Jetty Non Technical Summary - EDF Hinkley Point

6.5.4 The ES also contains an assessment of cumulative effects.
6.5.5 An overview of the findings of the ES is provided in the subsequent sections of this NTS.
These are summarised as predicted impacts on the human and built environment (e.g.
recreation, noise, air quality and traffic) and then impacts on the natural environment
(e.g. ecology, water quality and soils). A brief description of the existing environmental
conditions is provided, followed by a summary of the main impacts that would arise from
the jetty development. The key mitigation measures to avoid, reduce or off-set impacts
are also summarised and the residual impacts are discussed. Where significant residual
impacts are predicted, these are summarised in tables at the end of each section.
7 OVERVIEW OF PREDICTED IMPACTS ON THE HUMAN AND BUILT
ENVIRONMENT
7.1 Recreation and Amenity
Existing Environment
7.1.1 The site and wider study area is well served by a network of public footpaths, including:
• a portion of the West Somerset Coast Path, a resource of national importance, which
links the River Parrett Trail at Steart in Bridgwater Bay with the South West Coast
Path National Trail at Minehead;
• a number of smaller, interconnecting footpaths across the site that are generally
aligned north to south and east to west, with a length of 20km of PRoW within 1km of
the site and 60km of PRoW within 3km of the site.
7.1.2 Surveys have been carried out to determine the use of PRoW in and around the
application site. The West Somerset Coast Path, which runs along the northern
boundary of the application site, is used most often during the summer months and
holiday periods. The data provides approximate visitor numbers each month along the
West Somerset Coast Path between 2006 and 2009, with counts taken from the junction
of PRoW WL 23/56 and WL 23/95 (see Figure 2). The highest number of users (410)
was recorded in August 2008 for this stretch of path.
7.1.3 In terms of the remainder of the site’s PRoW, the survey carried out in 2009 identified
that the majority of users appear to be local residents (70% of those surveyed lived less
than 3km from the study area). However, visitors who reside significant distances from
the area (e.g. live in excess of 25km from the study area) were also recorded using the
PRoW.
7.1.4 There are no bridleways within the application site boundary, though a number of
bridleways are located in the surrounding area. Due to the limited availability of public
bridleways, the majority of this equestrian activity takes place on private land.
7.1.5 Within the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel, there are a large number of sailing,
cruising, boating and yacht clubs. However, no formal boating and/or sailing activities or
events are known to occur off Hinkley Point due to the insufficient depth of water at this
location.
7.1.6 An Excepted Area is located on the foreshore at Hinkley Point, stretching from Stolford in
the east, past Hinkley Point, to the boundary of the Bridgwater Bay NNR in the west. The
Excepted Area can be used for shooting by any member of the British Society for
Hinkley Point C Preliminary Works
Non Technical Summary
Temporary Jetty Development 15 November 2010