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| Beaumaris Marina: Overview | |
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Overview 1.1 Introduction 1.1.1 The Anglesey Boat Company Ltd (ABC) proposes to construct a new marina on Ynys Môn, to the east of the Menai Straits in North Wales. The aim is to provide a marina development for approximately 450 berths complementing existing marina facilities in the region and stimulating local economic growth. It is proposed that a marina will be constructed at Gallows Point, Beaumaris by enclosing an area of the existing bay. 1.1.2 Marina developments of this scale require an Environmental Statement (ES) to be prepared. The purpose of this ES is to support the planning application for the scheme. The environmental assessment has been undertaken in order to ensure that all concerns are taken into account and that the scheme's potential impacts on the environment are minimised. The findings of the environmental assessment are reported in this ES. 1.2 Need for the Scheme and Selection of the Preferred Option 1.2.1 The marine boating industry has developed in recent years and consolidated around the improved facilities and services that modern marinas are able to offer. As a result, those areas which have not been subject to improvement have witnessed a decline in trade and employment. 1.2.2 Ynys Môn requires facilities with the level of service demanded by boat owners including a high quality modern marina with associated shoreside facilities. The construction of a marina at the eastern end of the Menai Strait will supplement the existing marina network and provide stimulation to the local economy. 1.2.3 A number of potential sites within the eastern Menai Straits have been considered as locations for such a marina development. A multi-criterion evaluation of the alternative sites was undertaken and the preferred site identified as the bay which is located to the west of Gallows Point, 1km to the west of Beaumaris. 1.3 Scheme Description 1.3.1 The proposed marina will be constructed within the area bounded by Gallows Point to the north east, the mean high water line to the north and, approximately, the mean low water level. 1.3.2 The marina will provide approximately 450 berths, located within a dredged basin bounded on the seaward sides by rock breakwaters. Car/boat parking will be located to the north of the basin on a reclaimed area. Features of the scheme design include: 1.3.3 It is anticipated that the marina will be developed in a single period of construction rather than in a phased sequence of expansion, taking 21 months from commencement of mobilisation to completion. 1.3.4 Whilst the duration of the works will depend on the availability of suitable materials and the nature of the dredging arisings, it is expected that the main civils contract for breakwaters, dredging and reclamation will take between 12 and 18 months to complete. These activities will take place concurrently. Piling for, and installation of, pontoons will take place after the dredging is completed and the boathoist dock will be constructed towards the end of the reclamation works. The facilities building, car park areas and installation of services will also follow completion of the reclamation works. 1.3.5 It is proposed to utilise marine craft for delivery of rock materials, as well as carrying out the dredging work. However, this plant will need to have access to the site over high water on the tidal cycle and it will, therefore, be necessary to carry out some delivery operations on a 24 hour, 7 day per week basis. The marine works contractor will employ approximately 25 people on site at any one time. 1.3.6 The onshore works contractor will work 6 days per week, 12 hours per day (7.30 to 19.30 hrs) and will employ approximately 20 people at most. 1.3.7 During the operational phase of the marina, maintenance dredging will take place at routine intervals, probably every two to three years. 1.4 Environmental Assessment Environmental Assessment Process 1.4.1 A scoping document was prepared and circulated to the local authority and statutory consultees to provide a focus for the environmental assessment by identifying key issues and ensuring that they were subject to assessment at an appropriate level. 1.4.2 The objectives of the environmental assessment are to: 1.4.3 Residual impacts have been defined in terms of major, moderate, slight or negligible for each topic covered within the ES in order to give a clear indication of the significance of the scheme's potential effects on the environment. Compliance with Planning Policy 1.4.4 A review of the scheme was undertaken to assess whether it complies with national and local planning policy. At the local level, priority is given to job and employment creation, but there is a requirement to ensure the compatibility of proposals with policies designed to protect the environment. The latter requirement is addressed within this ES, the findings of which show the proposal to be acceptable and consistent with the thrust of local and national policy, with two possible exceptions. At the regional level there is a presumption against the development of major boating facilities on Ynys Môn except at Holyhead. However, this is not carried through at the local level and in the case of any conflict, local policies will prevail. 1.4.5 In addition, there is an identified conflict between the proposal and the mussel fishing industry, having regard to licensing and ownership issues and to local policies relating to employment. In this context, it is not considered that the employment interests of the majority of the mussel fishing industry are put at risk by the proposal. Tidal Movements (Hydrodynamics) 1.4.6 During the construction phase, it is anticipated that the tidal movements will remain largely as at present. The majority of the impacts are likely to influence currents once the marina breakwaters are built. 