Monmouthshire County Council - IEMA to Abergavenny Foot… · Figure 1 Site Location 2 Figure 2 Environmental Designations 3 Figure 3 Other Developments Considered 10. LLANFOIST TO

70034788_ES03 FEBRUARY 2018 PUBLIC

Monmouthshire County Council

LLANFOIST TO ABERGAVENNY FOOTBRIDGE Environmental Statement Volume 3 - Non-Technical Summary



TYPE OF DOCUMENT (VERSION) PUBLIC PROJECT NO. 70034788 OUR REF. NO. 70034788_ES03 DATE: FEBRUARY 2018



WSP 1 Capital Quarter Tyndall Street Cardiff CF10 4BZ Phone: +44 2920 769189 WSP.com

LLANFOIST TO ABERGAVENNY FOOTBRIDGE WSP Project No.: 70034788 | Our Ref No.: 70034788_ES03 February 2018 Monmouthshire County Council

QUALITY CONTROL

Issue/revision First issue Revision 1 Revision 3

Remarks Draft for client comment For planning submission

Date February 2018 February 2018

Prepared by Various Lead Author – Tom Gold

Various Lead Author – Tom Gold

Signature

Checked by Victoria Wilson Victoria Wilson

Signature

Authorised by Marc Thomas Marc Thomas

Signature

Project number 70034788 70034788

Report number 70034788_ES03 70034788_ES03

File reference LFB_Environmental_ Statement_Vol3_NTS_v0

LFB_Environmental_ Statement_Vol3_NTS_v1

LLANFOIST TO ABERGAVENNY FOOTBRIDGE WSP Project No.: 70034788 | Our Ref No.: 70034788_ES03 February 2018 Monmouthshire County Council

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 WHAT IS THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT LIKE IN AND AROUND THE SITE2

3 THE PROPOSED SCHEME 4

4 THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME 6

5 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? 11

FIGURES Figure 1 Site Location 2

Figure 2 Environmental Designations 3

Figure 3 Other Developments Considered 10

LLANFOIST TO ABERGAVENNY FOOTBRIDGE WSP Project No.: 70034788 | Our Ref No.: 70034788_ES03 February 2018 Monmouthshire County Council Page 1 of 11

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW 1.1.1. Monmouthshire County Council (‘the Applicant’) is seeking to obtain detailed planning permission for the

construction and operation of a new footbridge over the River Usk between Llanfoist and Abergavenny, approximately 100m downstream of the existing Abergavenny Bridge. The Proposed Scheme will comprise a new cycle and pedestrian footbridge spanning approximately 60m across the River Usk, and will include the provision of earthwork ramps to cater for disabled access, provision of a new footpath link and enhancement of an existing footpath.

1.1.2. As part of the planning process, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been completed to understand the likely significant environmental effects that the Proposed Scheme may have on the surrounding environment and residents during construction and once complete (i.e. once it is operational).

1.2 WHAT IS EIA? 1.2.1. EIA is a process that identifies the key environmental effects of a development and suggests ways that these

effects can be avoided, reduced or managed. It is a requirement of UK law for certain developments that are likely to cause significant environmental effects. The findings of this process are reported within an Environmental Statement (ES) submitted to the local planning authority, which in this case is the Planning Department at Monmouthshire County Council (MCC). The ES will be available online via the MCC Planning Portal website for anyone to view.

1.3 WHAT IS A NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY? 1.3.1. The full results of the EIA (inclusive of methodologies of assessment, existing information and the outputs of

the technical assessments) are available in the ES (for which there are three volumes). The findings are then summarised and presented in this Non-Technical Summary (Volume 3).

1.3.2. In addition to the ES, a number of other application documents have also been submitted to MCC, including a Planning Statement and Flood Consequence Assessment. Where appropriate, these are referred to within the ES.

1.3.3. This document is presented as a series of key questions and answers regarding the Proposed Scheme. This document aims to explain how identified environmental issues will be addressed by the Applicant during the construction of the Proposed Scheme and once it is completed. A greater level of detail is available in Volume 1: Main Text and Figures which is also supported by technical reports in Volume 2: Technical Appendices.

