Description of local environment

Air quality

The scheme is located between Old Kilpatrick and Mountblow in West Dumbartonshire. Local air quality conditions are expected to be primarily influenced by traffic emissions from the A82 carriageway, situated 15m south of the works, with additional contributions from surrounding agricultural and residential activities. Although no traffic count data is available directly within the scheme extents, manual count point 78663, located approximately 215m east of the proposed works along the A82, can be considered representative of local traffic characteristics. In 2024, this count point recorded an Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) of 38,706 vehicles, of which 506 (1%) were classified as Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

Approximately ten residential properties lie within 200m of the proposed works, with the nearest located 108m south on Eriskay Drive. The surrounding area includes agricultural land, with the closest farming property (Mount Pleasant) situated approximately 387m west of the works. Other sensitive non-residential air quality receptors include Clydebank Cemetery, located 20m east, and Old Dalnottar Cemetery, 53m south of the scheme extents.

Local Authorities in the UK are required to review and assess air quality to ensure compliance with national air quality objectives. Where exceedances occur, an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) must be declared and an associated management plan prepared. West Dumbartonshire Council (Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)) has not currently declared any AQMAs.

There are no Air Quality Monitoring Stations located within 1km of the proposed works. The nearest monitoring station is located approximately 2km to the southwest and records pollutant concentrations within the “low” pollution band. Additionally, no Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory Sites (SPRI) are present within 1km of the proposed works.

Cultural heritage

A desk-based assessment has been undertaken using Pastmap online mapping tool. The assessment considered designated cultural heritage assets within a 300m radius and non-designated assets within a 200m radius.

Full details of designated and non-designated assets can be found in Table 1 and Table 2 below.

Table 1: Designated Cultural Heritage Assets within 300m

Name

Reference Number

Description

Distance from Scheme

Two K8 Telephone Kiosks To North And South Of Carriageway At Northeast End Of Erskine Bridge

LB52508

Category B Listed Building - Two K8 public telephone kiosks located at the northeast end of Erskine Bridge, Old Kilpatrick.

Approx. 300m southwest of the scheme extents

Antonine Wall, Mount Pleasant, 190m WSW To 215m Se Of Netherclose

SM7064

Scheduled Monument - The monument comprises a stretch of the Antonine Wall surviving as buried remains of the outer mound, ditch, berm and rampart.

Approx. 10m west of the scheme extents

Antonine Wall, Mt Pleasant Gas Governor To WNW Of N Dalnottar Cemetery

SM7065

Scheduled Monument - This monument is a section of the Antonine Wall which runs up a slope to the WNW of North Dalnottar Cemetery.

Within the scheme extents

Antonine Wall, N Of North Dalnottar Cemetery

SM7066

Scheduled Monument - This monument is a section of the Antonine Wall which runs along the slope of a ridge to the N of North Dalnottar Cemetery.

Approx. 230m northeast of the works

Antonine Wall World Heritage Site Buffer Zone

N/A.

World Heritage Site

Within the scheme extents

Table 2: Non-Designated Cultural Heritage Assets within 200m

Name

Reference Number

Description

Distance from Scheme

Mount Pleasant Drive, Old Kilpatrick

N/A.

Conservation Area

Approx. 200m southwest of the works

Old Kilpatrick, Mount Pleasant, Transmission Reduction Station

365666

National Record of Historic Environment (NRHE) - Class (Event) (21st Century)

Approx. 13m west of the works

Old Kilpatrick, Dalnottar Burn

43272

NRHE - Distance Slab(S) (Roman)

Adjacent to the works

Old Kilpatrick

43274

NRHE - Cross (Early Medieval)

Approx. 150m southwest of the works

Clydebank, Dalnottar

43290

NRHE - Brooch (Bronze)(Roman)

Approx. 90m northeast of the works

Duntocher, Great Western Road, North Dalnottar Cemetery, Lodge

265776

NRHE - Lodge (Period Unassigned)

