M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route

Transcription

1 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

2 About Sustrans Sustrans makes smarter travel choices possible, desirable and inevitable. We re a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. We work with families, communities, policy-makers and partner organisations so that people are able to choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys, with better places and spaces to move through and live in. It s time we all began making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. Head Office Sustrans 2 Cathedral Square College Green Bristol BS1 5DD Sustrans November 2014 Registered Charity No (England and Wales) SC (Scotland) VAT Registration No Report number: M01-B08-RE-05 Revision number: 1 Date issued: 04 December 2014 Author: Checked: Will Haynes Paul Thomas Amendments to Revision 1 Paragraph 1.4 amended to reflect the amended red line boundary area of 1,941 m² (0.19 ha) which has been defined as the same area of the engineering works. Paragraph 1.5 amended to reflect the fact that the amended red line boundary means that 76% of the application area is in West Lindsey. Paragraph 1.6 amended to reflect the amended red line boundary area and confirm that the fee payable is 390 based on per 0.1 ha or part thereof. M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

3 Table of contents 1 Introduction Rationale Description of development Heritage Statement Ecology and environment Policy Context Access Phasing Further information Appendix A Schedule of Planning Application Documents Appendix B Torksey Viaduct Listing Entries M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

4 1 Introduction 1.1 This Design and Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement has been produced in support of a Planning Application for a new walking route across the disused Torksey Viaduct between the A156 north of Torksey and the Trent Valley Way along the west side of the River Trent. 1.2 This development is the first part of a longer term aspiration by Sustrans to develop a walking and cycling route to connect from the quiet roads east of Torksey to the quiet roads west of Cottam. These proposals were the subject of a study undertaken in 2003 funded by grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Lincolnshire County Council which explored the options for achieving a link across the River Trent and the wider connections. 1.3 This development includes works to Torksey Viaduct, a listed building, for which a separate Listed Building Consent will be submitted. This Design and Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement will additionally support the Listed Building Consent submission. 1.4 This Planning Application is for both a change of use and engineering works. The change of use to a permissive walking path comprises the whole red line area, an area of 1,941 sq.m (0.19 ha) The elements of the engineering works are within this area and are shown on the drawings listed in Appendix A and occupy an area of 1,941 sq.m (0.19 ha) 1.5 The River Trent forms the boundary between West Lindsey District Council (Lincolnshire) and Bassetlaw District Council (Nottinghamshire). Consequently this planning application and listed building consent is being submitted to both local planning authorities. A greater part of the development (76%) is within West Lindsey and therefore, following initial discussions, the planning fee is being submitted to West Lindsey District Council. 1.6 The application fee has been calculated on the basis of the whole red line area of 0.19 ha and the rate of 195 per 0.1 ha or part thereof. Therefore a fee of 390 is submitted to West Lindsey District Council. 1.7 Sustrans is a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. For further information on Sustrans and the National Cycle Network please refer to 2 Rationale 2.1 The provision of crossings of the River Trent for non-motorised users in the vicinity of Torksey viaduct is poor with it being approximately 10 miles, as the crow flies, between the nearest road bridge crossings at Gainsborough to the north and Dunham-on-Trent to the south. Furthermore, these existing crossings are on major A-roads, generally unsuitable for non-motorised users. Access over the viaduct would create a link to the footpath, bridleway and minor road networks either side of the river which would be beneficial to these groups. Figure 2.1 shows the lack of crossings in the vicinity of Torksey Viaduct. 1 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

5 A631 Gainsborough Bridge Approximately 10 miles Torksey Viaduct A57 Dunham-on- Trent Toll Bridge Figure 2.1 Location of Torksey Viaduct in relation to adjacent crossings of the River Trent (north is pointing up) 2 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