WSP LLANFOIST TO ABERGAVENNY FOOTBRIDGE February 2018 Project No.: 70034788 | Our Ref No.: 70034788_ES03 Page 2 of 11 Monmouthshire County Council

2 WHAT IS THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT LIKE IN AND AROUND THE SITE

2.1 WHERE IS THE SITE? 2.1.1. The Site is located over the River Usk and its banks between the village of Llanfoist and town of Abergavenny

in Monmouthshire, Wales. It is approximately 100m downstream of the existing Abergavenny Bridge.

2.1.2. The Site covers an area of 1.29 hectares. The area of temporary construction works is shown by the blue line on Figure 1 below. The red line shows the completed extent of the footbridge and its earthworks.

Figure 1 Site Location

2.2 WHAT IS THE SITE CURRENTLY USED FOR? 2.2.1. The Site includes land within and over the River Usk and its floodplain. The River Usk is designated as a Main

River by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and has a number of important environmental designations (see Section 2.4).

2.2.2. North of the River Usk, the Site comprises an area within Castle Meadows, an area of community greenspace between the town of Abergavenny and the River Usk. National Cycle Route (NR46) (also a Public Right of Way) runs through the Site along the northern bank of the River Usk. A further Public Right of Way (PRoW) crosses through the Site from the A4143 to Linda Vista Gardens.

2.2.3. South of the River Usk, the Site comprises an area of grassland and riverside vegetation between the River Usk and The Bridge Inn Public House beer garden, and Bridge Cottages.


2.3 WHAT ARE THE SURROUNDING LAND USES? 2.3.1. To the north is the town of Abergavenny, with the town centre approximately 700m north of the river beyond

Castle Meadows and Linda Vista Gardens. To the south is Llanfoist, including residential and commercial land uses both north and south of the A465. To the west, the A4143 Merthyr Road crosses the River Usk approximately 100m upstream of the Site. To the east, Castle Meadows continues alongside the River Usk.

2.4 WHAT ARE THE SURROUNDING DESIGNATIONS? 2.4.1. The River Usk is designated as a Main River by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).The River is also

designated for nature conservation as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the habitats and species present.

2.4.2. Castle Meadows, within which the Site is located, is designated in local planning policy as an Area of Amenity Importance, in relation to its importance as an area of green infrastructure offering social, environmental and economic benefits.

2.4.3. The Site is also located entirely within Abergavenny Conservation Area. Furthermore, within the surrounding area are several designated heritage sites. This includes the existing Abergavenny Bridge, a scheduled monument and Grade II* listed building located approximately 100m upstream of the Proposed Scheme. North of the Site and Castle Meadows is Linda Vista Gardens (a Grade II listed historic park and garden), Abergavenny Castle (a scheduled monument and Grade II listed historic park and garden) and the buried remains and earthworks of the Roman fort of Gobannium (a designated scheduled monument). Llanfoist New Cemetery to the south-west of the Site is a Grade II historic park and garden. Several other listed buildings are located within Abergavenny and Llanfoist.

2.4.4. In the wider landscape, the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site lies approximately 800m to the south-west of the Site and the Brecon Beacons National Park approximately 700m to the west of the Site.

2.4.5. Environmental designations within proximity of the Site are illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Environmental Designations


3 THE PROPOSED SCHEME

3.1 WHAT IS THE PROPOSED SCHEME? 3.1.1. The Proposed Scheme will comprise a new cycle and pedestrian footbridge across the River Usk, and will

include the provision of earthwork ramps to cater for disabled access and provision of a new footpath link as well as enhancement of an existing footpath.

3.1.2. The proposed bridge will span 60.4m across the River Usk and carry a 3m wide combined footway and cycleway. The side-walls of the bridge will consist of timber beams covered with external rain-screen timber cladding. Timber shingles used for the cladding will be from a locally (British) sourced species. This cladding will be arranged in a diamond pattern on the exterior face and vertical pattern on the interior face to create the closed side-walls. This pattern has been designed to reduce the visual impact of the bridge; a quality that will be enhanced as each timber shingle weathers with subtle differences over time. With a stainless steel parapet fitted to the top, the side-walls will be up to a height of 1.4m. The deck of the bridge will be timber with an anti-slip surface fitted. The bridge will not be lit. A cow gate / cattle grid will be fitted on the northern entrance of the bridge and a heavy duty bollard at the southern entrance to prevent the access of motor vehicles.

