Dawlish Warren Flood Defence Non- V1.1 6 June 2014 · Dawlish Warren Flood Defence i Dawlish Warren...

Dawlish Warren Flood Defence i

Dawlish Warren Flood Defence

Environmental Statement – Non-Technical Summary

V1.1 6 June 2014

Dawlish Warren Flood Defence ii

We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment and make it a better place for people and wildlife.

We operate at the place where environmental change has its greatest impact on people’s lives. We reduce the risks to people and properties from flooding; make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife; protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply the environmental standards within which industry can operate.

Acting to reduce climate change and helping people and wildlife adapt to its consequences are at the heart of all that we do.

We cannot do this alone. We work closely with a wide range of partners including government, business, local authorities, other agencies, civil society groups and the communities we serve.

Published by: Environment Agency Horizon house, Deanery Road Bristol BS1 5AH Email: [email protected] www.environment-agency.gov.uk © Environment Agency 2011 All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Environment Agency.

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Dawlish Warren Flood Defence iii

Quality Assurance

Approvals

Name Signature Title Date Version

Project name Dawlish Warren Flood Defence

Project 1B1S reference Dawlish Warren Flood Defence IMSW002077

Date 6 June 2014

Version number V1.4

Author Kath Wellard

EIA Quality Mark

This Environmental Statement, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out to identify the significant environmental effects of the proposed development, was undertaken in line with the EIA Quality Mark Commitments. The EIA Quality Mark is a voluntary scheme, operated by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), through which EIA activity is independently reviewed, on an annual basis, to ensure it delivers excellence in the following areas: EIA Management EIA Team Capabilities EIA Regulatory Compliance EIA Context & Influence EIA Content EIA Presentation Improving EIA practice To find out more about the EIA Quality Mark please visit:

www.iema.net/qmark

http://www.iema.net/qmark

Dawlish Warren Flood Defence 1

Non-Technical Summary Introduction

We propose to build a new flood defence at Dawlish Warren, near to the Visitor Centre in the National Nature Reserve (NNR) to reduce the risk of tidal flooding to Dawlish Warren village.

The proposed new flood defence requires planning permission from TDC Planning Department under the Town and Country Planning Act. In May 2014 TDC Planning Department advised us that the project required an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

This report is the Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement, which sets out the environmental assessment and mitigation measures proposed under this project to accompany the planning application for the project.

The problem

The Exe Estuary Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy (‘the Strategy’) recommended a number of actions are taken at Dawlish Warren and Exmouth Beach to manage the risks from the sea over the next 100 years:

Maintain the seawall and revetment at the base of Dawlish Warren sand spit, near to the tourist facilities and village;

Repair, replace and possibly extend the wooden groynes along the beach;

Build a flood defence near the Visitor Centre; to reduce the risk of tidal flooding to Dawlish Warren village.

Removal of the gabions between the end of the concrete promenade and the middle section of the spit, and;

Add extra sand to the beach at Dawlish Warren and possibly at Exmouth (known as ‘beach nourishment’).

Elements 2, 4 and 5 are being developed as part of the Dawlish Warren and Exmouth Beach Management Scheme (BMS) and we are working with Teignbridge District Council (TDC) and East Devon District Council (EDDC) to develop and deliver these actions over the next three years. Maintenance of the sea wall will take place in the future, when required.

The scheme to build a new defence near the Visitor Centre is a ‘stand alone’ project and is taking place earlier in order to qualify for funding under the UK government’s growth and acceleration programme.

The aim of the scheme

The aim of the new flood defence is to cut off the route of flood water from a potential breach (break) / overtopping of sea water of the dunes on the beach at Dawlish Warren. At present there is a risk from flood water flowing through the Nature Reserve and car park, entering Dawlish Warren village under the railway bridge (4% annual chance of tidal flooding).

The likely long term changes at Dawlish Warren beach and sand spit, as predicted by the Strategy is that a breach (break) in the dunes will occur at some point over the next 100 years, allowing sea water into the body of the sand spit. The flood defence across the sand spit will protect Dawlish Warren village. It will also protect the habitats and species behind it from flooding, while allowing the area in front of the new defence to


change naturally over time. These long term changes are in agreement with the Strategy, which has been developed and agreed with Natural England (NE).

As a result of the storms experienced between December 2013 and February 2014, the beach and defences at Dawlish Warren suffered much more damage than we would normally expect to see and we carried out urgent works to reduce the risk of flooding to local properties, the mainline railway and protect beach users.

We also reassessed the potential risk of flooding and, as a result, propose to build the flood defence near the Visitor Centre earlier, in order to reduce the risk of tidal flooding to Dawlish Warren village, in the event of a breach of the dunes next winter (2014/2015). The risk of a breach is potentially greater, as a result of the damage suffered during the storms, and bringing forward the flood defence construction avoids the need for temporary repairs to the existing gabion defences on the central part of the spit.

Project development and alternatives that were considered

A list of options for the defence was developed and discussed with the project team and Natural England (NE). A ‘do nothing’ option not considered as the Strategy had already identified the need for a ‘do something’ approach:

Raising the level of the ground by the roundabout

A demountable temporary defence at the railway bridge that would be put in place in the event of a flood and removed when the risk had passed

A defence near the Visitor Centre

A defence around the car park

The preferred option taken forward for further development was for a structure near to the Visitor Centre. The design for this option was developed by the design team with NE and the TDC Rangers.

As a result of discussions with NE and the Rangers, the preferred design chosen was made up of a mix of different sections and construction materials to take account of the different issues along the length of the defence between the shore and the golf course (see Figure A). It is made up of the following sections:

Southern embankment (blue area in Figure A) - construction of a landscaped embankment between the dunes and the existing access track. The embankment will be made of sand, hardcore (a hard, crushed, inert material that can be used as a fill) and / or rock, with a sheet piled core. This crest of the embankment will be approximately 0.75m above existing ground level and 1.5m wide. A new boardwalk will be built along the top of the crest to provide access from the Visitor Centre to the path along the top of the dunes. The embankment will be landscaped to blend in with the surrounding ground and vegetation. It will be managed by the Rangers to encourage dune vegetation to grow.

Access track (yellow area in Figure A) - construction of a landscaped embankment with an access track. This section will have a stone track laid over the top to allow access into the Nature Reserve. This will replace the part of the existing track next to the Visitor Centre to ensure that vehicle access further into the Nature Reserve is possible after the flood defence has been built. This part of the defence will be made of sand and crushed rock, with a sheet piled core. The maximum height of this section will be approximately 1.75m above existing ground level. The access track will be 3m wide (the same as the existing track), with slopes of 1:21 to enable both safe vehicle access over the embankment and to comply with requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). The side


slopes will be 1:3 to allow the Rangers access off the sides to maintain the embankment vegetation and allow them to access the garage at the Visitor Centre. The embankment will be landscaped to blend in with the surrounding ground and vegetation. It will be managed by the Rangers to encourage dune vegetation to grow.

Wall (red area in Figure A) - construction of a sheet piled wall with wooden cladding along the top of existing high ground behind the Visitor Centre. This will provide a structure with the smallest possible footprint in the area of most important dune habitat along the line of the defence. The average height along the wall length will be approximately 1m above existing ground level. The wall will merge into the high ground at the northern end, next to the golf course.

The pony corral and fencing will also need to be removed, as this is along the line of the proposed new defence. A replacement corral will be constructed in a new location that will be agreed with the Rangers and fencing will be replaced.

