Agricultural Land Classification - Planning Information · 2.4 Development Plan Policy ... 3...

Agricultural Land Classification:

West of A470, Deganwy, Conwy

Prepared for: Beech Development (NW) Ltd

Prepared by: R W Askew BSC(Hons) MSc MISoilSci CSci

Askew Land and Soil Ltd

Date: 23rd March 2017

Project Number: C533

Beech Developments (NW) Ltd.


Agricultural Land Classification

C533 Issue: 3 i Askew Land & Soil Ltd

Contract/Proposal No: C533

Issue: 3

Author: Rob Askew

Date: 23rd March 2017

Our interpretation of the site characteristics is based on available data made during our

desktop study and soil survey. This desktop study and soil survey has assessed the

characteristics of the site in relation to the assessment of its Agricultural Land

Classification. It should not be relied on for alternative end-uses or for other schemes. This

report has been prepared solely for the benefit of Beech Development (NW) Ltd. No

warranty is provided to any third party and no responsibility or liability will be accepted

for any loss or damage in the event that this report is relied upon by a third party or is used

in circumstances for which it was not originally intended.

Version Control Record

Issue Description of Status Date Initials

A First Draft 10/10/2015 RWA

1 First Issue 12/10/2015 RWA

2 Second Issue 20/03/2017 RWA

3 Third Issue 23/03/2017 RWA




C533 Issue: 3 ii Askew Land & Soil Ltd

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Background ....................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Structure of the Remainder of this Report ....................................................................... 2

2 PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK ........................................................................................ 3

2.1 Background ....................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Planning Policy Wales – Edition 8 – January 2016 ............................................................ 3

2.3 Technical Advice Note 6 – July 2010 ................................................................................. 3

2.4 Development Plan Policy................................................................................................... 3

2.5 Relevant Guidance ............................................................................................................ 3

3 AGRICULTURAL LAND CLASSIFICATION ................................................................................ 5

3.1 Background ....................................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Climate .............................................................................................................................. 5

3.3 Site ..................................................................................................................................... 6

3.4 Soil ..................................................................................................................................... 7

3.5 Interactive Limitations ...................................................................................................... 9

3.6 ALC Grading at the Site ................................................................................................... 10

4 LOCAL FARMING CIRCUMSTANCES .................................................................................... 12

4.1 Background ..................................................................................................................... 12

5 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ......................................................................................... 13

FIGURES

Figure 1: Site Location

Figure 2: Agricultural Land Classification

APPENDICES

Appendix A: IPSS Professional Competency Scheme Document 2 – Agricultural Land

Classification

Appendix B: Soil Profile Logs

Appendix C: Topsoil Particle Size Distribution (PSD)




C533 Issue: 3 1 Askew Land & Soil Ltd

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

1.1.1 This report was commissioned by Beech Development (NW) Ltd to determine the quality of

agricultural land at an approximately 2.5 ha site proposed for residential development,

directly north east of Llandudno Junction and 1.5 km to the east of Deganwy, Conwy (‘the

Site’). The assessment is made in accordance with the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)

system for England and Wales (see ‘Methodology’ below). A detailed description of the Site

is provided in Section 3.3.

1.2 Methodology

1.2.1 The work has been carried out by a Chartered Scientist, who is a Member of the Institute of

Professional Soil Scientists (IPSS). The IPSS is the chartered and professional body of the British

Society of Soil Science (BSSS). In addition, this ALC survey has been carried out by a soil

scientist who meets the requirements of the IPSS Professional Competency Scheme for ALC

(see IPSS PCSS Document 2 ‘Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales’, given as

Appendix A). The IPSS Professional Competency Scheme is endorsed, amongst others, by the

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Natural England, the Science

Council, and the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Management (IEMA) (see

Appendix A also).

1.2.2 This assessment is based upon the findings of a study of published information on climate,

geology and soil in combination with a soil investigation carried out in accordance with the

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) 1 ‘Agricultural Land Classification of England

and Wales: Revised Guidelines and Criteria for Grading the Quality of Agricultural Land’,

October, 1988 (henceforth referred to as the ‘the ALC Guidelines’).

1.2.3 The ALC system provides a framework for classifying land according to the extent to which its

physical or chemical characteristics impose long-term limitations on agricultural use. The ALC

system divides agricultural land into five grades (Grade 1 ‘Excellent’ to Grade 5 ‘Very Poor’),

with Grade 3 subdivided into Subgrade 3a ‘Good’ and Subgrade 3b ‘Moderate’. Agricultural

land classified as Grade 1, 2 and Subgrade 3a falls in the ‘best and most versatile’ category in

Paragraph 112 and Annex 2 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) of March 2012.

Further details of the ALC system and national planning policy implications are set out by

Natural England in its Technical Information Note 049, given as Appendix B, and in Section 2.0

of this report.

