South London Energy Recovery Facility. Planning Application Summary

Transcription

1 South London Planning Application Summary July 2012

2 South London Planning Application Summary July 2012 Terence O Rourke Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or stored in a retrieval system without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. All figures (unless otherwise stated) Terence O Rourke Ltd Based upon the 2012 Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty s Stationery Office Crown Copyright Terence O Rourke Ltd Licence number AL

3 1. Introduction

4 2 South London Introduction 1.1 A planning application has been submitted to the London Borough of Sutton (LBS) for the development of the South London (ERF), new site access road, associated CHP pipe routes, other ancillary works, and a revised landfill restoration plan, on land at Viridor s existing waste management facility in Beddington Lane, Sutton. The existing landfill at the site will be closed once the ERF is operational (2017), earlier than planned under current arrangements (2023). The planning application therefore includes changes to the existing landfill restoration that will result. 1.2 This document provides a summary of the main elements of the planning application in terms of background and context and key elements of the proposals. Daytime views Night time view

5 2. Background and context

6 4 South London Background and context 2.1 This planning application is submitted by Viridor. Viridor is one of the UK s leading recycling, renewable energy and waste management companies, working with more than 90 local authorities and thousands of private customers across the country. Viridor s aim is to protect human health and the environment by safely, responsibly and efficiently managing waste and maximising recycling and resource generation opportunities. 2.2 The new facility is intended to provide a residual waste treatment facility for the South London Waste Partnership (the Partnership). The existing recycling and composting facilities on the ERF site will continue and will be accommodated by the new development, complementing efforts to meet and exceed recycling targets. Viridor will be working with the Partnership over the next 30 years to deliver a sustainable residual waste treatment solution. 2.4 Whilst the intended capacity of the ERF is 275,000 tpa, the design of the facility has allowed for a 10% variation in waste input to take account of potential variations in calorific value of the waste. The range of throughput will therefore be from 247,500 tpa up to 302,500 tpa. 2.5 The ERF is designed to provide combined heat and power (CHP), and the planning application therefore also includes the routes of pipelines to deliver heat to the site boundaries to facilitate future district heating networks. Viridor is actively seeking potential heat customers and has identified key opportunities and potential partners. 2.6 The ERF will generate about 26 MW of electricity, about 4MW of which will be used on site and the remaining 22MW will be supplied to the national grid. This is enough electricity to power about 30,000 homes. 2.3 The ERF is intended to treat about 275,000 tonnes of residual waste per annum (tpa). This will comprise mainly residual municipal waste collected from households in the Partnership area (up to about 200,000 tpa), that would otherwise go to landfill. The remaining capacity will be used to treat residual waste arising from commercial and industrial sources. The contract between Viridor and the Partnership will run until 2042.

7 3. The Site

8 6 South London The site 3.1 The application site is within an area known as Beddington Farmlands, which is located off Beddington Lane. The application site boundary encompasses hectares, including the site proposed for the ERF and its new access road, and the existing Beddington Lane landfill site. There is a current resolution to grant permission for additional waste management buildings on part of the site. The area of land comprising the planning application site boundary is illustrated in Figure The ERF development area is located in the north eastern corner of the application site. This part of the site is occupied by buildings associated with existing waste management operations, and includes part of an area subject to resolution to grant permission for additional buildings 3.3 The majority of the wider application site has been shaped by historic mineral extraction and the ongoing landfill activities. Lakes have been created in the western part of the site and the first phases of the landfill have been completed and subject to restoration. Stockpiles of material for completion of the restoration of the site are located on parts of the site. 3.4 The application site has access from Beddington Lane (the B272). This provides access to the wider road network. Planning and environmental designations 3.5 The landfill site is safeguarded in the South London Waste Plan (SLWP) as an existing landfill site. About 7.4 ha of the site, where the existing dry recyclates and IVC activities take place and where there is a resolution to grant permission for an AD facility, is also safeguarded for waste management use in the SLWP (known as Site 18). It is proposed to locate the ERF on part of this safeguarded site. 3.6 The application site lies within a wider area identified as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation (SMI). The site also lies within an Archaeological Priority Area (APA). The site, together with other adjacent land, is designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL). It is also part of a much greater area identified for the creation of the Wandle Valley Regional Park. Planning history 3.7 Current permissions on the site for landfill and other waste management activities are time limited until 2015 and 2022 respectively, and there are restoration proposals affecting the whole application site except the newsite access and a small strip of land east of the ERF. Planning application D2005/54794/FUL, once the section 106 agreement is signed and the permission is issued, will extend the time limit for the landfill to 2023, and is also accompanied by revised restoration proposals. The current permissions would see the restored site become a local country park within the wider Wandle Valley Regional Park concept. 3.8 The proposals in the ERF planning application would see the site restoration proceed at a faster rate than that envisaged in D2005/54794/FUL. The ERF itself is proposed to be located on part of the area currently occupied by other waste management activities, which area would then not be available for restoration as part of the proposed country park.

