Non-Technical Summary - Chiltern Evergreen3

EVERGREEN 3Open SpaceThere is a requirement to permanently take two areas thatcan be categorised as open space as defined by the s19(4)of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981; the first is north ofGavray Drive for which replacement open space will beprovided on land to the east of Charbridge Lane. Thesecond is a smaller area required for the new footbridgeat Tubbs Lane but this is only 204 metres in area andtherefore it is below the threshold at which replacementland is required.Permanent rights of access for a ramp at Aristotle Laneinto Trap Ground allotments will also be taken over landof 107 metres which is defined as open space.In addition, certain areas of open space will be usedtemporarily during the course of construction and thenreturned to their former use.Impacts on Agricultural LandThere are no permanent or temporary impacts on Grade1 and 2 agricultural land. All land is of Grade 3, or loweragricultural quality within a few defined areas, and isrequired for the construction of the Scheme includinga replacement rail aggregates depot, new highway andbridges, farm access, replacement footpaths andecological mitigation.Some agricultural fields may be reduced in overall size as aresult of the Scheme, but this is not expected to affect theoverall functionality of farms.Impacts on Commercial PropertiesThe development and reconfiguration of Bicester Townstation will result in the demolition of approximately eightindustrial and commercial premises on or adjacent toMcKay Trading Estate. The Scheme will also require a largepart of the forecourt of another business in Bicester.Chiltern Railways is working with the EconomicDevelopment Department of Cherwell District Council andthe occupiers of the premises affected in order to assist theoccupiers with relocation. Chiltern Railways will also workdirectly with occupiers to try to lessen these effects.In addition to the commercial properties at Bicester Townstation, the Scheme will require the demolition of thedisused grain silo and five ancillary buildings at WaterEaton in order to accommodate the Water Eaton Parkwaystation and park and ride site. It will be necessary forcertain short term tenants who occupy the site at presentto vacate.The owners and occupiers of the affected premises havebeen consulted and will receive appropriate compensationunder the terms of the Order.Noise and VibrationAlthough most of the Scheme consists of an existingoperational railway, the Scheme will result in an increasein train movements and speeds along the route resulting inincreased noise as trains pass receptors. Train movementsalso have the potential to cause disturbance throughvibration. Noise at stations may also be produced bychanges in road traffic, fixed plant such as air conditioningand station PA systems. Surveys of existing levels of noiseand vibration were undertaken at representative receptorlocations along the route.ConstructionThe construction of the Bicester Chord will take about 6months. Construction of individual road and footbridgesand works at the Wolvercot tunnel will each take between3 and 5 months. Works at stations, including fitting out,could take up to 12 months. Track works proceed rapidlyalong the railway corridor. Most work will be duringthe day, but night working may be required at certainlocations. The contractors will be required to reduceconstruction noise as far as practicable.Taking account of cautious levels of mitigation significantnoise impacts from day and night time construction havebeen predicted at a number of locations for periods ofbetween one week and 3 and half months. Daytimeconstruction impacts have been predicted at AlchesterHouse (Langford Lane crossing), The Grange (Islip) and atQuadrangle House, Stone Meadow, SS Philip and James Cof E Aided School and Plater Drive in Oxford. Night-timeconstruction impacts have been predicted at 65-97 RewleyRoad, the nearest properties to the railway on WilliamLucy Way and Rutherway, and the nearest properties to10 EVERGREEN3 WWW.CHILTERN-EVERGREEN3.CO.UK