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ID sylw: 108534

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Catesby Estates

Asiant : Mr Will Whitelock

Catesby have land interests east of Banbury Road Southam (SiteID 447). The site is part of SG12. The SA assessment of SG12 identifies potential adverse impacts on flood risk, biodiversity and geodiversity, landscape, and cultural heritage (Objective 5). As SG12 comprises parcels on all sides of the town, the sustainability credentials of parcels will differ. Each site should be assessed individually. Below is our assessment of site 447.

Objective 2 - Flood Risk

Some ditches relate to current agricultural use and will become redundant when the site is developed. Retained watercourses will have an 8m easement. The entirety of the site is Flood Zone 1. Most of the site is at very low surface water flood risk, with the exception of the southern edge. Risk originating within the site will be mitigated by the proposed surface water strategy. Risk originating outside the development to the east is not a constraint as development will be focused to the north of the site and the south will form public open space. Use of SuDS techniques will ensure drainage provides betterment in surface water management.

Objective 3 – Biodiversity and Geodiversity

An extended Phase 1 habitat survey and further desk and field-based surveys have been undertaken which show most of the site is of limited ecological value. The site supports relatively common populations of breeding birds, bats, and grass snakes. Southam Ponds Ecosite Local Wildlife Site is partly within the site boundary and contains a population of great crested newts. Site design will incorporate retention of valuable ecological habitats and maintenance of wildlife corridors. In particular, hedgerows, ponds, and semi-improved grassland fields will be retained and enhanced, contributing significantly to achievement of biodiversity net gain.

Objective 4 - Landscape

An initial landscape appraisal identifies the site is largely flat. Views of the site will generally be limited and in the context of adjacent development to the north and west. There is potential to retain and enhance the field boundary network, enhance green links with the wider landscape, and address the form of the settlement edge to create a positive interface with the agricultural landscape in an area that has some visibility from higher ground to the south and south-east. As part of HS2 proposals, landscape mitigation planting will cover land adjacent to the realigned road bridge and assist in providing noise and visual mitigation to a residential scheme on this site.

Objective 5 - Cultural Heritage

None of the listed buildings or other designated heritage assets impacted by SG12 are within this parcel. The site is separated from the Conservation Area by the intervening planted and built environment of the southern extents of modern Southam so does not form part of its setting. The exception is that the spire of the Grade I listed Church of St. James is visible from parts of the site. This is not a key or designed view, nor does it possess any historic integrity or contribute to church's significance. This should not constrain site capacity or deliverability.