Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut - Surrey Heath · 2018-06-29 · conservation site), the Basingstoke Canal (a conservation area, which relates to its historic value and a nationally

Princess Royal Barracks,Deepcut

Environmental Statement Volume 1:Non Technical Summary

October 2012

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Contents

1. Non-Technical Summary 1

1.1 What is proposed and what is the purpose of the Environmental Statement? 1

1.2 Why is the proposed development required? 1 1.3 What is at the Site and in the surrounding area at the

moment? 2 1.4 What does the proposed development comprise? 3 1.5 What does the Environmental Impact Assessment process

involve? 4 1.6 What are the likely predicted significant effects of the

proposed development? 5 1.7 What happens next? 15 1.8 Where can more information be found? 15

Figure NTS 1 Site Location Plan After Page 16 Figure NTS 2 Indicative Masterplan After Page 16 Figure NTS 3 Proposed Land Uses After Page 16 Figure NTS 4 Features at the Site and in the surrounding area After Page 16 Figure NTS 5 Receptors significantly affected by changes in views After Page 16

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1. Non-Technical Summary

1.1 What is proposed and what is the purpose of the Environmental Statement?

1.1.1 The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is applying for planning consent to

redevelop land at Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut in Surrey (see the Site Location

Plan in Figure NTS 1). The planning application for this proposed development is

accompanied by an Environmental Statement, as required under The Town and

Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (SI 1824)

(the ‘EIA Regulations’). The preparation of this Environmental Statement, which has

been undertaken by AMEC E&I UK Ltd., forms part of the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) for the proposed development.

1.1.2 This report is the non-technical summary of the Environmental Statement. It

summarises the content and conclusions of the Environmental Statement, to which

readers should refer for further information. The following sections of the non-

technical summary describe:

• the reasons why the proposed development is required;

• what land uses are at the Site at the moment;

• what the proposed development will comprise;

• the EIA process; and

• the likely significant effects of the proposed development.

1.2 Why is the proposed development required?

1.2.1 The Site is currently used by the MOD as the headquarters of the Royal Logistic

Corps of the British Army and the Defence School of Logistics. Following a national

review of Defence Training requirements the MOD has identified that the Site is

surplus to requirement. Therefore the MOD intends to release the Site for

redevelopment and move the activities and staff currently based at Deepcut to Worthy

Down Camp near Winchester, Hampshire. The Site is to be vacated from 2016

onwards.

1.2.2 DIO is applying for planning consent to redevelop the Site for mixed use

development, mostly comprising housing. Should planning consent be granted DIO

will then sell the Site to a developer who will then take forward the redevelopment of

the Site. Redeveloping the Site as residential development will assist in meeting the

future need for housing in the local area as identified through the Surrey Heath Core

Strategy and Development Management Plan 2011 to 2028.

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The alternatives considered

1.2.3 Once the decision was made to dispose of the Site consideration was given as to how

the proposed development should be laid out. The type and amount of development

within the Site was largely determined by guidance set out by Surrey Heath Borough

Council in a planning document (Deepcut Regulation 19 Supplementary Planning

Document). Several constraints are present within and around the Site such as the

Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area (an internationally important nature

conservation site), the Basingstoke Canal (a conservation area, which relates to its

historic value and a nationally important nature conservation site) and buildings within

the Site which are ‘buildings of merit’ because of their historic value and therefore the

decision was made to keep these buildings.

1.2.4 In addition, consultation has taken place with Surrey Heath Borough Council, other

organisations and members of the public and the feedback from this consultation has

informed the final layout of the proposed development. Issues raised and addressed

have included reducing the size of the supermarket to reduce the number of potential

customers and associated traffic flows, re-locating the allotments to avoid the loss of

woodland and a children’s play area, allowing a minimum distance between new

development and the canal, reducing the number of proposed houses around the

Sergeants Mess, reducing the number of houses in close proximity to Dettingen Park

and amending the drainage layout to reduce the number of trees lost.

1.2.5 The proposed masterplan (see Figure NTS 2) and land use plan (see Figure NTS 3)

show the final layout that was arrived at after considering these features and the

issues.

1.3 What is at the Site and in the surrounding area at the moment?

1.3.1 The Site is approximately 2.5km south of Frimley and 2.7km north-east of

Farnborough in Surrey and is mostly located to the east of Deepcut village. It

comprises three different areas.

• Officers Club and surrounding area (northern area): Within this part of the Site

there is publicly accessible heath and woodland as well as the Officers’ Club and

sports facilities.