3.1.3. The bridge will be supported by earthwork abutments on both banks and a central ‘Y’ shaped pier which will be located in the shingle bar within the river channel, outside of the usual course of the river.

3.1.4. Earthworks will raise the ground level at either end of the bridge up approximately 2.5m in order to raise the bridge out of the usual water level of the floodplain. The earthwork access ramps will run parallel to the river and be a gradient of 1 in 20. Steeper side slopes (approximately 1 in 2 gradient) will have native riverside vegetation planted.

3.1.5. In order to improve access to the bridge from Abergavenny across Castle Meadows, a new permanent footpath 100m long and 3m wide will be constructed from the existing Castle Meadows access gate on Merthyr Road to the existing footpath along the northern bank of the River Usk. This existing footpath (and National Cycle Route) will also be widened and resurfaced.

3.1.6. The height of the bridge has been designed to be above usual flood levels (with a consideration of climate change). However, the bridge will not be accessible during severe flood events.

3.2 WHAT WILL THE CONSTRUCTION STAGE INVOLVE? 3.2.1. Construction is anticipated to commence in Spring 2018 and complete in Summer / Autum 2018. During this

time areas within the Site will be fenced off to the public and the footpaths and National Cycle Route within the Site will be temporarily diverted.

3.2.2. Once the Site is fenced off, a construction compound will be established and working areas cleared. This will require the removal of two trees and two small groups of trees, which have been assessed as being of low quality. All other trees will be retained and where necessary protected.

3.2.3. The scheme will require some Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to deliver timber, steelwork and construction equipment. However this is anticipated to only require a low number of infrequent trips. Construction access to the Site for HGVs and the contractors will be from Merthyr Road north of the Site, and from the access on the south bank adjacent to The Bridge Inn.

3.2.4. Various construction vehicles and equipment will be present within the Site during the construction phase. This will include cranes, which are required to lift the bridge in to place. In order to construct the foundations of the central pier, some vehicles and equipment will be located within the river channel on the shingle bank at certain stages of construction.

3.2.5. On both banks of the river the ground level will be raised approximately 2.5m for construction of the earthwork access ramps. Piling will be undertaken at each bank to provide the foundations of the footbridge abutments.

3.2.6. The foundations of the central pier located in the shingle bar will consist of a caisson; a watertight retaining structure which will be infilled with concrete. Material within the caisson will be removed and water displaced by the concrete will be collected and discharged away from the river. Other measures to prevent pollution during the construction of pier will include the use of bunding and silt barriers.


3.2.7. Once the pier base and abutments have been constructed, cranes will be used to lift the pier and then bridge segments in to place. Once all segments are secured, work will be undertaken to fix the cladding and construct other features such as the cattle grid, embankment planting and footpaths.

3.2.8. Working hours for construction will be from 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays, with no work anticipated on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

3.3 HOW HAS THE DESIGN CONSIDERED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES?

3.3.1. The design of the Proposed Scheme has taken into account the existing environment and incorporates a number of measures to minimise the environmental effects.

3.3.2. An extensive process of option appraisal and consultation has been undertaken to inform the chosen location of the Proposed Scheme; this process included the consideration of environmental constraints and opportunities throughout. The chosen location avoids impacts to ancient woodland further downstream, and the presence of a shingle bar allows the construction of a lower bridge with a reduced visual impact. Furthermore, at this location, the bridge is on the best route for people movement between Abergavenny and Llanfoist.

3.3.3. The bridge has been designed at a low height, in order to reduce the visual impact of the Proposed Scheme. In order to construct the bridge above the flood level access ramps rising to approximately 6 to 8m would have been required; this option was ruled out because of the significant visual impact of such an option.

3.3.4. Timber cladding has been chosen as the external material of the bridge because of its natural appearance and therefore reduced visual impact.