1.4.7 During the operation of the marina, it is anticipated that there will be negligible impacts on the tidal regime in the Menai Strait, tidal levels and wave heights. However, there is the potential for major local increases in currents and moderate changes in circulation to occur immediately adjacent to the marina breakwater, although these will decrease quickly away from the site and will be negligible within 1km of the marina. Sediment Movements (Geomorphology) 1.4.8 Dredging and breakwater construction activities are predicted to have a slight impact on sediment movements in the immediate vicinity of the construction area (within 250m). It is possible that there may be a locally moderate increase in sediment deposition in the immediate downstream vicinity of the construction area. However, sediment redistribution will be negligible over the Strait as a whole. 1.4.9 No long term impacts are predicted for regional sediment patterns. Once enhanced erosion immediately adjacent to the marina breakwater has established a new channel form, a new dynamic equilibrium will be established. Water Quality 1.4.10 The water quality of the eastern Menai Straits is classed as good. The proposed marina site is located within designated shellfish waters which have complied with water quality standards for the past three years. Water quality effects as a result of dredging and breakwater construction are predicted to be negligible. Resuspension of sediments will be restricted to the local area and no significant reduction in dissolved oxygen is expected. 1.4.11 During the daily operation of the marina, appropriate facilities will be provided for sewage collection, site drainage and boat maintenance and emergency spillage action plans will be prepared and implemented as required. In addition, staff will undertake regular inspections to ensure that appropriate operating procedures are being complied with in the marina. If all mitigation measures are applied as specified in accordance with best practice, the potential impacts of the marina on local and regional water quality will be negligible. Ecology and Nature Conservation 1.4.12 The value of the Menai Strait as a conservation area is recognised through its proposal to be designated as a Marine Nature Reserve, an area of national importance. A review of information and ecological surveys which had been undertaken at and around Gallows Point, however, revealed that species and habitats found were not of special conservation value, although birds of national importance have been found there. The intertidal area of the proposed site is used at present as a mussel fishery. 1.4.13 During construction of the marina basin and breakwaters, there will be a local major loss of habitats, including the mussel fishery, for which no mitigation is possible. However, in the long term, species will be reinstated on the seabed and on structures such as the breakwater, resulting in a more diverse and densely colonised habitat. There may be a temporary moderate disturbance to feeding birds during the construction phase, although this is not considered to be significant and will not affect bird populations in the long term. Enhancement of the marina through terrestrial landscaping will help control the spread of invasive species which exist on the proposed site at present. Landscape and Visual Amenity 1.4.14 The landscape quality of the site and its setting is assessed as good, with fine views across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia and existing vegetation is a prominent feature in many views of the site. 1.4.15 The significant alteration to existing site features and the character of the area during the construction phase is likely to have major temporary impacts on the landscape, setting and views of the site. However, landscaping proposals for the development, including the planting of hardwoods and shrubs are designed to mitigate potential landscape and visual impacts from the marina in the long term and to enhance the marina's environment. The landscape impacts of the development will become slight as it becomes established and as the planting grows, although the activity of the marina and the boats using it are likely to have a moderate effect on the seascape and landscape character of the area. Amenity and Recreation 1.4.16 The study area currently supports a variety of water based and shore based recreational and amenity uses, although the nature and extent of these activities are somewhat limited. 1.4.17 During construction of the marina there will be a restriction of sailing in the bay and a temporary adverse impact on diving. It will be necessary to divert boating activity away from the existing slipway to alternative slipways in the area. The effect of this will be an adverse impact on boat users, seen as a temporary inconvenience. 1.4.18 In the long term, however, the operation of the marina will have major beneficial impacts on yachting. In addition, recreational activities such as fishing, walking, diving and small boat use will also benefit from the marina development. Waste Management and Contaminated Land 1.4.19 No contaminated land sites, landfills or waste disposal sites have been identified on the proposed marina development site. The main wastes arising during the construction of the marina will comprise general refuse, sewage and construction waste, including waste arisings from dredging operations. Relevant mitigation measures and working practices specified in waste management legislation and Environment Agency guidelines will be complied with, which should ensure that any impacts on the environment will be negligible. 1.4.20 During the operation of the marina, waste arisings will comprise general refuse, chemicals, sewage, wastewater from boat washing operations and antifoulant painting and maintenance dredgings. Appropriate dedicated waste facilities will be provided on site and emergency plans will be established and implemented in the unlikely event of any accidental spillages of chemicals or fuel in the marina. Providing the relevant legislation and guidelines are followed, there will be a negligible impact on the environment. Noise and Vibration 1.4.21 A noise monitoring exercise has been undertaken at houses, buildings and other potentially sensitive locations near to the proposed marina development to determine existing noise levels. Predictions of likely construction noise indicated that there will be slight impacts, although these should not cause undue disturbance to nearby residents. Background vibration at existing properties is likely to be negligible during construction. 