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The Project Control Framework
This framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major road improvement projects.
A417 Cowley to Brockworth Bypass Improvement
4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
4.1 Environmental background data were collected and collated for the study area in a desktop review exercise. Data was collected from a wide range of statutory and non-statutory sources and from previous studies undertaken for the Highways Agency on parts of the route. The sources contacted and a description of the data collected are given in Appendix B. In addition, a report containing all of the baseline information was prepared in November 2001 (the Environmental Data Report).
4.2 The data collected was used to prepare a constraints plan shown on Figure 4.1.
4.3 Several preliminary surveys have been undertaken by specialists within the team to supplement desktop data collected.
4.4 A summary of the environmental constraints is given below. Further details are available in Appendix B and in the Environmental Data Report.
Ecology and Nature Conservation
4.5 The study contains four sites designated at a National Level. These are:
- Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake SSSI;
- Bushley Muzzard and Watercombe Marsh SSSI;
- Knap House Quarry SSSI; and
- The Scrubs National Nature Reserve (at Crickley Hill).
4.6 At a Regional and Local level, Ullen Wood, Cowley Woods and Wards Woods are designated as Key Wildlife Sites. Ancient woodlands occur within the study area and are shown on Figure 4.1. These include Ullen Wood and Witcombe Wood.
4.7 Records show that a range of rare, nationally declining or protected species occur within the area. These include the Grey Partridge, Wood Warbler, Slow Worms and Adders. These are described in more detail in Appendix B.
4.8 The study area contains a range of habitat types which contribute to the nature of the Cotswolds. Field surveys have been undertaken as part of previous studies. These are described in Appendix B.
Landscape and Visual Impact
4.9 The entire study area falls within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Parts of the northern section of the study area also fall within the Cheltenham and Gloucester Green Belt. These are shown on Figure 4.1. There are no National Parks within the study area.
4.10 The National Trust own land at Crickley Hill. This is open to, and well used by, the public and is designated as a Country Park.
4.11 There are a number of Tree Preservation Orders (TPO's) concentrated in the northern section of the study area and these are shown in Figure 4.1.
4.12 Three areas of common land exist within the study area. These are along the western edge of Crickley Hill County Park, either side of Barrow Wake viewing area and at Birdlip. The latter includes Buckle, Cranham and Buckholt Woods. These are shown on Figure 4.1.
4.13 The most important feature of the study area is the escarpment slope which defines the eastern edge of the River Severn valley and the north-western boundary of the Cotswolds. From the top of the escarpment the plateau slopes gently to the east and is incised with a number of steep sided valleys, some containing spring fed rivers. The largest of these is the Churn valley in the north-eastern part of the study area.
4.14 Woodland cover is mainly restricted to the escarpment slope and the valleys, the plateau being largely open allowing long distance views.
4.15 There are no major settlements in the study area, the small villages of Birdlip and Brimpsfield are the largest settlements present. Elsewhere individual properties and small clusters of properties are scattered throughout the study area.
4.16 The landscape within the study area can be divided into three character zones which are discussed in detail in Appendix B. The three character zones are:
- The Vale;
- The Scarp; and
- The plateau top (Wold) with enclosed valleys.
Cultural Assets and Archaeology
4.17 Over 400 important sites are listed on the Gloucestershire Sites and Monuments Register for the study area. Numerous archaeological surveys have been undertaken in the area as a result of previous developments. These surveys indicate a high potential for archaeological finds.
4.18 Six Scheduled monuments occur within the study area. These are:
- Crickley Hill Camp;
- Brimpsfield Castle;
- Dryhill Roman Villa;
- Brimpsfield Castle Mound;
- Crippets Wood Bowl Barrows; and
- Emma's Grove Barrow Cemetery.
4.19 A total of 31 listed buildings exist within the study area. These are detailed in Appendix B and are shown on Figure 4.1.
Land-Use and Material Assets
4.20 The majority of land within the study area is used for farming. The land primarily comprises Grade 3 with Grade 4 on steep slopes. Small areas of Grades 2 and 3a are present at the foot of the escarpment and around Birdlip.
4.21 There are two long distance footpaths, the Cotswold Way and Gloucestershire Way which cross the study area. These form part of a network of footpaths and bridleways across the study area. These are shown on Figure 4.1.
4.22 Two public houses lie adjacent to the existing route, the Golden Heart and the Air Balloon. The Royal George Hotel and Conference Centre is located in Birdlip and village halls exist in Brimpsfield and Birdlip.
4.23 Public Open Space occurs at the picnic area on Barrow Wake and at Crickley Hill Country Park.
Water Resources
4.24 The study area falls into the catchment of the rivers Thames and Severn. The eastern area drains into the River Churn which is largely spring fed in its upper reaches. The river suffers from low flow and has dried out in the past, most notably in 1995. A low flow alleviation plan for the river is currently in action with the Environment Agency. The catchment also provides head waters to the River Frome.
4.25 Public water supplies are drawn from the River Churn (the Baunton source) and are used to supply the Gloucestershire region including Cirencester. Water is also supplied to Swindon.
4.26 The slopes of the escarpment contain a large number of springs which cross the Vale of Gloucester towards the River Severn.
4.27 The chemical and biological quality of the River Churn is very good. Hatherley Brook and Horsbere Brook, both within the vale, have good to very good chemical quality but only fair biological quality.
4.28 The limestones comprising the upper strata in the escarpment contain a major aquifer and fall within a groundwater protection zone. Major drinking water abstractions lie within 4km of the current route.
4.29 The hydrological constraints are shown in Figure 4.2.
Air Quality
4.30 The study area is predominantly rural with no major polluting industries and so air quality is expected to be good. Concern over roadside air quality has been expressed by local residents, and was raised in Cotswold District Councils (CDC) Stage 1 Air Quality review due to the volumes of traffic using the A417. However, modelling carried out in CDC's Stage 2 assessment showed that air quality standards are not currently being exceeded and would not be exceeded in 2005 (the date by which Local Authorities have to show compliance with set Air Quality Standards). No further assessment was, therefore, warranted.
Noise and Vibration
4.31 Since the study area is predominantly rural the existing A417 is the dominant noise source in the area. A number of noise complaints have been received by Local Authorities relating to traffic flows along the A417. Many of these related to the opening of the Cirencester Bypass which terminates at Cowley Roundabout and are potentially the result of a concrete surface to this section of road. Noise was also cited as a major concern to the project team by the residents of Cold Slad.