3.3.5. Various piling methodologies were considered for the foundations of the piers. The caisson method was chosen as it produces little, if any, vibration and as such has a negligible impact on biodiversity.

3.3.6. A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) has been developed for the Proposed Scheme and includes mitigation measures to minimise construction noise, vibration, air quality emissions, dust, lighting and control activities on-site to prevent pollution events. The CEMP will be developed further ahead of construction work starting on site.

3.4 WHEN WILL IT BE BUILT? 3.4.1. Construction is anticipated to commence in Spring 2018 and be completed in Summer / Autumn 2018.

3.5 WHO HAVE THE PROJECT TEAM CONSULTED? 3.5.1. In line with the EIA regulations, an EIA Scoping Report was submitted to MCC in October 2017 to establish

the proposed approach and scope of what would be considered as part of the EIA. This was issued to relevant departments within MCC as well as external consultees to get their feedback.

3.5.2. There has also been ongoing engagement with statutory consultees throughout the design and planning process, including but not limited to MCC, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and D r Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW). We have also had discussions with other consultees to obtain their views and feedback on the proposals, including Cadw, Abergavenny Town Council, Llanfoist Fawr Community Council and others.

3.5.3. A public consultation event was held in September 2016 to inform the public and key stakeholders and to seek views on the design and location of the bridge. A public consultation information leaflet was also distributed, which contained an overview of the environmental constraints and potential impacts.

3.5.4. Furthermore, a stakeholder meeting was held in November 2016, where the scheme options at the time were presented and key issues relating to these discussed.

3.5.5. A further public consultation event was held in Llanfoist Village Hall on 8 January 2018. This sought views from key stakeholders and members of the public on the chosen location of the bridge, the engineering options and its appearance. 75 copies of the questionnaires provided to attendees were completed, of which 61 supported the proposal, eight did not and six were unsure. Immediately following the event, a meeting was held for those residents directly affected by changes in flood risk in the locality of the Proposed Scheme.

3.5.6. As a result of feedback provided at this final public engagement event, a new footpath link through Castle Meadows has been incorporated in to the scheme design.


4 THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME

4.1 HAVE CHANGES TO THE LANDSCAPE AND VIEWS BEEN CONSIDERED?

4.1.1. Yes. An assessment of effects on landscape character and views has been undertaken in line with relevant guidance. This included a desktop study and site surveys to fully understand the existing conditions and to inform the assessment.

4.1.2. The character of the landscape within the Site and surrounding area will be changed as a result of construction activities such as earthwork construction, the presence of equipment including cranes and vehicles and the removal of vegetation. These will create additional visual and noise intrusion in the landscape. Construction activity will be highly noticeable, interrupting views of nearby properties and users of Castle Meadows and Abergavenny Bridge. However, these landscape and visual impacts would only be temporary, lasting until the construction phase is complete.

4.1.3. Once the Proposed Scheme is complete, the landscape character and views will change. The introduction of a new structure across the River Usk will be a change to the existing open, natural character of the local landscape. However, the bridge sits at 3.5m above the existing ground level, so can be considered a small scale structure in the wider landscape. Furthermore, the landform and vegetation in the surrounding area will likely interrupt any medium or long distance views. As such, no negative impacts on the landscape character or views of the National Park are anticipated.

4.1.4. Planting proposed on the earthwork ramps as part of the Proposed Scheme will aid integration of the bridge into the landscape. The proposed bridge will however be prominent in certain views, notably from the southern edge of Llanfoist, from the existing Abergavenny Bridge and across Castle Meadows.

4.2 THERE ARE SCHEDULED MONUMENTS, HISTORIC PARKS AND GARDENS AND OTHER HERITAGE ASSETS IN THE AREA, ARE THESE GOING TO BE AFFECTED?

