Ecology
ENVIRON carried out a Preliminary Ecological Survey on the site
in March 2005 and subsequently undertook Phase II Ecological Surveys
which were reported in December 2005. Baseline ecology studies have
concluded that the site does not have any nature conservation designations.
Two single badger setts within the ‘Reading Road’ area
of the site were found to be active at the time of the surveys and
appropriate mitigation measures will be identified as part of the
EIA to ensure no negative impacts occur as a result of the proposed
development. A suitable translocation plan will be developed should
it be necessary to close off these existing badger setts. English
Nature are being consulted as part of this process. The surveys
also identified that the site is used as foraging habitat for bats,
although no roosts were found to be present. A number of birds were
either observed or heard on the site or close to the site, however,
none of the birds identified are listed on Annex 1 of the Birds
Directive or on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
(as amended).
Hydrology
Part of the south eastern area (‘Riverside’) lies within
the Environment Agency’s 100 year indicative fluvial floodplain
for the River Thames. However, following consultation with the Environment
Agency (EA) and having undertaken a preliminary assessment using
topographical data for the site and hydraulically modelled flood
level data from the EA, it is considered that much of the western
side of this parcel of land (adjacent to Vicarage Lane) does not
lie within the 100 year floodplain. A plan demonstrating this floodplain
area in relation to the proposed residential units is shown in Figure
1. The location, layout and design of the proposed residential units
will take account of the identified floodplain and the proposed
layout will include appropriate mitigation measures (i.e. floodplain
compensation) where necessary.
click
here
for a larger version of the flood plain map
Landscape
and Visual Impact
The site lies within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty (AONB), partially within and adjacent to the Streatley
Conservation Area and within the Berkshire and Marlborough Downs
Countryside Character Area (116). The location of the site is relatively
sensitive in terms of potential visual impacts in relation to views
and landscape character. The Countryside Agency has been consulted
to ensure all issues are identified and addressed appropriately.
As part of the EIA, a landscape and visual impact assessment is
being carried out. This will assess the impact in terms of sensitive
receptors (nearby properties in Streatley) and take into account
the visibility of the proposed development from surrounding areas.
Cultural Heritage
A site walkover and predominantly desk-based review of cultural
heritage (including historic buildings) and archaeology is being
used to assess the magnitude of any potential impacts arising from
the proposed development. Should the area be considered to be archaeologically
significant as a result of the assessment, a watching brief may
be required during any excavation works. The desk-based assessment
will include a full review of archaeological and historic building
data available for the site and the surrounding area. The review
of historic buildings and assessment of impacts is being undertaken
jointly with Ettwein Bridges architects and is linked to the visual
impact assessment of the EIA in relation to the site setting in
the context of the village of Streatley.
click
here
for a larger version of the environmental condition map