In total, the new flood defence structure will be approximately 200m long. The crest of the defence, once completed will be 3.6m AOD (Above Ordnance Datum). The access track and boardwalk will be slightly higher than this, as they will sit on top of the defence.

Table A – Footprint of the new flood defence

Section Length (m) Footprint (m2)

Southern embankment 35 235

Access track 3 (north/south) 485

Wall 155 140

Total 193 860

Discussions with Natural England and the Rangers concluded that it was preferable to minimise loss of SAC habitat rather than attempt to recreate it, as successful recreation with transplanted vegetation could not be guaranteed.

The path of the embankment sections has been designed to minimise the amount of material that will need to be brought into the Nature Reserve, by following the existing high ground. Where possible, material already on site, within the footprint of the new defence will be used.


Figure A - Dawlish Warren flood defence design

Southern embankment Approx 35m 1.5m wide crest Crest = 3.7 – 3.8mAOD Timber boardwalk along crest

Access track 3m wide 1:21 up and over ramp Crest = 3.7mAOD Side slopes 1:3

Timber clad wall section Approx 155m Top of piles = 3.6m AOD

Visitor Centre

Planning boundary

Access to Visitor Centre garage


Figure B – Environmental Site Appraisal Plan (ESAP)


Figure C – Indicative Landscape Plan (ILP)


Construction methodology

The proposed works will take place within the Dawlish Warren NNR, near to the Visitor Centre, between the golf course and dunes (see Figure D).

There is an existing access track from the Nature Reserve car park to the Visitor Centre. The track is not for general public vehicle use and access to the track is restricted by a locked gate at the northern end of the car park. All materials, vehicles, plant and workers will use this track to get to and from the construction site area.

The site compound and storage areas will be located in the car park. This is outside the Nature Reserve and SAC. The compounds will be securely fenced and secured overnight. The storage area and site compound will be approximately 1,400m2 and temporarily take up approximately 48 car parking spaces.

Figure D – Site compound and storage areas

Materials, plant and workers will arrive on site either by road or across the railway line. Most deliveries will be transported across the railway line, due to the restricted height of the access along Beach Road under the railway line. Deliveries by road will be mainly workers coming to the site.

Deliveries across the railway line will require ‘night time possession’ of the railway line to allow safe access across the line. This will require plant and materials to be stockpiled in an area near to the crossing point (shown as Railway Crossing Storage Area shown on Figure D). Night time possessions will take place during Saturday nights, as this gives the longest time during which the railway line can be closed and minimises the risk of not completing the transport of material during a single night.

Bulk materials will be delivered to the Railway Crossing Storage Area during the week between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Transportation of plant will be delivered on the evening of the night time possession. Materials and plant will then be transferred over the


railway line during a night possession. This approach will limit the impact on the road network during the day.

It is anticipated that approximately three articulated lorries and two flatbed lorries will be needed to transport plant, site security and welfare cabins to and from site. A maximum of 75 deliveries by 20 tonne lorry will be needed to deliver the bulk fill material.

The following types and numbers of plant / machines will be used on site:

25 tonne excavator and vibro hammer (for installing sheet piles) - a boom height of 8m is needed to manoeuvre the 7m long piles into position

Telehander

13 tonne excavator

Tractor and trailer

Ride on roller

2 (no.) x 6 tonne tracked dumpers

Figure E shows the type of plant that will be used, although the actual machines may differ slightly.

It is expected that the following materials will be needed to build the new defence:

A maximum of 750m3 (1,500 tonnes) engineering fill material – a hard, crushed, inert material or rock that will form the core of the embankment and access track

75m3 soil capping material – to cover the internal fill material

7m long steel sheet piles

Timber cladding - Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified

Fixings for the cladding

Other that materials will be needed on site include plastic and timber protection mats, security fencing, site offices and facilities.

During construction, direct access from the Visitor Centre to the path along the dunes will not be available. Public access to the dune path will be possible along other paths. A new boardwalk will be built along the top of the southern embankment. This will join up to the existing boardwalk to provide access to the dune ridge.


Figure E – Indicative photos of plant that are likely to be used during construction

The following general process will be used to build the flood defence:

Set up site and storage compounds (night time railway possession required)

Materials and plant delivered to site (night time railway possession required)

Lay protection matting in the area where the wall will be built – plastic grass protection mats and heavy-duty timber mats (see Figures F and G)

Install sheet piling using 25 tonne excavator and vibro hammer along the whole length of the new defence (approx. 1 – 2 weeks). 25 tonne excavator will be removed from site when complete (night time railway possession required)

Lift and re-lay heavy-duty timber mats (see Figure G)

Build embankment using excavator

Install timber cladding along wall section


Build access track using excavator and roller, working within the footprint of the structure

Remove plant, site compounds and waste skips (one or two night time railway possessions required)

Where possible, construction will take place within the footprint of the new defence.

An area either side of the wall section will be needed to install the sheet piles safely. Plastic grass protection mats and heavy-duty timber mats will be used to reduce the impact of machinery to the vegetation and habitat. Heavy-duty timber mats will only be used on one side of the new wall, to allow safe access for the installation of sheet piles and delivery of material for the timber cladding. The number of heavy-duty timber mats used will be reduced once the sheet piles have been installed (see Figures E, F and G).

Figure E – Plastic and heavy-duty timber matting arrangement for sheet pile installation

Figure F – Plastic and heavy-duty timber matting arrangement for timber cladding


Figure G – Open-weave plastic matting

Construction of the flood defence is planned to take place between October and December 2014. This will avoid peak summer holiday times and disturbance to nesting birds.

The Rangers undertake regular vegetation clearance within the Nature Reserve. In preparation for these works, vegetation has been cleared within the proposed construction area, to discourage nesting birds from using the area. The Rangers will clear vegetation again during September, after the nesting season has finished and before construction begins. This is in accordance with the management of the site and in consultation / agreement with Natural England.

The construction will not create a lot of waste material. Soil, sand and sediment excavated in order to install the sheet piles or build the new wall will be used to backfill the excavated areas, or re-used in the construction of the embankments and access track. The removal of the pony corral and installation of the timber cladding, new boardwalk, fencing and new pony corral will generate some waste wood. This will be sorted and re-used / stored on site if possible, or disposed to an appropriate site. The contractor will draw up a site waste management plan for the works.

Plant and vehicles used will generate some emissions to air. There will be no emissions to water as a result of these works.

Any damage to the car park or the access track between the car park and the Visitor Centre will be repaired to the same or better condition as before construction.

Future maintenance

Maintenance of the landscaped embankment sections of the flood defence will be carried out by the TDC Rangers. This will include regular mowing and clearance of vegetation, in accordance with the High Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement and the National Nature Reserve (NNR) Management Plan.

The flood defence will be inspected by as part of our (EA) regular asset inspection programme. Repairs to the new defence are not expected to be needed during the life of the scheme (up to 2030). The sheet piling has a structural life of 100 years. The timber cladding has a structural life of about 30 years. Emergency repairs may be needed and will be carried out as and when required.

Activities and impacts associated with repairs will be similar to those associated with the construction of the defence, however, they will be of much smaller magnitude, requiring fewer plant and materials and lasting a much shorter time (days or weeks, rather than months). If required, plant and materials will be delivered to site and will access the area using the same methods as used in construction.