4.2.1. At the outset, it was recognised that there are heritage sensitivities in the area surrounding the Site. Through consultation with Cadw, the Welsh Government’s Historic Environment Service, five heritage assets in the nearby area were considered to be potentially sensitive to changes in their setting (e.g. how they are seen and appreciated). These are: Abergavenny Bridge, Abergavenny Castle, Linda Vista Park and Gardens (and Castle Meadows by association), remains of the Gobannium Roman Fort and Llanfoist New Cemetery. An assessment was therefore undertaken to better understand the value of these assets, how the site of the Proposed Scheme contributes to their setting and what effect the scheme may have. No heritage assets will be physically affected by the scheme (i.e. no alterations will be made to Abergavenny Bridge).

4.2.2. Construction of the Proposed Scheme (i.e. the presence of equipment and temporary fencing off of areas of Castle Meadows) will have a temporary negative effect on the setting of the heritage assets identified above. However this will only be on a short-term basis.

4.2.3. Once operational, the Proposed Scheme is anticipated to slightly degrade the setting of the heritage assets assessed although is not anticipated to prevent the appreciation of the historic characteristics of these assets.

4.3 HAS BURIED ARCHAEOLOGY BEEN CONSIDERED? 4.3.1. Yes. Desk-based study identified no known heritage features within the Site. Due to the nature of the Site as a

floodplain, it is believed that historic activity (e.g. settlement) within the Site was limited. Furthermore, any archaeological remains would undoubtedly have been removed or eroded by frequent flood waters. As such, it is considered the potential for buried archaeological remains to be present is low and no further action will be taken.

4.4 WHAT EFFECT WILL THE SCHEME HAVE ON FISH SPECIES WITHIN THE RIVER USK?

4.4.1. The River Usk is designated for several fish species, including Atlantic salmon and shad. The area of the River within the Site is composed of habitat that does not generally support high densities of these fish species


during sensitive life stages such as spawning. However, the area does provide important resting habitat for adult salmon and sea trout and important habitat types were identified both upstream and downstream of the Site.

4.4.2. During construction, several elements of the scheme have the potential to have an adverse effect on fish species. This includes visual, noise and vibration disturbance, pollution contamination incidents such as the release of silts and sediments from plant movement and temporary land take as a result of the pier construction and associated access.

4.4.3. Various mitigation measures will therefore be implemented to minimise any effect on fish species during construction. This includes undertaking the pier construction works in the summer months, from 1 July to 30 September inclusive, in order to avoid migrations. The chosen method for the central pier foundations is a caisson; this method produces little or no vibration and therefore has a much reduced impact on fish populations compared to piling methods. Other mitigation measures will include sediment traps and bunds and water quality monitoring.

4.4.4. During operation, the new footbridge has the potential to shade the River underneath. Changes in flow hydrology are also possible. However, considering the size of the river area which could be shaded (0.02ha) and the slender design of the pier which has minimal impedance to water flow, no significant effects are anticipated.

4.5 WHAT EFFECT WILL THE SCHEME HAVE ON OTHER SPECIES AND HABITATS WITHIN THE RIVER USK AND SURROUNDING AREA?

4.5.1. Ecological studies, including both surveys and desk-based research, have identified the habitats and species potentially present within the River Usk and its surroundings.

4.5.2. No otter holts were found, although surveys did find evidence that suggests otter use the river for foraging and commuting. As such, the construction works will be carried out in accordance with a Method Statement to raise awareness of otter presence in the area. This will include measures such as a pre-construction survey by an ecologist to re-assess otter presence within the Site.

4.5.3. Trees with the potential for bat roosts are present within the Site, as well as other habitat suitable for foraging and commuting. Further surveys will be conducted to determine whether bats are roosting in those trees that will be affected, and further action taken to mitigate any impact if necessary. The design of the Proposed Scheme avoids the use of lighting and does not sever any bat commuting routes. As such, no adverse impacts are anticipated.

4.5.4. Surveys and desk-based research also considered the potential for the Site to support badger, dormouse, water vole, breeding birds, reptiles, great crested newt, white clawed crayfish and freshwater pearl mussel. Considering the findings of these surveys, the habitats present and other factors, it was determined that these species will not be affected by the Proposed Scheme and therefore were not considered further.

