MULBERRY LOGISTICS PARK
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
June 2019
Mulberry Logistics Park
Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary
Prepared on behalf of Mulberry Commercial Developments Ltd
Barton Willmore LLP 7 Soho Square London W1D 3QB Tel: 020 7446 6888
COPYRIGHT The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Barton Willmore LLP. All Barton Willmore stationery is produced using recycled or FSC paper and vegetable oil based inks.
Project Ref: 23214/A5/ES Status: Draft Final Issue/Rev: 01 03 Date: June 2019 June 2019 Prepared by: Project Team MM Checked by: MM MW
Mulberry Logistics Park Contents
30214/A5/ES2019 i June 2019
CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 EIA METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 4
3.0 SITE AND DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................ 6
4.0 ALTERNATIVES & DESIGN EVOLUTION .................................................................................. 9
5.0 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY & PHASING ....................................................................... 10
6.0 SOCIO-ECONOMICS ............................................................................................................ 12
7.0 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ........................................................................................ 13
8.0 WATER RESOURCES AND FLOOD RISK ................................................................................. 15
9.0 AIR QUALITY ..................................................................................................................... 16
10.0 NOISE ............................................................................................................................... 17
11.0 TRANSPORT ....................................................................................................................... 18
12.0 AGRICULTURE AND SOILS .................................................................................................. 19
13.0 ECOLOGY .......................................................................................................................... 20
14.0 CULTURAL HERITAGE ......................................................................................................... 22
15.0 SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................... 24
FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Site Plan
Figure 3.1 Parameter Plan
Mulberry Logistics Park Introduction
30214/A5/ES2019 1 June 2019
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Mulberry Commercial Developments Ltd (the Applicant), is applying for outline planning
permission for the construction of up 235,000 square metres of commercial development,
associated access and infrastructure (referred to hereafter as the Development) on 81
hectares of land located south of Harworth, Nottinghamshire (the Site), situated within the
administrative area of Bassetlaw District Council (BDC). A site plan is provided as Figure 1.1.
Requirement for Environmental Impact Assessment
1.2 EIA is the process by which development proposals deemed likely to have significant
environmental effects are appraised. EIA establishes the nature of a development and the
environment in which it is likely to take place, during both construction and operational
phases. An Environmental Statement (ES) is the document reporting the assessment process
and is submitted with the planning application.
1.3 On 14th March 2017 planning consent was granted for an employment park on the Site
comprising up to 235,000sqm of commercial development (planning application reference:
15/00971/OUT). The development fell within the remit of the Town and Country Planning
(Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011i (as were in force at the time) and
therefore a comprehensive ES was prepared and submitted in support of the planning
application.
1.4 Following changes to requirements the Applicant intends to submit a Section 73 application1
to amend the consented development parameters. The Planning Practice Guidance advises
that for development considered to be EIA development, as was the case in the 2015
application, “… an environmental statement must be submitted with a section 73
application’ii. This ES has been prepared in accordance with the Town and Country Planning
(Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017iii and the methodology for the ES is
discussed further in Chapter 2.
Project Team
1.5 The ES has been coordinated by Barton Willmore and presents the results of technical studies
carried out in conjunction with a number of specialist consultants appointed by the Applicant.
The project team is listed in Table 1.1 along with their respective disciplines and contributions
to the ES.
1 An application under section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 can seek to vary or remove conditions associated with a planning permission.
Mulberry Logistics Park Introduction
30214/A5/ES2019 2 June 2019
Table 1.1: Project Team
Organisation Expertise / Competence Barton Willmore Planning, EIA Coordination, Socio Economic Effects; and
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Ecology Solutions Ltd Ecology Assessment RPS Group Noise and Vibration Assessment; Air Quality Assessment; Water
Resources and Flood Risk Assessment. Cotswold Archaeology Cultural Heritage Assessment Development Planning Ltd Transport Assessment and ES Transport Chapter.
Other Documents
1.6 In addition to the ES a number of other documents have been submitted to BDC in support
of the planning application. These include:
Planning Statement;
Statement of Community Involvement;
Transport Assessment; and
Design and Access Statement.
Environmental Statement Availability
1.7 Following submission and validation of the planning application, the ES will be available for
public viewing at: https://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-
services/comment-track-and-view-current-applications/ and, during normal office hours, at
the following address:
Bassetlaw District Council
Queen’s Buildings
Potter Street
Worksop
Nottinghamshire, S80 2AH
1.8 Copies of the ES can be purchased from:
Environmental Planning Team
Barton Willmore LLP
7 Soho Square
London, W1D 3QB
Tel: 020 7446 6888 / Email: [email protected]
Mulberry Logistics Park Introduction
30214/A5/ES2019 3 June 2019
1.9 The ES may be purchased as a whole document or in separate volumes, the costs for which
are as follows:
Non-Technical Summary (NTS) - £15
Volume 1: ES Main Text & Figures - £180
Volume 2: ES Appendices - £250
Full copy (with NTS) of the ES on CD - £20.