9 South London 7 Key ERF development area Site boundary I 0.25 km Based upon the 2012 Ordnance Survey 1:10000 scale raster map with the permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown copyright. Terence O'Rourke Ltd. Licence No. AL The site

10 8 4. The proposals

11 South London 9 The proposals 4.1 The proposals at the Beddington site encompass the following elements: An (ERF) located in the north east corner of the application site Buildings ancillary to the ERF. This includes a building for the reception and bulking of dry recyclables from the Partnership area; a building housing an education centre, CHP equipment, and administrative and welfare facilities; a workshop; a building for reception and transfer of wastes received at the site but which cannot be treated at the site; and various tanks and ancillary structures. A new site access road linking the site directly to the existing Coomber Way/Beddington Lane roundabout, including a footpath/cyclepath. Reinstatement of the existing access road to grass, and removal of the existing junction with Beddington Lane. Pipelines to deliver heat to the site boundaries to the east and west. Revisions to the approved restoration plan for the landfill site, to provide a remodelled landform to reflect a reduction in the amount of void to be filled, and revision to habitat areas and path network. Amendments to the existing in-vessel composting operations, which require modification to take account of the ERF proposals. Landscape bunds to the west of the ERF to screen the lower part of the building and to provide an interface with the country park to the west Drainage ponds and pumps to the west of the ERF, for surface water drainage from the site and to feed the proposed wet grassland habitat Realignment of an existing track at the eastern edge of the ERF site Infilling a small part of a sludge lagoon to the east of the ERF, where this is within Viridor s lease, and erection of a boundary fence. 4.2 A steam turbine generator will generate approximately 26 MW of electrical power using the heat from combustion of the residual waste. About 22 MW of this electricity will be exported, with the remainder (4MW) used on site. The turbine has been designed to be able to deliver up to 20 MW of thermal energy to a CHP plant, although 15 MW is a more realistic short to medium term demand. 4.3 The construction of the ERF and ancillary buildings and structures requires the demolition of some of the existing buildings and structures on site. The completion of the restoration plan will see the demolition of the remaining buildings in line with the current permissions at the site. 4.4 The South London ERF is a key component within the overall integrated waste management system that will enable the Partnership to achieve its recovery and landfill avoidance targets. Residual municipal solid waste will be delivered direct to the ERF by refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) or by HGV. Commercial and industrial (C&I) residual waste will be delivered directly from third party sources in a variety of vehicles from small RCVs to larger bulk vehicles. Given that the site already receives waste from the Partnership area to the landfill, the vehicle trips will be similar in distribution to that currently experienced by the operational landfill. 4.5 Waste that arrives at the ERF, but which cannot be treated by the facility will be sent to appropriate processing or disposal facilities. 4.6 An administration building, providing office and welfare accommodation and incorporating an education centre, will be located on the north side of the facility. CHP plant will also be accommodated here. 4.7 The remainder of the application site will be subject to restoration proposals to provide nature conservation habitat and controlled public access. This planning application has afforded an opportunity to review current restoration plans, to update the plan to reflect what has recently happened on site, and to address some unresolved details on the current plan.