Maintenance or repair works to the flood defence will be agreed with Natural England in advance.


Consultation

The scheme was identified as part of the Exe Estuary Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy (‘the Strategy’). The Strategy itself resulted from the findings of the South Devon and Dorset Shoreline Management Plan 2 (SMP2). The record of engagement activities that took place as part of the SMP2 and the Strategy can be found on the relevant websites:

South Devon and Dorset Shoreline Management Plan - http://www.sdadcag.org/

Exe Estuary Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy -http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/121323.aspx

During April and May of 2013, two events were held with local stakeholders to discuss the actions at Dawlish Warren and Exmouth Beach proposed by the Strategy, including the new defence near the Visitor Centre. Over 30 people attended the workshops.

During the course of this EIA, the following consultation actions and events have taken place. We and our project partners have also had several workshops and meetings with Natural England and the Rangers to discuss the development of scheme objectives, options and the selection of preferred options

Table B - Summary of consultation

Date Name and Organisation Approach (email, letter, telephone, meeting, etc.)

Consultation Issues

07/11/14 Stakeholder distribution list (70 circulation)

Email Information update

05/12/13 Phil Chambers / Steve Ayres, TDC

Meeting Request for information on DW, issues of concern, management of site, etc.

10/12/13 Kevin House, EA Amanda Newsome, NE Jo Jasper, NE Llucia Mascorde Cabre, NE Chris McMullen, NE Graeme Weaver, NE Siobhan Browne, NE

Meeting / telecom Project understanding, issues of concern, information request

04/02/14 Sarah Leech, Resort Supervisor at TDC

Email Request for visitor numbers and key tourism dates

04/02/14 Andrew Bulpin, Secretary – Dawlish Warren Tourism

Email Request for visitor numbers and key tourism dates

05/02/14 Phil Chambers, TDC Meeting Review of reports held at the Visitor Centre

13/02/14 Amanda Newsome, NE Chris McMullon, NE Jo Jackson, NE Phil Chambers, TDC Steve Ayres, TDC Mary-Rose Lane, EA Kevin Woodley, EA Dave Rimmer, CH2MHill

Meeting Flood defence design meeting

14/02/14 Stakeholder distribution list (225 circulation)

email Information update

26/02/14 Exe Estuary Management Forum

Meeting / attended ‘Soap box’ update on the project and listening to any issues of concern

http://www.sdadcag.org/

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/121323.aspx


Date Name and Organisation Approach (email, letter, telephone, meeting, etc.)

Consultation Issues

06/03/14 Mike McGoldrick, MMO Jayne Griffiths, MMO Lillian Sandeman, MMO Tom Wilson, TDC Amanda Newsome, NE Jo Jackson, NE Chris McMullon, NE

Meeting / telecom Licensing and consenting requirements, EIA, HRA

26/03/14 Matt Boydell, Devon Wildlife Trust

Email Request for information

01/04/14 Sarah Leech, TDC Resorts Telephone Request for information on beach users / activity

20/05/14 Amanda Newsome, NE Phil Chambers, TDC

Meeting Construction, design and alignment of the defence meeting

Key issues and methodology

The assessment methodology has followed the Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (IEMA, 2004) and has been carried out in line with the EIA Quality Mark Commitment. It considers the potential impacts on the following range of ‘environmental receptors’ that could be affected by the development:

Ecology and biodiversity

Landscape, land use and soil (incl. sediment quality)

Traffic and transport

Water and flood risk

Noise and vibrations

Air quality

Tourism and recreation

Historic environment

Combined and in-combination impacts

The information for each of the environmental issues has been gathered through surveys, reviewing background information about the area, other data and through consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies and stakeholders.

We have worked with our consultants, partners and stakeholders to determine the possible construction methods, materials and plant that might be used during the construction and maintenance of the flood defence. This has helped us identify the possible (positive and negative), risks and opportunities of the scheme.

Mitigation measures to reduce any potential impacts are also set out for each receptor. Mitigation seeks to reduce potential impacts to an acceptable standard, or avoid / eliminate the impact entirely.

The design life of the new defence is 16 years (up to 2030). This does not mean that the structure will fall apart after this time. It means that it will meet the design criteria for 16 years. In this case, it will provide protection of 0.1% AEP until 2030, based on current climate change and flood risk predictions. Beyond this time, the structure will


still be in place and will provide some protection, however that level of protection will be less than 0.1% AEP (based on current climate change and flood risk predictions).

The structural life of the defence will extend beyond the design life. The sheet piling has a structural life of 100 years. The timber cladding has a structural life of about 30 years.

In considering the duration of impacts, the life of the scheme is considered to be 16 years i.e. up to 2030. After this time, it may be necessary to undertake more works in the area to maintain protection of 0.1% AEP. The decision to maintain, improve or amend the level of protection provided by the defence beyond 2030 has not been made. Between now and 2030, it is likely that the Strategy will be reviewed and updated at least once. It is not possible to determine what future reviews of the Strategy will decide or how future management of flood risk may change (if at all). It is, therefore, not possible to say how the flood defence will be affected.

Strategic context – is the project in line with local strategies and planning documents?

The need for the new defence was identified in the Exe Estuary Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy, which identified five priority schemes around the Exe Estuary, to be progressed in the next five years. The Strategy was developed as a result of the South Devon and Dorset Shoreline Management Plan 2 (SMP2). The project conforms with both of these strategic plans for the management of flood and erosion.

The Teignbridge District Council Local Plan 2013-2033 (known as “Plan Teignbridge”) sets out TDC's planning vision for the district. The plan is the framework which guides development and offers much better protection for places the council does not earmark for development. Several policies in the plan are relevant to the project and the area where it is proposed:

Site of Special Scientific Interest (EN9)

European Wildlife Site (EN9, EN10)

Undeveloped Coast (EN2)

Floodplain (FZ3)

Area of Great Landscape Value (EN2 A)

County Wildlife Site (EN9)

Local Nature Reserve (EN9)

Floodplain FZ3 (EN4)

A review of these policies shows that the project does conform with these policies.


Figure H - Protected sites in and around Dawlish Warren


Issue 1 – Ecology

The proposed works will take place within the Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, near to the Visitor Centre, between the golf course and dunes. The area of the works is within the Dawlish Warren Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Dawlish Warren Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (see Figure H).

There is a good understanding of the habitats, plants, birds and other species on the Warren, due to the wealth of information built up by the Rangers and held at the Visitor Centre and elsewhere. The site has been well studied by both professional and amateur naturalists for many years, particularly the plant species and birds.

Dawlish Warren has a wide variety of coastal habitats, including mobile and fixed dunes, grassland, scrub, ponds, reed bed, 'dune slacks', salt marsh and mudflats. Almost 600 different types of flowering plants have so far been recorded at Dawlish Warren, due in part to the range of different habitats available. Plants of national and international importance are found on the Warren, including the petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii) and the Warren or sand crocus (Romulea columnae var occidentalis). The presence of petalwort is a primary reason for the selection of Dawlish Warren as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). There are no petalwort in the immediate area of the works, however, there are in the dune slack area to the west of the Visitor Centre. There are sand crocus plants in the area of the proposed works (TDC Rangers, pers comm.).