Stone
The
Ston
ehav
en
A 61
4
16.9m
BAWTR
Y ROAD
11.1m
Free
birch Ha
ven
RH
Def
Heather Lee
Kirk View
Kwetta
Little
BLYTH ROAD
14.4m
Lyndale
Orch
ard
18.3m
BS
CR
Track
16.1m
Lay-by
21.1m
16.7m
Nook Flatt Wood
10.7m
Sunny Nook
12.1m
Elm Cottage
A 614
LB
Bram
ble
WestView
Norto
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Mayfi
eld
Redroofs
Broo
kland
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Cotta
ge
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ands
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jan M
eado
ws
Turn
pike V
iew
Oakland
18.7m
Path
HARWORTH
Lowb
eck
Esse
sdon
21
AVENUE
Brookside
20
Kilgariff
Nawoc
Tallinbrook
Whitebrook
Weighbridge
Chy
El SubSta
A
ElSubSta
HarworthHouse
B
C
Lay-by
ESS
Unit C1
Pond
BLYTH ROAD
35.2m
Pond
25.8m
Steerbank
14.2m
Harworth Lodge
18.9m19.8m
A 61
4
14.6m
20.1m
17.0m
12
1
Gas Gov
BLYTH ROAD
31.5m
HarworthBusinessPark
Snape Lane
A614
Baw
try Roa
d
Blyth
Roa
d
pHp
architects
The Old Rectory Rectory Lane Milton Malsor
N O R T H A M P T O N N N 7 3 A Q
t: +44 (0)1604 858916 f: +44 (0)1604 859123
www.peter-haddon.com
Drawn by: Checked by:
Scale @ A1: Date:
CAD ref: Dwg no.: Rev:
Copyright reserved. Dimensions to be checked on site. Discrepancies to be reported before proceeding
Issue Purpose:
Rev Date/Checked
pHp a r c h i t e c t s
EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT
MULBERRY COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS LTD
HARWORTH
LOCATION PLAN
PRELIMINARY
4246-M012
MF -
4246-P
1:2500 MAY 2019
P1
P1 - FIRST ISSUE 14.05.2019 MF
N
SCALE 1:2500100m0 50m
Mulberry Logistics Park EIA Methodology
30214/A5/ES2019 4 June 2019
2.0 EIA METHODOLOGY
2.1 EIA is a procedure used to assess the likely significant effects of a proposed development on
the environment. The results are written into an ES which is submitted with the planning
application. The ES provides the local planning authority (in this case BDC) with sufficient
information about the potential environmental effects (which may arise during the
demolition/construction and/or operational phases) of the Development before a decision is
made about the planning application.
2.2 The ES predicts what the significance of each environmental effect would be, which is
determined by two factors:
The sensitivity, importance or value of the environment (such as people or wildlife); and
The actual change taking place to the environment (i.e. the size or severity of change
taking place).
2.3 Most environmental disciplines classify effects as negligible, adverse or beneficial, where
effects are minor, moderate or major. Some disciplines use bespoke criteria based on
published guidance.
2.4 The ES includes a description of the current environmental conditions known as the baseline
conditions, against which the likely significant environmental effects of the development are
assessed.
EIA Scope
2.5 An ES should focus on the likely significant effects of a development on the environment. The
Applicant did not seek a scoping opinion from BDC. The scope of this 2019 ES was established
through consideration of the scope of the 2015 ES which was agreed in a scoping opinion with
Bassetlaw DC on 2nd June 2015 and the existing extensive knowledge base within the
consultant team. The technical assessments scoped into this ES comprise:
Socio-Economics;
Landscape and Visual Impact;
Water Resources and Flood Risk;
Air Quality;
Transport;
Noise and Vibration;
Agriculture and Soils;
Mulberry Logistics Park EIA Methodology
30214/A5/ES2019 5 June 2019
Biodiversity; and
Cultural Heritage.
Stakeholder Engagement and Public Consultation
2.6 The planning application involved consultation with BDC, statutory consultees, the local
community and other stakeholders. A public exhibition was held at Banbury Memorial Hall,
High Street, Blyth on Wednesday 5th June 2019 between 3pm and 6:30pm, and on Thursday
6th June 2019 between 3pm and 6:30pm at Harworth Town Hall, Scrooby Road, Harworth. In
advance of the public exhibition an invitation letter was distributed to local residents and the
exhibition was also advertised within the Doncaster Free Press local newspaper. At the events,
clear information about the Development was provided on boards and representatives from
the project team were available to answer questions.
Cumulative Effects
2.7 EIA must assess any potentially significant effects of a development that may arise
cumulatively (when combined with) other major development with planning permission or
under construction in the local area. Government guidance states that ‘existing and approved’
developments should be considered. The ES included assessment of cumulative effects of the
Development with seven identified schemes.
Mulberry Logistics Park Site & Development Description
30214/A5/ES2019 6 June 2019
3.0 SITE AND DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION
Site Context
3.1 The Site (refer Figure 1.1) is located approximately 1.5km to the south of Harworth and 500m
to the north of Junction 34 of the A1M. To the north is an area of existing employment uses,
Harworth Business Park and the former Harworth Colliery, and further to the north are the
residential areas of Harworth and Bircotes. To the south is a group of residential dwellings,
to the east it is predominantly open countryside, and to the west there are spoil heaps
associated with the former colliery’s operations. The main roads to either side of the Site,
Bawtry Road (the A614) to the east and Blyth Road to the west, are the key routes for
connecting Harworth Bircotes and Bawtry to the A1(M).