12 10 South London Landscape master plan

13 South London The new plan includes these changes from the current restoration plan: Existing features that have been created on the site are more accurately shown than on the existing restoration plan. The opportunity has been taken to realign some paths to avoid proximity to nature conservation interests or operational features such as infrastructure associated with the control of landfill gas. The existing path through the western edge of the site will be retained (it was previously proposed to be removed) A new path will be provided to allow visitors to the education centre to leave the building and enter the country park. This path is not intended for general public access and will be controlled by a warden who will have accommodation at the proposed education centre. New bunds and hedges have been proposed to help to control public access and prevent people straying from the paths into sensitive nature conservation habitats. These also help to minimise disturbance to wildlife and in some instances to screen views of the ERF. The ERF will result in the displacement of wet grassland from the existing plan, located partly under the footprint of the ERF and partly under the new bund and drainage pond to the west of the ERF. However, wet grassland will be created in the south of the site. The wet grassland areas in the north of the site have been amended to take account of the construction of additional major drainage features not shown on the current restoration plan (ditches). The new ponds west of the ERF have been designed to feed the wet grasslands, which previously did not have a defined source of irrigation. They will be designed to have reed beds and aquatic vegetation to complement the adjacent wet grassland habitat, providing an additional biodiversity benefit. A pump is also to be provided to ensure that water can pass across the ridge that splits the wet grassland area beneath the existing power lines, thereby enabling irrigation of the whole area, which was also previously unresolved. The bund to the west of the ERF will screen activity at the ERF, minimising disturbance to wildlife. It will be planted with appropriate shrub species to integrate with the adjacent wet grassland area. The landform in part of the site has been reconfigured to reduce the amount of void for landfilling. Those sewage sludge lagoons that will not be required for landfilling will be returned to Thames Water. The changes described immediately above lead to the loss of an area earmarked for a sacrificial crop. The area of this habitat has been redistributed around the site to appropriate locations closer to the lakes and the wet grassland, where the feeding opportunities will be of greater benefit to target species. The amount of woodland has been reduced close to the wet grassland and lakes, in response to concerns about predators using the woodland as cover and preying on the birds of conservation interest. 4.9 Whilst there will inevitably be a loss of habitat due to the construction of the ERF plant the main habitats of conservation interest (the wet grassland, the heath and acid grassland, the lakes and reedbeds, and the sacrificial crops) are all provided to a similar or greater area than in the current plan. The education centre will provide opportunities to find out about the history of the site and its wildlife and will be a significant benefit. It will also provide accommodation for a proposed warden The measures outlined above represent a significant commitment to the nature conservation and access aims of the country park and on balance, whilst there is a small loss of area available for the country park, they provide benefits over and above the existing restoration plan for the site.

14 5. Need

15 South London 13 Need 5.1 The strategy for waste management in South London is set out in the Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy (JMWMS) and the South London Waste Plan (SLWP). The strategy represents the Partnership authorities response to the current national WS2007 and London wide policies, which in turn reflect the obligations upon the UK Government from European Directives, particularly with respect to the Landfill Directive. 5.2 The proposals by Viridor for an ERF at Beddington are a key part of the infrastructure to deliver the agreed waste management strategy for South London, and have been judged by the Partnership to best meet their requirements through a competitive procurement process. The proposal is part of an integrated package involving measures and facilities to enable increased recycling and composting. 5.3 The ERF will process residual waste that has not been recycled or otherwise recovered, and will recover the energy from it. The bottom ash that results will be used as a substitute aggregate, and the ferrous metal recovered from the bottom ash will be recycled, leaving only the Air Pollution Control residues to go for disposal at a suitable facility. It is therefore highly effective in diverting residual waste from landfill and is vital to meeting the objectives of waste policy at all levels in that it will: Be a key element of an integrated waste management solution Reduce the amount of waste disposed of to landfill Contribute towards recycling and recovery Help achieve targets for landfill diversion and recovery Treat and reduce the volume of residual municipal waste arisings Protect the environment and the public health of communities. Ensure local communities take responsibility for managing their waste. 5.4 A single, deliverable facility will minimise the planning risks associated with the urgent provision of major waste treatment facilities and represents the most effective way of meeting waste targets. 5.5 The ERF is also an effective method of recovering energy from waste to contribute to the Mayor s target of 25% of heat and power used in London to be generated through the use of localised decentralised energy systems, and also increase the proportion of energy generated from renewable sources. 5.6 In addition, the proposal meets locational requirements such as proximity to source of waste, selfsufficiency and making a contribution towards achieving a carbon positive outcome. 5.7 The Government encourages a diverse mix of technologies in order to achieve the most environmental benefit from new waste management infrastructure. Such objectives fully conform to the national policy on energy which identifies the benefit of EfW/CHP in a wider energy policy context in order to combat climate change and provide secure, clean and affordable energy. 5.8 The ERF is needed urgently to enable the Partnership to secure the necessary investment to achieve its diversion and recovery targets. 5.9 The is the most cost effective and technically optimal solution. In addition the solution allows opportunities to gain the most environmental benefit from the scheme as it allows for economies of scale which will maximise recovery opportunities, exploit CHP potential to its maximum and minimise transportation emissions associated with the treatment of MSW The ERF will contribute towards the need to maximise energy production from waste and will deliver a saving in CO2 emissions above landfill.

