Description of local envirmoment

Air quality

Baseline air quality levels are likely to be influenced by vehicle traffic from the A737 carriageway and the surrounding agricultural, commercial and residential activities. The Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) in 2023 for the A737 carriageway within the scheme extents (estimated count point ID: 80545), accounted for 59,811 vehicles, with 2,089 of these being Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

Three residential properties have been identified within 200m of the scheme extents with the closest located approx. 30m south (Burnside Place). Non-residential air quality sensitive receptors identified within 200m of the scheme extents include Inkerman Bowling Club (approx. 20m south) and the Premier Inn Glasgow (Paisley) Hotel (approx. 200m south).

Renfrewshire Council has declared two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs), with one at Paisley Town Centre (located approx. 1.3km southeast of the scheme) and another at Johnstone High Street (located approx. 2.1km southwest of the scheme). These AQMAs are both declared for their levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and, in the case of Paisley Town Centre, also particulate matter of a diameter less than 10 micrometres (PM10). No real-time air quality monitoring stations are present within 200m of the scheme extents.

The Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) has not identified any sources of pollution within 1km of the scheme).

Cultural heritage

Scotland’s Environment mapping resource has not identified any designated culturally significant assets within 300m or non-designated culturally significant assets within 100m of the scheme extents.

As a result of this, and the works containment within the A737 carriageway boundary, it has been determined that the project does not carry the potential to cause direct or indirect impact to cultural heritage. As such, impact has been assessed as being ‘no change’ and has been scoped out of requiring further assessment.

Landscape and visual effects

Due to the low-lying nature of the scheme surroundings, residential properties (such as the ‘Old Schoolhouse’ on Candren Road and some within the Ferguslie Park area of Paisley) are expected to have sight of the scheme extents. Renfrewshire Council Core Paths LIN/8’ (parallel to the scheme extents on the northbound (NB) carriageway), ‘LIN/14’ (an offshoot of the LIN/8 core path approx. 30-40m north of the scheme extents) and ‘NP/25’ (running beneath the scheme extents via Blackstone Road) are likely to have sight of the scheme. All of these core paths are unnamed and thus, path codes have been used in this instance.

No National Scenic Areas (NSAs) or Garden Designed Landscapes (GDLs) have been identified within 500m of the scheme extents (PastMap).

Scotland’s Landscape Character Type Map lists the landscape character type present within the scheme extents to be ‘Agricultural Plain – Glasgow & Clyde Valley’. Scotland’s Historic Land-Use Map lists the land surrounding the scheme extents as a mixture of urban, industrial/commercial and rectilinear farms and fields.

No Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) have been identified within 300m of the scheme extents.

Biodiversity

The A737 carriageway within the scheme extents contains areas of low-lying vegetation, shrub and thin tree lines separating the carriageway from commercial/residential areas, pastoral farmland and waste ground. Scotland’s Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) has not identified any areas of ancient woodland within 500m of the scheme extents.

No designated European sites have been identified within 2km of the scheme extents (NatureScot’s Sitelink). The Black Cart Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (approx. 2.1km north) and the Inner Clyde SSSI, Ramsar and SPA (approx. 5.1km north) have been identified as being hydrologically connected to the works via the Candren Burn watercourse which flows beneath the scheme extents.

Due to the potential for likely significant effects on these designated European sites, a Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) has been undertaken for the scheme.

No nationally designated sites (such as SSSIs or local/national nature reserves) have been identified within 200m of the scheme extents however, the aforementioned designated European sites also constitute SSSI sites, as mentioned above.

The NBN Atlas resource has identified the presence of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) within 500m of the scheme extents including:

  • Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica);
  • Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera);
  • Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum);
  • giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum); and
  • Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora).

This resource has also identified the presence of Transport Scotland Target Species within this parameter including that of rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium), broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) and spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare). The Amey Environment SW INNS Map resource has not recorded the presence of any INNS within 500m of the scheme extents. This resource has, however, identified the presence of Transport Scotland Target Species rosebay willowherb, creeping thistle, broad-leaved dock and common ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) within the verge adjacent to the scheme extents.

The scheme and the surrounding habitat have been reviewed by a senior ecologist utilising desktop resource and, in turn, a site visit was scoped out. The transient nature of the works combined with the requirement of the works to be contained within the pavement boundary has allowed for this conclusion.

Geology and soils

The scheme is not located within 200m of any Geological Conservation Review sites (GCRs) or SSSIs designated for their geological significance (NatureScot’s Sitelink).

The National Soil Map of Scotland lists the soil present within the scheme extents to be that of immature soils. This resource holds no data with regard to the Land Classification for Agriculture due to the scheme’s semi-urban location.

Bedrock Geology:

  • Limestone Coal Formation - Sedimentary rock cycles, Clackmannan group type. Sedimentary bedrock formed between 329 and 328 million years ago during the Carboniferous period.

Superficial Deposits:

  • Sedimentary superficial deposit formed between 2.588 million years ago and the present during the Quaternary period.

As a result of the works taking place strictly within made ground within the A737 carriageway boundary, it has been determined that the project does not carry the potential to cause direct or indirect impact to geology or soils. As such, impact has been assessed as being ‘no change’ and has been scoped out of requiring further assessment.

Material assets and waste

The works are required to resurface the worn carriageway and reinstate road markings and studs. Materials used will consist of:

  • Bituminous surfacing (TS2010, AC binder and AC base);
  • Road marking materials (thermoplastic road marking paint) and studs;
  • Vehicle fuel;
  • Oil; and

Wastes are anticipated to be planings from the carriageway surface course, with no coal tar recorded from coring logs within scheme extents. The Contractor is responsible for the disposal/recycling of road planings, and this will be registered in accordance with a Paragraph 13(a) waste exemption issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), as described in Schedule 3 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 2011.

