Solid coastal development

Impact

Sediments can be disturbed from drilling into the seabed. Smothering can be an issue if there are important species in close proximity of the drilling work.

Suggested measures to reduce impact(s)

Stopping sediment disturbance during construction is unavoidable, but you can attempt to reduce impacts by:

• ensuring the structure has minimal interference with coastal processes such as sediment movement to reduce longer term disturbance to sediment.
• using a low maintenance material such as stainless steel or timbers to construct piling to reduce operational impacts of the development.
• sourcing materials from a sustainable facility where possible and reflect as near to a natural structure as possible.

Impact

Sediments can be disturbed from creation of solid structures. If the sediments are contaminated it can be an issue to habitats and species in close proximity to the drilling.

Suggested measures to reduce impact(s)

To reduce the risk of pollution incidents during construction phase, the developer is advised to seek and follow Environment Agency guidance.

Impact

The location of where the drilling occurs can have impacts on the estuarine hydrodynamics.

Suggested measures to reduce impact(s)

Ensure the structure has minimal interference with coastal processes, such as tidal flows.

Impact

Where the development exists, some direct loss of habitat will occur within the footprint of the structure. Dependent on size, construction of a slipway and steps will cause a lower level of loss in comparison to the construction of a boathouse.

Suggested measures to reduce impact(s)

• The size of the structure should be no longer than necessary in terms of protrusion into the estuary.
• If the development involves land-take, create compensatory habitat elsewhere in the estuary, for example by managed realignment.

Impact

Increased levels of noise during construction will disturb birds. If the works are located close to important winter and wildfowl feeding areas then works should be scheduled to avoid sensitive times of year.

Suggested measures to reduce impact(s)

• Locate the development away from important bird feeding areas if possible.
• If the development is situated near bird feeding areas, undertaking construction work outside the bird over-wintering period will minimise this impact.

Impact

Water quality issues can arise if sediments are released due to drilling of foundations for the construction of solid structures. The amount of sediment disturbed is dependant on the scale of the development proposed.

Suggested measures to reduce impact(s)

Use sustainable urban drainage schemes (SUDS) to minimise run-off and associated impacts.

Impact

Slipways, steps and boathouses will cause shading of the habitat beneath to varying levels, depending on the scale of the development and species composition may change as a result. Therefore, applicants will need to describe existing habitat, identify the changes likely to occur and make a judgement in terms of the biodiversity gain/loss.

Suggested measures to reduce impact(s)

• Adopt more natural coastal protection measures where possible, such as beach nourishment.
• Use materials for construction with complex surfaces with crevices or indentations to encourage colonisation by marine flora and fauna.
• The design of walkways should allow for maximum of amount of light to penetrate to the rock or mud surfaces underneath to minimise loss of biological productivity.
• Design the addition of light column structures into the development to provide an artificial light source.

Impact

Loss of fish nursery areas if the development involves land claim or disturbance to the foreshore.

Suggested measures to reduce impact(s)

Minimise working area during construction and only allow construction plant onto the shore if strictly necessary.

Impact

Potential impact on otters using the estuarine waters, within the water and the land surrounding the estuary.

Suggested measures to reduce impact(s)

Ensure that bridges and culverts are designed to accommodate the safe passage of otters and migratory fish.

Impact

Potential impact on bat roosts due to modification of waterfront properties and/or loss of tree roots.

Suggested measures to reduce impact(s)

Ensure planning application is screened for potential impact to bat roost. Developments should be informed by a Bat Roost Survey if necessary. Outlining a strategy of minimising unnecessary artificial lighting for proposed development.

Impact

Potential impact on lichen communities on river side trees, exposed substrate and mining heritage buildings in the Upper Tamar.

Suggested measures to reduce impact(s)

Developments with the potential to impact on river side trees, exposed substrate and mining heritage buildings on the Upper Tamar should be informed by a Lichen Survey.