6 2.2 Torksey Viaduct, is a Grade II* listed building and is included on English Heritage s 2014 Heritage at Risk Register, indicated as being due to there being no agreed solution to the slow decay of the structure. It is considered that by bringing the viaduct back into use, initially as part of a walking route, this valuable heritage asset will become available for use by the local communities. Furthermore, doing so is likely to attract additional funding for the enhancement and protection of this structure, giving it a more certain future. 2.3 Informal consultation has been undertaken with local parish councils either side of the River Trent including Rampton, Torksey and Treswell with Cottam. Both Rampton and Torksey Parish Councils have formally recorded their support for the proposed walking route. Feedback from a meeting with residents of Treswell with Cottam indicated good levels of support for the proposals. Initial discussions with EDF Energy, owner of Cottam Power Station has highlighted a number of issues that will need to be addressed with the later phases of the proposed link between Torksey and Cottam (which are not included in this planning application). Communications with residents in Treswell and Cottam in particular has highlighted concerns regarding security of farm land adjacent to the proposed route. This is discussed in greater detail later in this statement. 3 Description of development 3.1 Sustrans is seeking Planning Permission for the following elements: Change of use of approximately 325 metres of disused railway line to a walking route. This runs between the point where the former Lincoln to Sheffield railway crosses the A156 north of Torksey (OS Grid Reference SK ) to the point where the former railway crosses the line of the Trent Valley Way footpath on the western bank of the River Trent (OS Grid Reference SK ). Minor operational development associated with installing a new surface including: o o o Connection to the A156 - Minor footpath works (stile and fencing works) to connect the disused railway embankment to the A156. Connection to the Trent Valley Way Minor footpath works (steps, stile and fencing works) to connect the disused railway embankment to the Trent Valley Way footpath. Works to Torksey Viaduct Installation of a timber walkway and protective barriers over the extent of the box girder section of the viaduct and installation of a sealed surface and parapet enhancements over the trestle section of the viaduct. 3.2 Details of the proposed works are shown on the drawings listed in Appendix A which form part of this planning submission. The location of the development is shown in Figure M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

7 Cottam A156 Torksey Viaduct Torksey River Trent Figure 3.1 Map showing location of development (north is pointing up) 3.3 The following sections describe the elements of the proposed works in greater detail. Connection to A An existing informal path will be formalised by the installation of 1.0 metre high timber post and wire fencing to define the path where it drops down from the disused railway formation to the level of the road (the A156 Main Street). The gradient of the path will be steeper than the desirable minimum of 1 in 12 but is considered to be slack enough to not require steps. A stile will be provided at the bottom of the path in order to discourage non-pedestrian users. It is acknowledged that this gradient will not permit use by mobility impaired people however, the connection to the existing path network and the wider network itself west of the viaduct is not suitable for such users. It should be noted that Sustrans longer term aspiration is to secure funding to develop an extension to the scheme to bridge the A156 and provide a ramp down to Station Road on the east side of the A156, to permit access for all users, connecting to Saxilby and Lincoln. Figure 3.1 illustrates the existing informal path which will be demarcated with fencing. 3.5 Visibility from the verge at the point where the path will emerge onto the A156 is considered adequate. Figure 3.2 shows the location where the path will emerge onto the A156 and the visibility in each direction. This point is within the 30 mph speed limit, approximately 50 m from the end of the limit. Visibility to the crossing point for approaching vehicles will be in excess of 65 metres for northbound traffic which corresponds to the desirable minimum requirement for an 85%ile approach speed of 30mph or an absolute minimum requirement for a 35mph 85%ile approach speed, from Table 1 of LTN 2/95 The Design of Pedestrian Crossings. For southbound traffic which has been observed to be faster as it is entering the 30mph speed limit the visibility is in excess of 80 metres, which corresponds to the desirable minimum and absolute minimum visibility requirements for 85%ile speeds of 35mph and 40mph respectively. 4 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

8 Route of path down embankment Location of stile Figure 3.1 Location of proposed path providing access to/from the A156 (looking west) Alignment of path towards viaduct Visibility to south from A156 verge Visibility to north from A156 verge Figure 3.2 Location where path emerges onto the A156 verge opposite Station Road 5 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