Adjacent to the scheme extents

Duntocher, Great Western Road, Dalnottar Cemetery, Lodge

265778

NRHE - Lodge (Period Unassigned)

Approx. 35m south of the scheme extents

Duntocher, Great Western Road, Dalnottar Cemetery, War Memorial

345038

NRHE - War Memorial (20th Century)

Approx. 150m south of the scheme extents

Mount Pleasant, Old Kilpatrick Transmission Reduction Station

97705

Historic Environment Record (HER) - No Class (event) (Period Unassigned)

Adjacent to the scheme extents

Old Kirkpatrick, Dalnottar Burn

7823

HER - Roman Distance Slabs

Adjacent to the scheme extents

Old Kilpatrick

7825

HER - Cross

Approx. 150m south of the works

Duntocher, Great Western Road, North Dalnottar Cemetery, Lodge

52249

HER - Lodge

Adjacent to the scheme extents

Clydebank, Dalnottar

7840

HER - Roman Bronze Fibula

Approx. 130m northeast of the scheme extents

Duntocher, Great Western Road, North Dalnottar Cemetery

85226

HER - Cemetery (Period Unassigned)

Approx. 150m northeast of the works

Duntocher, Great Western Road, Dalnottar Cemetery, Lodge

52248

HER - Lodge

Approx. 30m south of the works

Duntocher, Great Western Road, Dalnottar Cemetery, War Memorial

98977

HER - War Memorial (20th Century)

Approx. 140m south of the works

Landscape and visual effects

Landscape

The scheme is situated in a semi-rural area between Old Kilpatrick and Mountblow in West Dumbartonshire. Vegetation and shrubbery border the scheme boundary, with mixed woodland and dense planting located adjacent to the footway.

The wider landscape comprises residential properties, community facilities, and areas of open space. To the north, the setting includes agricultural land and recreational walking areas, such as The Humphrey Hiking Zone.

The proposed works lie within the boundary of the Antonine Wall Scheduled Monument, a landscape of significant cultural and historical value. The monument extends from Old Kilpatrick in the west to Bo’ness in the east and originally comprised of a rampart, the ditch, the berm (area between rampart and ditch) and the upcast mound. Although the monument has been levelled in this area, faint traces of the ditch remain visible to the west, and the alignment of the Wall persists as a field boundary.

The Antonine Wall is recognised as a nationally important Roman frontier system and is considered the most significant Roman monument in Scotland. It holds considerable potential to enhance understanding of Roman military organisation and frontier management.

An unnamed Long-Established Ancient Woodland (of plantation origin) (ID: 27950) is located approximately 320m southwest of the proposed works. A desk based review confirms that no Garden and Designed Landscapes, National Scenic Areas (NSAs) or National Parks are present within 500m, or within visual proximity, of the proposed works.

A review of available data identified one Tree Preservation Order (TPO) within 500m of the works: TPO Clydebank District Council - Trees within the Grounds of Auchentoshan School and Auchentoshan Occupational centre (ID: CDC7) is located 470m east of the scheme extents.

NatureScot’s online research tool, Scottish Landscape Character Type (LCT), has highlighted that the LCT within the proposed scheme extents can be classed as both ‘Urban’ and ‘216 - Rugged Moorland Hills’ characterised by relatively low-lying hills standing as rugged uplands around the north-western parts of the Clyde Basin, forming a broken of rugged uplands. The steep south-facing slopes are visible from much of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley conurbation.

Scotland’s Historic Land Use Assessment (HLA) Map has identified that the land within the scheme extents is used as ‘Motorway and Major Roads’. These modern transport systems have focussed on the construction and extension of multi-laned motorways, with their associated service stations. Providing links between major cities, they cover considerable areas of land. The land surrounding the scheme extents can be classed as a mixture of ‘Cemetery’, ‘Urban’ and ‘Rectilinear Fields and Farms’.