4.5.5. Invasive non-native plant species are present within the Site. An Invasive Species Management Plan will be implemented and biosecurity measures put in place to avoid the spread of invasive non-native plant species, crayfish plague, carried by the American signal crayfish, and other water-borne pathogens and invasive non-native species.

4.6 HOW WILL THE SCHEME CHANGE THE RIVER USK? 4.6.1. During construction, there is the potential for sediment to be transported from the Site in to the river within

surface runoff. Construction of the pier also has the potential to cause sedimentation. Increased sediment levels in the river could have adverse effects on the ecology of the river. Mitigation measures will be implemented to minimise effects relating to sedimentation. This will include sediment traps, temporary bunds, cut off ditches and the treatment of water removed from the caisson used in pier construction. Material stockpiles will also be located within areas of higher ground within the Site that are not flooded during more common flood events. As such, the levels of sediment in the river are not anticipated to increase significantly as a result of construction of the scheme.

4.6.2. Concrete spillages, movement of rocks and shingle into the channel, and any sedimentation have the potential to change the bed morphology and flow regime of the river. Works in the channel are temporary, short-term in duration, and located outside the normal water levels of the river. In order to further minimise the risk of debris


entering the watercourse however, the CEMP and appropriate Method Statements will include measures to control materials and waste. Therefore, construction is not anticipated to change the channel of the River Usk.

4.6.3. Once constructed, the pier located within the channel has the potential to alter the water flow and associated erosion and deposition processes of the river. However, due to the location of the pier on the shingle bar (as opposed to within the ‘normal flow’ river channel) and existing bank protection opposite the shingle bank, the scheme is not anticipated to change the river channel.

4.7 WHAT ABOUT CONTAMINATION OF THE RIVER USK? 4.7.1. A detailed assessment of contamination has been undertaken as part of the ES. It was identified that there is a

risk that spillages or fuels and other harmful substances may occur and pollute the River Usk, and that the pouring of concrete within close proximity to the river channel also poses a pollution risk. Considering the location of works within the floodplain, there is also the potential for a flood event to result in contamination of the River Usk.

4.7.2. Various measures will be implemented to reduce the likelihood and impact of pollution on the River Usk. Work will be undertaken in accordance with the CEMP, which includes construction site management practices to minimise the risk of accidental spills. Detailed Method Statements will also be used. This will include details of how the concrete will be poured in to a caisson for construction of the pier to prevent contamination. Water displaced from the caisson will be monitored and further treatment provided if necessary before the water is discharged to the River Usk. Method Statements will also include procedures for securing the Site and construction equipment before a flood event.

4.8 WILL THE SCHEME CAUSE AN INCREASE IN FLOOD RISK WITHIN THE SITE AND SURROUNDING AREA?

4.8.1. During construction, the presence of equipment within the river channel and floodplain during a flood event would result in changes to flood flows and floodplain storage, which could lead to an increased flood risk to properties and people elsewhere as well as a risk to construction workers and equipment. A Flood Management Plan will be developed and implemented and the Met Office and Natural Resources Wales’ Flood Warning service will be used to ensure no equipment is located in the flood channel during flood events. Site offices and stockpiles will also be located on higher ground that is above the level of the most common floods. The floodplain storage that would be lost because of construction activities is also negligible compared to the volume of water that the floodplain can store. As such, construction activities are anticipated to cause a negligible increase in flood risk.

4.8.2. Once operational, the pier will be located within the river channel and the earthwork ramps located within the floodplain. These structures will cause a minor change in flood flows and reduce floodplain storage, resulting in the displacement of flood waters. Hydraulic modelling indicates this will marginally increase flood risk to adjacent properties within the existing floodplain. The maximum increase would be approximately 100mm (at the Bridge Inn) in a 1 in 1000 year flood event (a flood event that would be predicted only to happen once in every 1000 years). The impact reduces with distance from the Proposed Bridge. No additional properties will be impacted that are not currently impacted, and the hazard rating to properties that are currently at risk will not change.

4.9 IS THE GROUND BEING DISTURBED BY THE SCHEME CONTAMINATED? IS THERE ANY RISK TO PEOPLE OR THE ENVIRONMENT?

4.9.1. A targeted ground investigation has been undertaken to identify whether any contamination is present. As well as natural soils, the ground was found to contain made ground (i.e. artificial ground modified by human activity) including potential blast furnace waste.