9 Connection to the Trent Valley Way footpath 3.6 Currently the Trent Valley Way footpath, which runs north to south along the west bank of the River Trent crosses the line of the disused railway line by passing up and over the railway embankment. It may be necessary to divert the current line of the footpath to avoid potential impacts on a nearby badger sett. Survey works are ongoing and information on the potential for impacts on badger setts will be provided on completion of these surveys. The walking route over the viaduct will connect to the Trent Valley Way via a set of timber steps that are positioned adjacent to the south western pilaster of the viaduct (see section 4.15). These works will be carried out under a method statement to ensure no badgers are impacted by the works, potentially including works under a protected species licence. 3.7 Once at river bank level the permissive walking route will pass beneath the flood arch within the eastern abutment of the viaduct and then connect up with the Trent Valley Way north of the railway embankment. The alignment of this path is shown on the drawings that are included as part of this planning application. Works to Torksey Viaduct 3.8 The proposed engineering works to Torksey Viaduct are described in greater detail in Section 4 of this document. In summary the walking route over the viaduct will comprise a timber walkway over the main box girder element of the viaduct and a sealed surface over the eastern trestle part of the viaduct. 3.9 Surface water run-off from the proposed walkway will drain to the River Trent, either directly, or via the ground beneath the viaduct. It is considered that this will represent a negligible change to the existing drainage regime. 4 Heritage Statement Listed building consent application 4.1 Railway Paths Limited is submitting a Listed Building Consent application to cover the following works which are described in greater detail below, to facilitate the creation of a walking route across the viaduct. Installing a timber walkway across the northern part of the box girder spans. Installing fencing to prevent access to the southern part of the box girder spans. Installing screens to prevent access to the ends of the box girders. Installing timber steps fixed to the south western pilaster to provide access to the Trent Valley Way footpath. Enhancing the parapets to the trestle section of the viaduct to raise their containment level to a suitable level for pedestrian use. Treating the transverse joints on the trestle section of the viaduct to make it suitable for use by pedestrians. 4.2 The nature of the sealed surface proposed for the trestle section of the viaduct has yet to be determined, with a balance between longevity, suitability for walking and cycling and aesthetics needing to be achieved. Therefore it is expected that a separate Listed Building Consent application will be required to cover the surfacing once agreement has been reached as to the nature of the material. We suggest that this can be dealt with by a materials condition on any approval. 6 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

10 The site, history and significance 4.3 Torksey Viaduct, is a Grade II* listed building. The viaduct was listed in 1985 (list entry numbers & ). A copy of the listing is included in Appendix B. The viaduct is included on the English Heritage s 2014 Heritage at Risk Register. 4.4 Torksey viaduct was constructed between 1847 and 1849 by the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway to cross the River Trent between Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The viaduct was designed by John Fowler, who later co-designed the Forth Rail Bridge. 4.5 Torksey viaduct comprises two distinct elements: the western part which spans the main river channel is comprises two 40 metre spans formed by two continuous wrought iron box girders supported on stone piers. The box girder section is a rare, early surviving example of a tubular girder bridge. The eastern part which spans a subsidiary river channel is formed of a 175 metre approach viaduct comprising 20 spans formed of tubular trestle structure. 4.6 There was a degree of controversy surrounding the opening of the viaduct with concerns raised over the strength of the viaduct. This ultimately resulted in the viaduct being strengthened in 1897 with a conventional steel lattice girder was inserted centrally into both main spans with the southern girders being moved outwards to maintain track clearances. (Source: The railway over the viaduct closed to passengers on 2 November The timber decking on the main box girder spans, on which the rails were laid, was removed in the 1990s with the main spans being fenced off to prevent access. 4.8 An original drawing showing the box girder section of the viaduct shows the form of the original decking as being transverse timber planking supported on longitudinal timber beams which span the transverse wrought iron beams as shown in Figure 4.1. Figure 4.1 Extract from original drawing showing deck construction 7 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

11 4.9 Figures 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 show the existing condition of the viaduct. Figure 4.2 Existing condition of northern part of box girder viaduct (looking east) Figure 4.3 Existing condition of southern part of box girder viaduct (looking east) 8 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

12 Figure 4.4 Existing condition of trestle viaduct deck (looking east) 4.10 Maintenance work is currently being undertaken to partially repaint the areas of the northern part of the box girder span which would be covered by the proposed timber walkway. Figures 4.5 and 4.6 show the extents of the repainting works. As part of the repainting works an assessment was undertaken which demonstrated that repairs to the corroded beams were not required thereby leaving the beams in their original condition. Figure 4.5 View of repainted elements of northern part of box girder 9 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