Visual

Due to the semi-rural setting of the scheme within Old Kilpatrick, combined with the presence of substantial existing vegetation, visual screening is considered sufficient to limit views of the proposed construction activities from nearby residential properties or community facilities.

In addition, there are several West Dunbartonshire Core Paths located within 300m of the scheme extents, these include the following:

  • Core Path 99 is located immediately adjacent to the scheme;
  • Core Path 87 is located adjacent to the scheme extents;
  • Core Path 129 (Lusset Glen/A82) is located approximately 15m south of the scheme extents, and;
  • Core Path 133 is located approximately 255m southwest of the scheme extents.

Transient visual receptors, users of Core Path 99 and nearby routes, are likely to experience views of the works during construction.

Biodiversity

Protected areas

A desktop review undertaken using NatureScot’s Sitelink online resource identified two European designated sites within 2km of the works:

Due to the close proximity a Habitats Regulation Appraisal (HRA) Stage 1 has been completed by Amey ecologists. The appraisal concluded that no Likely Significant Effects on the designated sites are anticipated.

A 200m buffer has been applied to identify nationally designated ecological sites of importance, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and national or local or nature reserves. No nationally designated sites were recorded within this buffer, and no sites with direct ecological connectivity to the proposed works were identified.

A review of available data confirmed the presence of one Tree Preservation Order (TPO) within 500m of the works: TPO Clydebank District Council - Trees within the Grounds of Auchentoshan School and Auchentoshan Occupational centre (ID: CDC7) is located 470m east of the scheme extents.

Field survey

As the proposed works will be undertaken out with trunk road and carriageway boundaries and involve ground excavation, a field survey was undertaken by two Amey ecologists on 29th January 2026.

No Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) were recorded during the site walkover. However, Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) has been anecdotally noted to occur in the stream and drainage systems in the area by Amey Ecologists. At the time of the survey the species may not have been detectable due to being outside of its normal seasonal growth and later flowering stage.

Invasive plants

Transport Scotland’s Asset Management Performance System (AMPS) has not recorded any target species, injurious weeds or any Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) within the proposed works area.

Geology and soils

Geology

There are no Geological Conservation Review Sites (GCRS), Local Geodiversity Sites or any Geological SSSIs that have connectivity or are within 200m of the scheme extents as noted by NatureScot’s Sitelink.

According to Britain’s Geology Viewer, the bedrock geology underlying the proposed works and its surrounding area is characterised by Strathgryfe Lava Member-Plagioclase-macrophyric basaltic-rock described as being extrusive volcanic matter in origin. The regolith found within the proposed works area consists of raised marine beach deposits derived from the sand and gravel originated the late Devensian period.

Soils

No soil data is available within the scheme extents or within proximity to the works according to Scotland’s Soils Map.

Land use

The national scale Land Capability for Agriculture can be identified as being ‘888 - Urban’. A review of Scotland’s HLA Map indicates no potential sources of historical land contamination within the vicinity of the proposed works.

There are no operational landfill sites located within 1km of the proposed scheme extents. The nearest landfill site is Peel Glen Road, Bearsden (Permit/Licence: WML/W/0000012) located approximately 3.8km east of the works, however, this site is also no longer operational.

Material assets and waste

Materials

Materials required are detailed within Table 3 below.

Table 3: Key Materials Required for Activities

Activity

Materials Required

Sources

Construction

· Temporary Fencing.

· Materials will be derived from recycled, secondary or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications to reduce natural resource depletion and associated emissions.

· Excavated material will be reinstated back into the site location.

Materials will be obtained from recycled, secondary, or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications to reduce natural resource depletion and associated emissions.

Wastes

Anticipated wastes from the proposed works are listed in Table 4 below.

Table 4: Key Waste Produced by Activities

Activity

Waste Produced

Disposal

Construction

· Life expired timber fence, and;

· Vegetation.

· All waste must be transported by a suitable licenced contractor and must be accompanied by correctly completed waste transfer note.