• The Barracks (the main barracks area): This is the main part of the Site which

currently contains most of the buildings associated with the barracks as well parade

grounds, sports fields and parking areas. The buildings are used for training

purposes and include a full range of support services such as medical facilities,

church, gymnasium, accommodation, offices, messes, restaurant, library, and

workshops. Also within this part of the Site is St Barbaras Garrison Church which

is a Grade II Listed Building as well as several areas of woodland, some of which

is used for fitness and training by those currently based at the barracks.

• Bellew Road Sergeants Mess (western area): Located on the western side of

Deepcut Bridge Road this part of the site includes woodland, a sports field,

children’s playground and the Sergeants’ Mess.

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1.3.2 Within the area surrounding the Site there are residential properties within Deepcut

village, Dettingen Park and existing military family housing. Thames Basin Heaths

Special Protection Area lies immediately adjacent to part of the north-east boundary of

the Site. This internationally important nature conservation site is designated because

of the presence of rare ground nesting birds and covers heath, scrub and woodland

across parts of Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire and covers a total area of

approximately 8,300 hectares (ha). Adjacent to the south of the Site is the

Basingstoke Canal, which is a nationally important nature conservation site and a

Conservation Area. Much of the open land in the surrounding area, such as Pirbright

Common and Training Camp is used for military training activities. Public access is

restricted in these areas. Also to the north-west of the Site is Pine Ridge Golf Centre.

These land uses are shown on Figure NTS 4.

1.4 What does the proposed development comprise?

1.4.1 The proposed development is shown in Figure NTS 2 and the hybrid planning

application will comprise the following.

1.4.2 The hybrid application seeks full planning permission for:

• conversion of the Officers’ and Sergeants’ Messes and the Head Quarters of the

Director of Logistics to 81 flats (Class C3).

• creation of a new access, secondary road and new footpaths and cycle paths.

1.4.3 The hybrid application seeks outline planning permission for the proposed demolition

of all other buildings, except St Barbara’s Church and two existing dwellings

(Huntspiel Cottages), and residential-led redevelopment comprising 1,119 new

building and dwellings and the following.

• Construction of a new primary school and nursery facility.

• A village centre, which will include:

- a new foodstore; - space for medical facilities to accommodate five health care practitioners

(including three GPs); - space for a library, and other uses, such as a police desk and a visitor centre for

the open spaces included in the proposed development;

- three local shops (these might include non-food retail, café, takeaway,

bookmakers, estate agents or bank); - space for a public house with accommodation attached; and

- a replacement church hall (St Barbara’s Church will be kept as a religious

facility). • Provision of 68.98 hectares (this is the equivalent of approximately 690,000

squared metres) of public open space, which will include:

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- 36.07 hectares of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (this is open space

provided within the proposed development as an alternative to land with the

Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area, an internationally important

nature conservation site adjacent to the Site. The Suitable Alternative Natural

Greenspace is included in the development to discourage people living within

the new development using the wildlife site for recreation and therefore

avoiding effects on the wildlife site). - 19.85 hectares of publicly accessible semi-natural open space (known as

Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard).

- A village green of 2 hectares. - 1.16 hectares of allotments.

- A 7 hectare ‘sports hub’ which will include playing pitches and built facilities

(for example changing rooms). - Parkland of 2.4 hectares. - Dedicated play facilities for children (half a hectare), in addition to

neighbourhood facilities within new residential areas.

• Space for a residential care home.

• Highway improvements both on and off-site (these include upgrades to junctions

and signalisation schemes).

• Creation of new footpaths and cycle paths on and off-site.

• The provision of new services infrastructure, including a Sustainable Urban

Drainage System (SUDS) as well as utilities such as gas and electricity.

1.4.4 Should the Defence Infrastructure Organisation be successful in gaining planning

permission, the MOD will gradually vacate the Site and will have completely left the

Site by 2018. Meanwhile, some initial development will start in 2016 on those areas

of the Site no longer in use by the MOD. The construction of the proposed

development is estimated to take about eight years with an average construction rate

of 150 homes each year. The estimated completion date for construction work is early

2025. The proposed development would be phased so that those community facilities

which are needed to support the increase in the number of residents in Deepcut (for

example the primary school) are provided in the initial phases of the development to

avoid constraining existing services.

1.4.5 A more detailed description of the proposed development is provided in chapter 3 of

the Environmental Statement (Volume 2).

1.5 What does the Environmental Impact Assessment process involve?

1.5.1 Because of the nature of the development, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation

recognised that, given the scale of development proposed and the sensitivity of the

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surrounding environment an Environmental Impact Assessment was required under the EIA Regulations.