13 Figure 4.6 View of repainted elements of northern part of box girder viewed from below Proposed works to the box girder section of the viaduct 4.11 In order to create a walkway across the viaduct, it is proposed to install a timber walkway across the full width of the northern part of the viaduct. The walkway will be constructed from timber decking, with anti-slip treatment, fixed to longitudinal timber beams which will be clamped to the transverse beams of the viaduct. The timber decking would be laid with a 10mm gap between planks to facilitate the drainage of surface water through the deck. The edges of the decking would be formed with a timber edge strip with a 100mm upstand to form a toe board As a deck is not being installed on the southern part of the viaduct it will be necessary to prevent access onto the southern part of the viaduct from the walkway. It is proposed to achieve this through the installation of a fence comprising a steel mesh attached to a steel frame formed from steel bar which will be clamped to the central truss. These mesh panels would be finished with a powder coat paint system in a dark grey colour close to the existing paint colour The proposed fence would return across the ends of the viaduct at the full height and be fixed to the masonry pilasters. The frame for the mesh panels returning across the ends of the viaduct would be formed from steel angle section to provide greater rigidity The proposed works are shown diagrammatically in Figure 4.7 and as a 3-D visualisation in Figure 4.8. Further detail is shown on the drawings listed in Appendix A of this document. 10 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

14 Figure 4.7 Cross section of northern part of box girder section showing timber walkway Figure 4.8 Visualisation of proposed timber walkway 11 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

15 4.15 As discussed in Section 3, the connection to the Trent Valley Way footpath will be via a set of timber steps constructed at the west end of the viaduct. In order to minimise the disturbance to the ground in this vicinity it will be necessary for the inner stringer of the steps to be fixed to the masonry pilaster to provide support to the step structure. It is proposed that the timber stringers be fixed to the masonry using drilled in bolt anchors into the existing joints. Figure 4.9 shows the location and layout of the steps. Further details of the steps are included in the drawings listed in Appendix A. Stringers bolted to face of pilaster to support treads Plan of steps Figure 4.9 Location and layout of timber steps at west end of viaduct 4.16 The northern girder of the viaduct is in its original position and is in line with the masonry pilasters at the abutments. In order to provide access and/or ventilation to the inside of the box an opening has been provided at the ends of the girder in the masonry in order to access the inside of the box girders as shown in Figure It is considered necessary to prevent access to these openings from the walking route and so these will be closed with a small aperture mesh set in a frame fixed to the masonry. The southern box girder is not in line with the pilasters and is largely plated off as is also shown in Figure It is proposed to close off the top part of the box girder at each end with a fine mesh in order to discourage use of the structure by nesting birds. This will be carried out outside the nesting bird season (considered to be March to September inclusive) or following a detailed inspection for bird nests. Any active nests will be retained in situ until young have fledged. The loss of a potential nesting site will be mitigated through the provision of alternative nesting sites. 12 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

16 Mesh panel fixed to masonry over opening in northern pilasters Mesh panel fixed over remaining opening in southern girder Figure 4.10 Treatment of openings at end of box girders (west end pictured) Proposed works to the trestle section of the viaduct 4.17 As with the box girder section of the viaduct, it is only proposed to provide a walking route over the northern part of the trestle viaduct. In order to provide a high quality walking route available all year round, it is proposed that this section of the trestle viaduct be finished with a sealed surface. This would require the upper part of the existing ballast to be removed and the new sealed surface laid on the existing ballast. In most cases the existing drainage of the deck trays appears to be functioning as the existing ballast is well drained. Where this is not the case and there is ponding water in the trays, the existing ballast will be carefully excavated to expose the base of the tray so that the existing drainage arrangements can be cleaned and repaired as required. The tray will then be refilled with clean aggregate to form a base for the new surfacing. The nature of the sealed surface has yet to be determined, with a balance between longevity, suitability for walking and cycling and aesthetics needing to be achieved. It is expected that a separate Listed Building Consent application will be required once agreement has been reached as to the detail of the surfacing, if this cannot be dealt with by a materials condition on any approval. A cross section through the trestle viaduct showing the proposed surfacing is shown in Figure M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

17 Figure 4.11 Cross section through trestle viaduct showing proposed surfacing and parapet mesh infill 4.18 The trestle viaduct has a longitudinal joint between the northern and southern parts of the deck. This results in a longitudinal vertical feature running the length of the viaduct which it is proposed will be retained and act as a kerb feature demarking the edge of the path. The longitudinal joint is shown in Figure Figure 4.12 Existing longitudinal joint feature 4.19 The deck of the trestle viaduct is made up of a series of deck trays which have transverse gaps between them. These gaps vary in width between approximately 50mm and 100mm which is considered to be too greater gap for a walking route. It is proposed to treat these gaps by welding a steel plate onto the edge of the tray on one side of the gap to cover the gap but still allow the trays to move independently. This is shown in Figure M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