1.4.22 Negligible noise and vibration impacts are predicted for the operational phase of the marina development and mitigation measures are not, therefore, considered to be necessary. Air Quality 1.4.23 The main concern over air quality during the construction phase is the generation of dust and the impact it has on local people and houses. The application of appropriate working practices together with the lack of local houses should mean that the potential impact of dust nuisance will be negligible. 1.4.24 During operation of the marina, the main concerns over air quality are the impacts associated with exhaust emissions from traffic approaching and exiting the marina, and from boats. Predictions of changes to air quality from road traffic shows that negligible impacts on local air quality are anticipated along approach roads or at the site entrance. Similarly, a negligible impact on air quality is anticipated off site and at potentially sensitive receptors as a result of the arrival and departure of boats at the marina. Cultural Heritage 1.4.25 Gallows Point is traditionally associated with seafaring, reaching as far back to Viking times. No archaeological remains have been found around Gallows Point, however, evidence suggests that one of a number of antique fish traps which are thought to be located in the north eastern part of the Menai Strait, is located in the bay to the south west of Gallows Point. The proposed excavations during the construction phase will provide an opportunity to investigate the site for any surviving artefacts. Monitoring for archaeological remains will be undertaken and expert advice will be sought to ensure that the most appropriate course of action is taken if anything of interest is identified. Provided such mitigation measures are implemented, the residual impacts during the construction phase are anticipated to be negligible. 1.4.26 No operational impacts upon sites of cultural heritage are predicted. Traffic and Transport 1.4.27 The effects of both construction and operational traffic associated with the scheme have been assessed in relation to the existing traffic levels and alignment of the A545 Beaumaris to Menai Bridge road which lies directly adjacent to the proposed marina site. Improvements to the A545 are proposed which allow for a right turn lane and a potential reduction in the speed limit (subject to agreement). 1.4.28 During the construction phase, negligible impacts on traffic speeds, journey times and road safety are predicted. There will, however, be a major operational improvement as a result of the widening and inclusion of a right hand lane along the A545, which will also be beneficial in the long term. Whilst traffic generation is predicted to increase once the marina opens, negligible impacts on traffic speeds, journey times and road safety are anticipated. Socio-Economic Effects 1.4.29 Socio-economic considerations include the effects on employment and the regional and local economy associated with the marina development and potential disruption to the local community. 1.4.30 During construction of the marina, moderate temporary beneficial impacts will arise through the creation of jobs and associated injection of revenue into the local economy through expenditure on accommodation and services. The scale of construction work would also have a major positive impact on the local building industry. However, the loss of part of the mussel fishery will result in the loss of income and potentially employment to the site operator and is a permanent adverse impact. It is not anticipated that construction activities will cause undue disruption or nuisance to the local community. 1.4.31 During operation, major local benefit will arise from revenue generation by the marina, bringing in sustained annual income into the. There will, however, be a loss of revenue from the mussel fishery, constituting a local moderate negative impact. There will be a net major gain in employment generation bringing benefits to both the immediate locality and the wider region. The negative impact arising from the loss of employment involved with the mussel fishing from Area 4 is likely to be, at most, slight. A rise in local employment will result in general increases of expenditure on Ynys Môn, thus contributing to regeneration of the local economy. Conclusions 1.4.32 The marina development will have a number of beneficial and some negative environmental impacts. In particular, during the construction phase, there will be a loss of marine habitats, including a small area of the mussel fishery. There will be a significant alteration to the landscape and temporary constraints to boat users. A net temporary increase in employment and revenue generation will also arise during the construction phase. 1.4.33 In the long term, however, there will be an increase in marine habitat diversity and impacts on the landscape will become slight as the marina establishes itself as a feature of the environment and as planting grows. There will also be operational improvement for traffic along the A545 near Gallows Point. Changes to local currents and sediment patterns are expected to quickly reach a new balance, with no long term detrimental effects. 1.4.34 Overall, there will be a significant improvement in the amenity and recreational value of the area and it is anticipated that the marina will, on balance, generate major improvements in employment and inward expenditure. 1.4.35 The mitigation measures and controls specified in this ES, together with monitoring and inspection programmes to ensure that they are implemented satisfactorily, will be included in a Code of Construction Practice and Environmental Action Plan which Anglesey Boat Company Ltd will require their contractors for the scheme to follow. |
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