1.5.2 Environmental Impact Assessment is the process of identifying and assessing the likely significant effects, both positive and negative, from a proposed development. This involves identifying how people and the environment could be affected by the proposed development and incorporating measures within the development (often referred to as mitigation) to avoid, minimise or offset any significant negative effects. Nearly all development has an effect, but Environmental Impact Assessment process is about identifying whether these effects are likely to be significant or not.

1.5.3 The Environmental Statement is the report that sets out the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment. This Non-Technical Summary summarises the assessment and the conclusions as to whether the environmental effects of the proposed development are likely to be significant. Readers should refer to chapters 6 to 14 of the Environmental Statement (Volume 2 Main Report) and Volume 3 Appendices for more detailed technical information on the assessment, baseline information and methodologies which were used to assess the environmental effects of the proposed development.

1.6 What are the likely predicted significant effects of the proposed development?

Traffic and transport 1.6.1 Effects from changes in traffic flows on people (pedestrians, cyclists and drivers) have

been assessed by reviewing accident data, obtaining information about existing traffic flows and using modelling to predict future traffic flows for various roads around the Site as agreed with Surrey County Council. A separate Transport Assessment has assessed how traffic from the proposed development will affect the functioning of the transport network.

1.6.2 The proposed development will include several measures to improve both road access into the Site and road capacity in the surrounding area. A new spine road will run through the proposed development with the aim of relieving some traffic flows on Deepcut Bridge Road and measures will be put in place along Deepcut Bridge Road to make conditions safer for pedestrians and cyclists. New crossings will also be provided and (if local people agree) Bellew Road will be closed to through traffic reducing flows along Blackdown Road (access for people living along these roads would be maintained). Off-site there will be improvements to the M3 Junction 3 and other junctions in the surrounding area. Improved footpaths and cycleways to and along the Basingstoke Canal towpath will be provided and an existing route across the northern edge of the Frith Hill MOD Training Estate (to the west of the Site) will be opened up to the public to provide a pedestrian and cycle route to Tomlinscote School.

1.6.3 As a result of these measures pedestrians would be unlikely to experience significant negative effects in the form of severance (the ability to cross roads), delay (the time taken to cross roads), fear and intimidation or accidents. The proposed development

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would result in changes and increases in traffic flows on local roads, but not cause significant delays to road users. There are likely to be significant positive effects for those living along and using Bellew Road and Blackdown Road as the road traffic flows along this road would reduce.

1.6.4 Effects from construction traffic are also unlikely to be significant. The traffic data has shown that the amount of traffic associated with construction is likely to be lower than that from the development when it is fully occupied. Furthermore, at the moment there are HGVs (lorries) travelling to and from the Site in connection with the use of the Site by the MOD which are greater than the estimated number of HGVs which will travel to and from the Site during construction. Once the MOD moves out of the Site these HGV movements will no longer occur. This will help to reduce the amount of HGV traffic on local roads whilst the development is undergoing construction. Construction traffic will not be allowed to access the Site from the South and will be restricted to a specific route to the north. The timing of construction work and deliveries will also be restricted.

Air quality 1.6.5 Currently there are no sources of dust within or around the Site and air quality

pollutants are below the standards that have been set by Government in relation to the protection of human health. However, there are people and wildlife sites in close proximity to the areas where demolition and construction works would take place and in close proximity to those roads which could be affected by traffic travelling to and from the Site.

1.6.6 During demolition and construction, measures would be put in place to minimise and control the spread of dust. These measures would include covering or damping down material stockpiles, locating such stockpiles away from residential properties and installing wheel-washing facilities so that vehicles leaving the Site do not spread dust and mud onto local roads. With these measures in place local residents are unlikely to experience significant effects from dust.

1.6.7 Pollutants from exhaust emissions from the new traffic from the proposed development (including traffic associated with the construction process) would increase pollutant levels in the vicinity of the Site. However, pollutant levels are predicted to remain well below the standards that have been set by Government in relation to the protection of human health. Therefore the additional traffic from the proposed development would not have a significant effect on the air quality experienced by local residents or the new occupants of the proposed development.

Noise and vibration 1.6.8 Sources of noise within and around the Site at present include road traffic on the local

road network, aircraft for Farnborough Airport and firing noise associated with military training exercises. Sensitive receptors around the Site include local residents living adjacent to the Site and along local roads which could be affected by changes in road traffic flows.