3.2 Features in the surrounding area include the River Ryton and its associated floodplain
approximately 400m to the west of the Site boundary; Coronation Clump Sandpit a non-
statutory Site of Importance for Nature Conservation adjacent to the north-eastern boundary
of the Site; and Serlby Hall a Grade I listed building with its historic (but not listed) parkland
located to the east beyond Bawtry Road. The parkland is a prominent landscape feature
containing numerous listed buildings and Serlby Golf Course. There are no conservation areas
on or adjacent to the Site.
Site Description
3.3 The Site, broadly triangular in shape, extends to 81 hectares (ha), and comprises farmed
agricultural land with intermittent hedgerows and tree belts on the western and north-eastern
boundaries. Buildings associated with Steer Bank Farm are located in the north-eastern part
of the Site adjacent to a farm access road which bisects the northern part of the Site,
connecting Blyth Road to Bawtry Road.
3.4 There are no ponds, watercourses or public rights of way on the Site, and the Site slopes
from north to south from 34m to 13m above ordnance datum (AOD). The Site is located
entirely within Flood Zone 1 which is defined as land having a less than 0.1% annual
probability of flooding.
Description of Development
3.5 The Applicant intends to submit a Section 73 planning application for the development of a
235,000sqm business park, comprising General Industry (Use Class B2), and Storage and
Distribution (Use Class B8) uses and ancillary development. Outline permission will be sought
Mulberry Logistics Park Site & Development Description
30214/A5/ES2019 7 June 2019
with all matters reserved apart from access. The buildings associated with Steer Bank Farm
will be demolished.
Development Parameters
3.6 For an outline planning application where EIA is required, the description of the development
must be sufficient to enable the requirements of the EIA Regulations to be fulfilled, and in
particular, to enable the potential significant effects of a development to be identified. In the
case of the Development, it would not be feasible to make a detailed application at this stage,
however, to ensure that as it evolves with the benefit of further approvals (i.e. reserved
matters) the Development remains consistent with that assessed within this ES, ‘Development
Parameters’ have been established and assessed. Development Parameters detail all the
limits, or controls, necessary to define and fix those aspects of a development capable of
having significant environmental effects. This will enable planning conditions to be drawn up
and agreed to control the implementation of the Development. The Development Parameters
to be defined by such conditions include:
the location and types of land use; and
the maximum heights of development in storeys and as overall maximum metres AOD.
3.7 The development parameters for the Development are shown on Figure 3.1.
Land Use
3.8 The land uses proposed within the Development are detailed in Table 3.1 and shown on Figure
3.1. The Development may comprise all B8 floorspace or could provide up to 70,500sqm of
B2 floorspace with the remainder of the Development B8 floorspace. The total built
Development will not exceed 235,000sqm.
Table 3.1: Land Use
Zone Maximum finished floor level
Max Ridge height Max. Building Footprint (B8)
Max. B2 Area (30%)
1 17.00m AOD 38.50m AOD 235,000 sqm 70,500 sqm 2 29.45m AOD 50.95m AOD
3 28.35m AOD 42.00m AOD Total Gross Internal Area for Zones 1-3 Not to Exceed 235,000 m²
Building Heights and Massing
3.9 The proposed maximum heights of the Development are shown on Table 3.1.
Mulberry Logistics Park Site & Development Description
30214/A5/ES2019 8 June 2019
Green Infrastructure
3.10 The Development will include approximately 14ha of green infrastructure comprising a
landscape, ecological and drainage framework across the Site.
Access
3.11 The principal vehicular accesses to the Development will be from new junctions on Bawtry
Road and Blyth Road. Pedestrian access will also be provided associated with the proposed
Bawtry Road, Blyth Road and Snape Lane vehicle access points. further pedestrian access
points will also be provided to the Development.
Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change
3.12 Through careful detailed design and use of appropriate technology, the Development will offer
an appropriate and effective response to climate change issues. All such measures will be
agreed with BDC at the appropriate time and thereafter regulated through a combination of
planning conditions, and planning obligations.
