Highways Agency

• A57/A628 Mottram in Longdendale, Hollingworth and Tintwistle Bypass

The scheme has been designed to reduce, as far as possible, any adverse impact on the environment whilst still considering other factors such as road safety, engineering design and cost.

The area of Tintwistle Low Moor, designated as part of a Site of Special Scientifi c Interest for its internationally important bird and vegetation habitat, would be avoided by the bypass.

The bypass has been designed to merge with the surrounding landscape, with earth screening mounds used extensively to hide the road from residential properties and open access areas. The earth mounds and embankment slopes would be shaped to merge into local landforms and allow some land to be returned to agriculture.

Other measures would include planting of new woodland, shrubs, hedgerows and heather moorland and providing natural rock slopes and stone walls. Planting would use native species, wherever possible from local seed sources.

In maintaining the natural ecology of the area, wetland areas and ponds would be provided. Mammal underpasses, bat boxes, a bat barn and bat bridges would also be included. Replacement badger setts could be provided, dependent upon badger activity at the time of construction.

A low noise road surface would be used on the bypass and a noise fence would be provided next to the western exit of Mottram tunnel. A series of drainage ponds are proposed to collect and treat water run off from the bypass and prevent the flooding and contamination of local watercourses. Bridges would be provided to ensure that access is maintained to the network of paths, footways, bridleways and cycle paths crossing the bypass.

Typical section of the bypass & environmental works (43KB GIF)

Environmental Effects

Noise and Air Quality

A comparison for the year 2025 with and without the scheme shows most properties would experience a reduction in noise levels and nuisance with the scheme. The most notable decreases would be in locations where the existing noise levels are highest. Where there would be increases in noise levels, most of these increases would be less than 3 decibels.

With the scheme there would be an overall reduction in levels of air pollutants. Although there would be adverse effects for some properties, these would be outweighed by improvements for others.

Levels of air pollutants at most properties would be expected to meet the Government's Air Quality Strategy objectives, except for nitrogen dioxide levels at some properties on Four Lanes, along Woolley Lane and near Townhead Farm. Most areas along the existing A57/A628 in Mottram, Hollingworth and Tintwistle would experience a reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels. With the scheme there would be an estimated local increase of 7% in emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.

Landscape and Visual Effects

The scheme is located on the western edge of the Pennines with approximately 1.3 km of the bypass within the Peak District National Park. The landscape to the north of Mottram, Hollingworth and Tintwistle is of high landscape value, with conservation areas in Mottram and Tintwistle.

The majority of residential properties would experience a beneficial effect on their views, although there would be adverse effects on views from some properties, 11 footpaths, 2 long distance trails, Swallows Wood Nature Reserve and land within the National Park.

Heritage

Archaeological investigations and surveys have been undertaken to ascertain the location and value of archaeological sites. No sites of national heritage importance would be affected by the bypass. The bypass would directly affect the site of Mottram Old Mill, which is of regionally important archaeological interest, and two cottages at Old Hall Lane, which are of local heritage interest. Further detailed investigation of particular archaeological sites would be undertaken in advance of construction.

Mottram Conservation Area would benefi t from the scheme as a result of reduced traffic flows. Tintwistle Conservation Area would also benefit from reduced traffic flows although there would be partial loss of open land within the conservation area. The increase in traffic on the A628 and A616 resulting from the scheme would adversely impact on the setting of some listed buildings and the Langsett Conservation Area. The scheme has been designed to minimise the impact on the setting of listed buildings such as Mottram Old Hall, Widowscroft Farm, Thorncliffe Hall and Thorncliffe Farm by placing the bypass in cutting and providing earth mounding.

Nature Conservation and Water Quality

There would be no impact on Tintwistle Low Moor, which forms part of an internationally and nationally designated site. Locally designated sites would be affected by the scheme at Landslow Green, Hollingworth Hall Wood and Hollingworth Reservoir and Swallows Wood Nature Reserve.

The scheme would affect species such as terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, fish, breeding birds, bats and badgers. The rare fungus, pink waxcap, would be translocated from grassland lost adjacent to Arnfield Brook. There would be an adverse impact as a result of the scheme if this translocation is not successful. New habitats would be created including native woodland with shrubs, heather moorland, scree slopes, stone walls, wetland areas and ponds, which would offset habitat losses. This would result in benefits for wildlife as the habitats are established.

The scheme would benefit water quality in small watercourses, as balancing ponds, reed beds and oil interceptors would remove road pollutants. The scheme would not affect any floodplains and run off rates would not cause any significant flooding impacts.

Land Use, Agriculture, Geology and Soils

Construction of the Mottram tunnel would result in the demolition of 18 residential properties. All but one of the properties is owned by the Department for Transport. Other areas of land required would include that from farms, the Mottram Showground, Swallows Wood Nature Reserve and Holybank Quarry.

Approximately 56 hectares of farmland would be required for the scheme, including two buildings at Townhead Farm. None of the agricultural land that would be taken is designated as the best and most versatile quality. Altogether 13 farms (including an equestrian centre and farm shop) and 5 smallholdings would be affected. New access roads would be provided. Areas required for temporary works during the construction of the scheme would be restored for agricultural use.

There are no protected geological sites in the area. The risk of disturbance of contaminated material would be mitigated through further site investigation prior to construction and treatment of contaminated materials if necessary.

Pedestrians, Cyclists and Equestrians and Community Facilities

A reduction in traffic through Mottram, Hollingworth and Tintwistle and the implementation of traffic calming measures would improve the environment in the villages and provide easier access to community facilities. The network of existing rights of way would be maintained by diverting them to new crossings over or under the bypass.

Vehicle Travellers

Road users would benefit from reduced congestion and improved journey time reliability. The landscape proposals and planting would create a setting in keeping with the local landscape character.

Construction Effects

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) would be implemented to manage the effects of construction noise, vibration and dust. The CEMP would also identify works needed to protect wildlife habitats and prevent pollution to watercourses.

Alternative accesses to businesses and houses would be provided prior to construction and public footpaths would be maintained wherever possible. Access to Old Road, Old Hall Lane and Roe Cross industrial estate would be maintained during construction of the tunnel by improvement of the junction of Hobson Moor Road with Roe Cross Road to the north. Any important archaeological finds made during the course of the works would be assessed and recorded.

Further Information

Copies of the Environmental Statement may be purchased from the Highways Agency at the address given in the Contact Information.

The Environmental Statement is priced at £40 for Volume 1, £60 for Volume 2A, £40 for Volume 2B and £80 for Volume 3.

A version of the complete Environmental Statement on CD is available for £24. There is no charge for the Non-Technical Summary, which can be obtained from the same address or in PDF form from the Publications section.