane.

� Installation of CHP, Flue Stack and Transformer to include the following:

– Delivery to site in sections and lifted into place with crane;

– Assembly of parts; and

– Installation of pipework and electrical cabling.

Construction of the proposed development will take place between March 2014 and October 2014.

Demolition of the existing redundant gas holders is anticipated to take place in the first three months of the

construction phase. All construction activity will take place within the WRC and in the vicinity of the STC.

The temporary site compound will be reinstated to its original condition of completion of construction

activities.

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2.1 Introduction

This section identifies the relevant national and local planning policies that are relevant to the proposed

development.

2.2 National Planning Policy Framework

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provides planning policy guidance at a national level. The

NPPF promotes a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’. This presumption requires that

economic, social and environmental considerations should all be assessed in determining development

proposals. The NPPF is clear that development proposals that are considered ‘sustainable’ and that

accord with the development plan should be approved without delay. Relevant policies contained in the

NPPF are outlined below.

2.2.1 Flooding and climate change

When new development is brought forward in areas which are vulnerable to flood risk, care should be

taken to ensure that risks can be managed through suitable adaptation measures. When determining

planning applications, local planning authorities should ensure flood risk is not increased elsewhere and

only consider development appropriate in areas at risk of flooding where it can be demonstrated that

development is appropriately flood resilient and resistant.

The NPPF and the associated Technical Guidance (NPPFTG) requires development to be directed away

from areas of highest flood risk, but where development is necessary, making it safe without increasing

flood risk elsewhere.

The NPPF requires that in selecting sites for development, application is made of the Sequential Test. The

aim of this test is to steer new development to areas with the lowest probability of flooding. The

Environment Agency (EA) has produced a national Flood Map covering the whole of England, which

allocates all land into one of three Flood Zones, designated as Flood Zones 1, 2 and 3. The flood risk

within these three Zones, as set out in the NPPFTG, is as follows:

� Zone 1 – Low probability, land having less than 1 in 1000 annual probability of river or tidal flooding in

any year.

� Zone 2 – Medium probability, land having between a 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 annual probability of river

flooding, or between a 1 in 200 and 1 in 1000 annual probability of tidal flooding in any year.

� Zone 3 – High Probability, land having a 1 in 100 or greater annual probability of river flooding, or a 1 in

200 or greater annual probability of tidal flooding in any year.

The EA has also produced Flood Risk Standing Advice1 for planning authorities, which indicates the EA’s

requirements for flood risk assessment, according to the nature and size of the proposed development and

the Flood Zone in which it would be situated.

1 http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/82584.aspx

2 Planning Policy

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2.2.2 The Natural Environment

The NPPF requires that the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local

environment by:

� Protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils;

� Recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services;

� Minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible; and

� Preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being adversely affected by

unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability.

2.3 Local planning policy

2.3.1 The Northamptonshire Core Strategy Development Plan Document 2010

The Northamptonshire Core Strategy was formally adopted in May 2010. The document outlines the

strategic strategy for waste within the county up to 2026. The relevant policy is:

� Policy CS14 seeks to ensure that waste development does not have a detrimental effect on the built or

natural environment.

2.3.2 The Northamptonshire Control and Management of Development Plan 2011

Part of the supporting documents to the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy is the Control and Management

of Development DPD. This was adopted in 2011 and provides additional supporting policies to the Core

Strategy. Applicable policies are highlighted below:

� Policy CMD 7 sees to ensure that waste development achieves a net gain in natural assets and

environmental resources by;

– Protecting and enhancing green infrastructure and biodiversity networks;

– Contributing towards the county biodiversity action plan for habitats and species; and

– Where necessary undertaking appropriate mitigation to reduce and manage any adverse impacts.

2.3.3 The Northamptonshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework Partial

Review (Submission Plan) 2013

A Partial Review of the adopted Minerals and Waste Development Framework (MWDF)/Local Plan is now

underway. This is bringing together the separate elements of the adopted MWDF into one combined Local

Plan and extending the plan period to 2031. As such, the policies contained within this document hold

material weight in the determination of this planning application (equivalent policies in the MWDF given in

brackets):

� Policy 22 (CS14) seeks to ensure that waste facilities:

– Protect Northamptonshire’s natural resources and environmental designation;

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– Avoid and minimise any adverse impacts to an acceptable level and address air emissions

(including dust), odour, noise and vibration;

– Are designed to be in keeping with the local area;

– Are safe, sustainable and environmentally acceptable; and

– Protect local amenity.