1 The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) was incorporated within the Department for Environment, Food

and Rural Affairs (Defra) in June 2001





1.2.4 A detailed ALC survey of the Site was completed on the 2nd September 2016. The detailed

survey involved examination of the soil’s physical properties at 3 locations, as shown on Figure

1.

1.2.5 The sample locations were located using a hand-held Garmin E-Trec Geographic Information

System (GIS) to enable the sample locations to be relocated for verification, if necessary.

1.2.6 The soil profile was examined at each sample location to a maximum depth of approximately

1.2 m by hand with the use of a 5 cm diameter Dutch (Edleman) soil auger.

1.2.7 The soil profile at each sample location was described using the ‘Soil Survey Field Handbook:

Describing and Sampling Soil Profiles’ (Ed. J.M. Hodgson, Cranfield University, 1997). Each soil

profile was ascribed an Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) grade following the MAFF ALC

Guidelines.

1.2.8 A sample of topsoil was collected at auger locations 1 and 2 and both samples were sent to an

accredited laboratory for particle size analysis, i.e. the proportions of sand, silt and clay. This

is to determine the definitive texture class of the topsoil, especially with regard to

distinguishing between medium clay loams (i.e. <27% clay), heavy clay loams (27% to 35%

clay) and clays (>35% clay).

1.3 Structure of the Remainder of this Report

1.3.1 The remainder of this report is structured as follows:

• Section 2 – Planning Policy Framework;

• Section 3 – Agricultural Land Classification;

- Climate;

- Site (Gradient, Micro-relief, Risk of Flooding);

- Soil (Geology, Soil Properties);

- Interactive Limitations (Soil Droughtiness, Soil Wetness);

- ALC Grading at the Site.

• Section 4 – Summary and Conclusions.





2 PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK

2.1 Background

2.1.1 This section of the report sets out the national and local planning framework in which to assess the opportunities and constraints to development at the Site in agricultural land quality terms.

2.2 Planning Policy Wales – Edition 8 – January 2016

2.2.1 National planning policy guidance on development involving agricultural land is set out in

edition 8 (January 2016) of the Planning Policy Wales document. The document includes

policy guidance on ‘Conserving the best and most versatile land’ which contains paragraph

4.10.1 which states:

‘In the case of agricultural land, land of grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Agricultural Land Classification system (ALC) is the best and most versatile, and should be conserved as a finite resource for the future. In development plan policies and development management decisions considerable weight should be given to protecting such land from development, because of its special importance. Land in grades 1, 2 and 3a should only be developed if there is an overriding need for the development, and either previously developed land or land in lower agricultural grades is unavailable, or available lower grade land has an environmental value recognised by a landscape, wildlife, historic or archaeological designation which outweighs the agricultural considerations. If land in grades 1, 2 or 3a does need to be developed, and there is a choice between sites of different grades, development should be directed to land of the lowest grade.’

2.3 Technical Advice Note 6 – July 2010

2.3.1 Planning policy regarding development involving agricultural land which is set out in Planning Policy Wales (July, 2014) is supplemented by Section 6.2 of Technical Advice Note (TAN) 6 ‘Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities’ (July, 2010).

2.4 Development Plan Policy

2.4.1 The Conwy Local Development Plan 2007-2022 was adopted in October 2013. Policy DP/4 –

Development Criteria states:

‘2. Planning permission will not be granted where the proposed development would have an

unacceptable adverse impact: …

h) On the best and most versatile agricultural land.’

2.5 Relevant Guidance





2.5.1 Soil quality is set out as indicator 36 out of 44 in the ‘Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015’2.

2.5.2 The Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water, Soil and Air for Wales was published in 20113. The Code of Good Agricultural Practice provides advice and guidance to minimise the risks of causing pollution. It also provides a reference source for the legal requirements for farmers and land managers with respect to air, soil and water, as well as references to related legal requirements such as planning, access and biodiversity.

2.5.3 A ‘Soil Action Plan for Wales’ was published for consultation in 20084. It sets out the main threats to soil in Wales, including significant direct effect of climate change on soil carbon and structure, and described how the ability to adapt to climate change impacts such as flooding and biodiversity changes depends heavily on soil management.

2 Welsh Government (2015). Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. Available online @

http://gov.wales/consultations/people-and-communities/future-generations-act-how-do-you-measure-a-nations-progress/?lang=en Last

viewed October 2016 3 Welsh Government (2011). Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water, Soil and Air for Wales. Available online @

http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingandcountryside/farming/codesofgoodagripractice/?lang=en 4 Welsh Government (2008). Soil Action Plan for Wales. Available online @

http://gov.wales/consultation/desh/2008/welshsoils/welshsoilscctionplan.pdf?lang=en Last viewed October 2016





3 AGRICULTURAL LAND CLASSIFICATION

3.1 Background

3.1.1 This section of the report sets out the findings of the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). It

is based on a desktop study of relevant published information on climate, topography,

geology, and soil in conjunction with a soil survey carried out on Site by a Chartered Soil

Scientist on 2nd September 2016 (see ‘Methodology’ above).