16 6. Alternatives

17 South London 15 Alternatives 6.1 The ERF uses a site in existing waste use that is also safeguarded in the SLWP for waste management use. Whilst the planning permissions for the existing uses are time limited to 2023, this safeguarding highlights the continued value of the site for waste management. 6.2 The site is also located within MOL, where such development would not normally be appropriate and very special circumstances need to be demonstrated for development to be allowed. It is significant that very special circumstances have previously been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the planning authority for the current waste management uses. 6.3 This planning history, the existing use and the safeguarding policy are very substantial material considerations that themselves comprise an element of the case for very special circumstances for the ERF proposal. 6.4 Consideration has been given to alternative sites, to demonstrate that there are none that could accommodate the ERF. 6.5 From an initial long list of 157 potential sites fourteen were shortlisted based on a sieving process. 6.6 Detailed analysis was carried out on the shortlisted sites against a series of operational, planning and environmental criteria. The assessment concludes that Viridor s site is reasonable and robust in the context of other potential sites in the study area. 6.7 The availability of sites is a crucial consideration in the delivery of the ERF. The plant is needed quickly to deal with the boroughs residual waste and to divert this from landfill in line with national and European policy. The contract requires that the plant is operational in Viridor s site and the former Cemex site are the only short listed sites known to be available, as they are controlled by Viridor. However, the former Cemex site extends further west into MOL than the chosen site, which fits more closely with the existing waste management activities at Beddington. Viridor s site is therefore considered to be a robust location for the proposed ERF when considered with the potential alternatives

18 7. Planning policy context

19 South London 17 Planning policy context 7.1 Delivering sustainable development is a key objective of national planning policy and is a central theme of the strategic objectives of the London Plan and Sutton Core Strategy. The National Planning Policy Framework shows that great weight should be given to the delivery of sustainable development objectives and that there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development where this is deemed compliant with other policy. 7.2 In this context the development of further waste management capacity at the site will be a significant benefit to Sutton and the wider Partnership area, as the ERF will provide a waste management service to local residents, enabling local residual waste to be treated at a local facility. 7.3 The benefit of the ERF will also be felt in diverting waste from landfill into energy recovery. There will be environmental benefits from reducing carbon emissions and other greenhouse gas emissions from landfill. There will be financial benefits in avoiding landfill tax payments, and avoiding financial penalties associated with a failure to meet European targets for the reduction of landfill of biodegradable wastes. 7.4 The ERF will meet the requirements of development plan policies in relation to climate change and energy, both in terms of its own use of energy, its electricity generation, and its ability to provide CHP. Site specific issues 7.5 The ERF proposals are located on a site in existing waste management use that is also safeguarded in the London Plan and the SLWP for waste management use. Policies in the SLWP and the London Plan also encourage the intensification of such uses on safeguarded sites. 7.6 Planning permission for an ERF at the site would extend the life of waste management uses at the site. This will optimise the use of the site for locally generated residual waste and will enable residual waste to continue to be treated at the site once the landfill has closed, without the requirement for long distance transfer to other facilities. 7.7 The ERF and the existing landfill gas engines can work together to increase the electricity generated from waste at the site and also to increase the potential effectiveness of CHP, with the ERF providing greater security and longevity of supply, to supplement and eventually replace the CHP potential of the gas engines as the gas diminishes over time. 7.8 Whilst the ERF site is safeguarded for waste management use, it is also within MOL and within the wider area identified for the future establishment of the Wandle Valley Regional Park (WVRP). Viridor has therefore considered and demonstrated the very special circumstances that exist in this case to allow the development to proceed. 7.9 The set of very special circumstances for the development of the ERF to proceed in MOL include: Waste management activity has taken place on this site for many years and safeguarding in the development plan highlights the continued value of the site for waste management use. Previous resolutions to grant permissions at the site have used the existing waste uses as a component of the very special circumstances to justify permission There is an identifiable and urgent need to divert residual waste arisings from landfill and the proposals will provide for this diversion It will provide renewable/low carbon energy, will diversify energy production away from fossil fuels, and increase security of supply Previous resolutions to grant permission at the site have used identifiable and urgent need as a component of the very special circumstances to justify permission, and more recent changes to waste policy to seek to divert waste from landfill add further weight to this.