4.9.2. Samples of the natural soils and made ground were taken and tested in a laboratory for any contaminants against relevant assessment criteria. No concentrations of contaminants exceeded these criteria and therefore the risk from contamination to people and the environment, including the River Usk and groundwater, is considered low.

4.9.3. In order to further ensure any risks from contamination are minimised, construction activities will be in accordance with the CEMP. As well as best practice safety procedures, this will include a watching brief for


contamination. The CEMP will detail measures to be followed if any contamination is identified during construction.

4.10 WILL ACCESS TO CASTLE MEADOWS BE RESTRICTED DURING CONSTRUCTION?

4.10.1. During construction, certain areas of Castle Meadows required for construction activities (including a construction compound) will be fenced off. The public will not be able to access these areas during the construction phase. The two Public Rights of Way footpaths and National Cycle Route running through the Site will need to be closed and diverted during construction. Alternative routes will be clearly signposted.

4.11 ONCE COMPLETED, WHAT EFFECT WILL THE SCHEME HAVE ON ACCESS AND RECREATION?

4.11.1. The Proposed Scheme, once completed, will provide a new route across the River Usk and provide enhanced public routes within Castle Meadows that will connect into the surrounding network of public rights of way and cycle routes. Journeys by foot and bicycle over the new footbridge will be a more pleasant experience than via the existing narrow footway on the existing Abergavenny Bridge. The footbridge will not reduce the area of Castle Meadows available for recreational and community uses. Therefore it is considered that the Proposed Scheme will have a positive effect on access and recreation.

4.12 HAVE ALL THE DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS FROM THE PROPOSED SCHEME BEEN CONSIDERED TOGETHER?

4.12.1. Yes. Different environmental effects from the Proposed Scheme happening at once are likely to occur concurrently during the construction and operation phases. Those likely to be affected are the River Usk, nearby residential properties and users of public rights of way and Castle Meadows. Based on the assessment undertaken, no further mitigation is proposed.

4.13 HAVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER PROJECTS IN THE AREA BEEN CONSIDERED?

4.13.1. Yes. In accordance with the relevant legislation, a comprehensive assessment of the Proposed Scheme and other projects has been undertaken within the ES.

4.13.2. Three projects were identified that met the criteria for consideration. These criteria included projects having a concurrent construction or operational phase with the Proposed Scheme and being within a relevant geographical area for environmental effects. The assessment has included consideration of:

Improvements to Llanfoist Waste Water Treatment Works; Development of up to 120 residential dwellings at Grove Farm, Llanfoist; and Renovation and extension of the Faccenda Foods Factory, Abergavenny.

4.13.3. The location of these developments is shown on Figure 3.

4.13.4. Where there is the possibility for one or more effect to a single receptor this is referred to as an in-combination effect. No in-combination effects are considered likely in relation to biodiversity, water environment and flood risk, ground conditions and contamination or access and recreation.

4.13.5. It was identified that some viewpoints and heritage features may have visibility of the Proposed Scheme and one or more of the developments listed above. Although there is the potential for intervisibility of the scheme and other developments, the large amount of intervening built form and vegetation limits the likelihood or extent of any views.

4.13.6. It was also identified that the combined scale of change in relation to local landscape character may be greater as a result of several projects in-combination.


Figure 3 Other Developments Considered


5 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? 5.1.1. The ES has been submitted to the MCC planning department to assist council officers and councillors to make

a decision on the planning application. During this period of determination, MCC will continue to contact government bodies and agencies for advice on the information presented within the ES.

5.1.2. The full ES will be available to view online in MCC’s Planning Portal. Members of the general public will have the opportunity to make comments on the application during the determination period. The feedback from these discussions will be taken into consideration by MCC in reaching their decision.

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Monmouthshire County Council - IEMA to Abergavenny Foot… · Figure 1 Site Location 2 Figure 2 Environmental Designations 3 Figure 3 Other Developments Considered 10. LLANFOIST TO

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