Haddockston Golf Course Extension EIA Scoping Report

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eceptors, based on the results of the baseline noise survey, and generic mitigation measures recommended, where appropriate. 4.3.9 Potential noise sources associated with development of the clubhouse and leisure facilities and the future use of Haddockston House as a boutique hotel, including traffic movements in the car park, deliveries, associated plant and proposed opening hours will be considered in the context of the relevant standards and guidelines in order to protect the amenity of future residents in the surrounding area. 4.3.10 Where there is the likelihood of premises licensed for music and dancing, then the potential noise impacts associated with this will be highlighted in the ES in relation to nearby sensitive receptors. Any potential for unacceptable levels of noise break-out will be resolved at the detailed design stage however and is not a topic for the ES per se. 4.4 KEY ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE EIA 4.4.1 The key noise and vibration issues to be considered with respect to the proposed development are likely to include the following: Current baseline conditions across the existing site and at the nearest existing noise and vibration sensitive receptors; The potential impact of noise and vibration from tree felling and construction processes associated with the development on existing noise and vibration sensitive receptors in the vicinity; The suitability of those areas of the site proposed for residential development (chalets); The potential impact of changes in road traffic noise and vibration associated with the development impacting upon existing sensitive receptors; The potential impact of current and future levels of road traffic noise on proposed noise sensitive receptors (including chalets and hotel); The potential impact of plant noise associated with the proposed development on current and future noise sensitive receptors; The potential impact of additional sources arising from miscellaneous activities associated with the operational development on existing and future sensitive receptors (including entertainment noise and noise sources associated with the hotel and golf clubhouse); Appropriate mitigation measures where required; The predicted residual effect of each of the abovementioned sources of noise and vibration further to the implementation of recommended mitigation measures 12151856-001 Haddockston Golf Course Extension 9
5 Ecology and Nature Conservation 5.1 INTRODUCTION 5.1.1 This chapter of the ES will present a description of the existing habitat types and evidence of any protected species on the proposed development site, assess the ecological impact of the proposals and identify any ecological constraints and, where appropriate, any mitigation measures required. 5.1.2 This Scoping exercise has been undertaken in accordance with the ‘Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment’ (Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1995) and ‘Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment in the UK’ (Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM), 2006). 5.1.3 Baseline ecological information will be requested for the site for a 2km study area (5km for bat data) around the site from statutory and non-statutory organisations, and will be supplemented by field surveys as appropriate. 5.2 LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE 5.2.1 The principal Acts, Regulations and Guidance which will be considered are: Conservation (Natural Habitat &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended); The Nature Conservation (Scotland)Act 2004; The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (as amended); National Planning Policy Guidance: NPPG 14 Natural Heritage and PAN 60 Planning for Natural Heritage; and Local Biodiversity Action Plan. 5.3 OVERVIEW OF BASELINE CONDITIONS 5.3.1 The site is comprised mainly of plantation woodlands and agricultural fields, with a large, man-made loch approximately central to the site, and two vegetation/silt filled ponds west of the loch. A small drain feeds off the loch from a dam on its east side, and continues east through a small golf course. 5.3.2 . The woodlands are coniferous, mixed and broadleaved. To the east and west of the site lies mature broadleaved plantation woodland. The dominant species within the woodland areas is beech (Fagus sylvatica), with some oak (Quercus sp.) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) also present. There is a limited understorey with the occasional rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) present. There is limited ground flora and the ground is covered with a thick leaf litter. Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are present throughout the woodland areas. A tributary of the Cairnlaw Burn flows through the woodland to the east while the Cairnlaw Burn itself flows through the woodland to the west. The woodland areas and areas of scrub provide habitat for badger setts (Meles meles) with the woodland and grassland providing foraging habitat for badger. 5.3.3 Haddockston House, its former walled garden, outbuildings and gardens are situated to the north of the golf course, northeast of the loch. 5.3.4 Land to the north, south, east and west of the site boundary is largely agricultural, consisting of improved fields, primarily used for grazing stock. However, there are some large areas of woodland (broadleaved, coniferous and mixed) adjacent to the survey area or close-by. 5.3.5 In 2009 JDC Ecology recorded no signs of water vole. Otter signs were recorded at several places in the site and in the local area. No holts or couches were recorded. 5.3.6 No evidence of badger activity or presence was found within the site or local to the site. 5.3.7 A series of bat dusk and dawn surveys were undertaken over May and June 2009. Pipistrelle and Daubenton’s bats use the site for foraging and commuting. No roosts were recorded either through the woodlands or in the buildings on site (Haddockston House and outbuildings around the walled garden were checked by daylight inspection and dusk/dawn survey). A bat roost was located at Lochside House (outside of the site boundary and privately owned) . Access to the property was gained under the permission of the owners. 12151856-001 Haddockston Golf Course Extension 10
Page 1 and 2: WSP Document Reference Footer Title
Page 3 and 4: Contents 1 Introduction 1 2 The Pro
Page 5 and 6: 1.3 THE PURPOSE OF THE SCOPING REPO
Page 7 and 8: 2.4 SITE DESIGNATIONS 2.4.1 The Loc
Page 9 and 10: Relationship with planning policy;
Page 11: industrial noise affecting mixed re
Page 15 and 16: Great Crested Newt 5.4.7 Amphibian
Page 17 and 18: (March to August inclusive). Waders
Page 19 and 20: Impact on the setting of adjacent/
Page 21 and 22: 7 Soils, Geology and Contamination
Page 23 and 24: 8 Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Flood Ri
Page 25 and 26: iological quality elements, support
Page 27 and 28: 9.2.7 Section 79 of the Environment
Page 29 and 30: when wind direction may carry dust
Page 31 and 32: 11 Archaeology and Cultural Heritag

Haddockston Golf Course Extension EIA Scoping Report

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