3.1.2 As described in the ALC Guidelines, the main physical factors influencing agricultural land

quality are:

• climate;

• site;

• soil; and

• interactive limitations.

3.1.2 These factors are considered in turn below.

3.2 Climate

3.2.1 Interpolated climate data relevant to the determination of the Agricultural Land Classification

(ALC) grade of land at the Site is given in Table 3.1 below.

Table 3.1: Interpolated ALC Climate Data for West of A470, Deganwy, Conwy

Climate Parameter National Grid Reference

SH 796 790

Average Altitude (m) 18

Average Annual Rainfall (mm) 788

Accumulated Temperature above 0˚C (January – June) 1456

Moisture Deficit (mm) Wheat 102

Moisture Deficit (mm) Potatoes 93

Field Capacity Days (FCD) 185

Best ALC Grade According to Climate Limitation 1

3.2.2 With reference to Figure 1 ‘Grade according to climate’ on page 6 of the ALC Guidelines, the

quality of agricultural land at the Site is not limited by overall climate, meaning that





agricultural land at the Site could be graded as high as Grade 1 in the absence of any other

limiting factor, i.e. site, soil, and/or interactive limitations (as described below).

3.2.3 The average annual rainfall at the Site (i.e. 788mm) is higher than the average of 150 FCD for

lowland Wales. Likewise, agricultural land at the Site is predicted to be at field capacity (i.e.

near saturation point) for 185 days per year, mainly over the late autumn, winter and early

spring. In combination with topsoil texture, this will cause an ‘interactive limitation’ to

agricultural land quality at the Site - namely soil wetness (see below).

3.2.4 The predicted soil moisture deficits (MD) for the two reference crops used for ALC (i.e. MD for

winter wheat is 102 mm, and the MD for maincrop potatoes is 93 mm). In combination with

lighter profile textures, higher stone content and poor subsoil structure, this may cause an

‘interactive’ soil droughtiness limitation.

3.3 Site

3.3.1 The approximately 2.5 ha Site comprises of one parcel of land and is located directly north

east of Llandudno Junction and 1.5 km to the east of Deganwy, Conwy, as shown on Figure 1.

It is centred at National Grid Reference SH 796 790. The Site is bordered to the east by the

A470, to the south by Marl Lane, to the west by residential land, and to the north by

agricultural land. At the time of the ALC survey the Site was under pasture grazed by sheep.

3.3.2 With regard to the ALC Guidelines, agricultural land quality can be limited by one or more of

three main site factors as follows:

• Gradient;

• Micro-relief (i.e. complex change in slope angle over short distances); and

• Risk of flooding.

I. Gradient and Micro-Relief

3.3.3 The Site lies on gently to moderately steeply sloping land, with elevation ranging from

approximately 25 metres (m) Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) at the highest point at the

northwest of the Site, to 13 m AOD at the lowest point at the south east of the Site.

3.3.4 Gradient has been assessed on Site with the use of an Abney Level, and Table 3.2 sets out the

criteria used in the ALC Guidelines for grading the quality of agricultural land according to

gradient (taken from Table 1 of the ALC Guidelines).

Table 3.2: ALC Guidelines for Grade According to Gradient

Grade/Subgrade Gradient Limits (Degrees)





Grade 1 7

Grade 2 7

Subgrade 3a 7

Subgrade 3b 11

Grade 4 18

Grade 5 >18

3.3.5 An area of the Site, adjacent to the eastern edge, has been assessed as having a slope angle

of 13, which limits the agricultural land by gradient to Grade 4 (re Table 1 of the ALC

Guidelines, as shown above).

3.3.6 Micro-relief, i.e. complex changes in slope angle and direction over short distances, does not

limit the grading of the agricultural land at the Site.

II. Risk of Flooding

3.3.7 From the Welsh Planning Flood Risk Map5, the entire Site is categorised as Flood Zone A (land

considered to be at little or no risk of flooding (<0.1%)). Combined with the Site investigation,

it is considered that the risk of flooding is not a limitation to agricultural land quality at this

Site in terms of Table 2 of the ALC Guidelines ‘Grade according to flood risk in summer’, and

Table 3 ‘Grade according to flood risk in winter’.

3.4 Soil

I. Geology/Soil Parent Material

3.4.1 British Geological Survey (BGS) information available online has been utilised to show the

Superficial Deposits (Drift) and Bedrock underlying the Site6. This provides information on the

geological materials in which the soil has formed.

3.4.2 The bedrock underlying the entire site is described by the BGS (1:50,000) as mudstone and

siltstone of the Nantglyn Flags Formation.