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1.6.9 During construction, those people that currently live close to the Site could be affected by noise from construction activities. However, contractors would be restricted in the hours that they work and the noise assessment has defined a noise limit within which contractors would be required to operate. With these and other measures in place, noise from construction activities within the Site would be unlikely to result in significant disturbance to people living nearby. It is also unlikely that vibration generated during construction would cause a significant effect as the construction works programme would be designed to avoid piling close to any existing buildings, particularly houses. The assessment has shown that vibration effects on the Garrison church, a Grade II Listed Building, are also unlikely to be significant.

1.6.10 Noise would also be generated by traffic moving to and from the Site during the construction stage. The predicted increases in noise as a result of such traffic would be less than the three decibels that is needed to create a widely perceptible increase in road traffic noise. As a consequence, the effect on people of increased road traffic noise during construction would not be significant.

1.6.11 An assessment of the predicted percentage changes in traffic flows once the proposed development is occupied has shown that these are unlikely to be substantial enough to cause an increase in road traffic noise of more than one decibel and are therefore unlikely to result in an audible increase in noise levels. The effects on local people would therefore not be significant. Road traffic noise from HGVs (lorries) making deliveries to the foodstore is also unlikely to be significant. There are only likely to be about 3 deliveries each day.

1.6.12 There maybe plant (for example extractor fans) within some of the buildings within the proposed development, such as the pub. The foodstore is also likely to include refrigeration plant. The companies eventually operating these buildings will be required to comply with guidance set out in British Standards to ensure that noise such plant does not exceed the existing quietest background noise levels. With these and other measures in place noise effects on people living close to these buildings are unlikely to be significant.

1.6.13 The measurements of existing noise levels around the Site have been recorded when flights from Farnborough Airport and military training exercises have been taking place to see how these affect noise levels in the local area. Appropriate double glazing specifications will ensure that the internal noise environment within new residential properties, school and community buildings within the proposed development will meet government standards.

Community and socio-economics 1.6.14 The assessment has concluded that the proposed development would not have any

significant effects on existing local community facilities (or the people that use them) such as local schools and heath care centres. The proposed development will include a nursery for pre-school children and a primary school. These will meet the increased demand for school and nursery places created by the increased population in Deepcut. The developers will also be required to provide a financial contribution that would be used by organisations such as the Local Education Authority to extend and increase local secondary school services in order to address any shortage in secondary school

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places once the proposed development is fully occupied. The proposed development will also include space for a health centre which will include three GPs and two dentists and will meet the increased demand for primary health care services in Deepcut.

1.6.15 The proposed development will include several areas of open spaces which will be available to local people for recreational use. This will have a significant positive effect for the local ward but not for the whole borough (Surrey Heath).

1.6.16 The proposed development will provide market and affordable housing to assist in meeting local housing needs. This positive effect is likely to be significant for local people (across the ward) but not significant across the borough.

1.6.17 The construction of the proposed development is likely to create some new jobs, and increase spending on local services, which will have some benefits for the Borough’s economy. These positive effects are likely to be significant for the existing population in the local ward and the local economy but not significant across the borough.

1.6.18 The proposed development is likely to result in the creation of some jobs, associated with the school, heath centre, local shops, foodstore and pub. However, the number of jobs created will not be as great as the number of jobs at the Site at the moment. All military staff and most civilian staff will be relocated to Worthy Down Camp in Hampshire so the relocation or loss of jobs associated with the existing Site (some 580 jobs) is unlikely to have significant effects on local people. This change is however likely to have a significant negative effect on the local (ward) economy but this effect is unlikely to be significant across the borough.

1.6.19 The increased population within Deepcut, which will occur as a result of the proposed development level, will increase the supply of labour in the local area. Whilst this will have positive effects for the local economy and local businesses these effects are unlikely to be significant.

Historic environment 1.6.20 Within the Site, there is one Grade II listed building (Garrison Church of St Barbara).

This building will be kept as part of the proposed development and the effects on its setting are unlikely to be significant as the proposed development has been designed to minimise the changes to the Churches setting. A new park will be created around the grounds of the Church and existing planting and trees retained. There are a number of Grade II listed buildings within 2km of the Site, the closest of which is Deepcut Place located approximately 400m to the south of the Site. Effects on the setting of this listed building and others in the surrounding area as a result of the development of the Site are unlikely to be significant due to the intervening, topography and vegetation which will screen the Site from these buildings. Other than Basingstoke Canal conservation area (see below) there are no other designated heritage assets, such as World Heritage sites or scheduled monuments, within 2km.

1.6.21 Basingstoke Canal conservation area is next to the southern boundary of the Site. The setting of the Canal will not be affected by the proposed development. The woodland within the Site which forms part of the setting of the canal will remain in place and any new development will be a minimum of 75m from the top of the canal cutting.