Stone
16.9m
BAWTR
Y ROAD
11.1m
Def
Kirk View
BLYTH ROAD
14.4m
18.3m
Track
16.1m
Lay-by
21.1m
16.7m
Nook Flatt Wood
10.7m
Sunny Nook
12.1m
Elm Cottage
A 614
Weighbridge
Chy
El SubSta
A
ElSubSta
HarworthHouse
B
C
Lay-by
ESS
Unit C1
BLYTH ROAD
35.2m
Pond
25.8m
Steerbank
18.9m19.8m
A 61
4
17.0m
B
A
B
C
FFL 32.250FACTORY UNIT
Approximate HeightsEaves 7.0m (39.25 AOD)Ridge 10.0m (42.25 AOD)
HarworthBusinessPark
Snape Lane
A614
Baw
try Roa
d
Blyth
Roa
d
ZONE 1B2/B8
Development Area 77.92 acres (31.53 Ha)
ZONE 2B2/B8
Development Area 77.93 acres (31.54 Ha)
ZONE 3B2/B8
Development Area6.26 acres (2.53 Ha)
+(E)16.30
+(E)29.00
+(E)16.01
+(E)10.82
+(E)10.96
+(E)18.02
+(E)14.53
+(E)14.00
+(E)15.29
(E)26.00+
+(E)11.10
+(E)28.5
(E)23.36+
(E)13.00+
(E)18.10+
(E)19.93++(E)23.62
+(E)16.83
+(E)34.21 +(E)35.13 (E)35.55++(E)35.00
+(E)34.00
+(E)34.10
+(E)34.64
+(E)35.00
+(E)35.00
+(E)34.00
+(E)18.78
+(E)16.90
+(E)17.51
+(E)14.24
+(E)13.56
+(E)18.00
+(E)12.00
(E)28.93+
(E)15.10+
+(E)19.26
+(E)19.00
(E)22.67+
(E)25.35+
+(E)22.00
+(E)21.00
+(E)26.00
+(E)32.08
+(E)23.00
+(E)25.00
+(E)24.00
+(E)22.00
+(E)20.29
+(E)34.33
+(E)11.22
+(E)30.00
+(E)35.16
+(E)35.00
pHp
architects
The Old Rectory Rectory Lane Milton Malsor
N O R T H A M P T O N N N 7 3 A Q
t: +44 (0)1604 858916 f: +44 (0)1604 859123
www.peter-haddon.com
Drawn by: Checked by:
Scale @ A1: Date:
CAD ref: Dwg no.: Rev:
Copyright reserved. Dimensions to be checked on site. Discrepancies to be reported before proceeding
Issue Purpose:
Rev Date/Checked
pHp a r c h i t e c t s
MULBERRY LOGISTICS PARK
MULBERRY COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS LTD
HARWORTH
PARAMETERS PLAN
PRELIMINARY
4246-M011
MF -
4246-M008
1:2000 MARCH 2019
P9
P1 - FIRST ISSUE 12.03.2019 MF
P2 - UPDATED WITH COMMENTS 21.03.2019 EM
P3 - Red line, development zone areas & use class (Zone 3) amended 02.04.2019 MF
P4 - General update follwoing review/comments 05.04.2019 MF
P5 - Draft revsion issued for information 01.05.2019 MF
P6 - Zone 3 plateau, buffer zones updated and drawing updated to suit 10.05.2019 MF
P7 - blue line omitted and vehicle access added to development area 10.05.2019 MF
P8 - Floor area restriction note updated 14.05.2019 MF
P9 - Updated to consultant comments 20.05.2019 MF
SCALE 1:2000100m0 50m
N
EXISTING GROUND LEVEL (AOD) IN
METRES TAKEN FROM TOPOGRAPHICAL
SURVEY UNDERTAKEN FEB 2015
KEY
DEVELOPMENT ZONES 1,2 & 3
EARTH WORKS PLATEAU EDGE
DEVELOPMENT BUILDING HEIGHT LIMIT
(Building maximum ridge height limited to 40.0m AOD)
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT VEHICLE
ACCESS INFRASTRUCTURE (WITH LIMIT
OF DEVIATION) & OFF SITE HIGHWAY
IMPROVEMENTS
+(E)10.82
Zone 1 17.00m AOD 38.50m AOD
Zone Maximum FFL Max Ridge ht.
Zone 2 29.45m AOD 50.95m AOD
Max. Building Footprint (B8/B2)
TOTAL GROSS INTERNAL AREA FOR ZONES 1-3 NOT TO EXCEED: 235,000 m² / 2,529,520 ft²
Zone 3 28.35m AOD
Max. B2 Area (30%)
70,500 m² / 758,856 ft²42.00m AOD
PEDESTRIAN/CYCLE ACCESS
LOCATIONS INTO DEVELOPMENT
NO BUILDING FLOOR AREA
(Excludes B2/B8 building floor area. Where within
Development Zone area includes ancillary use, car
parking, and B2/B8 service/ancillary uses).
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AREAS AROUND
THE DEVELOPMENT ZONE
(Including areas for Landscape buffers, structural
planting, foot/cycle paths, ecological mitigation and
earthwork banks
RETAINED TREE / WOODLAND / HEDGE
ROOT PROTECTION BUFFER ZONE
PLANNING BOUNDARY
200.81 Ac / 81.26 Ha
235,000 m² / 2,529,520 ft²
Mulberry Logistics Park Alternatives & Design Evolution
30214/A5/ES2019 9 June 2019
4.0 ALTERNATIVES & DESIGN EVOLUTION
4.1 The EIA Regulations require an ES to detail any alternatives that have been considered to the
development submitted for planning permission. Alternatives can include:
No Development;
Alternative Locations or Uses Sites; and
Alternative Designs.
The ‘do nothing’ Alternative
4.1 Under the ‘do nothing scenario’ the Site would remain undeveloped but with planning consent
for commercial buildings. However, subsequent to the 2015 proposals, current and anticipated
market demand has evolved with a requirement now for delivering fewer but larger scale
logistics facilities. The demand for larger scale units has modified the earthworks approach
and hence the requirement for a new masterplan and Section 73 planning application to
amend the consented proposals. Accordingly, the Applicant did not consider the do-nothing
scenario.
Consideration of Alternative Locations and Uses
4.2 This option was also not considered by the Applicant. The Site is suitable for the proposed
end uses and has planning consent for a similar commercial development, and the Applicant
can deliver commercial development on this Site.