3.4.3 The BGS Superficial Deposit map (1:50,000) indicates that the bedrock underlying the entire

Site is covered by glacial till (diamicton) from the Devensian Period.

5 Welsh Planning Flood Risk Map. Available online @ data.wales.gov.uk/apps/floodmapping/ Last viewed October 2016 6 British Geological Survey ‘Geology of Britain Viewer’. Available online @

http://www.bgs.ac.uk/discoveringGeology/geologyOfBritain/viewer.html Last viewed October 2016.





II. Published Information on Soil

3.4.4 Provisional information for soils at the Site was gathered from the Soil Survey of England and

Wales (SSEW) soil map of Wales (Sheet 2) at a scale of 1:250,000 and accompanying Bulletin

No. 11 ‘Soils and their Use in Wales’ (C. C. Rudeforth et al, Harpenden, 1984). The provisional

information indicates that agricultural land over the entire Site is covered by soils of the Cegin

Association.

3.4.5 The Cegin association includes slowly permeable, seasonally waterlogged, fine silty and clayey

soils, with some fine silty and fine loamy soils with slowly permeable subsoils and slight

seasonal waterlogging on slopes, and well drained fine loamy soils over rock in places. The

association, which covers 1622 km², is widespread over Silurian and Ordovician sedimentary

rocks in Wales, commonly on undulating till-covered lowlands or on footslopes and valley

floors. The principal Cegin series are loamy cambic stagnogley soils, developed from medium

silty drift with siliceous stones. A typical profile consists of dark greyish brown, slightly stony,

silty clay loam topsoil; over light brownish grey, mottled, slightly stony, silty clay loam upper

subsoil, with moderately developed, coarse prismatic structure; over light grey with many

ochreous mottles, moderately stony, silty clay loam lower subsoil, with strongly developed,

coarse prismatic structure, becoming massive with depth. The main soils are waterlogged for

long periods in winter (wetness Class IV) where the field capacity period is less than 200 days

and waterlogged for long periods in the growing season (Wetness Class V) where the field

capacity period is greater than 200 days, but can be improved with artificial drainage to

Wetness Class III and IV, respectively. These soils are rarely or only slightly restricted by

droughtiness.

III. Soil Survey

3.4.6 The findings of the detailed soil survey carried out on the 2nd September 2016 determined that

the soil across the Site is broadly uniform.

3.4.7 Soil profiles across the Site consist of a dark greyish brown (Munsell colour 10YR 4/2), very

slightly stony (2% stones), non-calcareous, medium clay loam topsoil. The upper subsoil is

greyish brown (Munsell colours 10YR 5/2), very slightly stony (4% stones), very slightly

calcareous, medium clay loam with gleying and ochreous mottles (Munsell colours 10YR 5/1

and 5/6, respectively), and a strongly developed, fine to medium granular structure with weak

ped strength. The lower subsoil is brown (Munsell colours 7.5YR 5/3), moderately to very

stony (20-40% stones), moderately calcareous, medium clay loam or heavy clay loam, with no

gleying or mottles, and moderately developed, fine to medium subangular blocky structure

with firm ped strength; over similar, increasingly stony material with gleying and ochreous

mottles. These profiles are gleyed within 40cm of the soil surface, with no slowly permeable

layers starting within 80cm, and are placed in Wetness Class II. A log of the soil profiles

recorded on Site is given as Appendix B.





3.4.8 An area of land along the eastern and south eastern boundary of the Site comprises of

woodland and is assessed as non-agricultural land.

3.4.9 In order to substantiate topsoil texture determined during the ALC survey by hand-texturing,

three samples of topsoil were collected over the Site (i.e. Auger Locations 1 and 2). The topsoil

samples were sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis of particle size distribution (PSD),

based on the British Standard Institution particle size grades. The certificate of analysis is

provided as Appendix C. The findings of the PSD analysis are shown in Table 3.3 below:

Table 3.3: Topsoil Texture (re Table 10, ALC Guidelines)

Topsoil Sample Location

(See Fig. 1)

% sand 2.00-0.63 mm

% sand 0.63-0.212 mm

% sand 0.212-0.063 mm

% silt 0.063-0.002 mm

% clay <0.002

mm

ALC Soil Texture Class

1 9 15 11 40 25 Medium Clay Loam

2 8 14 11 42 25 Medium Clay Loam

3.5 Interactive Limitations

3.5.1 From the published information above, together with the findings of the detailed soil survey,

it has been determined that the quality of agricultural land over the Site could be limited by

soil wetness and / or soil droughtiness.

I. Soil Wetness

3.5.2 From the ALC Guidelines, a soil wetness limitation exists where ‘the soil water regime

adversely affects plant growth or imposes restrictions on cultivations or grazing by livestock’.