20 18 South London There are no alternative sites that are suitable, available and achievable to deliver this proposal in the required timescale The inputs of residual waste are already delivered to the site, meaning that current patterns of delivery can remain largely unchanged and therefore new traffic impacts can be avoided Potential heat users have been identified in the area surrounding the ERF site. Locating the ERF at the site allows it to augment the landfill gas potential, providing greater longevity and security of supply once the gas diminishes over time The impact of the proposal on openness of MOL is limited, given the existing use and that the proposal will see the development on the site consolidated into a smaller area The proposal will provide early delivery of the new country park on the Beddington landfill site, bringing accelerated nature conservation and public access benefits. No other site could achieve this The potential for impacts is capable of mitigation either in the proposed design or secured through condition and planning obligations The proposals do not harm the criteria for MOL designation in this location, and will contribute towards these criteria in some respects PPS 10 states that local planning authorities should:..protect green belts but recognise the particular locational needs of some types of waste management facilities when defining green belt boundaries and, in the determining of planning applications, that these locational needs, together with the wider environmental and economic benefits of sustainable waste management, are material considerations that should be given significant weight in determining whether proposals should be given planning permission Paragraph 91 of the NPPF states that very special circumstances may include the wider environmental benefits associated with increased production of energy from renewable sources. Increased production of renewable energy at the ERF is therefore a key element of the case for very special circumstances, given weight by the NPPF The proposals comply with the development plan and national policies to divert residual waste from landfill and to generate more power from renewable or low carbon sources. The provision of a modern residual waste management facility is essential and of more than local significance. The benefits in this respect, as well as the energy generation potential, outweigh the potential harm to MOL The above factors cumulatively constitute a compelling set of very special circumstances, which justify the ERF development with the MOL The early delivery of the restoration plan is possible through the early closure of the landfill. This allows the early delivery of a country park that will assist in delivering the wider aspirations for the WVRP The ERF will also provide education facilities and warden accommodation that will help to promote the WVRP and improve access to information about it, assist with the management and interpretation of the local country park, and provide controlled access to it via the education centre Whilst the ERF will be located on part of the land identified in the development plan for the establishment of the WVRP, the ERF will occupy only 2.75 hectares of the 96 hectares area of the restoration plan area (about 2.9%) which itself is much smaller than the WVRP as a whole It is also significant that the part of the site where the ERF is proposed has no public access at present, nor is any proposed in the current restoration plan, so no areas of public access are lost The ERF proposals include an education centre, where the public can find out more about the site and can view the adjacent new habitats from the viewing balcony that will be provided. By prior arrangement, visitors will also be able to leave the education centre and enter the adjacent park by way of a new path that will lead into the wider path network.

21 South London The proposals will provide a brown roof on the administration/ education centre building that will enhance the biodiversity potential at the site, and the proposals for planting around the ERF and the provision of the drainage ponds will provide further enhancements The creation of the WVRP will not be hindered by the proposals, and indeed an important new element contributing to that initiative (the restored site) will be brought forward earlier than under current plans. The proposals also bring beneficial improvements to public access proposals and have a negligible effect on the proposed nature conservation improvements to the site. Non site specific policy 7.18 The proposals take into account the requirements of the adopted and emerging Regional Spatial Strategy (the London Plan) the adopted Waste Local Plan, and the adopted Sutton Core Strategy and Sites and Development DPDs regarding all relevant aspects of planning, design and environmental issues The design quality of the proposed ERF building has been endorsed by Design Council CABE. The ERF s visual impact is mitigated by high quality design. It will become an exemplar and landmark building, adding quality in an area of undistinguished utilitarian buildings in the adjacent industrial estate.

22 8. Summary of Environmental Impact Assessment

23 South London 21 Summary of Environmental Impact Assessment 8.1 The range of environmental issues likely to arise as a result of the proposals, and their significance, were identified during a scoping exercise at an early stage in the project. A scoping opinion was received from LBS. 8.2 Baseline desk and / or field studies were undertaken to establish the existing situation. The effects of the proposed development were evaluated using a method that compares the sensitivity and importance of receptors with the likely magnitude of change, to establish the degree of effect. The degree of an effect determines the resource that should be put in place to avoid or reduce (mitigate) an adverse effect and identifies the actual value of a positive one. Air quality 8.3 Baseline work shows that for most people living in the area, concentrations of pollutants such as NO 2 and PM 10 are well within those set by air quality standards. Monitoring data shows that there are variations in concentrations over short distances and that exposure to air pollution is strongly dependent on proximity to high traffic flows. 8.4 It is anticipated that future air quality in 2017 and beyond will be at least as good as it is now, if not better, as national and local policies relating to vehicle emission performance will tend to reduce airborne concentrations of pollutants such as NO 2 and PM Most construction activities will take place at locations some considerable distance from any residential or commercial properties and the scale of any impact is likely to be small or negligible and is found to be not significant. 8.6 In all scenarios, the additional concentrations of NO 2 and PM 10 at the roadside along Beddington Lane will be small in magnitude and will not be significant. 8.7 Emissions through the two ERF stacks will be required to comply with limit values set out in the Waste Incineration Directive and the environmental performance of the ERF will be subject to regulation by the Environment Agency. The concentrations of certain pollutants in the flue gases will be measured at all times and the results made available to the public. 8.8 The ERF has been designed to operate well within the Waste Incineration Directive limits, and as such the magnitude of potential effects on air quality is found to be negligible or small. The impact is judged to be not significant. 8.9 The impact of emissions to atmosphere on local sites of nature conservation interest has also been assessed and found to be not significant No further mitigation is required beyond the control measures built into the project. Good practices during the construction phase will be implemented to ensure that impacts are avoided. Cultural heritage 8.11 The cultural heritage assessment focused on archaeological remains within 500m of the development boundary, and historic buildings and monuments within a 1km search area There are no listed buildings, scheduled monuments or other designated historic features within the site. Within the surrounding area there are two scheduled monuments, eight listed structures, and one conservation area within 500m. The whole site is in an Area of Archaeological Potential. A number of archaeological investigations have been undertaken within the site area in relation to recent development. These record a variety of finds The construction phase has potential to disturb any remaining buried archaeology on areas not previously covered by intrusive investigations. The ERF development area has been subject to previous investigations but the route of the new access road has not. An archaeological watching brief will be maintained during the initial stages of the road construction The main effect that the construction and operation of the ERF will have on cultural heritage assest is the potential altered visual form / quality of the site as experienced in the views from listed structures. The stacks in particular will appear in long distance views from some designated heritage assets.