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Given the topography of the canal (the canal is in a cutting) there will no changes to the setting of the canal and therefore no significant effects on the canal.

1.6.22 There are four historic buildings of merit within the Site (Officer’s Mess, Sergeants Mess, Headquarters of the Director of Logistics building and 41 Squadron Lines). The potential effects on these buildings will not be significant. Three of the buildings (Officer’s Mess, Sergeant’s Mess and Headquarters of the Director of Logistics building) will be kept as part of the proposed development and converted to residential use. Any internal changes that affect the fabric of the buildings in such a way that their heritage features may be harmed will be subject to an historic building assessment and recording programme. Residential development is proposed around the Sergeant’s Mess. This has been designed to minimise effects on the setting of this building. The 41 Squadron Lines buildings will be demolished. However, these buildings are of a type that is not unusual on military sites nationally and an historic building assessment and recording programme will be undertaken prior to their removal. With these measures in place effects are unlikely to be significant.

1.6.23 There are two known archaeological features within the Site. These are a Round Butt probable Bronze Age burial mound and the remains of the Bisley Camp Branch Railway Line. The status and condition of any remains that may survive of the ‘Round Butt’ probable Bronze Age barrow is not known. However, remains of the former burial mound are unlikely to survive following several phases of substantial redevelopment at the Site since the mid twentieth century. If any remains have survived, they are likely to be scattered and/or fragmentary. Therefore significant effects on this feature are unlikely.

1.6.24 The south of the Site between the southern boundary of the barracks and the Basingstoke Canal, are a group of features, visible on the surface, that relate to the former Bisley Camp Branch Railway Line. Although overgrown, many of the banks and earthworks from this feature survive well and the station platform is largely intact however key features such as the track (stored in a compound nearby) and buildings have been removed. Some of these features would remain in place as part of the development as they lie within areas of woodland which would be kept. Some features may need to be removed to accommodate features such as ponds for the new sustainable urban drainage system. Prior to removal of any features archaeological evaluation will take place. This will provide an opportunity to gain a better understanding of these features. With these measures in place significant effects are unlikely.

1.6.25 Further sub-surface archaeological remains are not thought to survive in any consistent form across the areas of the Site to be redeveloped as previous past ground disturbance by military activity and redevelopment of the Site over time is likely to have removed any such remains. However, prior to construction works taking place a programme of archaeological evaluation trenching that targets demonstrated or likely areas of archaeological potential within areas of the Site that will be subject to ground disturbance will be put in place. Therefore significant effects on unknown archaeological remains are unlikely.

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Landscape and visual

Landscape 1.6.26 The redevelopment of the military base will inevitably result in effects on the

landscape. Changes will occur to the land cover through some loss of vegetation, military recreational land and military buildings and infrastructure (including security fencing, roads, car parks, training facilities etc). Whilst many of the trees, woodland and open recreational areas will be kept as part of the proposed development, in consultation with Natural England and Surrey Heath Borough Council it has been agreed that an existing area of open space and hardstanding (i.e. concrete) in the south-eastern part of the Site be removed and planted with woodland to form a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace. This is open space of the right size and type provided within the proposed development as an alternative to land with the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area to discourage people living within the new development using the wildlife site for recreation and therefore avoiding effects on the wildlife site. Given this over-riding requirement, it has been necessary, in line with the Supplementary Planning Guidance prepared by Surrey Heath Borough Council to remove two areas of woodland in the south-west part of the Site and along Deepcut Bridge Road (about 9 hectares in total) in order to accommodate a new development of an appropriate size and scale which delivers the required infrastructure and facilities. Where possible, higher quality trees will be kept within the redevelopment of these areas and integrated into the housing layouts. The removal of this woodland will only be partly compensated for by tree and woodland planting and as its loss is permanent there will be significant negative effects on the local landscape.

1.6.27 The assessment has also considered effects on the wider landscape character within 3km of the Site. Areas of different landscape character have been identified based on the features present within the landscape. The Site lies within the Western Surrey landscape character area and the Pirbright and Bagshot landscape character sub-area.

1.6.28 The construction phase will bring about changes in landscape character through the removal of vegetation, recreational space and military development and the introduction of a new landscape character type across the site that is typical of many construction sites. These effects are considered to be negative although they will be temporary in nature and therefore effects on the wider landscape character will not be significant.