Agricultural land quality is limited by soil wetness as per Table 3.3 below (based on Table 6

‘Grade According to Soil Wetness – Mineral Soils’ in the ALC Guidelines):

Table 3.3: ALC Grade According to Soil Wetness

Wetness Class Texture of the Top 25 cm 176-225 Field

Capacity Days

II Sand, Loamy Sand, Sandy Loam, Sandy Silty Loam

Silty Loam, Medium Silty Clay Loam*, Medium Clay

Loam*, Sandy Clay Loam

Heavy Silty Clay Loam**, Heavy Clay Loam**

Sandy Clay, Silty Clay, Clay

2

3a

3a

3b

Key:

* <27% clay ** >27% clay





3.5.3 All profiles across the Site have medium clay loam topsoil texture and slightly seasonally

waterlogged subsoil (Wetness Class II), and are limited by soil wetness to Subgrade 3a in this

climate area (176-225 field capacity days).

II. Soil droughtiness

3.5.4 From the ALC Guidelines, a soil droughtiness limitation exists ‘in areas with relatively low

rainfall or high evapotranspiration, or where the soil holds only small reserves of moisture

available to plant roots.’ The ALC grade according to soil droughtiness is shown in Table 3.4

below (based on Table 8 ‘Grade According to Droughtiness’ in the ALC Guidelines). To be

eligible for Grades 1 to 3b the moisture balances (MBs) must be equal to, or exceed, the stated

minimum values for both wheat and potatoes. If the MB for either crop is less (i.e. more

negative) than that shown for Subgrade 3b, the soil is Grade 4 on droughtiness):

Table 3.4: ALC Grade According to Soil Droughtiness

Grade/Subgrade Moisture Balance (MB) Limits (mm)

Wheat Potatoes

1 +30 +10

2 +5 -10

3a -20 -30

3b -50 -55

4 <-50 <-55

3.5.5 Soil profiles across the Site have very slightly stony, clay loam topsoil and upper subsoil with

moderate structural condition; over moderately to very stony, clay loam lower subsoil, with

moderate structural condition. It has been determined by calculation (re Appendix 4 of the

ALC Guidelines) that profiles over the Site have soil moisture balance (MB) values varying

between +31 and +17mm for winter wheat (i.e. limited by droughtiness to Grade 2 at worst),

and between +12 and -1mm for potatoes (i.e. limited by droughtiness to Grade 2 at worst).

Therefore, droughtiness is not the overriding limitation at this Site.

3.6 ALC Grading at the Site

I. Subgrade 3a

3.6.1 Profiles across the Site are assessed as having a medium clay loam topsoil and a slightly

seasonally waterlogged subsoil (Wetness Class II), and are limited by soil wetness to

Subgrade 3a (re Table 6 of the ALC Guidelines).

II. Grade 4





3.6.2 An area of land running adjacent to the eastern boundary has been assessed as having a

slope greater than 11°, and is limited by gradient to Grade 4.

III. Non-agricultural land

3.6.3 An area of land along the eastern and south eastern boundary of the Site comprises of

woodland and is assessed as non-agricultural land.

3.6.4 The area and proportion of agricultural land in each ALC grade has been measured from an

ALC map given as Figure 2. The findings are reported in Table 3.5 below.

Table 3.5: Agricultural Land Classification – West of A470, Deganwy, Conwy

ALC Grade Total (Ha) (% of Site)

Grade 1 (Excellent) 0

Grade 2 (Very Good) 0

Subgrade 3a (Good) 1.5 (60.0)

Subgrade 3b (Moderate) 0

Grade 4 (Poor) 0.5 (20.0)

Grade 5 (Very Poor) 0

Other Land / Non-agricultural 0.5 (20.0)

Total 2.5 (100)





4 LOCAL FARMING CIRCUMSTANCES

4.1 Background

4.1.1 The land at the Site is currently part of Marl Farm, Llandudno, Conwy, LL31 9JA, which is located

approximately 300m to the southeast, to the east of the A470. Some agricultural land at Marl

Farm was required for the construction of the A470 in the 1980s, and the remainder of the land

within the holding is now fragmented by the A470. Some land within the holding has been

developed for residential use. The remainder of the Marl Farm holding is used for rearing sheep,

and it has a number of diversified businesses, including a livery, caravan site, self-catering cottage

and an education centre.

4.1.2 From observations made during the ALC / soil survey in October 2016, the agricultural land at the

Site is utilised for producing grass, for grazing and for producing hay /silage. The grassland is grazed

by sheep, as shown in Plate 1.

Plate 1: Photograph of Agricultural Land Use at Site

4.1.3 The Site comprises a single, grass field which is enclosed by residential development to the west,

by the A470 to the east and by Marl Lane to the south.

4.1.4 There are no buildings or any other known agricultural infrastructure, e.g. agricultural field

drainage, irrigation or water supply systems, at the Site.