� Policy 24 (CMD7) seeks to ensure that waste development achieves a net gain in natural assets by:

– Protecting and enhancing green infrastructure and biodiversity networks;

– Contributing towards the county biodiversity action plan for habitats and species; and

– Where necessary undertaking appropriate mitigation to reduce and manage any adverse impacts.

2.3.4 The West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy 2011

The West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit is the body responsible for producing the Joint Core

Strategy for West Northamptonshire (WNJCS), which covers Northampton Borough, South

Northamptonshire Council and Daventry District Council. The WNJCS has been publicly consulted upon

and has been submitted for independent examination and therefore carries material weight in the

determination of planning applications. Relevant polices are:

� Policy BN7 is concerned with flood risk and requires that development demonstrates there is no

increased risk of flooding or of harm to water quality; and

� Policy BN9 ensures that new development will provide opportunities to address existing pollution

issues relating to contaminated land, air and water quality.

2.3.5 North Northamptonshire Emerging Joint Core Strategy 2021-2031

The first Core Strategy was adopted in 2008 and covers the period to 2021. It is being reviewed to take

account of the recession delaying development and infrastructure investment, and to plan forward to 2031.

The review is also responding to the Government’s reforms to the planning system. Consultation of an

initial draft of this document has been undertaken (ending in October 2013) and certain material weight can

be afforded to its policies. The relevant policy is:

� Draft Policy 4 seeks to ensure that development does not increase the risk of flooding and that

development is outside of medium and high risk flood areas.

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3.1 Fluvial flood risk at the proposed development

The Flood Maps indicate floodplain extents for all significant watercourses (catchment area greater than

3km2) throughout the country. In the vicinity of the Great Billing WRC, the indicative floodplain, as shown

on the EA website, is reproduced in Figure 3.1. This figure also shows the boundary of area for the

proposed development (as listed in Table 1.1) at the site.

The primary source of flood risk information in England is the Environment Agency (EA) flood maps

available on their website at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/37793.aspx

Figure 3.1: Environment Agency flood map at Great Billing STC – Showing area of proposed development

Source: http://environment-agency.gov.uk

On Figure 3.1 the darker blue shading shows the extent of Flood Zone 3, which comprises land assessed

as having a 1 in 100 or greater annual probability of fluvial flooding, or 1 in 200 or greater annual

probability of tidal flooding. The lighter blue areas show the extent of Flood Zone 2, which comprises land

assessed as having a 1 in 1000 or greater annual probability of fluvial or tidal flooding. It is noted by the EA

3 Assessment of Flood Risk

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that the extents are only indicative and do not take into account any man-made structures such as railway

embankments and roads or flood defences.

It can be seen from Figure 2.1 that the southern part of Great Billing WRC lies within the left bank

(northern) floodplain of the River Nene. The north-eastern corner of the WRC site lies within the southern

bank floodplain of the Ecton Brook, which is a minor local tributary of the Nene. These floodplain areas are

mainly designated as Flood Zone 3, with a smaller area designated as Flood Zone 2.

This reach of the River Nene is well above the tidal limit and thus there is no risk of any tidally influenced

flooding.

All the components of the proposed development, as listed in Table 1.1, would be located in Flood Zone 1.

The risk of fluvial flooding to the proposed development is therefore less than 1 in 1000 years.

3.2 Application of planning guidance

The total plan area within which development is to take place, as shown on Figure 2.1, is greater than one

hectare. The combined area of the individual components of the development is however significantly less

than one hectare. In accordance with the EA Consultation matrix for developments in Flood Zone 1, if the

development area is taken as greater than one hectare, then a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) should be

produced considering all potential sources of flooding. If the development area is taken as less than one

hectare there is no requirement for a full FRA, but guidance on surface water good practice should be

adhered to. This assessment covers both these aspects.

Table 2 of NPPFTG allocates a Flood Risk Vulnerability Classification to different types of development.

Sewage Treatment Works (if adequate measures to control pollution and manage sewage during flooding

events are in place) are classified as “Less Vulnerable Development”. Since the proposals for this site

include for CHP and electrical equipment, it is considered more appropriate to classify the development as

“Highly Vulnerable” or Essential Infrastructure”.

Table 3 of NPPFTG indicates that whatever vulnerability classification is applied, the proposed

development will be appropriate in its proposed location since it is in Flood Zone 1.