Consideration of Alternative Designs
4.3 The Development submitted for approval is the result of a thorough analysis of environmental
constraints and opportunities. Consultation with BDC and statutory consultees has been a key
influence in design evolution. The key environmental issues raised during consultation can be
grouped into themes and relate to the potential for:
effects on drainage;
noise effects from HGVs on existing residential properties;
effects on existing landscape features;
visual effects of the buildings on existing residential properties; and
effects on and the local highway network and public transport.
Mulberry Logistics Park Construction Methodology & Phasing
30214/A5/ES2019 10 June 2019
5.0 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY & PHASING
Construction Phasing
5.1 Planning for construction is broad at this stage. The assessment of construction phase
environmental effects is based on reasonable assumptions and experience.
5.2 Construction is expected to start in 2020 subject to gaining planning permission and take
approximately 10 to years to complete with the overall development expected to be completed
by 2030.
5.3 Construction will include the following activities:
Enabling works (including demolition);
Site preparation (including excavation and grading);
Provision of infrastructure;
Construction of substructure;
Construction of superstructure;
Fit out of buildings; and
Landscaping.
Controls to Protect the Environment
5.4 A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be prepared for the Development.
This is a document that will set out all the limits and controls that need to be complied with
to reduce or avoid effects on the environment as a result of the construction process (e.g.
dust). The requirement for a CEMP will be secured by a condition to the planning application.
Construction Vehicle Movements
5.5 Construction vehicle movements will be managed to minimise the impact on the local road
network. The HGV movements would be dispersed across the working day outside of the AM
and PM peak periods. The arrival and departure of light vehicles would be concentrated during
the morning and evening periods but would be less than the predicted levels of traffic during
the operational phase of the Development.
Mulberry Logistics Park Construction Methodology & Phasing
30214/A5/ES2019 11 June 2019
Hours of Work
5.6 Working hours on the Site will be agreed with BDC through the CEMP. It is likely that the
standard hours of work will be adhered to. These are:
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm;
Saturday, 8am to 1pm; and
Sunday and Bank Holidays, no work on-site.
5.7 All work outside these hours will be subject to prior agreement of, and/or reasonable notice
to BDC as appropriate. Night-time working will be restricted to exceptional circumstances,
and work internally within buildings. By arrangement, there may be some out of hours
construction deliveries made to the Site.
Mulberry Logistics Park Socio-Economics
30214/A5/ES2019 12 June 2019
6.0 SOCIO-ECONOMICS
6.1 The ES included an assessment of the likely significant socio-economic effects of the
Development from both the construction and operational phases. Specifically, the assessment
addressed:
Direct and indirect employment during the construction phase;
Direct and indirect employment during the operational phase; and
Direct and indirect local expenditure during the construction and operational phases.
Baseline Conditions
6.2 The Site is located within a local area which has a population of 8,100 people, equating to
approximately 7% of Bassetlaw’s total population. Within this study area, 4.6% of residents
aged 16-64 years are claiming unemployment related benefits, this is considerably higher than
the proportion for Bassetlaw (2.7%), the East Midlands region (2.3%) and England (2.6%).
Likely Significant Effects
6.3 The construction phase of the Development is expected to generate a significant number of
jobs (equivalent to 172 full time jobs over the 10-year build period) across all construction
disciplines from ground workers to construction management, resulting in an effect of minor
to moderate beneficial significance.
6.4 The operational phase of the Development is expected to generate 2,326 – 3,048 additional
jobs. Baseline evidence identified that the study areas has a comparatively high percentage
of unemployment related benefits claimants and therefore it is considered that the creation
of additional jobs will have a permanent, moderate to major beneficial effect on employment.
6.5 Assessment of potential cumulative socio-economic effects has identified the potential for
minor to major beneficial effects on employment.
Mulberry Logistics Park Landscape and Visual Impact
30214/A5/ES2019 13 June 2019
7.0 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT
7.1 The ES included an assessment of the potentially significant effects of the Development on
local views and landscape character. Photographs have been included in the ES to assist in
determining the visibility of the Site and effects from the Development.
Baseline Conditions
7.2 The Site is adjacent to industrial and business parks, and the former colliery site and colliery
tip, and to the north of residential development along the A614 Bawtry Road and Harworth
Avenue. The A1(M) Junction 34 is located approximately 500m to the south. The Site lies
between the A614 Bawtry Road and Blyth Road and comprises intensively farmed agricultural
land. Vegetation within the Site is limited, with few internal hedgerow field boundaries
remaining and the condition of vegetation generally poor. Nook Flat Wood is located
immediately to the east of the Site.
7.3 In terms of views from the surrounding area, the Site is relatively well screened by intervening
landform and vegetation. A visual appraisal of the Site and surrounding area has
demonstrated that the main visual receptors of the Site are residential properties in the
immediate vicinity of the Site, on Harworth Avenue and Bawtry Road and users of a public
right of way, with intermittent views into the Site afforded from Snape Lane, Bawtry Road
and Blyth Road.
Likely Significant Effects
7.4 The Development includes a landscape strategy which will seek to protect important landscape
features, such as the tree belt and hedgerows along the boundaries of the Site, and woodland
adjacent to the Site as well as provide locally appropriate landscape planting to allow the
Development to assimilate into the wider landscape setting and enhance biodiversity and
habitat links within the Site.