4.1.5 Should residential development at the Site proceed, the remainder of the land at Marl Farm would

continue to be used for rearing sheep, plus other diversified uses, as per its current use. Therefore,

the loss of approximately 2.5 ha (approximately 6 acres) of grassland land at the Site would not

significantly harm local agricultural interests.





5 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

5.1.1 An assessment of agricultural land quality, involving a desktop study and a detailed

Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey, has been undertaken to determine the quality of

agricultural land at a site proposed for residential development at Deganwy, Conwy (‘the

Site’). The assessment was made in accordance with the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)

system for England and Wales, October 1988 (‘the ALC Guidelines’).

5.1.2 The 2.5 ha Site comprises of one parcel of land and is located directly north east of Llandudno

Junction and 1.5 km to the east of Deganwy, Conwy, as shown on Figure 1. It is centred at

National Grid Reference SH 796 790. The Site is bordered to the east by the A470, to the south

by Marl Lane, to the west by residential land, and to the north by agricultural land. At the time

of the ALC survey the Site was under pasture grazed by sheep.

5.1.3 The bedrock underlying the entire site is described by the BGS (1:50,000) as mudstone and

siltstone of the Nantglyn Flags Formation. The BGS Superficial Deposit map (1:50,000)

indicates that the bedrock underlying the entire Site is covered by glacial till (diamicton) from

the Devensian Period.

5.1.4 Provisional information for soils at the Site was gathered from the Soil Survey of England and

Wales (SSEW) soil map of Wales (Sheet 2) at a scale of 1:250,000 and accompanying Bulletin

No. 11 ‘Soils and their Use in Wales’ (C. C. Rudeforth et al, Harpenden, 1984). The provisional

information indicates that agricultural land over the entire Site is covered by soils of the Cegin

Association.

5.1.5 Soil profiles across the Site consist of a dark greyish brown (Munsell colour 10YR 4/2), very

slightly stony (2% stones), non-calcareous, medium clay loam topsoil. The upper subsoil is

greyish brown (Munsell colours 10YR 5/2), very slightly stony (4% stones), very slightly

calcareous, medium clay loam with gleying and ochreous mottles (Munsell colours 10YR 5/1

and 5/6, respectively), and a strongly developed, fine to medium granular structure with weak

ped strength. The lower subsoil is brown (Munsell colours 7.5YR 5/3), moderately to very

stony (20-40% stones), moderately calcareous, medium clay loam or heavy clay loam, with no

gleying or mottles, and moderately developed, fine to medium subangular blocky structure

with firm ped strength; over similar, increasingly stony material with gleying and ochreous

mottles. These profiles are gleyed within 40cm of the soil surface, with no slowly permeable

layers starting within 80cm, and are placed in Wetness Class II.

5.1.6 The detailed ALC survey has determined that 1.5 ha (i.e. 60%) of the Site is limited to Subgrade

3a by soil wetness, caused by a combination of medium clay loam topsoil texture, slight

seasonal waterlogging and 185 field capacity days. 0.5 ha (i.e. 20%) of the Site is limited to





Grade 4 by gradient, due to a slope greater than 11°. A total of 0.5 ha (i.e. 20%) of the Site is

assessed as non-agricultural.

5.1.7 The land at the Site is currently part of Marl Farm, Llandudno, Conwy, LL31 9JA, which is

located approximately 300m to the east of the A470. Some agricultural land at Marl Farm was

required for the construction of the A470 in the 1980s, and the remainder of the land within

the holding is now fragmented by the A470. Some land within the holding has been developed

for residential use. The remainder of the Marl Farm holding is used for rearing sheep, and it

has a number of diversified businesses, including a livery, caravan site, self-catering cottage

and an education centre. The Site comprises a single, grass field which is enclosed by residential

development to the west, by the A470 to the east and by Marl Lane to the south. There are no

buildings or any other known agricultural infrastructure, e.g. agricultural field drainage, irrigation

or water supply systems, at the Site. Should residential development at the Site proceed, the

remainder of the land at Marl Farm would continue to be used for rearing sheep, plus other

diversified uses, as per its current use. Therefore, the loss of approximately 2.5 ha (approximately

6 acres) of grassland land at the Site would not significantly harm local agricultural interests.

5.1.8 It is unlikely that the approximately 1.5 ha of Subgrade 3a land at the Site could be utilised

separately from the poor quality, Grade 4 land. Therefore, for practical farming purposes, the

utilisation of the land is limited to producing grass.

5.1.9 With regard to Planning Policy Wales (July 2014) and Policy DP/4 (2 h) of the Conwy Local

Development Plan 2007-2022 (October 2013), this small area of Subgrade 3a is at the lowest

end of the ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land category (i.e. ALC grades 1, 2 and 3a),

and its loss would not significantly harm national agricultural interests. The amount of Grade

4 and non-agricultural land affected by the proposed development is insignificant in

agricultural land quality terms. Soil resources at the Site should be safeguarded for re-use on

Site as part of an overall Soil Resource Plan, following the approach of indicator 36 of the Well-

being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, and the Soil Action Plan for Wales (2008).




