An Arboricultural Assessment has been carried in accordance with national guidelines.
In summary, the report concludes that the tree cover is concentrated along the boundaries of the Site with a number of scattered individual trees and linear groups of mixed native species within the Site.
Across the site, a total of forty-nine individual trees, eleven groups of trees, and twelve hedgerows were surveyed as part of the Arboricultural Assessment. One tree was assessed as being of high quality and Category A which will be retained. Twelve individual trees, two groups of trees and one hedgerow were considered to be of moderate quality and Category B. The majority of trees, groups, and hedgerows were considered to be of low quality (Category C), and the remaining two trees were Category U.
To facilitate the proposed development, no significant tree loss will be required for the built development. The proposed development provides an opportunity, in terms of arboriculture, to improve and increase tree cover in the local area without the loss of any arboriculturally significant trees.
The Site comprises predominantly of farmed arable land of low biodiversity value. Habitats of higher distinctiveness are limited to the network of native hedgerows with mature trees that largely enclose the Site and the Grace Dieu Brook along its eastern boundary.
There are no statutory or non-statutory ecological designations within the Site. Due to intensive agricultural use, habitats within the Site are generally of low ecological value. However, features offering greater value (hedgerows, mature trees, and Grace Dieu Brook) are to be retained and buffered within the development proposals, thereby strengthening existing green corridors. Approximately 56% of the Site will comprise open space, incorporating, native scrub planting, and wildflower grassland to form an enhanced green corridor to the west of the brook.
These measures will enhance foraging and commuting opportunities for bats, increase nesting habitats for birds, and improve foraging and breeding conditions for amphibians, reptiles, and mammals such as badger and hedgehog. Protected species recorded or potentially present are limited to bat roost potential and commuting/foraging activity, with a low likelihood of great crested newts or reptiles—all of which can be appropriately mitigated.
The development represents a significant opportunity to enhance biodiversity by replacing low-value arable land with a diverse green infrastructure network. The proposals have the capacity to deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on site, and ensure the protection and enhancement of local wildlife. No ecological constraints are considered prohibitive, and all potential effects can be effectively managed and mitigated through the planning process.
A Noise Impact Assessment will be undertaken following site surveys of road traffic noise in line with the guidance contained in Calculation of Road Traffic Noise. An assessment will be completed to assess transportation noise upon the proposed dwellings in line with national guidance. Where exceedances of any criteria are identified we will recommend appropriate and reasonable mitigation measures to ensure that adopted noise level criteria is not exceeded at the closest residential dwellings.
There are no designated heritage assets located within the Site, and none in the surrounding area whose settings or significance will be affected by the proposed development. Current evidence also indicates that the potential for further archaeological remains within the Site is low.
Flood Risk
The Site is located in Flood Zone 1, which is defined as land assessed as having an annual probability of river flooding of less than 1%. The Environment Agency indicate that the majority of the site is also at low risk from surface water flooding. Areas of higher risk are located to the east (following the existing watercourse on the boundary) and will remain free of development ensuring a sequential approach to design. All other forms of flood risk (groundwater, sewer, and artificial are shown to be low, and the overall flood risk the Site is classified as low.
Surface Water Drainage
Attenuation ponds are proposed and surface water drainage will follow the SuDs hierarchy by outfalling to the existing watercourse (Grace Dieu Brook) along the eastern boundary of the Site. The surface water discharge is based on a QBAR rate of 14.5 l/s, and allowing for an impermeable area of 3.246 Ha, a storage volume of 2,470m3 is required to cater for all storm events up to and including the 1 in 100year plus 40% for climate change storm event. Suitable levels of surface water treatment will be provided in accordance with CIRIA SuDS Manual C753, to improve water quality.
Foul Water Drainage
Severn Trent Water have confirmed that foul flows can be discharged to the existing 225mm diameter sewer in Thornborough Road. The connection to the sewer will be via a gravity system, however, the eastern part of the Site will require a foul water pumping station to traverse flows up to the gravity system.
In the Council’s Landscape Sensitivity and Green Infrastructure Study (2017), the Site is located within the local character area of ‘The Coalfield’ which is assessed as having moderate sensitivity to residential development due to the undulating landform, thick hedgerows and existing major roads. The assessment recommends that any development within this area should retain historic patterns, hedgerows and trees and incorporate further buffer planting. All of these points have been considered when designing the development.
The Site is not covered by any landscape, heritage or nature conservation designation that would suggest an increased value or sensitivity to change, and is not covered by any statutory or non-statutory designation that would prevent its development for residential purposes. The Site is a draft housing site in the emerging local plan but is covered by NWLDC’s Area of Separation policy aimed at preventing coalescence of existing settlements.
The Sites landscape character value is considered to be low, as the site is an undesignated landscape, relatively bland and commonplace. Although the proposals will contrast with existing land use, an amount of residential development in the western part of the Site is likely to be perceived as a natural extension to that already in place along Thornborough Road.
The Transport Assessment currently being prepared will forecast the likely increase in trips by foot, cycle, bus and car as a result of the additional dwellings. It will examine the impacts of the anticipated car trips from the development on the operation of the highway network, using Leicestershire County Council’s Plan Regional Transport Model. It will also examine road statistics, and determine the impacts on highway safety. Work is ongoing , and if any significant impacts on the highways networks are identified as a result of the development, these will be mitigated.
A Travel Plan will also be submitted with the planning application. This will include targets, measures, and incentives to reduce the number of car trips generated by the site, and increase the use of walking, cycling and bus travel. It will include a commitment to annual monitoring to ensure the targets are achieved.