Ms Jenny Barker
Cherwell District Council
Bodicote House 
White Post Road
Bodicote
Banbury
OX15 4AA

	

Our ref:	WA/2008/103581/01-L01
Planning ref: 07/02991/OUT

Date:		05 March 2008

Dear Ms Barker

OUTLINE APPLICATION FOR NEW SETTLEMENT OF 1075 DWELLINGS, TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED WORKS AND FACILITIES INCLUDING EMPLOYMENT USES, COMMUNITY USES, SCHOOL, PLAYING FIELDS AND OTHER PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE.  
LETTER FROM ARDLEY WITH FEWCOTT PARISH COUNCIL. 
HEYFORD PARK, CAMP ROAD, UPPER HEYFORD      

I refer to the letter from Ardley with Fewcott Parish Council which we received on 08 January 2008. I apologise for the delay in replying.

We agree that further investigation will be required prior to and during the detailed design stage. We have raised an objection on surface water flood risk grounds as we wish to see more sustainable methods of drainage at the site. This work must show exactly how the development will be implemented without increasing surface water run-off or causing detriment to the natural hydrological regime. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are one of the principles of Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flooding (PPS25). Policy ENV9 of the Cherwell Local Plan 1996 (Adopted) also requires suitable measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of surface water flooding.

We will be asking for a desk-top study to be carried out at this site before development commences. This will tell us about previous uses at the site and potential contaminants associated with those uses. Depending on what the findings are we will want to see a site investigation which includes a risk assessment. This is set out in Planning Policy Statement 23: Planning and Pollution Control (PPS23). Policy ENV12 of the Cherwell Local Plan 1996 (adopted) says that development should only be permitted if it is not likely to result in the contamination of surface water or underground water resources. 

We found historic evidence of drainage systems that were built to serve the airfield.  
Gagle Brook catchment is to the south east of Ardley and Fewcott therefore it is possible that alterations to this existing drainage may cause run-off to drain towards the Padbury Brook. It is therefore important that the locations of these soakaways are established and preserved in order that stream output is not impacted. We have asked to see the details of the construction of the surface water drainage system.

If rare or protected species are in conflict with this development then a comprehensive mitigation programme would be required. For example, Bats, Great Crested Newts, Badgers and indeed some plants have protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
 
We would request that the landscaping design for this development consist of native plants/trees shrubs. The creation of additional habitats for example,  ponds, scrapes would bring biodiversity benefits to the site. Also a comprehensive management plan to ensure that the biodiversity at the site can be maintained and if possible increased. This will ensure that the development is in accordance with Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (PPS9), Local Plan Policies C1, C2 and C4 and Local Biodiversity Action Plans.
 
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.
 
Yours sincerely

Michelle Kidd
Planning Liaison Officer

Direct dial 01491 828455
Direct fax 01491 834703
Direct e-mail michelle.kidd@environment-agency.gov.uk