C533 Issue: 3 Askew Land & Soil Ltd

Figures





Appendix A:

IPSS Professional Competency Scheme Doc. 2 –


Agricultural Land Classifi cation (England and Wales)

DOCUMENT 2

BackgroundThe evaluation of land for its agricultural potential in England

and Wales 1 is accomplished by application of the Agricultural

Land Classifi cation 2 (ALC). Professional competence in

Agricultural Land Classifi cation builds upon foundation skills in

fi eld soil investigation, description and interpretation (IPSS PCSS

Document 1). This system of professional competence is based

upon a detailed written procedures document developed by the

Farming and Rural Conservation Agency 3.

Qualifi cationsProfessional soil scientists with competence in Agricultural Land

Classifi cation will have graduated in a relevant science subject.

They will also have a number of years of relevant fi eld experience and

will have, or be adequately qualifi ed for, membership of a relevant

professional body such as the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists.

Minimum competencies

Skills and Knowledge:

These are described under a number of subheadings that relate to

diff erent tasks. A professionally competent contractor should have the

skills and knowledge identifi ed under the General heading and all

other headings that are relevant to the tasks required.

General

1 A general knowledge and understanding of natural soil

development and of world, European and national soil taxonomy

2 A detailed knowledge and understanding of the Agricultural

Land Classifi cation system relevant to the site and of the

classifi cation of land according to the current published

Guidelines and other documents 1, 2, and the ability to apply it

accurately and consistently in the classifi cation of an area of land

1 Similar systems are employed in Scotland and Northern Ireland2 ALC Revised Guidelines and Criteria for the Grading the Quality of Agricultural Land (MAFF, 1988)

and Climatological Datasets for ALC (Met. Offi ce, 1989)3 A former Executive Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture , Fisheries and Food (now Defra)

Working with Soil – The IPSS Professional Competency Scheme

www.soilscientist.org/workingwithsoil

3 An awareness and knowledge of existing published and

unpublished, paper-based and digital ALC information

and sources

4 A knowledge of paper and digital topographic, geology and

soil maps, mineral assessment reports and memoirs and other

technical sources of reference; and of their role in ALC work

5 An understanding of map scales and of the Ordnance Survey

National Grid

6 The ability to investigate, sample, describe and interpret soils in

the fi eld in a consistent manner and to professional standards

(IPSS PCSS Document 1)

7 Knowledge of relevant European and national regulations and

policies including national and local land use planning policy and

guidance, and soil protection policy

8 The ability to eff ectively communicate soil information in a

simple and relevant form to developers, planners and other

relevant professionals with clear statements as to the reliability

and certainty of the results

9 The ability to write accurate, concise reports in clear English

and in line with best practice examples of ALC survey

that communicate the relevant information to all

relevant communicants

10 An awareness of the importance of systems of quality assurance

and control in all aspects of professional work

Preparations prior to fi eld survey

1 The ability to compile background site physical data (e.g. relief,

geology, soils, climate, fl ood-risk, exposure and grade from

published and unpublished sources) and understanding of the

limitations of the data obtained

2 An understanding of scale and of how diff erent survey sampling

densities may impact on the certainty of results obtained.

A knowledge of how to tailor survey density appropriately to

the requirements of the client, and understanding of the

limitations that might impose

3 The ability to compute gradients from map contours

4 A thorough knowledge of climatic data interpolation procedures

(and any available associated bespoke computer software), and

the ability to obtain representative site values

5 An understanding of soil maps, the concepts of soil

associations and soil series and their limitations as a background

to ALC grading

6 A knowledge of GPS and data logger technology and its uses

and limitations for fi eld survey work

7 A knowledge and understanding of relevant Health and Safety

legislation requirements for work in the fi eld

8 An understanding of basic biosecurity requirements and any

animal or plant health restrictions which may be in force

Field survey for Agricultural Land Classifi cation

1 The ability to determine, lay out and work to a relevant

sampling strategy

2 Competency in the Foundation Skills (fi eld soil investigation,

sampling, description and interpretation) as per IPSS PCSS

Document 1

3 The ability to accurately and consistently apply the ALC system to

soil and other data collected during the fi eld survey

Reporting

1 The knowledge and ability to compile an ALC map from

background information and data collected during the

fi eld survey

2 The ability to write an ALC survey report according to an

agreed format

3 Understanding of the principles of quality assurance and the

ability to apply these as required by the client

4 The ability to convey the fi ndings of the survey verbally such that

they are understood by the client

Agricultural Land classifi cation (England and Wales)

DOCUMENT 2

Disclaimer: The IPSS and BSSS Working With Soils Initiative provides generic advice on the skills and competencies required by persons carrying out work within the scope of

each document. The publishers, authors and the organisations participating in this publication accept no liability whatsoever for any errors or omissions contained

in this leafl et, or for any loss or damage arising from interpretation or use of the information, or reliance upon the views contained herein.