18 Steel plate welded to one edge of tray Sealed surfacing Sealed surfacing Figure 4.13 Proposed treatment to transverse gaps (treatment and surfacing will continue across full width of northern part of deck above image shows partial treatment in order to show existing feature) 4.20 In order to facilitate the run-off of surface water, the underlying ballast would be profiled such that the centre of each deck tray had a higher surface level than the ends so that run off would flow to the transverse joints, which are spaced longitudinally along the viaduct at approximately 9 metre centres. It would then discharge to the ground/river beneath the viaduct. The maximum longitudinal gradient on the surface would be 1:100 to facilitate this drainage. It is acknowledged that this will result in a more rapid discharge of surface water from the viaduct deck however, a good proportion of the run-off will discharge onto the ground beneath the viaduct and so be attenuated before reaching the River Trent and the volume of the receiving watercourse for the run-off that will discharge directly to the river is such that there will be a negligible impact of the change to the drainage regime. Discharge off the edge of the viaduct is not achievable due to a longitudinal edge along the length of the deck The existing parapet on the trestle section of the viaduct comprises two rails at approximately 0.75m and 1.5m high. The height of the intermediate rail is less than the 0.9m to 1.0m height for an upper rail specified in Inclusive Mobility. Therefore it is proposed to fix full height mesh panels to the existing parapet railings of a similar form to those proposed for use on the box girder section on of the viaduct. The height of the existing intermediate rail is too low to only provide a mesh infill to the lower section. The mesh panels will be clamped to the existing parapet railings using a u-bolt type fixing. Whilst only the northern part of the deck will be used for the walkway it is considered necessary from a safety point of view to improve the southern parapet railing in the same way as the northern railing. The positioning of the mesh panels in relation to the existing railings is shown in Figure As with the mesh panels for the box girder section of the viaduct these panels would be finished with a powder coat paint system in a dark grey colour. 15 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

19 Discussion of potential impact of the development 4.22 The proposed timber walkway is considered to be in keeping with the original form of the viaduct deck. The use of timber decking will represent a slight departure from the original form. An example of timber decking with anti-slip treatment is shown below in Figure 4.14 Figure 4.14 Example of timber decking with anti-slip treatment 4.23 The proposed mesh detail would be similar to that installed at Meldon Viaduct, in Devon, another listed former railway viaduct that has been rehabilitated for use as a walking and cycling route. However this scheme differs from the one at Meldon as the frame supporting the mesh would be fabricated from mild steel bar or angle section to be more in keeping with the angular nature of the existing components of the viaduct. The detail used at Meldon Viaduct is shown in Figure 4.15 for illustrative purposes only. Figure 4.15 Example of mesh fixed to a frame used on Meldon Viaduct, inset shows fixing detail (with a 2 pence piece for sizing) 16 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

20 4.24 The works to the box girder element of the viaduct will be generally not be visible from the surrounding areas as they will be shielded by the box girders and pilasters The timber steps at the south western pilaster will have a minor visual impact on views of the viaduct from the Trent Valley Way to the south of the viaduct. The vegetation on the central island in the River Trent will hide the steps from the east side of the River Trent. Figure 4.16 shows the location of the steps, highlighted in green for illustrative purposes only. Figure 4.16 Location of the timber steps viewed from the Trent Valley Way (shown in green for illustrative purposes actual colour will be natural wood) 4.26 The mesh infill to the parapet railings on the trestle element of the viaduct will be visible from surrounding areas. However by aligning the supporting frames with the existing parapet rails and stanchions and using a 50mm x 50mm wire mesh this impact will be minimised. Additionally, the overall scale and geometry of the viaduct means that, if noticeable, the additional mesh should have a minimal visual impact. Figure 4.17 shows two views of the viaduct to illustrate the visual impact of the mesh infill. 17 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

21 View from south west Mesh infill to trestle element parapets will have negligible visual impact on views from western bank of River Trent View from north east Mesh infill will have a minimal visual impact on views from the eastern bank close to the viaduct however other elements will distract from this Figure 4.17 Visualisations of viaduct showing potential visual impact of the mesh infill to the trestle element parapets 5 Ecology and environment Ecological survey results 5.1 Sustrans has commissioned a number of protected species surveys in conjunction with a recent maintenance scheme on the viaduct and this proposed development. 5.2 The key findings from these surveys are summarised below: The viaduct has a low potential for bat roosts and detailed surveys found no evidence of roosting bats. Therefore, the proposed works are unlikely to adversely affect roosting bats. A badger sett is present west of the viaduct, including 3 active entrances and over 20 less active entrances. The active entrances are far enough from the viaduct that they are unlikely to be affected by the proposed works. The closer, less active entrances appear disused and further surveys are in progress to determine the status of these holes. Otters are present on the river but are far enough from the proposed works that they are unlikely to be adversely affected. 18 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