1.6.29 Once the development is complete, the replacement of military buildings and infrastructure with smaller buildings set within the existing landscape (trees and open spaces) will generate some beneficial effects. In addition, the development will represent an extension to the existing village of Deepcut, it will be similar in scale and type to settlements that are typical of the area, and it will retain its wooded character. However, the removal of woodland, tree cover and open areas combined with the increase in development across the site will, overall, result in adverse effects on wider landscape character. Whilst these changes will occur across a large area within the Site they will affect a small part of the defined landscape character areas and effects will not be significant.

1.6.30 There will be no significant effects on areas which have been designated because of their landscape quality (the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Views

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of the Site from areas of higher ground within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are limited by intervening woodland and tree cover and the distance which lie between the Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Visual 1.6.31 The assessment of effects on people’s views of the proposed development has

considered the extent to which the development can be viewed and the degree to which views would change. This includes views of residents, and users of roads, public open spaces, Public Rights of Way and informal paths (for example those within MOD land).

1.6.32 There are a limited number of people who will have views of the proposed development during either construction or operation due to the high number of trees and woodland within the edges of the Site (which will be kept as part of the proposed development) and the surrounding area.

1.6.33 The majority of significant effects resulting from the intrusion of construction activities upon peoples views are experienced by people located within close proximity to the site (often immediately adjacent). Construction activities and machinery will be present in the foreground of their views for the duration of the construction phase, often replacing existing views of woodland and/or tree cover and open space.

1.6.34 Once the proposed development is complete and occupied a number of people will have their existing views improved as a result of the removal of intrusive large scale military buildings and security fencing which will be replaced with smaller scale buildings set within a landscape of kept and newly planted trees that will screen and filter views. These include residents on the southern edge of Dettingen Park.

1.6.35 The views of some people will be adversely affected by the presence of the completed proposed development largely due to the removal of woodland, tree cover and open space from their view and its replacement with new built development. The retention of large areas of woodland and tree cover within the Site and surrounding area is a key factor in reducing the changes in these views. Significant effects will typically be experienced by a small number of people located within close proximity to the Site where vegetation and/or open space is removed. People likely to experience significant effects are shown in Figure NTS 5 and listed as follows:

• small number of residents on the northern edge of Dettingen Park;

• small number of residents within the southern part of Alma Gardens (off Canada Road, Malta Road and Union Road);

• small number of residents on the southern edge of Alma Gardens (off Newfoundland Road);

• small number of residents on the eastern edge of Deepcut Village (along Deepcut Bridge Road);

• two residents on Brunswick Road; and

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• users of the Alma Gardens recreational space.

1.6.36 Overall the redevelopment of this predominantly military base will result in a few detrimental landscape and visual effects and the potential for significant effects will be reduced by the large areas of woodland, trees and open space which will be kept within the Site (and particularly at its edges) and the maintenance of the wooded character typical of both the Site and Deepcut village.

Biodiversity 1.6.37 A desk study and surveys identified the following sites, habitats and species of nature

conservation importance occurring within the Site or close enough to it that they could be significantly affected by the proposed development: Thames Basin Heaths which is designated as a Special Protection Area (an internationally important nature conservation designation) and Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham Special Area of Conservation (also an internationally important nature conservation designation) both which are also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (a nationally important nature conservation designation); Basingstoke Canal Site of Special Scientific Interest; Deepcut Barracks North Site of Nature Conservation Importance (a locally important nature conservation site); Frith Hill and Richmond Hill Sites of Nature Conservation Importance; broadleaved woodland within the Site; roosting and foraging bats and reptiles.

1.6.38 The proposed development incorporates extensive areas of open space and woodland (known as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces). These spaces will provide places for recreation and dog-walking close to the proposed development to discourage the new residents from visiting the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area which is protected because of the presence of rare ground nesting birds. This will also help to reduce visitor pressures on the Frith Hill and Richmond Hill Site of Nature Conservation Importance. Therefore the effects on these wildlife sites are unlikely to be significant.

1.6.39 Best practice pollution prevention measures will be put in place during construction and the new development will include a sustainable urban drainage system which will control the amount and quality of water flowing into the Basingstoke Canal. Therefore effects on the biodiversity of the canal are unlikely to be significant.

1.6.40 Measures will be put in place to prevent significant effects on bats. Bats have been found to be roosting in three buildings (the Officer’s and Sergeant’s Messes, the Headquarters of the Director of Logistics Buildings) and all of these buildings are being kept as part of the development anyway. The work to convert these buildings into homes will be undertaken in accordance with a special licence which will control how this work takes place. Vegetation which bats fly over and use for foraging will also be kept as part of the proposed development. Measures will also be put in place to manage this vegetation in the long term and carefully designed lighting will also be put in place as part of the development.