7.5 In terms of significant effects on landscape features, the Development would inevitably result
in the loss of arable fields, and some trees and hedgerows, to accommodate built form and
green infrastructure. However, it is considered that the provision of landscaping provides the
opportunity to enhance woodland, trees and hedgerows within the Site through positive
management and proposed planting. This is considered likely to offset adverse effects on
landscape features, and result in a beneficial effect over time.
Mulberry Logistics Park Landscape and Visual Impact
30214/A5/ES2019 14 June 2019
7.6 In terms of visual effects, the assessment illustrates that despite the large scale of the
Development, significant visual effects (ranging from major adverse to neutral) are very
limited as a result of intervening landform and vegetation. It is residential properties in the
immediate vicinity of the Site who are most likely to be adversely affected due to the
introduction of large built form, although no views are afforded from Harworth Bircotes, with
residential views limited to properties on Bawtry Road, Blyth Road and Harworth Avenue.
Adverse effects will be less significant with the establishment of the proposed planting over
20 years.
7.7 Cumulative landscape and visual effects have been identified which range from major to
moderate adverse for the construction and operational phases.
Mulberry Logistics Park Water Resources and Food Risk
30214/A5/ES2019 15 June 2019
8.0 WATER RESOURCES AND FLOOD RISK
8.1 This chapter in the ES assessed the potential effects of the construction and operation phases
of the Development on the water environment. The water environment includes groundwater
resources, ground and surface water quality, flood risk and drainage.
Baseline Conditions
8.2 There are no ponds or watercourses on the Site. The River Ryton, which flows in a generally
northerly direction before discharging into the River Idle south of the village of Bawtry, is the
nearest main river to the Site and is located approximately 475 m east at its nearest point.
8.3 A review of the Environment Agency’s Flood Map, and consultation with the Environment
Agency, has confirmed that Site is wholly located within Flood Zone 1 i.e. the land is classified
as having a less than 1 in 1,000 annual probability of river flooding. The geology underlying
the Site is classified as a Principal Aquifer2. A groundwater abstraction point for public water
supply is located within the Site and is licensed for spray irrigation associated with the current
farming use of the Site. It is assumed, however, that the requirement for irrigation will end
with the start of the Development.
Likely Significant Effects
8.1 The Site is located in a low flood risk zone, however surface water run-off during the
construction phase has the potential to be of moderate to major adverse significant, if
unmitigated. It will be the contractor’s responsibility to manage flood risk and should a flood
occur, implement emergency plans. Following the implementation of mitigation measures
(including a CEMP), the potential flooding and drainage effects are considered to be reduced
to minor adverse to negligible significance. The impact on groundwater and water quality are
not considered to be significant.
8.2 During the operational phase, the potential impact of flood risk and drainage effects are
considered to be of minor adverse to negligible significance. This effect can be managed
through the incorporation of surface water drainage features into the design of the
Development to reduce the effects. The impact on groundwater and water quality is
considered negligible.
8.3 There are not expected to be any cumulative impacts in relation to the Development as each
development will be required to ensure there is no flood risk from the respective schemes.
2 Aquifers are layers of rock or that usually provide a high level of water storage.
Mulberry Logistics Park Air Quality
30214/A5/ES2019 16 June 2019
9.0 AIR QUALITY
9.1 The ES included an assessment of the effects as a result of the Development on Air Quality.
This has been based upon a review of the construction phase activities and has been informed
by computer modelling of traffic flows during the operation of the Development.
Baseline Conditions
9.2 The Site does lie within, or in the vicinity of, a statutory Air Quality Management Area3. A
number of sensitive locations were selected for inclusion within the air quality assessment;
these receptors included adjacent residential properties and receptors in close to roads that
may be affected by traffic generated by the Development.
Likely Significant Effects
9.3 Construction of the Development has the potential to generate dust which could affect
adjacent residential properties. Mitigation measures will aim to minimise the release of dust
entering the atmosphere during the construction and particular attention would be paid to
operations close the Site boundary. Effective implementation of these mitigation measures
will result in an no significant effects during construction.
9.4 Detailed modelling of emissions from road traffic associated with the Development when
complete and operational has been undertaken. In all modelled scenarios, the operational
impact of the Development on existing receptors in the local area is predicted to be negligible.
9.5 Significant cumulative effects are not anticipated.
3 An area where air pollution is higher than national objectives.
Mulberry Logistics Park Transport
30214/A5/ES2019 17 June 2019
10.0 NOISE
10.1 The ES has considered the potential impact of noise and vibration at existing and proposed
noise and vibration sensitive receptors4 (NVSRs) during the construction and operational
phase of the Development.
Baseline Conditions
10.2 In order to define baseline noise and vibration conditions, long term daytime and night-time
noise measurements were undertaken at two locations in the vicinity of the Development,
and short-term daytime noise measurements were undertaken at two further locations. These
measurements informed computer modelling of future noise on the Site.
Likely Significant Effects
10.3 The impact of the construction of the Development with regard to noise and vibration was
considered in accordance with the relevant guidance. The assessment identified that after
mitigation, construction noise will give rise to negligible to minor significant effects at existing
residential receptors. Piling noise may give rise to temporary moderate adverse significance
when undertaken close to residences. Construction traffic noise is of negligible significance
and construction vibration is of negligible to minor adverse significance. Proposed mitigation
measures, to be secured through a CEMP, include:
scheduling of works to avoid too many noisy activities concentrating in one area;
local enclosure/ screening of noisy plant or equipment; and
identification of less noisy plant or methods of working, etc.