22 At the time of the survey Barn owls were nesting in the southern box girder. Himalayan Balsam has been observed in the vicinity of the viaduct. 5.3 It is considered desirable to prevent barn owls from nesting in the box girder as is currently the case due to the higher likelihood of disturbance that may be caused as a result of the viaduct being used as a walking route. Consequently, the existing openings will be closed with a small aperture mesh following appropriate mitigation, detailed below. Further ecological surveys 5.4 The following course of action is being pursued to determine the potential for impacts on protected species as a result of the proposed renovation works. Further survey work to confirm whether sett entrances close to the viaduct are active and likely to be impacted by the proposed works. Any works with potential to disturb an active badger sett will be carried out following appropriate mitigation, detailed below. 5.5 In view of the loss of habitat on the northern part of the trestle viaduct, a botanical walkover inspection to look for protected ad notable plants will be undertaken in May 2015 prior to undertaking any surfacing works. Proposed mitigation measures 5.6 The following mitigation measures will be put in place as part of the development: Appropriate working methods in the vicinity of the badger setts will be carried out following published guidance and under a protected species licence if required. The sett entrances adjacent to the viaduct will be subject to a programme of soft closure prior to works taking place. This will include the installation of mesh pinned to the ground in the vicinity of the proposed works to discourage future badger activity in the area of the embankment where works would need to be carried out. Two barn owl boxes will be erected on suitable trees adjacent to the viaduct in advance of the closure of the box girders. Appropriate working methods in line with published guidance will be put in place to prevent the spread of Himalayan Balsam. Proposed enhancement measures 5.7 The following environmental enhancement measures are proposed as part of the development: Management of the southern part of the trestle viaduct to maintain and enhance the ecological value of the disused railway formation habitat. Working with Nottinghamshire County Council s Countryside Access Team to provide a footpath diversion to reduce the current impact of the footpath on the badger sett. 19 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

23 Environmental considerations 5.8 The proposed timber walkway has been discussed with the Environment Agency and Flood Defence Consent obtained (DBNTLS_2014_151). Further liaison will be required with the Environment Agency to determine the need for, and to apply for, further Flood Defence Consent to the works to the trestle viaduct and the steps at the west end of the viaduct. This liaison will be undertaken in parallel with the planning application process. 6 Policy Context 6.1 The proposed walking route over Torksey Viaduct is considered to be well aligned with the planning policies of both West Lindsey and Bassetlaw District Councils as set out in the Central Lincolnshire Preliminary Draft Local Plan and the Bassetlaw Adopted Core Strategy and Development Management Policies DPD. 6.2 The following sections highlight particular policy objectives in each document which this development is considered to contribute to. Central Lincolnshire Preliminary Draft Local Plan - October 2014 Policy LP6: A Sustainable Visitor Economy 6.3 An access plan produce by Sustrans in 2003 funded by grant aid from The Heritage Lottery Fund and Lincolnshire County Council considered that providing access across the viaduct would benefit the local economy through increased visitor numbers. The link across the viaduct will enable walkers to access to facilities (pubs and shop) in the communities on both sides of the River Trent. Policy LP7: Health and Wellbeing 6.4 Opening the viaduct would provide additional opportunities for access to wider footpath and bridleway networks which would help support the policy aim of encouraging increased physical activity. It is recognised that this initial phase of the development will not provide access for all people, however the longer-term aspiration seeks to provide level (or ramped) access between Torksey and Cottam. Policy LP11: Transport 6.5 This development will deliver a piece of walking infrastructure that complements the aims of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, and in particular addresses the issue of the severance caused by the River Trent. The new walking route will enhance linkages to the public rights of way networks either side of the river and so increase accessibility to large areas of natural green space. Policy LP20: The Historic Environment 6.6 The creation of a walking route by bringing the viaduct back into use will give greater certainty to the future protection and enhancement of this listed building, currently on the English Heritage at Risk register. It will also provide access to the viaduct enabling the public to make use of the heritage asset. Policy LP22: Open Space, Sports and Recreation Facilities 6.7 The proposed scheme will provide increased levels of access to the footpath network and landscape and so be in line with this policy. 20 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