The most recent broad scale habitat mapping shows the following habitats in the area of the Visitor Centre and proposed works:

Dune grassland Low scrub and bramble Marram Dune grassland / scrub mosaic

There are around 180 different bird species recorded on Dawlish Warren each year (TDC website). It is located within the Exe Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site and is important for over-wintering and migratory waterfowl, including black tailed godwit, brent goose, ringed plover, dunlin, grey plover, slavonian grebe, red-breasted merganser, oystercatcher, wigeon and teal (see Figure H).

The Warren provides important high tide roost areas for over-wintering birds and is very popular with birdwatchers. There is a bird hide on the southern tip of the ‘bight’, on land owned by Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT). Overwintering birds start to gather in August and remain until the end of March. Historically 50% of the birds for which the SPA is designated use the Warren over winter during this period.

Many birds nest on the Warren, including in the areas where works would take place, and can be found in very short / small areas of vegetation, especially ground-nesting birds such as linnet (Carduelis cannabina) and (stonechat Saxicola torquata).

It is thought that 2,000 species of invertebrate are found on the Warren, including the Jersey Tiger-Moth (Euplagia quadripunctaria), dragonflies, damsel flies, and a range of other invertebrates, such as solitary sand wasps. Other groups of insect recorded on the Warren include:

24 species of dragonfly and damselfly (Odonata) Beetles (Coleptera), including 14 species of ladybird (Coccinelidae) Bees, wasps and ants (hymenoptera) – including burrowing sand wasps such as

the red-banded sand wasp (Ammophila sabulosa) Grasshoppers, crickets (Orthoptera) Flies (Diptera) Spiders (Arachnidae)


Four species of reptile have been recorded at Dawlish Warren, including the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis), which was introduced to the site in 1994. Common lizard (Lacerta vivipara), slow worm (Anguis fragilis) and adder (Vipera berus) have all been recorded on site. Amphibians recorded on the Warren are the common toad (Bufo bufo), common frog (Rana temporaria) and palmate newt (Triturus helveticus).

Several species of mammal have been recorded on the Warren, most notably rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The grazing pressure of rabbits is important in keeping the height of the grass very short, allowing dune vegetation to thrive.

Bats (Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Whiskered/Brandt's Bat Myotis spp. and Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula) are recorded in the summer months feeding over the pond area. Other small mammals (e.g. rat, mole, vole species, wood mouse, grey squirrel) are common throughout the Warren.

Ponies are used to graze the Warren during the winter, between September and March. The corral used by the Rangers to hold the ponies temporarily is in the area of the new southern embankment and will need to be removed during the construction works.

Management of the environment and of visitors to the Warren is needed to manage the habitats and the possible impact of people on the wildlife and conservation interests. TDC Rangers carry out mowing and vegetation clearance, fencing and planting. Rangers also actively manage visitors to Dawlish Warren by providing boardwalks and information, running the visitor centre and advising visitors. Almost all management activity on the inner Warren is carried out by the golf club.

Construction impacts and mitigation

Construction may result in physical damage or loss of protected sites as a result of construction activity, vehicle and plant movement and storage of materials and waste. A maximum construction working area footprint of 0.29Ha (2,900m2) has been calculated. This equates to 0.49% of the whole site. (SAC = 58.84 Ha = 588400m2).

This assumes a 5m working area either side of the wall section. This is greater than that required by the contractor to install the sheet piles, which assumes a 2m wide area on one side and a 4m wide area on the other side of the new wall. A 5m area either side gives a worst case scenario, for the assessment of impacts. The actual area of impact is anticipated to be less than this.

Protected sites may also be adversely affected by pollution or contamination caused by spills or leakages, imported materials or waste generated as a result of the construction activities. Dune soils are low in key nutrients required for plant growth, particularly Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K), as well as having low levels of organic Carbon (C).

Habitats and plants within the area of the construction works, site compound and access between these locations could be affected by the proposed works. There are sand crocus in the area of the construction and these could be damaged or destroyed by the construction.

There is the potential for the work to cause disturbance to birds both in and around the construction site through physical disturbance to their habitats and also through noise, light and visual disturbance. These impacts will be limited to the construction phase.

The location of the works and their timing during the autumn/winter are such that impacts to notable invertebrate species are likely to be negligible.


The proposed timing of the works between October and December 2014 means that reptiles and amphibians are not likely to be active, but hibernating reptiles and amphibians may be in the area where the construction works will take place.

Although several species of mammal are recorded on the Warren, most are not common and many will not be active during the autumn / winter months when the works are programmed. The exception to this is rabbits, which are widespread across the Warren and are found in the area where the works would take place. The works activities could damage or destroy burrows used by the rabbits, or kill / injure rabbits if they are in the burrows.

In order to reduce the impact of construction activities, the following mitigation measures are proposed:

Minimise the footprint of the structure – preferred option minimises the loss in the area of most importance to the SAC.

All access will be along the existing track between the car park and the Visitor Centre.

Works will follow the general method set out above (see Construction methodology).

Use a combination of open weave plastic mats and heavy-duty timber mats to minimise damage to protected habitats and species (see Construction methodology). The open weave of the plastic matting means that light is not excluded from the whole area over which the mat provides protection, allowing vegetation to continue to grow. This should help with recovery once the mats are lifted as the remaining vegetated areas will help to recolonise the areas that have been covered. The use of heavy-duty timber mats will be kept to a minimum to allow safe access during construction.

Plant and vehicles will be kept in good working order.

Use of biodegradable fuels.

Plant and vehicles will be kept in the site compound overnight, which will be securely fenced.

No re-fuelling to take place in the Nature Reserve.

Fuel, oils and chemicals to be kept in sealed containers and bunded areas.

Spill kits to be on site.

Drip trays to be used under vehicles / plant.

Use of sand / sediment from within the Warren, where possible to minimise the importation of material to site and, therefore, the risk of contamination (chemical or biological).

All waste materials generated as part of the construction will be stored in the site compound for sorting and re-use on site, if appropriate, or disposal to licensed disposal sites.

All materials brought to site will be approved for use on site beforehand to reduce the risk of contamination (chemical or biological) or nutrient enrichment.

Material to be used in the construction of the embankment and access track sections will meet the following specifications (Limits are based on the chemical composition of soil from dune pasture at Braunton Burrows, a similarly calcium carbonate rich dune system (Willis et al, 1959, cited in Doody, 1985)):


o Have a pH similar to the soil in the area of construction (pH 8.2 – 9.0. This matches the range of pH of the dunes on the beach and central Warren area, respectively).

o Nitrogen (N) content less than 0.23mg per g dry soil

o Phosphorus (P) content less than 107µg per g dry soil

o Potassium (K) content less than 7µg per g dry soil

o Organic carbon (C) content less than 0.75mg per g dry soil

Materials brought to site to use in the construction of the embankment and access track sections will be used to form the core / internal parts of these sections. Material from the Warren will be used on the outside of these sections. This will reduce the risk of imported material adversely affecting the habitats of the Warren.

Timber brought to site to use in the construction of the wall section will be sourced in accordance with our Timber Purchasing Policy and in line with the Manual on the use of timber in coastal and river engineering (Crossman & Simm, 2004). Timber will be treated (if required) with products that are non-toxic to plant and animal life.

The contractor will draw up a site waste management plan for the works.

Relocation of sand crocus in the construction area before works begin (during Spring 2014).

Works will be carried out between October and December, outside of nesting season.

Works are not located in areas regularly used by overwintering birds (overwintering birds use the distal / far end of the sand spit).

Restrict construction activities to daytime hours (between 8am and 6pm, Monday - Friday) except when night time rail line closures are required.