1.6.41 Some small areas of habitat where reptiles may be present will be removed. Before this vegetation is removed reptiles will be trapped and moved to other suitable locations and therefore there will be no significant effects on reptiles.

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1.6.42 Many of the measures discussed above and in further detail in the Environmental Statement will be put in place through an Ecological Management Plan. This will increase opportunities for wildlife within the Site and help enhance Deepcut Barracks North Site of Nature Conservation Importance and ensure this sites long term management.

1.6.43 The development will result in the loss of woodland in the south-west part of the Site. Whilst the measures in the Ecological Management Plan will help enhance the wildlife in the Site, the loss of this woodland will have a significant negative effect on the conservation status of the woodland within the Site.

Water resources 1.6.44 There are no surface water features within the Site although the Basingstoke Canal is

next to the Sites southern boundary. During construction, measures would be implemented by the contractor to limit the likelihood of polluted run-off reaching surface and groundwater, for example by containing chemicals in a bunded area which would prevent any spillages escaping. The sustainable urban drainage system that would form part of the proposed development would also help minimise effects on water quality from surface water draining from the Site by allowing sediments to settle. As a consequence of these measures, significant effects on water quality are unlikely.

1.6.45 To avoid significant effects on the water flows into the Basingstoke Canal the proposed development will include a surface water management system that will ensure that water draining from the proposed development does not exceed the existing rates.

1.6.46 The pH (acidity) of the water in the Basingstoke Canal changes with more base-rich conditions in the west, to more acidic conditions in the east. These conditions also influence the wildlife present along the canal. To avoid effects on the chemical balance of the water the sustainable drainage system which will be provided as part of the proposed development will allow rainfall to settle prior to any surface water being discharged from the Site into the canal. Oil interceptors will also be put in place around the development where appropriate. The released water will have a pH similar to rainfall, which is more similar in character to the relatively acidic waters of the eastern reaches of the canal. Therefore significant effects on water quality including the pH balance of the canal are unlikely.

1.6.47 The Site itself is not a risk of flooding from surface watercourses (none are present within the Site) but redeveloping the Site and changing the amount of developed areas could have effects on the risk of flooding from water draining from the Site which in turn could affect existing residents in the surrounding area. The drainage system within the proposed development has been designed so that water draining off the Site will be no greater than existing runoff rates. The design of the system has also taken into account predicted increases in rainfall intensity as a result of climate change. The amount of hardstanding (i.e. areas of concreted surfaces or built development) within the proposed development will be 3% less than what is currently at the Site. Therefore the amount of water running off-site is likely to be less than existing. This and the design of the drainage system will ensure that effects are unlikely to be significant.

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Land quality 1.6.48 The construction works will be designed to ensure that soils are removed, stored and

protected so that the risk of contamination from construction activities is minimised, the physical characteristics of the soils, such as drainage properties, are maintained and soil erosion is avoided.

1.6.49 Desk-based studies and subsequent Site Investigations have confirmed that the Site is immediately underlain by Made Ground or Topsoil, in the majority of locations, which is underlain by geology comprising Plateau Gravel and/or Barton Sand Formation. The geology beneath the Site is classified as a Secondary Aquifer, resulting in a moderate sensitivity for the quality of any groundwater present. There is little potential risk from the proposed development to groundwater quality.

1.6.50 The studies have shown that where contamination is likely to be present at the Site it is localised and does not present risks across the Site as a whole. Prior to construction work taking place additional investigation of these areas will be undertaken (as well as more detailed investigation of any areas where housing development will take place) to identify appropriate detailed remediation measures. This contamination will be treated to ensure that the affected land is suitable for its end use. As a result of the various measures that have been adopted, there are not likely to be any significant effects in relation to land quality.

Conclusions 1.6.51 The assessment has shown that the following significant positive effects are likely.

• Reduction in traffic flows for local residents, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians along Bellew Road and Blackdown Road.

• Provision of open spaces for recreation (for local ward only).

• Provision of affordable housing (for local ward only).

• Creation of construction jobs (for local ward only).

1.6.52 The assessment has shown that the following significant negative effects are likely.

• Effects on the nature conservation status of the broadleaved woodland in the south-west part of the Site due to its removal as part of the proposed development.

• Effects on the character of the local landscape due to the loss of woodland within the Site.