10.4 The operational effects of the Development, after mitigation, will be of negligible to minor
adverse significance at existing residential receptors. Operational traffic on the existing
highway network is of negligible significance. As the design of the Development progresses,
mitigation against noise will be provided through sustainable design which will maximize
screening of HGV noise at receptors through route orientation, and the massing of buildings
within the Development, and providing, where necessary, noise barriers.
10.5 Significant cumulative effects are not anticipated.
4 Premises sensitive to noise e.g. domestic properties, schools, hospitals.
Mulberry Logistics Park Noise and Vibration
30214/A5/ES2019 18 June 2019
11.0 TRANSPORT
11.1 An assessment has been undertaken of the likely effects of the Development with respect to
transport. The assessment of the effects of traffic from the Development has considered the
baseline year of 2020, the construction phase, two future years: 2025 which is part-way
through the construction works and 2030 when the Development is expected to be complete
and operational.
Baseline Conditions
11.2 All major junctions surrounding and serving the Site have been forecast to operate with
adequate spare traffic capacity and there have been no significant highways safety concerns
within the study area. Currently, there are no dedicated pedestrian or cycle routes within the
Site, however there are regular buses passing by the Site along Bawtry Road.
Likely Significant Effects
11.3 The significance of the effects on traffic during the construction phase are considered to be
less than during the operational phases. Prior to mitigation, the effect on highways safety is
considered to be significant, however, with the implementation of a Construction Logistics
Plan, there will be no significant effects on traffic capacity or highways safety.
11.4 Once compete and operational, the effect of the Development on traffic levels is considered
to be not significant. Furthermore, the overall traffic impact as a result of the Development
would be managed through the introduction of a Travel Plan. The Travel Plan would include
measures to reduce reliance on the private car.
11.5 The Development also provides the opportunity for enhanced walking, cycling and public
transport usage, particularly for those in the local area. The residual significance of the non-
car mode measures is considered to be Minor Beneficial.
11.6 Cumulative effects with other nearby developments will be negligible to moderate beneficial
should all schemes provide enhancements to benefit the wider community.
Mulberry Logistics Park Agriculture and Soils
30214/A5/ES2019 19 June 2019
12.0 AGRICULTURE AND SOILS
12.1 An agriculture and soils assessment was undertaken at the Site in order to determine the
baseline environment and what effects, if any, the Development will have upon this
environment.
Baseline Conditions
12.2 A survey of the quality of the agricultural land on the Site was undertaken in 2015 in order
to determine whether the land would be classified as ‘best and most versatile5’ land. The
results from the survey indicate that the majority of the site is Grade 3b (which is not
considered to be ‘best and most versatile’ land) with some Grade 3a (which is considered to
be best and most versatile. Due to the presence of Grade 3a, the land at the Site is considered
best and most versatile.
Likely Significant Effects
12.3 Effects identified through the construction phase are the degradation of the soil resource
(assessed as being of moderate-minor adverse significance) and loss of soil resource
(assessed as of negligible significance).
12.4 During the operational phase, the effects on soil sealing (due to increased areas of
hardstanding) were assessed as being of potentially minor adverse to negligible significance
and the effect of the land being taken out of agricultural use was assessed as being of major
adverse significance. Mitigation measures will include conforming to best practice guidance,
reuse of excavated soils on site and prompt reinstatement of soils and keeping areas of
hardstanding to a minimum.
12.5 There is some potential for cumulative effects with other nearby development in relation to
loss of agricultural land and soils, but this is not assessed as being significant.
5 Best and Most Versatile land is the most flexible, productive and efficient in response to inputs and which can best deliver future crops for food and non food uses.
Mulberry Logistics Park Biodiversity
30214/A5/ES2019 20 June 2019
13.0 ECOLOGY
13.1 The likely significant environmental effects of the Development on ecology was undertaken
as part of the ES. The assessment was carried out in accordance with all relevant guidelines.
Baseline Conditions
13.2 A review of the baseline conditions on the Site, identified through examination of relevant
databases and site surveys, identified that overall, the Site is considered to be of low
ecological value, predominantly comprising arable fields bordered by field margins and an
intermittent / fragmented hedgerow network with a farmhouse property in the north. The
features of highest ecological value are the boundary tree belts and adjacent off-site
woodlands.
13.3 There are no statutory designated sites within the Site itself. The nearest statutory site
designated for nature conservation is the River Idle Washlands Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI), which lies approximately 3.4km northeast of the Site and will not be affected
by the Development.
13.4 The nearest non-statutory site for nature conservation is the Coronation Clump Sandpit Site
of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), which is situated adjacent to the north-eastern
boundary of the Site. This SINC is a sand quarry and is designated for its botanical interest.
13.5 Faunal surveys for bats and badgers were undertaken as part of the assessment along with
information collected on birds, invertebrates and other species such as Great Crested Newts.