A search of the area will be carried out with the agreement of the Rangers to find and if, possible, relocate any hibernating amphibians and reptiles before construction work starts.

Timing the removal of the pony corral and associated fencing will be discussed and agreed with the Rangers. The location and construction of a replacement corral and new fencing will also need to be agreed with the Rangers.

With these measures in place, impacts to ecology are considered to be negligible.

A Habitats Regulation Assessment has been carried out to determine the impact of this loss and other impacts to the protected sites, with these mitigation measures in place. This concludes that the proposals will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the site.

Post construction impacts and mitigation

Any impacts will be associated with maintenance or repair activities.

Annual maintenance (mowing, scrub clearance, etc.) of the new embankments and the area of raised ground around the wall section of the defence will be carried out by the Rangers, in accordance with the HLS agreement and management plan and with the agreement of NE. These activities are not considered to have an impact on any of the ecological receptors (negligible).

Repairs to the new defence are not expected to be needed during the life of the scheme.


Once built, the wall will form a barrier to the movement of invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. As the wall does not extend across the whole width of the Warren, it will be possible for animals and invertebrates to move around or over the wall. The presence of the wall is, therefore, not considered to have an impact (negligible).

The new embankment may result in a slight increase in habitat due to the surface area of the embankment being greater than that of the habitat it replaces, however this is considered to be negligible.

To reduce the impact of any post construction repair activities, the mitigation measures set out above to manage construction impacts are proposed along with the following measures:

Discuss and agree any repair works and methodology with NE and the Rangers, including specific mitigation measures required.

Relevant licences permissions or exemptions will be obtained for the works from the appropriate body, in accordance with the legislation in place at the time.

Annual maintenance (mowing, scrub clearance, etc.) of the new embankments and the area of raised ground around the wall section will be carried out by the Rangers, in accordance with the HLS agreement and management plan and with the agreement of NE.

With these measures in place, post construction impacts are considered to be negligible.

Residual effects

With mitigation measures in place, residual effects are considered to be negligible overall.

Issue 2 - Landscape, land use and soil (incl. sediment quality)

The site area is relatively low lying situated on a double sand spit at Dawlish Warren on the western edge of the mouth of the Exe estuary. It is characterised by a linear dune system with open areas of grassland, blocks of scrub vegetation woodland behind the dunes.

The sand on the Warren is up to 20m thick in places, with occasional clay deposits. Underneath is red sandstone and gravel (Permo-Triassic New Red Sandstone Breccia and Middle Devensian Gravels). The Dawlish Warren Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is designated for the geomorphology of the sand spit as well as the ecology. Dawlish Warren is also a GCR (Geological Conservation Review) site (GCR ID: 1838).

Immediately next to the construction site is the Dawlish Warren NNR Visitor Centre. This is a square shaped single storey building that provides education facilities for visitors and school / college groups. There are multiple timber fence lines and a livestock corral near the site.

The surrounding landscape is characterised by the openness of the Exe estuary, coastal frontage with intertidal mudflats, changing tides, and marshes flanked by farmland and small villages.

The Exe estuary creates a visual corridor to the north. This is broken up by the backdrop of Haldon Ridge in the distance. The estuary provides important habitats, particularly for birds, which are a prominent feature of the landscape. To the west the steep, red sandstone cliffs extend from the rocky foreshore at Langstone Rock towards Dawlish. The cliffs form a distinctive feature in the area with exposed rock, coastal scrub and pine.


The study area is located in the National Character Area 148: Devon Redlands, however, Dawlish Warren sand spit is not typical of this area or its characteristics.

The Teignbridge District Landscape Character Assessment (2009) defines the site as the Exe Estuary and Farmlands Character Area. The Landscape Character Assessment defines a number of actions that aim to; protect, manage and plan the landscape. The proposed construction site and the immediate area are not designated under any national or international landscape designation. It is in the Teignbridge District Local Plan as an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) and a Coastal Preservation Area.

The landscape of the Exe Estuary is constantly changing in light, colour and texture. Views from within the Warren change as the viewer moves through the area, from intimate views opening to occasional glimpsed long distance views of the estuary and surrounding hills. The relatively unspoilt natural landscape of the Warren is partly disrupted by the presence of the Visitor Centre, many timber fences of varying styles, and the visual clutter associated with the public notices throughout the Warren.

Dawlish Warren is mainly used for tourism and recreational activities. The tourist and visitor facilities, including the car park are concentrated in a relatively small area at the western end of the sand spit. The Visitor Centre is located less than 500m from the car park and other facilities. The Inner Warren is used as a golf course.

The busiest periods are during school holidays, however, the beach and Warren is increasingly used during the winter months. The Visitor Centre and the Rangers provide education service to schools, colleges, university and other groups. Most visits take place from April to late September. There is suitable access for wheelchairs and pushchairs as far as the Visitor Centre, however much of the rest of the site has soft sand, which makes access difficult.

There are restrictions on the type and location of activities allowed across different parts of the Warren, to minimise damage to the habitats and species and disturbance to the birds.


The impacts on landscape and visual amenity will result from construction operations, including plant / machinery movements between the works site and compound area as well as the activities such as sheet piling and earthworks.

Throughout the construction phase, visual receptors including users of the Warren, the Nature Reserve, Visitor Centre and people accessing the beach along the crest of the sand dunes may experience adverse visual impacts due to disruption to the tranquillity of the area and the visual intrusion of the construction activity. Users of the Warren will experience some disruption to access and the relative tranquillity of the existing Warren landscape caused by construction traffic and operations.

Bringing materials to site has the potential to affect the soil quality in the area, with potential knock-on effects to ecology. No impacts to geology are expected as a result of construction (negligible).

To reduce the impact of construction activities, the mitigation measures proposed to manage the potential impacts to ecology are relevant, along with the following additional mitigation measures:

Site compound will be sited at the far end of the car park from the entrance and be kept to a minimum, safe size to limit the number of parking spaces temporarily out of use.


Visitor Centre will remain open and accessible at all times. The contractor will liaise with Rangers ensure that safe public access is maintained at all times.

Signs to be erected to show altered access routes and areas that are temporarily closed to public access (with information on how long restrictions will be in place).

With these measures in place, construction impacts are considered to be negligible.


Any post construction impacts will be associated with maintenance or repair activities. Repairs to the new defence are not expected to be needed during the life of the scheme.

Maintenance (mowing and vegetation clearance) of the embankment and vegetation around the wall will be carried out by the Rangers in accordance with the HLS agreement and management plan and with the agreement of NE. Maintenance works may cause some, very localised and short term disruption to land use while they are being carried out, however these are considered to be very minor and no greater than the current amount of works undertaken in the Warren (negligible).

Adverse effects on landscape character would occur from the introduction of the manmade flood defence structure and earthworks into the largely undeveloped area of the Warren, disrupting the coastal character of the local area. Due to the enclosed nature of the site and minimal distances from which the site can be seen, the potential effects of the scheme on surrounding landscape will be minor adverse reducing to negligible in the long term.

In terms of views from within the wider area, the visual impact post construction is determined to be negligible. This is due to the distance and orientation of the visual receptors in relation to the scheme as well as intervening vegetation and topography of the surrounding dune system between the site and the main pedestrian routes that will limit views of the site.

Post construction, there will be an amended access route to the dunes from the Visitor Centre. The number of access routes will remain the same and, as such, impacts are determined to be negligible.