• Effects on the views from a small number of properties on the northern edge of Dettingen Park, the southern part of Alma Gardens (off Canada Road, Malta Road and Union Road), the southern edge of Alma Gardens (off Newfoundland Road), the eastern edge of Deepcut Village (along Deepcut Bridge Road), two properties on Brunswick Road and from the recreational space at Alma Gardens due to the removal of woodland, tree cover and open space from their view and its replacement with new built development. These properties and those using some of the informal paths within the Site are also likely to experience a significant

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change in their views whilst construction work is taking place due to the presence of construction machinery and activities.

1.7 What happens next? 1.7.1 Prior to determining the planning application, the Council will seek advice from the

Environment Agency, Natural England and other organisations. Members of the public will also be able to comment on the planning application. The period for determining a planning application such as this is 16 weeks.

1.8 Where can more information be found? 1.8.1 The Environmental Statement can be viewed at the Surrey Heath Borough Council’s

offices:

Surrey Heath House Knoll Road Camberley

Surrey GU15 3HD

1.8.2 Or online at http://www.surreyheath.gov.uk/planning/planningapplications/default.htm

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Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. 100001776.

DefenceInfrastructureOrganisation

October 201222729-L834b.ai smitv

Deepcut Princess Royal BarracksEnvironmental StatementNon Technical Summary

Figure NTS3Indicative Land Use Plan

Key

Application site boundary

New housing

Primary school and nursery

New retail/pub

New church hall

Care home

Village green

SNCI boundary

Conversions (Separate application)

Infrastructure

ANGST

Sports hub

SANGS

SANGS link

Community allotments

Park400m0m

Scale 1:7500 @ A3

Total Site Area: 114.32 ha

Land Use Land Take (ha)

Community and Retail

New Retail/public house 1.15Primary School 2FE and nursery 2.00C2 residential home 1.27New church hall 0.01Infrastructure 0.22

Sub-total 4.65

Open Space

SANGS total 35.00ANGSt total 19.85SANGS link 1.07Community allotments 1.16

7.00Play area - MUGA, NEAP, gym 0.50Park and cemetery

2.54Village green 2.00

Sub-total 69.12

Residential Residential total (ha) 40.55 (including misc. roads, incidental open space, at 30 dph number of homes = Total 1200 inc. conversions)

Grand Total 114.32

Basingstoke Canal

Copyright © GetMapping 2012

Key

Application site boundary

Community Hall

Site access points

Deepcut Village Centre

SPAR store

Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area

DefenceInfrastructureOrganisation

The northern area

The main barracks area

The western area

July 201222729-L835.ai bernb


Figure NTS4Land Uses at the Site and Surrounding Area

400m0m

Scale 1:7500 @ A3

Existing MOD training estateExisting MOD training estate

PRINCESS ROYAL BARRACKS

PRINCESS ROYAL BARRACKS

Basingstoke Canal

Lake Road

Belle

w R

oad

Brunswick Road

Blackdown Road DEEPCUTDEEPCUT

Existing MOD training estateExisting MOD training estate

B301

5 De

epcu

t Brid

ge R

oad

(DBR

)

Minorca Road

Existing military housing


CHOBHAM RIDGES

CHOBHAM RIDGES



NewfoundlandRoad

Swor

dman

’s R

oad

Dettingen Park

Dettingen Park

Pine Ridge Golf CentrePine Ridge Golf Centre

2

1

3

21

3


Figure NTS5Visual Receptors Significantly Affected

July 201222729-L836.ai smitv

Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right [2012]. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100022467.

Key

Site boundary

Zone of Theoretical Visual Influence

Retained site vegetation

Study area vegetation

Visual Receptors with Significant Effects

Construction phase

Construction and operation phase

0 m 500 m

Scale 1:10,000 @ A3

91

3

2

5 7

8

6

4

Small number of residents on the northern part of Dettingen Park

Small number of residents located on the southern part of Alma Gardens (off Newfoundland Road).

Small number of residents located within the southern part of Alma Gardens (Canada Road, Malta Road and Union Road)

Small number of residents located on the southern edge of Dettingen Park (off Newfoundland Road)

Small number of residents located on the eastern edge of Deepcut village (to the south of North Minden House and to the north of the Garrison Church of St. Barbara)

Two residential properties on Brunswick Road

Users of the informal footpath on the northern edge of MOD woodland (to the north of the Minden Plateau)

Users of the informal footpath on the southern edge of MOD woodland (to the north of the Basingstoke Canal)

Users of Alma Gardens recreation space

Visual receptors with significant effects

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

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Documents

Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut - Surrey Heath · 2018-06-29 · conservation site), the Basingstoke Canal (a conservation area, which relates to its historic value and a nationally