24 22 South London Ground conditions 8.15 Intrusive site investigations have been undertaken in the ERF development area and along the route of the new access road and CHP pipeline, and historic ground conditions data has been examined. Groundwater was encountered at shallow levels, and ongoing groundwater monitoring carried out by Viridor shows that concentrations of ammonia and nitrogen are generally of drinking water standard Concentrations of potential contaminants within the soil are generally low and below current soil guideline values for a commercial end use. A small number of isolated contamination hotspots exist along the route of the proposed access road. The risk of ground gas is considered to be low A range of best practice construction techniques and the removal and treatment of any contaminated material is proposed The low levels of contamination within the ground and groundwater on site indicate the potential risk for damage to the environment is low provided all construction and operational activities on site are undertaken in accordance with the relevant management plans, policies and regulatory guidance. Contamination should not present a risk to construction staff or site workers provided standard health and safety practices are followed. No significant impacts to the soils within the application site are envisaged. The ERF is not expected to have any significant adverse effects on soil or groundwater. Land use 8.19 The potential effects of the proposals on existing and future land uses of the site and surrounding area were assessed. In the absence of the proposal it is likely that the site would remain in its current waste use in the short and medium term, before being restored under the approved restoration proposals for a country park (nature conservation and public access), although its safeguarding in the development plan for waste management use indicates its continuing value in this use, and potential for its continuation in the longer term, subject to need and the necessary planning permission The proposed ERF will be within an area already used for waste management and the facility will represent a beneficial effect on the management of waste within the Partnership area. A small area of land that is part of the existing restoration scheme will be unavailable for the country park, and the revised restoration proposals represent a change in the distribution of habitats and public access across the application site. The country park will form part of the wider Wandle Valley Regional Park and be a permanent feature. The change to the proposed restoration scheme to accommodate the ERF is not considered to be significant and the proposals will improve public access There will be no direct land use changes outside the site and the ERF proposals are not considered likely to affect any of the off-site land uses in the surrounding area, although the potential CHP link to nearby businesses could be of benefit in the future. Landscape and visual effects 8.22 A series of representative viewpoint locations were selected and agreed with LBS. These include residential, recreational and transportation receptors and designated areas from where it is expected the proposals will be visible The landform within the site, the surrounding topography and the extent of the built form throughout the study area mean the potential zone from which the facility is likely to be seen is relatively limited. Views are mainly limited to the site and the immediate local vicinity or some areas of elevated open space. The effect on some local views is considered to be significant Views from the permissive footpath to the western boundary of the site were also considered. Only a moderate to low adverse visual effect is predicted for viewpoint locations along this path For intermediate and distant locations, the proposals will appear in the context of Beddington Industrial Estate, the electricity pylons, aerial masts, the high-rise development of Croydon and the existing landmark features of the twin chimney stacks of the Ikea superstore, a former power station. The proposals will not seem uncharacteristic of the surrounding area and therefore no significant effects are predicted.