No post construction impacts to soil or geology are expected (negligible).

To reduce post construction impacts the mitigation measures set out above to manage construction impacts are proposed along with the following measures:

Discuss and agree repair works and methodology with NE and the Rangers, including specific mitigation measures required.


Annual maintenance (mowing, scrub clearance, etc.) of the new embankments and the area of raised ground around the wall section will be carried out by the Rangers.

The new southern embankment will provide pedestrian and wheelchair access from the Visitor Centre to the dune ridge.

Minimise the visual intrusion of the new wall through the use of sensitive materials, including the use of natural timber cladding materials as an innovative solution to provide a sustainable design and construction technique.

The new sections of flood embankment will be designed and constructed to blend in with the natural profile of the surrounding sand dunes and berms.



Residual effects

With mitigation measures in place, residual effects are considered to be negligible overall.

Issue 3 - Traffic and transport

Dawlish Warren is primarily a visitor and tourist destination and during summer months the road network is subject to a higher volume of traffic than the rest of the year. The Warren has two visitor car parks.

Vehicle access to the Warren is via Beach Road, under the railway bridge. This is a single track access, with traffic lights controlling the flow to and from the Warren. The only access to Beach Road is from Dawlish Warren Road / Mount Pleasant Road, both of which join to the A379 Exeter Road. Dawlish Warren Road leads onto the A379 via Shutterton Lane, Orchard Lane or Church Road at Cockwood. Mount Pleasant Road leads into Warren Road and then onto the A379 Exeter Road. The A379 leads north towards Exmouth and the M5, via the A30; and south to Dawlish and Teignmouth. The A379 suffers from high volumes of traffic at peak times / summer months and congestion at Starcross, in particular due to the width of the road and the number of car parked along the road.

Dawlish Warren Railway Station is situated on Beach Road approximately 150m from the railway bridge over the road into the Dawlish Warren car park. It is on the main Exeter to Plymouth rail line.

The nearest bus station is based on Dawlish Warren Road, at the end of Beach Road. Stagecoach run buses into Dawlish, Exeter, Newton Abbot and Torquay that pass through Dawlish / Dawlish Warren.

The Exe Estuary Cycle Path and Walkway stretches from Dawlish to Exmouth and forms part of the Exe Estuary National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 2. Some sections of the route are dedicated cycle track / walkway, while others are along the road route.

The main pedestrian access to the Warren is via Beach Road, under the railway bridge. There are boardwalks linking the main car park and the promenade / beach and another linking the promenade to the Visitor Centre. There is an access track from the car park to the Visitor Centre. There are clearly defined, but un-waymarked, paths through the reserve with kissing gates allowing numerous access points to and from the beach.

From 1 April until early 4 September a water taxi is licensed to land passengers on the ‘Soft Sand Bay’ area of Warren Point.


The proposed works will cause some disturbance to users in the immediate construction and site compound areas, including the Visitor Centre.

The site compound will take up approximately 1,400m2, or approximately 48 parking spaces. The majority of the car park, access routes and Warren will remain accessible throughout the construction period.

The delivery of materials and plant to the site may affect the road system, with potential impacts to traffic and busses. The access restrictions to the Warren by road under the railway bridge limits the amount of materials that can be delivered by road, so that most materials and plant will be moved on / off site over the railway line during ‘night time


closures’. The use of night time closures, with the agreement of Network Rail, will mean there will be no impacts to the rail network.

The works should not affect cycling routes.

There will be some disturbance to users of the pedestrian access routes within the Warren during construction. The removal and relocation of the current boardwalk between the beach front and the Visitor Centre will cause some disruption as this route will not be available during construction (short term, reversible).

Impacts will be limited to the duration of the construction only and are considered to be moderate, short term and reversible. The timing of the works between October and December avoids the summer tourist season, limiting impacts to visitors to the Warren.

To reduce the impact of construction activities, some of the mitigation measures proposed to manage the potential impacts to landscape, land use, soil and geology are relevant, along with the following additional mitigation measures:

The new southern embankment will be constructed to allow pedestrian and wheelchair access between the beach front and the Visitor Centre.

The car park and access track will be re-instated by the contractor when the new defence is complete. The track and car park will be reinstated to the same or better condition as prior to construction of the defence.

Night time closures across the railway line will be agreed with Network Rail in advance.

Agree a delivery route and timing of deliveries with TDC Highways Department to limit the impacts to traffic flow, particularly in relation to travelling through Starcross.

Deliveries of bulk materials to take place between 9.30am and 3.30pm to avoid peak times of day to reduce impacts to the road network at busy times.

With these measures in place, construction impacts are considered to be minor, short term and reversible.


Once complete, the car parks will be reinstated and pedestrian access routes will be available again. The relocation / replacement of the boardwalk will provide the same number of pedestrian access routes as currently exist.

Any post construction impacts will be associated with maintenance or repair activities. Maintenance of the new embankment structures will be carried out by the Rangers and will be similar to the works carried out in these areas now (e.g. regular mowing). They will not result in any additional impacts. Repairs to the new defence are not expected to be needed during the lifetime of the scheme.

To reduce the impact of activities post construction, the mitigation measures set out to manage construction impacts are proposed along with the following measures:

Discuss and agree repair works and methodology with NE and the Rangers, including specific mitigation measures required to ensure access to the Visitor Centre and the Warren is maintained.


Residual effects

With mitigation measures in place, residual effects are considered to be negligible.


Issue 4 - Water and flood risk

Dawlish Warren is situated in an estuary and is surrounded by water on three sides. It contains a relic inlet, known as Greenland Lake, although this area is now dry. There are three ponds on the NNR site. The largest pond area is near to the Visitor Centre.

The whole area around the Exe Estuary, including the sand spit is classified as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).

The whole area around the Exe Estuary is classified as a groundwater Drinking Water Protected Area (DrWPA). There are no surface water DrWPAs in the area of the works.

There are no groundwater source protection zones in the site.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000 requires all natural water bodies to achieve both good chemical status (GCS) and good ecological status (GES). There are a number of WFD waterbodies in the area that could be affected by the works. The Exe Estuary transitional waterbody is approximately 20m away to the south of the construction site. The Lyme Bay West coastal waterbody is beyond the Exe Estuary transitional waterbody. There are no works planned on the beach or in the water. The nearest river waterbody is Dawlish Water over 3km south west of the site. There are no lake waterbodies in the area; the nearest is approximately 10km away, across the estuary to the north east. We have determined that the works do not require a WFD assessment for the following reasons:

The works will not take place near any river waterbodies. The nearest river waterbody is over 3km from the site.

All works are above Mean High Water Springs (MHWS). There will be no working on the beach or in the water. The works are approximately 20m from MHWS and the nearest transitional waterbody.

There will be no discharges to water as a result of the works.

The majority of the Warren is within Flood Zone 3 and at risk of coastal / tidal flooding (see Figure I). This means that the area could be affected by flooding from the sea by a flood that has a 0.5 per cent (1 in 200) or greater chance of happening each year, if there were no defences in place. In real term, this means that the area would be at risk of flooding if the dunes along the beach breached. This is the main reason for the planned new defence by the Visitor Centre, as the chance of a breach of the dunes happening is predicted to increase over time.

The area around the Visitor Centre and the track to/from the car park can flood during / after periods of heavy rainfall. This is a regular occurrence that happens during most, if not all, winters. The track can remain under water for several weeks.