The following organisations have given their support

to the Institute of Professional Soil Scientist’s Working

with Soils Professional Competency Initiative:

‘ Defra welcomes initiatives, such as the IPSS Working with Soils Competency

Statements, that aim to improve the quality of professional soils advice’

SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS



The following organisations have given their support

to the Institute of Professional Soil Scientist’s Working

with Soils Professional Competency Initiative:

‘ Defra welcomes initiatives, such as the IPSS Working with Soils Competency

Statements, that aim to improve the quality of professional soils advice’

SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS







Appendix B:

Soil Profile Logs

Soil matrix

Sqr. E N Top Bttm Thick Munsell colour Form Munsell colour Form Munsell colour % Type MBw MBp Gd WC Gw Grade Limitation

1 SH 79600 79050 20 4 E PAS 0 10 10YR42 MCL 2 HR 17 -1 2 II 3a 3a WE

10 20 10YR52 CD 10YR56 CD 10YR51 Y MCL 4 HR M VS

20 40 7.5YR53 MCL 40 ZR M M

40 120 HCL 60 ZR M

2 SH 79600 78950 23 2 E PAS 0 10 10YR42 MCL 2 HR 31 12 1 II 3a 3a WE


20 40 7.5YR53 MCL 20 ZR M M

40 85 7.5YR53 FD 7.5YR61 CD 10YR58 Y MCL 20 ZR M M

85 95 7.5YR53 CD 7.5YR61 CD 10YR56 Y HCL 40 ZR M M

95 120 HCL 60 ZR M

3 SH 79557 78999 22 2 E PAS 0 10 10YR42 MCL 2 HR 29 12 2 II 3a 3a WE


20 40 7.5YR53 HCL 20 ZR M M

40 75 7.5YR53 FD 7.5YR61 CD 10YR58 Y HCL 20 ZR M M

75 80 7.5YR53 CD 7.5YR61 CD 10YR56 Y HCL 40 ZR M M

80 120 HCL 60 ZR M

Land use Depth (cm) Mottle 2Point Grid ref. Alt Grad Aspect DroughtMottle 1 Gley SUBS STR Calc. Mn C SPLStonesTexture Wet Classification





Appendix C:

Topsoil Particle Size Distribution (PSD)

Page 1 of 1

ANALYTICAL REPORT

Report Number ClientDate ReceivedDate ReportedProjectReferenceOrder Number

31001-1607-SEP-201613-SEP-2016SOIL DEGANWY

N717 ROB ASKEWRW ASKEWTHE OLD STABLESUPEXEEXETERDEVON EX5 5ND

C533 WEST OF A470DEGANWY

Laboratory Reference SOIL318077 SOIL318078

Sample Reference C533 1 C533 2

Determinand Unit SOIL SOIL

Coarse Sand 2.00-0.63mm % w/w 9 8Medium Sand 0.63-0.212mm % w/w 15 14Fine Sand 0.212-0.063mm % w/w 11 11Silt 0.063-0.002mm % w/w 40 42Clay <0.002mm % w/w 25 25Textural Class ** MCL MCLNotesAnalysis Notes The sample submitted was of adequate size to complete all analysis requested.

The results as reported relate only to the item(s) submitted for testing.The results are presented on a dry matter basis unless otherwise stipulated.

Document Control This test report shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of the laboratory.

** Please see the attached document for the definition of textural classes.

Reported by Katie DunnNatural Resource Management, a trading division of Cawood Scientific Ltd.Coopers Bridge, Braziers Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6NSTel: 01344 886338Fax: 01344 890972email: [email protected]

Textural Class Abbreviations

The texture classes are denoted by the following abbreviations:

Class Code

Sand S

Loamy sand LS

Sandy loam SL

Sandy Silt loam SZL

Silt loam ZL

Sandy clay loam SCL

Clay loam CL

Silt clay loam ZCL

Clay C

Silty clay ZC

Sandy clay SC

For the sand, loamy sand, sandy loam and sandy silt loam classes the predominant size of sand fraction may be indicated by the use of prefixes, thus:

vf Very Fine (more than 2/3’s of sand less than 0.106 mm) f Fine (more than 2/3’s of sand less than 0.212 mm) c Coarse (more than 1/3 of sand greater than 0.6 mm) m Medium (less than 2/3’s fine sand and less than 1/3 coarse sand).

The subdivisions of clay loam and silty clay loam classes according to clay content are indicated as follows:

M medium (less than 27% clay) H heavy (27-35% clay)

Organic soils i.e. those with an organic matter greater than 10% will be preceded with a letter O. Peaty soils i.e. those with an organic matter greater than 20% will be preceded with a letter P.

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