25 South London By 2017 a large majority of the western area of the country park will have been restored from its present use. The magnitude of change from these locations has been assessed as being in the lower range of large With respect to other viewpoints within the site, while they are in close proximity to the proposals, the creation of new landscape features to meet the nature conservation objectives for the wet grasslands will screen views Although the landscape of Beddington Farmlands is degraded and has many detracting features, the area is designated as a SMI and MOL, and is valued by the local community and local nature conservation groups. The proposals would introduce elements of scale and form that would be moderately at odds with, although not necessarily uncharacteristic, of the appearance of the receiving landscape. The proposed change is considered to create a moderate adverse significant effect The location of a tall building of this scale and massing in this location will not be viewed as uncharacteristic given its close proximity to Beddington Industrial Estate and the twin chimney stacks at the Ikea superstore. The proposals incorporate a high standard of architecture and materials and will have no adverse impact on local or strategic London views Of the five identified landscape character areas only Beddington Farmlands will be subject to any adverse effect, and the degree of effects was judged as moderate. Of the seventeen representative viewpoints only three have been judged to have substantial effects and seven have moderate effects. Natural heritage 8.31 There are no nationally or internationally statutorily protected sites within 2km of the ERF development area. The nearest national site, Croham Hurst Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is 5.5km to the south east, and the nearest international site, Wimbledon Common Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is 6.6km to the north west. There are six Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) within 2km of the ERF development area The application site is within the Beddington Farmlands Site of Metropolitan Importance (SMI), recognised as having important bird interest, notably the resident population of tree sparrows. It is also important for bats. There are three other local wildlife sites within 1km of the ERF development area The habitats of the application site include the active landfill, which comprises large areas of bare ground, and peripheral areas that are more vegetated with plantation and seminatural woodland. Non-operational and less disturbed areas consist of a mixture of scrub and weeds, grassland, sludge lagoons and lakes. Existing buildings and hardstanding dominate the ERF development area, but in the peripheral areas it supports weedy scrub, poor quality grassland, small areas of woodland and a pond Five different species of bats use the site, although the usage of the ERF development area is significantly lower than elsewhere on the site and there was no evidence of bats roosting in any of the buildings or trees in this area No great crested newts were found at the application site. Smooth newts, common frog and common toads were recorded. No reptiles were found. An invertebrate survey found a number of nationally important species Regular surveys undertaken on the Beddington Farmlands SMI show 82 bird species, 33 of which are considered to be breeding. The tree sparrow surveys show that a number of the nesting boxes in the ERF development area were not used in the 2011 breeding season, with only four boxes used.

26 24 South London 8.37 When consideration is given to the design, avoidance, mitigation and compensation measures that have been proposed and the scale and setting of the proposed scheme it is concluded that in the construction phase there is likely to be a short term negative impact of local significance with regard to loss of habitats and invertebrates. There will be no significant impact upon the key species groups or the integrity of the Beddington Farmlands SMI or any other designated sites in the vicinity With respect to impacts arising from the operational phase it is concluded that there will be no significant impact upon those ecological receptors in the area and that the ecological function of the Beddington Farmlands SMI and other designated sites nearby will not be affected. It is also concluded that those species of important within the Beddington Farmlands SMI site shall not be adversely impacted upon by this scheme. Further to this there is a long term commitment to facilitate management of the restored areas of the application site via the Conservation Management Plan and the Biodiversity Management Plan (for the ERF facility) The development of the ERF will bring the restoration of wider application site forward ahead of the timeframe that the currently proposed landfilling operations will allow. This will be beneficial, as it will result in an earlier implementation of the measure that will help to meet the site s conservation objectives. Noise and vibration 8.40 An assessment of the potential noise and vibration impacts associated with the proposed ERF has been undertaken The baseline noise survey indicates that the area is dominated by road traffic noise associated with London Road and Beddington Lane, together with noise from traffic movements on the more local, minor roads. This is supplemented by other noises from activities within the area such as industrial operations, human activities and overhead aircraft. Subjective observations indicate that there are no major sources of vibration in the vicinity The impacts associated with construction activities are generally assessed as being relatively low. This is because of the distances between the activities and the sensitive receptors, and the relatively high ambient noise levels A range of mitigation measures will be employed during the construction period to ensure noise levels are kept to a minimum. A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be prepared, which will assist in identifying specific mitigation measures. The resulting impact significance will therefore be within acceptable levels The noise associated with the operation of the ERF would not generally be different to the existing character of the area and is not expected to be individually noticeable within the background noise climate The potential for noise to be generated has influenced the design of the ERF, which will incorporate the following measures: The façade and roof construction are designed to reduce sound levels Vehicle access doors to be rapid closing, and closed when not in use All personnel doors will remain closed when not in use Most noise sources will be within enclosed buildings A 2.5m acoustic barrier will be provided south of the main access road All mobile plant will be fitted with either smart or broadband reversing alarm systems, or at sensitive times will be manoeuvred with the support of a qualified banksman to minimise disturbance 8.46 The noise assessment has concluded that, at the majority of locations, impacts of neutral significance are anticipated. The only exception to this is at Primrose Close, where impacts of neutral/minor significance could occur during the night since the existing background noise climate is extremely low The proposed development would not increase traffic noise levels by more than one decibel. Noise associated with traffic changes is therefore not considered to be significant.