Figure I - Flood Map for Planning (Rivers and Sea) Source: What’s in your backyard, Environmental Agency website (accessed 29 May 2014)


There are no works planned in any waterbodies in or around the construction site. There is a risk that there may be standing water around the area of construction, the site compound, or along the access track. This is not likely to affect the plant, materials or site compound, however plant, equipment or machinery stored or working in an area where these is standing water could affect the quality of that water. Water quality may be affected by pollution caused by spills or leakages, imported materials or waste.

The works are not expected to have an effect on the risk of flooding to the area of the works, the site compound or the surrounding area.

To reduce the impact of construction activities, the mitigation measures proposed to manage the potential impacts to ecology are relevant, along with the following additional mitigation measures:

The contractor will draw up a site waste management plan for the works.

The contractor must follow relevant advice and guidance in relation to pollution control including PPG6 Working at construction and demolition sites and PPG21 Pollution prevention and response planning.

The contractor will sign up for flood warning alerts and will monitor the three-day flood risk forecast. In the event of a flood warning for the area, the contractor will take action to reduce the risk of flooding affecting the site compound, plant and materials or pollution from the site compound, plant and materials affecting water quality. Actions may include moving plant, materials and equipment to higher ground.


With these measures in place, impacts are considered to be negligible.


Post construction impacts to water quality will be associated with maintenance or repair activities. Maintenance of the new embankment structures will be carried out by the Rangers and will be similar to the works carried out in these areas now (e.g. regular mowing). They will not result in any additional impacts. Repairs to the new defence are not expected to be needed during the lifetime of the scheme.

To reduce the impact of any activities post construction, the mitigation measures set out to manage construction impacts are proposed along with the following measures:

Discuss and agree repair works and methodology with NE and the Rangers, including specific mitigation measures required.


With these measures in place, post construction impacts to water quality are considered to be negligible.

Following the construction of the defence, the risk of flooding to Dawlish Warren village will be reduced to provide a 0.1% AEP standard of protection over the design life of the structure. It will provide protection beyond this period, but at a reduced standard of protection. This is considered to be major, beneficial and long term.

Residual effects

With mitigation measures in place, residual effects to water quality are considered to be negligible.

Residual effects to flood risk are considered to be major, beneficial and long term.

Issue 5 - Noise and vibration

Background levels of noise include those generated by local traffic (including the railway line, which runs through Dawlish Warren village and near to the car park, approximately 300m from the Visitor Centre. Other sounds are those associated with coastal settlements (wind, waves, birds and amenity users (including dogs and the nearby golf club)). These noises can be classified as intermittent (users and traffic) and constant (waves).

The Environmental Noise Directive (END) requires European Member States to determine the number of people exposed to noise levels above certain limits from major roads, major railways, major airports and in large urban areas by creating noise maps. In England the Directive is implemented through The Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006. No noise maps have been produced for the area around Dawlish Warren. The nearest area that has been mapped is Bournemouth.

There are no man made sources of vibration in either the immediate or wider area.


Although construction-related noise is temporary, it can be significant to any noise sensitive receptors (NSRs) in the area. During the works, certain activities such as excavation, compaction of construction materials and installation of the sheet piles will generate noise. Vehicle movements will increase traffic in the area, potentially increasing traffic noise. Movement of plant and material across the railway during relatively quiet night time periods could cause noise disturbance.


The installation of the sheet piles through the centre of the new defence requires the use of a large excavator equipped with a vibro hammer, which will generate noise and vibration. The only structure that could be affected by the piling vibration is the Visitor Centre, which is next to the area where the piling will take place.

Residential properties and caravan parks are considered to be far enough from the site compound and construction site to not be affected by either noise or vibration generated during construction.

Residential properties along the main roads into and out of Dawlish Warren village and around the holding area near the railway crossing point may be affected by noise and vibration from vehicle movements. Up to five rail closures will be needed to transport plant, equipment and material to and from site. There are few residential properties near to the holding area by the railway crossing point, however there are static caravans sites and the Langstone Cliff Hotel on Mount Pleasant Road, whose residents could be affected.

Noise and vibration will be restricted to the period of the works (October – December). Piling works will only take place during one or two weeks. Noise and vibration impacts are considered to be minor – moderate, short term and reversible.

In order to reduce the impact of construction activities, the following mitigation measures are proposed:

Construction activities will be restricted to daytime hours, between 8am and 6pm, Monday – Friday to minimise disruption to local residents, businesses and beach users. There will be no working on weekends (except for night time movement of materials and plant across the railway line). There will be no working on Bank Holidays.

Night time transportation of plant and materials to / from site will be agreed with the TDC Environmental Health Officer (EHO).

The contractor will sign up to the Considerate Contractors scheme.

Plant and machinery that are used intermittently will be shut down when not in use. Where possible, low noise emission plant will be utilised to minimise disturbance.

Plant and machinery will be well maintained and silenced using appropriate and effective methods.

Best practicable means to reduce noise to a minimum, as defined in Section 72 of the control of Pollution Act 1974, will be employed at all times in agreement with TDC’s EHO.

Signs will be erected to make visitors aware of the presence of works and potential noise / vibration impacts at key locations, including but not limited to the beach frontage, the car parks and the Visitor Centre. Signs should indicate the duration of the works.

The contractor will liaise with the Rangers to ensure noise / vibration does not adversely affect planned school / college visits.

Deliveries of bulk materials to the holding site near the railway crossing point will take place during the day between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

The contractor will make local residents / properties near the railway crossing point aware of the night time closures in advance of these taking place e.g. by a mail drop.

With these measures in place, construction impacts are considered to be negligible.



Impacts similar to those during construction may arise as a result of maintenance or repair works to the new defence. Maintenance activity such as regular mowing and vegetation clearance will be similar to activities already carried out by the Rangers. Repairs to the new defence are not expected to be needed during the lifetime of the scheme.

Post construction impacts relating to noise and vibration are considered to be negligible and no specific post-construction mitigation measures are proposed.

Residual effects

Residual impacts as a result of noise and vibration are considered to be negligible.

Issue 6 - Air quality

Air Quality describes the levels of atmospheric pollutants, particulate matter and odour. As Dawlish Warren does not have any Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs), there is no heavy industry and is in a coastal location, the air quality is considered to be very good. During the tourist season, traffic levels increase within the area and therefore, levels of some pollutants are likely to increase. However, there is no documented evidence of this.


Potential construction impacts are connected with the increase in large vehicle traffic expected to deliver plant and materials to / from site. Impacts will be restricted to the duration of the construction works (October – December) and are considered to be minor, short term, and reversible. The mitigation measures set out to reduce potential impacts to traffic and transport are considered sufficient to mitigate the potential effects to air quality.


Maintenance activity will be similar to activities already carried by the Rangers and are not expected to be significantly different following construction of the new defence. Any repairs are not anticipated during the life of the scheme.

Post construction impacts are considered to be negligible and no specific post-construction mitigation measures are proposed.

Residual effects

Residual impacts to air quality are considered to be negligible.

Issue 7 - Tourism and recreation

Dawlish Warren village is a traditional beach holiday location, characterised by a range of tourist accommodation, amusements, boutiques, visitor attractions and sport/recreational facilities.

Dawlish Warren is mainly used for tourism and recreational activities. The busiest periods are during the summer months and school holidays. The tourist and visitor facilities, including the car parks are concentrated in a relatively small area at the western end of the sand spit. Tourism and recreation is of considerable economic value to the local community.

