From: RADFORD David
Sent: 20 October 2015 11:21
To: BARTHOLOMEW Fiona
Subject: RE: Network Rail - Hinksey Flood Alleviation Scheme
Dear Fiona
This project is of interest because it is located close to the site of a poorly
understood medieval mill of possible Late Saxon origin (Langford Mill) and to the site
of the 19th century New Hinksey Paper Mill (built by John Towle, a former Mayor of
Oxford). The site also has general potential for prehistoric remains buried below the
floodplain alluvium.
I would note that the proposed works are taking place close to the recently
Scheduled Norman Causeway arches located under the Old Abingdon Road. My
reading of the proposed annotated scheme of works is that no ground works are
taking place in the vicinity of these monuments, however the Environment Agency
may want to consult Historic England to see if they have any concerns regarding any
potential changes to channel flow through the arches.
In 2006 an EIA was undertaken by the Environment Agency in advance
of improvements to the Towles Mill Sluice. This involved the production of a detailed
archaeological desk based assessment and test pitting by Oxford Archaeology to the
south of the proposed new channel. The excavations revealed possible medieval
alluvial deposits and some structural remains associated with the 19th century mill.
Subsequently a watching brief was undertaken during the landscaping of the
remodelled bypass channel and the augmentation of the sluice channel. This
revealed the remnants of a timber revetment at the mouth of the bypass channel and
further evidence for medieval alluviation. Dendrochronilogical samples from the
timbers suggested that the structure was associated with the 15th century use of the
mill.
I would note that the 1814 Enclosure Map and 1842 Oxford and Great Western
Railway Plan shows that the proposed new culvert will cut through a side channel or
leat of unknown date (Oxford Archaeology 2006, figs 6 & 7) and will impact on the
channel of the likely former head race channel. The new culvert would appear to
impact at the point that the leat leaves the head race where water management
features may be located.
There is therefore reason to believe that the new culvert may have a significant
environmental impact in terms of below ground archaeology because of the potential
for Late Saxon, medieval and post-medieval water management features in this
location. In this instance I note that a detailed desk based assessment has already
been produced (OA 2006) that brings together the relevant map and historical data
for this site and which may form the basis for the Environmental Assessment.
Regards
David
David Radford
Archaeologist, Heritage and Specialist Services
Oxford City Council, St Aldate's Chambers, 109 St Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1DS
Tel: 01865 252605
From: BARTHOLOMEW Fiona
Sent: 12 October 2015 16:25
To: SADLER Tim; COLWELL Jo; MARSHALL Ian; RENNIE Lesley; GRIGOROPOULOS Niko; RADFORD
David
Cc: GALLAGHER Cathy
Subject: Network Rail - Hinksey Flood Alleviation Scheme
All,
Determination as to whether Network Rail proposed development (Hinksey
Flood Alleviation Project) requires an EIA
I’m sorry to be delayed in sending this to you. The determination should be done
within 21 days which ends next Tuesday 20th (it was submitted directly to me (29th
Sept) while I was away and this is the first time I’ve had a chance to look at it). NR
have agreed that an extension of time is possible. They would like to submit the
planning application for the culvert at the end of November.
NR has applied for a screening opinion as to whether an EIA is required for the
Hinksey Flood Alleviation Scheme: the documents attached in 2 emails describe the
scheme in a letter, and includes drawings and 3 reports:
Extended Phase 1 Habitat
Report (second email)
47069832-BA-EC-REP2000 (Rev A01)
July 2014
Hinksey Flood Alleviation
Scheme GRIP Stage 3 –
Study and Flood Modelling
47069832-BD-HY-REP500 (Rev A02)
July 2015
Hinksey Flood alleviation
Scheme Technical Note
(Addendum to GRIP 3
Modelling Report)
47069832-BD-HY-REP501 (Rev A01)
August 2015
The letter requesting the screening also gives some details relating to waste, use of
natural resources, pollution and nuisances, noise and vibration, air quality, ecology,
water, traffic and access, and proximity of residential areas.
I see from previous emails concerning meetings which I did not attend that:
• archaeology may also need to be considered;
• there is a relationship with the EA’s Western Conveyance scheme; and
• there may still be flooding to 8 residential properties.
This is a Schedule 2 development – the LPA has to determine whether significant
effects are likely (positive or negative) and hence whether an EIA is required. I have
attached a checklist, pages 3-5 may be helpful in this. The Government’s Planning
Practice Guidance has details and helpful notes on the EIA process
http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/environmental-impactassessment/
If there is anything that you or relevant colleagues would like or need to input to this
I’d be pleased to liaise with them – as soon as possible please.
Many thanks,
Fiona
Mrs Fiona Bartholomew
Principal Planning Officer
Direct Dial: 01865 252774 Email:
I do not work on Wednesdays or Fridays
City Development, Oxford City Council, St Aldates Chambers, 109-113 St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DS
www.oxford.gov.uk
Please join others in providing feedback on the service we provide: this will help us ensure we
continue to improve. Use the feedback form to tell us about your experience.