Envirnmental impact analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Envirnmental impact analysis - Essay Example The Nestle South project intends to develop mixed use facilities including residential properties, offices, retail, cafe, community centre, highway infrastructure and other ancillary works with approval subject to Section 106 Agreement (Peter 2009). Background The site was first developed in 1890 for the manufacture of cocoa and confectionary. In 2006 Nestle Rowntree expressed intention to upgrade and improve the northern part leaving the southern part for future development. The redevelopment is part of a capital investment project facilitating upgrading works and safeguarding the employment of 1800 employees. In response to the expression of interest to develop the site, the Council produced and adopted a Development Brief highlighting the Council’s vision, aspirations, objectives and requirements (Templeton and Taubenfeld 1987). The Council’s vision for the site is to create an inclusive new live/work community and cultural hub well integrated with surrounding areas. The development would accommodate a mix of uses and follow best practices, maintaining public space, high standards of design and sustainability. A high quality urban design recognising the distinctive urban character of the city and providing attractive and safe cycle/pedestrian routes through and around the area will create a sense of place while embracing low car use principles (Templeton and Taubenfeld 1987). The site referred to as Nestle South, here, is the southern side of the nestle factory site. The site area is approximately 7.41 ha, which is around 40% of the overall factory area. All buildings in the site have been demolished except those in the Conservation Area which has been retained for redevelopment as part of the application. To the east of the site is the Joseph Rowntree Memorial Library, the west consists of a block of buildings including; Almond Block Extension and the Hambleton Terrace, to the north is the remaining Nestle factory site. Beyond the nestle facto ry buildings are sports pitches and Bootham Stray. To the east are Nuffield Hospital, Joseph Rowntree Theatre and Haxby Road (Dinc?er 2010). In the southern part is Sustrans Cycle path connecting Clifton with Heworth and Heworth Without. The path is an important off road link in the city and can be used by pedestrians. A number of terraced streets including Hambleton Terrace separate the site from the City Centre just over 1 km south. To the west is the residential area of Clifton connected by Wigginton Road. There is green landscaping to the west, east and southern boundaries of the site. All trees in the area are exempt from the tree preservation orders (Dinc?er 2010; Jones 2012). PROPOSAL This application seeks to convert the Cream Block and Cream Block Extension, Almond Block Extension and the Joseph Rowntree Memorial Library, as well as the progression of the remainder of the site into a development project. The project intends to construct 8 live work units; 46 two bedroom fla ts and 28 student flats. The commercial part will include Retail 974 sq m and Office 4116 sq m, the Joseph Rowntree Memorial Library as per the proposal is to be converted into a cafe. The remainder of the site will accommodate around 200 residential properties and commercial properties consisting of 5884 sq m of an office block and 1335 sq m creche, community centre and gym (Jones 2012). Two vehicular access points are