The Visitor Centre is located less than 500m from the car park and other facilities. The Visitor Centre is open every day in the summer (April – end of September) and weekends and school holidays in the winter.

The Inner Warren is used as an 18-hole golf course.



The proposed works will cause some disturbance to uses in the immediate construction and site compound areas, including the Visitor Centre. There will be some access restrictions for visitors to the Warren during construction.

The site compound will take up approximately 1,400m2, or approximately 48 parking spaces. The majority of the car park, access routes and Warren will remain accessible throughout the construction period.

The transportation of plant and materials to / from site may also impact on the traffic network, potentially affecting visitors to the Warren.

Impacts will be limited to the duration of the construction only and are considered to be minor, short term and reversible.

Mitigation measures to reduce / control potential impacts to traffic and transport and soil, land use and landscape are considered to be appropriate to control potential impacts to tourism and recreation.


The presence of the new structure could affect the access and activities of visitors to the Warren. Other impacts will be associated with maintenance and repair activities for the new defence. Maintenance activity, such as mowing and vegetation clearance, will be similar to activities already carried by the Rangers and are not expected to be significantly different following construction of the new defence. Repairs are not anticipated during the life of the scheme.

To reduce post construction impacts, the mitigation measures set out above to manage construction impacts are proposed along with the following measures:

The new southern embankment will be constructed to allow pedestrian and wheelchair access between the beach front and the Visitor Centre.

The car park and access track will be re-instated by the contractor when the new defence is complete. The track and car park will be reinstated to the same or better condition as prior to construction of the defence.


Residual effects

With the above mitigation measures in place, adverse impacts to tourism and recreation will be restricted to the construction phase of works and are considered to be minor, short term and reversible.

Issue 8 - Historic environment

There is evidence of human use of Dawlish Warren dating back to pre-historic periods. Palaeolithic and undated flintwork has been recorded the Warren. Other historic artefacts, evidence of human use and colonisation and the remains of historic buildings can be found across the Warren. Four listed buildings have been recorded in the vicinity of Dawlish Warren and there are sixty undesignated heritage assets within the study area at Dawlish Warren, ranging from historic salt works, a former bridge and post-medieval buildings to World War II defensive features. The golf course was first established in the late 19th century.



The type of impacts that can occur include direct physical impacts such as the total or partial destruction of assets, visual impacts in relation to the setting of assets and any key lines of sight to and from the assets and noise impacts, all of which may affect the significance of assets.

There were no concerns from the archaeological representatives of Devon County Council regarding the on-shore historic environment from the proposed scheme at Dawlish Warren. There are unlikely to be visual impacts to the setting of listed buildings as these are remote from the area of works, which are relatively minor.

Impacts to the historic environment are considered to be negligible. In the event that a possible artefact is discovered during construction, the County Archaeologist will be contacted and work will stop to ensure that there is no damage or disturbance to the potential archaeological find. No other mitigation measures are proposed.


Impacts similar to those during construction may arise as a result of maintenance or repair works to the new defence, however, these are not anticipated during the life of the scheme.

Post construction impacts to the historic environment are considered to be negligible and no specific mitigation measures are proposed.

Residual effects

There are no residual impacts.

Cumulative effects and inter-relationships

The EIA Regulations require that the cumulative impacts of development are considered in the assessment, along with possible impacts with other known projects in the area.

Cumulative impacts

There are several interlinkages between environmental receptors, such that impacts to one receptor may also affect other receptors:

Impacts to protected sites are linked to impacts to habitats and plants.

Impacts from noise and vibration are linked to impacts to traffic and transport.

Impacts to traffic and transport are linked to impacts to air quality, land use and tourism and recreation.

These interactions and impacts are not considered to have a greater impact than when considered separately. No feedback loops have been identified during the assessment of impacts, whereby impacts on one receptor could have knock on impacts to other receptors and change the significance of potential impacts.

Cumulative impacts are not considered to be greater than the individual impacts identified (negligible).

In-combination impacts

There are three other known projects in the area that could act in-combination with the proposed flood defence works:

Relocation of the Visitor Centre

Dawlish Warren and Exmouth Beach Management Scheme (BMS)

Emergency repairs works on the beach at Dawlish Warren


TDC is considering relocating the Visitor Centre from its current location to a site outside of the SAC. Although this proposal is being actively considered, there are no definite plans for the construction of a new Visitor Centre, where it might be located and what would happen to the current Visitor Centre. There are no active planning applications related to relocating the Visitor Centre. In the absence of any details, it is not possible to determine what the combined impacts might be. Any future application to relocate the Visitor Centre would have to consider the potential impacts that might arise.

The activities proposed as part of the Dawlish Warren and Exmouth BMS have the potential to have significant environmental effects. Although there are no active planning or development applications related to these activities, we are actively developing them with TDC and EDDC. The need to carry out an EIA for the Dawlish Warren and Exmouth BMS has been identified and we are in the process of undertaking initial assessments. We intend to submit a request for a scoping opinion from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), TDC and EDDC later in 2014. This will inform more in-depth assessments to be carried out during 2015. The intention is to submit planning and marine licence applications in 2016, to carry out the works in 2017. A preferred option has not yet been identified. This will be developed over the next two years, in conjunction with the EIA.

The Dawlish Warren and Exmouth BMS has several aims relating to flood and erosion risk management, SAC improvement and amenity benefit. The Dawlish Warren and Exmouth BMS will have significant beneficial impacts to flood risk management, ecology and tourism and recreation. It may have adverse impacts to ecology, traffic and transport, tourism and recreation, fishing, the historic environment and possibly other receptors. It is not possible to determine the scale of these impacts (positive or negative), either alone or in-combination with the current project, as there is not enough information on how and when the Dawlish Warren and Exmouth BMS will be carried out. The Dawlish Warren and Exmouth BMS is subject to an EIA and will consider the combined impacts of the BMS with this project.

As a result of the storms during the winter of 2013 / 2014, we undertook emergency repair works to the defences on the beach between February and April 2014. This included repairs to the gabions around groynes 11 and 12 and to the timber groynes. These works were carried out in agreement with NE, after a Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) for the works had been carried out and permission to do the work had been obtained.

It is not possible to predict if storms during 2014 / 2015 will be as damaging as those of last winter, however, bringing forward the flood defence construction reduces the risk of flooding to Dawlish Warren village in the event of a breach to the dunes and, therefore, reduces the likelihood for emergency repairs to be carried out in the future. This results in a reduction of potential future adverse impacts.

Based on the information currently available, the proposed flood defence will not have additional impacts in-combination with other known projects in the area.

Summary

The assessment concludes that the construction of the defence will result in impacts to several environmental receptors. These will be restricted to the duration of the construction (short term) and can be reduced through the use of mitigation measures. Residual effects as a result of construction are considered to be either negligible or Minor, short term, reversible (Traffic and transport, tourism and recreation, ecology).

The works will result in a loss of habitat within the footprint of the wall section of the new defence. We have carried out an appropriate assessment of the impacts of the


proposals on the EU protected sites and species. This has concluded that there will be no adverse effects to the sites.

Post construction impacts are considered to be negligible for all receptors.

Dawlish Warren Flood Defence Non- V1.1 6 June 2014 · Dawlish Warren Flood Defence i Dawlish Warren...

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