George V Avenue, Environmental Impact Notice For River Improvement Works

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

ANNOUNCEMENT OF INTENTION NOT TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Regulation 5 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Land Drainage Improvement Works (Amended) Regulations 1999 SI 1999/1783

George V Refurbishment

The Environment Agency gives notice that it proposes to carry out improvement works to the River Pinn between NGR TQ 12798 90384 and NGR TQ 12827 90420 under their Permitted Development rights. These works will be conducted in partnership between the Environment Agency and Harrow Borough Council. Previous works at the site included selective tree felling, spilling of the embankment and general maintenance works. The proposed works will include the re-engineering of the channel, regrading of embankments and extension to the wing wall.

The Environment Agency considers that the improvement works are not likely to have significant effects on the environment and does not intend to prepare an environmental statement in respect of them. This decision considers the small scale and nature of the works, as the site re-engineering of the channel will be only approximately 200m in length. The scheme’s objectives are to improve flood protection, stabilise the embankments, improve the ecological status of the river and provide environmental enhancements. The proposed works consist of in-channel works to realign the river and have been designed by experts and approved by geomorphologists and ecologists. Ecological surveys have been undertaken at this site and appropriate mitigation measures will be followed. No impacts are anticipated.

The proposed works will be phased, with the wing wall extension delivered prior to the in-channel works. The construction period is likely to be a maximum of six weeks, and closures and diversions to public rights of way or the road network. Access to the site and construction compounds will be from the gated access to the asset on George V Avenue, via existing hardstanding.

The site is located within the Pinner Park Conservation Area, and the proposed works should enhance the character of the conservation area, using resources native to the area. The site is adjacent to a Scheduled Monument; lying north of ‘Pinner Deer Park’ (List Entry Number 1019315). The proposed works and access routes will not impact this site. Significant archaeological investigations have been carried out and the site has limited archaeological risk.

Any person wishing to make representations in relation to the likely environmental effects of the proposed improvement works should do so, in writing, to the address specified below, within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice.

David Webb, Alchemy, Bessemer Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 1HE