3.3 Other sources of flood risk

Reference to the EA “Risk of Flooding from Reservoirs Map” shows the southern part of the proposed

development site as being at risk of flooding from potential failure of reservoirs in the vicinity. The two

“reservoirs” contributing to this risk are the Northamptonshire Washlands and Pitsford Reservoir. The risk

of such flooding occurring is however extremely small. The EA website notes that “Reservoir Flooding is

extremely unlikely to happen”. In addition the site for the proposed development is on the edge of the area

designated as at-risk, and the EA note that “it is unlikely that any actual flood would be this large”.

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The topography and location of the site mitigates against any risk of groundwater flooding, or flooding from

overland flows. This is supported by no known history of such flooding at the location. The southern parts

of the WRC were flooded from the major fluvial event on the River Nene in 1998, but the flooding did not

extend into the area of the development now proposed.

The surface water flood map for the area shows some areas around the site where there is risk of surface

water ponding during extreme rainfall events. This mapping does not make allowance for the effect of

surface water drainage systems which will reduce the likelihood of such accumulation of surface water.

The risk of surface water affecting the proposed installations will be mitigated by raising any water

sensitive equipment on plinths to provide a minimum freeboard of 150mm above local ground levels.

3.4 Surface water management

The site of the proposed CHP plant is currently part-grassed and part concrete hard-standing. This area

has a fall to the grassed area, and runoff infiltrates into the ground or finds its way into the adjacent surface

water drainage swale. The proposed CHP and flue stack will be constructed on part of the existing hard-

standing (total existing area 313m2). The CHP radiators and transformer will be installed on approximately

98m2 of additional (new) hard-standing as part of the proposed development.

A new channel drain will be installed to collect surface water from the additional impermeable hard-

standing, in addition to replacing current drainage for part of the existing hard-standing. The proposed

channel drain will collect approximately 320m2 of surface runoff, and discharge into the existing site foul

drainage system. This will ultimately discharge into to an existing pumping station that returns the flows to

the head of the WRC for treatment. There will also be some minor new process flows that will also utilise

the existing site foul drainage system. All foul or contaminated flows associated with operation and

maintenance of the proposed development, will be collected and returned to the head of the works for

treatment.

The site of the new digester is currently grassed. The new development will introduce an additional

impermeable area of 485m2 for the roof of the digester and associated impermeable paths. All of the

surface run-off from this area will be un-contaminated and allowed to infiltrate into the surrounding

permeable grassed area. There will be 50m2 of new gravel surfacing which may be considered to be

permeable.

There will be no sealed access road. There will be a crushed stone haul road and crane pad for

construction purposes that will remain after construction is complete. This can be considered as

permeable, and will therefore have no impact on the existing runoff regime. The gas holders will be

demolished to ground level and the base slabs will remain, hence there will be no change in impermeable

area due to this.

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The discharge of treated effluent from the treatment works to the River Nene is regulated by consents on

quality, quantity and peak flow. The additional flows contributed by the drainage to the new development

will be attenuated by the works to ensure they do not compromise these consents.

With the above measures in place for surface water drainage, it is assessed that there will be no significant

risk of surface water flooding to the development itself and no increase in flood risk to others.

The area surrounding the WRC is designated a Nitrate Vulnerability Zone (NVZ) and strict limits on the

discharge of nitrates are in place. The EA discharge consent will be adhered to and changes to the

biosolids treatment processes will not increase the current nitrate discharge levels. Impacts on water

quality during the construction of the new plant will be minimised through use of good practice.

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This Flood Risk Assessment undertaken has determined that:

� All components of the proposed development are located in areas designated as Flood Zone 1. This

implies low probability of flooding from fluvial and tidal sources.

� The proposed development would be classified by NPPFTG as “Highly Vulnerable” or “Essential

Infrastructure”. Such development is deemed by NPPFTG to be acceptable in Flood Zone 1.

� Other sources of potential flooding to the site have been considered and are assessed to be

insignificant.

� The total plan area within which the development is to take place is greater than one hectare. The

combined area of the individual components of the development is less than one hectare. This Flood

Risk Assessment, which has been produced in accordance with NPPF guidance, considers all sources

of flooding and takes account of surface water good practice.

� The drainage proposals for the proposed development are based on the same principles that are used

to drain the existing site. As such there will be no significant risk of surface water flooding to the

development itself, and no increase in peak flows leaving the site which might increase risk to others.

� With respect to flood risk there is no reason why the development should not proceed as planned.

4 Conclusion