Likely Significant Effects
13.6 No significant adverse impacts are considered to arise on any statutory designated sites.
Mitigation measures, such as dust control procedures, will be put in to place within a CEMP
to ensure there are no adverse effects on the Coronation Clump Sandpit SINC.
13.7 The Development provides the opportunity to enhance the ecological interest of the Site
through the provision of areas of species-rich grassland within areas of open space, new
woodland buffer planting, new tree / hedgerow planting and the creation of a sustainable
drainage features, providing green links throughout the Site which would result in moderate
beneficial effects. The loss of sections of hedgerows would be offset by new tree / hedgerow
and woodland buffer planting together with enhancements to the retained tree belts. The
Mulberry Logistics Park Biodiversity
30214/A5/ES2019 21 June 2019
creation of new species-rich grassland in the open spaces together with the creation of a
sustainable drainage features will provide new and enhanced foraging opportunities for bats
through an increase invertebrate food source, maintain resources for badgers (if present) and
other small mammals. In addition, measures to avoid impacts on nesting birds (e.g. any
clearance of suitable bird nesting vegetation will be undertaken outside of the bird breeding
season (March – July inclusive) or only after prior checks by a suitably qualified ecologist)
will be secured through a CEMP and. The creation of new habitats as part of the Development
to enhance foraging and nesting opportunities post-construction will maximise the assemblage
of birds attracted to the Site post-development. The provision of bird boxes of a variety of
designs will also provide new nesting opportunities for birds. A moderate beneficial residual
effect.
13.8 With the mitigation proposed, the Development would not result in any adverse residual
impact on habitats of species of any significance, and there will be no net loss of features of
ecological importance.
13.9 There are not deemed to be any significant cumulative impacts resulting from the
development of the Site with any other committed developments.
Mulberry Logistics Park Cultural Heritage
30214/A5/ES2019 22 June 2019
14.0 CULTURAL HERITAGE
14.1 An assessment of the potential effects of the Development upon cultural heritage was
undertaken as part of the ES.
Baseline Conditions
14.2 A review of existing available information to determine the baseline conditions at the Site
identified the buried remains of potential prehistoric/Romano-British field systems, indicated
by cropmarks, within of two areas of the Site. These remains comprise part of a larger buried
prehistoric/Romano-British agricultural landscape and are considered to be non-designated
heritage assets of archaeological importance.
14.3 Steer Bank Farm is located within the Site and comprises built elements which date to the
18th century. This asset has been extensively altered through its use as a modern farmhouse
and is considered to be a non-designated heritage asset of some limited architectural and
historic interest.
14.4 The Grade I Listed Building, Serlby Hall, and a Grade II* Listed Arch are located within Serlby
Park, which is approximately 780m to the east of the Site and are designated heritage assets
of the highest significance.
Likely Significant Effects
14.5 The construction of the Development is likely to remove the non-designated archaeological
remains, indicated by cropmarks, that occur within the Site. However, as these remains
comprise part of a wider network of prehistoric/Romano-British field boundary remains, only
a small part of the network will be removed. This loss can be mitigated with an appropriate
programme of archaeological work, agreed with the County Archaeological Advisor, to record
the remains. Therefore, this loss is not considered to be significant in EIA terms and is a
minor adverse effect.
14.6 The construction of the Development will also remove Steer Bank Farm and therefore the
historic built aspects. As this asset is only of limited heritage value, its loss can be mitigated
through an appropriate programme of recording, agreed with BDC. This loss is also not
considered to be significant in EIA terms and is a minor adverse effect.
14.7 The effects of the Development on Serlby Hall and the Listed Arch during the operational
stage will be mitigated through sympathetic detailed design of the Development and the
Mulberry Logistics Park Cultural Heritage
30214/A5/ES2019 23 June 2019
introduction of further vegetation to screen the Development. These measures would ensure
the Development was largely screened within the important views towards the Arch from
Serlby Hall. Following the implementation of these measures there will be no harm to the
heritage significance of Serlby Hall or the Listed Arch.
14.8 All cumulative developments will be required to adhere to relevant planning policy and
legislation and no significant cumulative effects are anticipated.
Mulberry Logistics Park Summary and Conclusions
30214/A5/ES2019 24 June 2019
15.0 SUMMARY
15.1 This section summarises the residual effects identified in each of the technical assessments
included in the ES, which has been prepared to accompany section 73 planning application
for up to 235,000 square metres of commercial floorspace with access, landscaping and
drainage (collectively referred to hereafter as the Development) on 18 hectares of land south
of Harworth in Nottinghamshire.
15.2 The Development has been subject to an iterative design process. As this process progressed
measures have been incorporated into the development parameters in order to avoid, reduce
or offset significant environmental effects.
15.3 In summary, the Development is expected to result in the following beneficial residual effects:
Benefits to the local economy, through job creation and increased spending from
employment during construction and once the Development is complete;
beneficial effect on non-car modes of transport;
Provision of new habitats on the Site and opportunities for nature.
15.4 The ES has also identified some adverse effects including:
Loss of best and most versatile agricultural land;
Effects resulting from changes to the landscape and views;
Effects from noise from the construction process.
Mulberry Logistics Park References
30214/A5/ES2019 25 June 2019
REFERENCES
i SI 1824 as amended by SI 660 ii Paragraph: 016 Reference ID: 17a-016-20140306 iii SI 571 as amended by SI 695
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