New, Revised and Small Sites

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The Suitability Assessment published at page 315 of the HELAA capacity assessment identifies a number of potential constraints to the development of the site. The landowner has commissioned the technical assessments necessary to establish that the site is suitable for development. A summary of the findings is provided below. Copies of the full reports can be provided if required.

Access
There is a suitable access in place this was approved by planning permissions 2011/1174 and varied by 2013/1846. The access has been implemented.

Ecology and biodiversity
A site survey was undertaken on 24th April 2018. The site survey included an assessment of the habitats found within the site and the likely impact of the proposed development on habitats of ecological value and protected and notable species. In particular the survey considered the likely presence of bats, birds, badgers, water vole, amphibians and reptiles and potential impacts on wildlife and designated wildlife sites as a result of the development.

In addition, a desk based survey search was undertaken to highlight any records of relevant notable protected species within the 2 kilometre grid square containing the site. This was completed using records from the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service as well as previous survey data and local knowledge in the immediate vicinity.

In summary, no statutory protected habitats were identified on the site, or within close proximity. Whilst development of the site would result in the loss of some poor semi-improved grassland and herb vegetation the introduction of new landscaping within any new development would provide the potential for ecological enhancements of the site through the introduction of gardens and landscaping across the site. The report recommends a number of mitigation measures to ensure that impacts during the construction phase are minimised as well as a range of biodiversity enhancements to be incorporated within any proposed development.

Flood risk
A Flood Risk Assessment and Flood Modelling Report were prepared in April 2018. The Flood Assessment identifies that site characteristics, and considers the impacts of the 1 in 20 year, 1 in 100 year and 1 in 1,000 year flood events, in accordance with National Planning Policy Framework requirements; it includes a review of literature and guidance specific to the local area and determines the extent of Flood Zones across the site.

The assessment investigates the possibility of ground water flooding and flooding from other sources at the site. It concludes that there will be a low risk of groundwater flooding across the site. The report recommends that the finished floor levels of development be set at 150mm higher than existing ground levels to ensure that any risk of surface water flooding is minimised and safe access and egress can be achieved during the peak of any potential surface water flood event.

The Flood Risk Modelling report estimates the fluvial flood flows within the watercourse at the east of the site using appropriate and up-to-date Flood Estimation Handbook methods for a range of return period events and up-dated UK climate change allowances. The modelling shows that the majority of the site falls within the present day and future Flood Zone 1 and also outside of the climate change 1 in 100 year floodplain.

Trees
A tree survey has also been undertaken. This confirms that there are no significant trees within the interior of the site. The report identifies that the trees on site are of low quality and value when assessed individually. Five of the trees have been recommended for removal because of their poor structures, health or condition. These trees are deemed to be in such poor condition that they should be removed irrespective of the whether any development is proposed. The report shows that a suitable scheme could be designed to ensure that there would be no infringements to any Root Protection Areas of remaining trees.

Site reference GNLP2032
Location: Land south of Beccles Road, Loddon
The Suitability Assessment published at page 315 of the HELAA capacity assessment identifies a number of potential constraints to the development of the site. The landowner has commissioned the technical assessments necessary to establish that the site is suitable for development. A summary of the findings is provided below. Copies of the full reports can be provided if required.

Access
There is a suitable access in place this was approved by planning permissions 2011/1174 and varied by 2013/1846. The access has been implemented.

Ecology and biodiversity
A site survey was undertaken on 24th April 2018. The site survey included an assessment of the habitats found within the site and the likely impact of the proposed development on habitats of ecological value and protected and notable species. In particular the survey considered the likely presence of bats, birds, badgers, water vole, amphibians and reptiles and potential impacts on wildlife and designated wildlife sites as a result of the development.

In addition, a desk based survey search was undertaken to highlight any records of relevant notable protected species within the 2 kilometre grid square containing the site. This was completed using records from the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service as well as previous survey data and local knowledge in the immediate vicinity.

In summary, no statutory protected habitats were identified on the site, or within close proximity. Whilst development of the site would result in the loss of some poor semi-improved grassland and herb vegetation the introduction of new landscaping within any new development would provide the potential for ecological enhancements of the site through the introduction of gardens and landscaping
across the site. The report recommends a number of mitigation measures to ensure
that impacts during the construction phase are minimised as well as a range of
biodiversity enhancements to be incorporated within any proposed development.

Flood risk
A Flood Risk Assessment and Flood Modelling Report were prepared in April 2018 .
The Flood Risk Assessment identifies the site characteristics, and considers the
impacts of the 1 in 20 year, 1 in 100 year and 1 in 1,000 year flood events, in
accordance with National Planning Policy Framework requirements; it includes a
review of literature and guidance specific to the local area and determines the extent
of Flood Zones across the site.

The assessment investigates the possibility of groundwater flooding and flooding
from other sources at the site. It concludes that there will be a low risk of
groundwater flooding across the site. The report recommends that the finished floor
levels of development be set 150mm higher than existing ground levels to ensure
that any risk of surface water flooding is minimised and safe access and egress can
be achieved during the peak of any potential surface water flood event.

The Flood Risk Modelling report estimates the fluvial flood flows within the
watercourse at the east of the site using appropriate and up-to-date Flood Estimation Handbook methods for a range of return period events and up-dated UK climate change allowances. The modelling shows that the majority of the site falls within the present day and future Flood Zone 1 and also outside of the climate change 1in 100 year floodplain.

Trees
A tree survey has also been undertaken. This confirms that there are no significant
trees within the interior of the site. The report identifies that the trees on site are of
low quality and value when assessed individually. Five of the trees have been
recommended for removal because of their poor structures, health or condition.
These trees are deemed to be in such poor condition that they should be removed
irrespective of the whether any development is proposed. The report shows that a
suitable scheme could be designed to ensure that there would be no infringements to any Root Protection Areas of remaining trees.