27 South London The potential noise effects on ecological receptors were also considered. The assessment concluded that adverse effects are unlikely to arise. Socio-economic and health 8.49 The assessment examined the effects of the proposal on the host community, including the existing population, local businesses, facilities and services, and economy. The potential health effects and the issues of public perception were also examined There will be a short term increase in employment during construction. The average number of people employed on site at any one time during the will vary considerably, but it is estimated that peak employment is likely to provide 338 jobs. Many of the construction jobs are likely to be filled by specialist workers based outside the local area. Therefore no significant increase in employment is expected, although the increase in jobs is likely to lead to an associated increase in spending in the local economy Once operational, the ERF will provide 33 jobs. It is likely that local people will fill many of these positions, with training being provided A health risk assessment and health impact assessment have been undertaken. The evidence indicates that the ERF will have an impact on health that can reasonably be described as imperceptible The ERF will be maintained in a clean and tidy condition, and dust and odours will be controlled through the closing of the tipping hall access doors between waste deliveries and negative air pressure generated by the operation of the furnace. Noisy plant items will be within the ERF building and a boundary noise limit will be set. Standard facility cleaning and pest control measures will be implemented. It is considered that the amenity of local residents will not be adversely affected by the operation of the plant Viridor operates a good neighbour policy at all of its sites and facilities, which includes the maintenance of a local liaison group. A Business Management System which meets relevant international environmental, quality and health and safety standards will be implemented at the proposed ERF Once the ERF is operational in 2017, the adjacent landfilling activities will cease. This is ahead of current schedule, and will enable restoration proposals and public access opportunities to be implemented earlier than expected The ERF will include an education centre and walking tours of the plant. A virtual education centre will also be provided online to allow people to find out how the facility operates. Traffic and transport 8.57 In terms of highway capacity, the existing site access and the Beddington Lane / Coomber Way roundabout operate effectively. The signalised junctions at Beddington Lane / Croydon Road / Windmill Road and Hillier Lane / A232 Croydon Road operate close to or at capacity, notably in the afternoon peak hour The increase in traffic arising from the construction of the proposals will be within acceptable limits. Construction HGV traffic will be distributed onto the network in accordance with the Beddington Industrial Estate Delivery Plan. This plan suggests routes for HGV deliveries to each section of the industrial area and prevents any additional HGV from travelling through Beddington village. A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will also help reduce the impact of construction traffic (which will avoid the peak hours) and will assist in providing staff with incentives to make sustainable transport choices Trip generation for the proposed operational development has been calculated based on a combination of the existing waste deliveries to the site and the requirements of the ERF process. The majority of the waste input to the ERF is already coming to the existing site (as landfill). There will be no changes to municipal waste collection times, and as a result the daily profile of waste will remain as existing.

28 26 South London 8.60 An assessment of the highway network has concluded that development impacts are not significant and mitigation will not therefore be required. Nevertheless, to increase the attractiveness of sustainable transport choices amongst staff, potential travel plan initiatives are proposed along with improvements to on-site pedestrian and cyclist facilities Local receptors have been assessed for their level of sensitivity and the impact on them from traffic associated with the development established. The significance of those impacts has been considered negligible A cumulative assessment has also been carried out and it is evident that when compared to the impact of the predicted background growth, the proposed development in conjunction with other committed developments will have a negligible effect on junction capacity. Water environment 8.63 A flood risk assessment identifies that the ERF development area is in flood zone 1 (a low probability of flooding), but the lakes and ditches in the south and west of the site are in flood zones 2 and 3 (medium to high probability of flooding). The site lies within the catchment of the River Wandle. There are a number of water features within the site The existing waste recycling and IVC facilities do not have a formal surface water drainage system, and runoff is allowed to flow naturally to a drain to the north. Runoff from the operational part of the landfill area filters through the waste to the leachate drainage systems and is held in the leachate tank Good practice measures will be implemented during the construction phase of the proposed ERF development area, which will minimise the risk of changes to surface water flow and flood risk. The construction of the southern section of the CHP pipeline route is likely to cause a small, short-term impact on the surface water flow The drainage system of the operational ERF includes a series of ponds, the water from which will be used to maintain the adjacent wet grassland, which is proposed as part of the landfill restoration. The system has been designed to ensure that the surface water runoff rates are the same as would be experienced if the site is not developed. This will ensure that the development does not increase the risk of flooding of the site or neighbouring areas. The drainage system will also include measures to manage and treat any contamination within the surface water run off from the ERF development area. This means that there will be no significant effect on water quality and biodiversity.