This scheme value is not in excess of £350k and therefore a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) will not be produced.

Noise and vibration

Baseline noise levels are likely to be influenced by vehicle traffic from the A737 carriageway and surrounding commercial/residential and agricultural activities. The AADF in 2023 for the A737 carriageway within the scheme extents (count point: 80545), accounted for 59,811 vehicles, with 2,089 of these being HGVs.

Three residential properties have been identified within 300m of the scheme extents with the closest located approx. 30m south (Burnside Place). Non-residential noise sensitive receptors identified within 200m of the scheme extents include Inkerman Bowling Club (approx. 20m south) and the Premier Inn Glasgow (Paisley) Hotel (approx. 200m south).

Scotland’s Noise Map has indicated modelled day-evening-night noise levels (Lden) within 70m of the carriageway to be between 65 and 80dB, with lower night-time noise levels (Lnight) of between 55 and 70dB within 70m. The scheme is not located within a Candidate Noise Management Area (CNMA) as defined within the Transportation Noise Action Plan.

Population and human health

Due to the minor, transient and temporary nature of the scheme, and its containment within the carriageway boundary, a reduced buffer of 300m has been utilised for Population and Human Health baseline, impacts and mitigations.

The A737 carriageway within the scheme extents is located to the northwest of Paisley, Renfrewshire. This section of the A737 carriageway links the towns of Paisley, Johnstone and Beith with the M8 and the city of Glasgow. Whilst settlements such as those listed provide amenities and facilities, including educational facilities, medical facilities and care facilities, a greater abundance and complexity of these facilities can be found in the nearby city of Glasgow.

Three residential properties have been identified within 300m of the scheme extents with the closest located approx. 30m south (Burnside Place). Non-residential properties and areas of note within 300m of the scheme extents include Inkerman Bowling Club (approx. 20m south), the Premier Inn Glasgow (Paisley) Hotel approx. 200m south), various commercial premises and farmland/buildings.

The A737 carriageway within the scheme extents is street-lit, contains no pedestrian footways, no laybys, no bus stops or crossover points. An on-slip is present at the schemes northern extent linking the A737 carriageway with the St James Interchange and an off-slip is present at the schemes southern extent linking the A737 carriageway with the Linclive Interchange.

Renfrewshire Council Core Paths ‘LIN/8’ (parallel to the scheme extents via the NB carriageway), ‘LIN/14’ (an offshoot of the LIN/8 core path north of the scheme extents) and ‘NP/25’ (running beneath the scheme extents via Blackstone Road) have all been identified within 300m of the scheme extents. All of these core paths are unnamed and, thus path codes have been used in this instance.

No National Cycle Network (NCN) routes have been identified within 300m of the scheme extents.

Road drainage and the water environment

SEPA’s Water Classification Hub has identified the Candren Burn (site ID: 10022) watercourse flowing beneath the scheme extents. This watercourse is classified under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) as being in ‘Poor’ condition. The Black Cart Water watercourse has also been identified within 500m of the scheme extents (approx. 200m north). This watercourse is classified as being in ‘Moderate’ condition under the WFD. Multiple unnamed field drains and unclassified watercourses have also been identified adjacent to the scheme extents.

SEPA’s Water Classification Hub identified the groundwater conditions within the scheme extents (entitled ‘Linwood’, site ID: 150488) as being in ‘Poor’ condition.

SEPA’s Flood Map has identified the A737 carriageway and its surrounding verge areas within the scheme extents to be at a ‘Medium’ (approx. 0.5% each year) to ‘High’ (approx. 10% each year) risk of surface and river water flooding.

The A737 carriageway within the scheme extents is drained via top-entry gullies and is not within a Scottish Government Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).

Climate

Carbon Goals 

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act sets out the target and vision set by the Scottish Government for tackling and responding to climate change. The Act includes a target of reducing CO2 emissions by 80% before 2050 (from the baseline year 1990). 

The Scottish Government has since published its indicative Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to set out how it will instead reach net-zero by 2045, working to reduce emissions of all major greenhouse gases (GHGs) by at least 75% by 2030. By 2040, the Scottish Government is committed to reduce emissions by 90%, with the aim of reaching net-zero by 2045 at the latest. 

Transport Scotland is committed to reducing carbon across Scotland’s transport network, this commitment is being enacted through the Mission Zero for Transport. Transport is the largest contributor to harmful climate emissions in Scotland. In response to the climate emergency, TS are committed to reducing their emissions by 75% by 2030 and to a legally binding target of net-zero by 2045. 

Amey’s Company Wide Carbon Goal is to achieve Scope 1 and 2 net-zero carbon emissions, with a minimum of 80% absolute reduction on our emissions by 2035. Amey is aiming to be fully net-zero, including Scope 3 emissions, by 2040. 

Amey are working towards a contractual commitment to have carbon neutral depots on the South West Network Management Contract (SW NMC) network by 2028. Amey have set carbon goals for the SW NMC contract as a whole to be net-zero carbon by 2032. 

Policies and Plans

This Record of Determination (RoD) has been undertaken in accordance with Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (RSA EIA Regulations) along with Transport Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment Guidance (Guidance – Environmental Impact Assessments for road projects (transport.gov.scot). Relevant guidance, policies and plans accompanied with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB)) LA 101 and LA 104 were used to form this assessment.