24 Bassetlaw Core Strategy & Development Management Policies DPD Adopted December 2011 Strategic objective SO9 To protect and enhance Bassetlaw s heritage assets & Policy DM8: The Historic Environment 6.8 The creation of a walking route by bringing the viaduct back into use will give greater certainty to the future protection and enhancement of this listed building, currently on the English Heritage at Risk register. Policy DM9: Green infrastructure; biodiversity & geodiversity; landscape; open space and sports facilities 6.9 The proposed scheme will provide increased levels of access to the footpath network and landscape and so be in line with this policy. Policy DM13: Sustainable Transport 6.10 The creation of a walking route across Torksey Viaduct would be in line with this policy through providing a new linkage between communities on either side of the River Trent and access to the facilities and services contained in those communities. 7 Access 7.1 The proposed walking route would be entirely on land owned by Railway Paths Limited/Sustrans and would be created as a permissive path. 7.2 Once onto the disused railway formation, the proposed walking route will generally be level providing a high quality walking route. However, it is recognised that this initial phase of the development will not provide access for all people due to the steps west of the viaduct and ramp east of the viaduct. It should be noted that these are intended as temporary measures to facilitate access across the viaduct at the earliest possible opportunity. Sustrans longer-term aspiration is to provide level (or ramped) access between Torksey and Cottam through the provision of a bridge over the A156 and ramp down to Station Road in Torksey and the continuation of a level path westwards from the viaduct to Cottam. 7.3 The initial consultations with landowners on the west side of the viaduct have highlighted concerns relating to the security of adjacent land in relation to the opening up of the viaduct for public access. These concerns have been noted but are considered to be more relevant to the later phases of the development which would create an easily accessible route across the river. At this stage, the provision of a walking route over the viaduct which will only be accessible by steps at the western end of the viaduct is not considered to change the existing situation where there is currently public access via the Trent Valley Way footpath and network of bridleways and byways. Construction and maintenance access 7.4 Access to the site is relatively constrained. Access for construction would be sought from the adjacent landowner via an existing access track from the A156. No construction access would be required from the west side of the viaduct. 7.5 Access for maintenance would seek to use the same arrangements as for construction. 7.6 The proposed works will not impact on Canal and River Trust property, or the navigational operations of the River Trent and therefore third party approvals are not considered 21 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

25 necessary from the Canal and River Trust. 8 Phasing 8.1 It is proposed to implement the works that form the subject of this planning application in a phased manner. 8.2 Funding is in place to complete the works to the box girder section of the viaduct and the steps forming the connection to the Trent Valley Way. 8.3 Further funding is being sought to install the sealed surface to the trestle viaduct section and implement the measures to make the trestle viaduct section suitable for pedestrian access. It is anticipated that funding would become available for the 2015/16 financial year for these works. 9 Further information 9.1 This Design and Access Statement should be read in conjunction with the other documents and drawings submitted with the planning application, as listed in Appendix A. If further details are required please contact the applicant or agent: Applicant: Will Haynes, Senior Engineer, Sustrans, Fifth Floor, Hanover House, Charlotte Street, Manchester, M1 4FD will.haynes@sustrans.org.uk Agent: Chris Dent, Sustrans Planning, 5 North Avenue, Exeter, EX1 2DU mail@chrisdentarchitect.co.uk 22 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

26 Appendix A Schedule of Planning Application Documents The following documents and drawings are submitted with the Planning Application and Listed Building Consent for the Torksey Viaduct Walking Route. All of this information is submitted in pdf format. Please contact the Applicant if paper copies are required. Title Original size and colour Documents M01-B08-RE -01 Design and Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement A4 colour - Protected Species Report dated May 2014 A4 colour Drawings M01-B08-DR-50 Location plan A3 colour M01-B08-DR-51 Overall scheme layout A3 colour M01-B08-DR-52 Box girder element plan A3 colour M01-B08-DR-53 Box girder element cross sections A3 colour M01-B08-DR-54 Box girder element elevation A3 colour M01-B08-DR-55 Trestle element details A3 colour M01-B08-DR-56 Western link to Trent Valley Way details A3 colour M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

27 Appendix B Torksey Viaduct Listing Entries M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

28 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

29 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014

30 M01 B08 Torksey Viaduct Walking Route Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Statement November 2014