· All waste will be disposed of following regulations of the Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR).

· Vegetation and smaller branches will be chipped and spread on site with larger logs being stacked on site.

· The EASR 2018 - Low Risk Waste Activity 5 states that waste plant matter may be treated at the place where it is produced to make it easier to transport or to produce mulch for use at the place of production. However, treatment must occur at the place where the waste plant matter or brash was produced.

· Old fencing will be removed and disposed of to a licenced facility.

· Removed debris and silt will be disposed of on the south of the ditch.

The proposed scheme does not require a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) as the total value is under £350,000. 

Noise and vibration

Local noise and vibration conditions are expected to be dominated by vehicular traffic on the A82 carriageway, located approximately 15m south of the proposed works. Secondary noise sources include agricultural activities and general residential activities within nearby housing estates. For traffic data, including Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) information, please refer to the Air Quality section above.

Approximately 35 residential properties are located within 300m of the works, with the nearest dwelling situated around 108m south along Eriskay Drive. The wider residential area extends southwards as far as Oronsay Gardens. Agricultural land surrounds much of the scheme, with the nearest farm property (Mount Pleasant) located approximately 387m to the west.

In addition to residential properties, other non‑residential sensitive noise and vibration receptors include the following:

  • Old Dalnottar Cemetery located 53m south of the scheme extents;
  • Clydebank Cemetery located 20m east of the works;
  • Old Kilpatrick Bowling Club is located approximately 280m southwest of the works, and;
  • Play Park located 243m south of the works.

There are no vibration-sensitive receptors located within 100m of the proposed scheme extents.

According to Scotland’s Noise Map, modelled day-time noise levels (Lday) in the areas surrounding the scheme extents have been recorded to range between 52-55dB, whereas within the scheme extents, noise level is approximately 65dB. Noise level during nighttime hours (Lngt) within the surrounding area ranges from 48-52dB whereas within the scheme extents noise has been recorded to be between 57-59dB.

The works do not fall within a Candidate Noise Management Area (CNMA) as highlighted by Transport Scotland’s Transportation Noise Action Plan (TNAP) (2019-2023) and the Glasgow Agglomeration Action Plan.

Population and human health

The proposed works are situated within a semi-rural area located between Old Kilpatrick and Mountblow. The scheme involves replacing boundary fencing and upgrading of existing drainage infrastructure within both Scottish Ministers’ land and privately owned land.

The surrounding land is primarily characterised by residential, recreational and agricultural land uses. The adjacent A82 road network, located within West Dunbartonshire, provides connectivity to nearby settlements and onward links to larger urban areas such as Glasgow. Old Kilpatrick contains a range of community assets, including recreational grounds and local businesses, with a greater concentration and diversity of services available within the city of Glasgow.

Approximately 35 residential properties are located within 300m of the works, with the nearest dwelling situated around 108m south along Eriskay Drive. The wider residential area extends southwards as far as Oronsay Gardens. Agricultural land surrounds much of the scheme, with the nearest farm property (Mount Pleasant) located approximately 387m to the west.

There are multiple independent businesses located within 300m. Other key community assets include the following:

  • Old Dalnottar Cemetery located 53m south of the scheme extents;
  • Clydebank Cemetery located 20m east of the works;
  • Old Kilpatrick Bowling Club is located approximately 280m southwest of the works, and;
  • Play Park located 243m south of the works.

The footway immediately adjacent to the proposed works forms part of the designated core path network, providing connectivity to several core paths and recreational walking routes within the wider area.

There are several West Dunbartonshire core paths located within 300m of the scheme extents, these include the following:

  • Core Path 99 is located immediately adjacent to the scheme;
  • Core Path 87 is located adjacent to the scheme extents;
  • Core Path 129 (Lusset Glen/A82) is located approximately 15m south of the scheme extents, and;
  • Core Path 133 is located approximately 255m southwest of the scheme extents.

There are no National Cycle Network Routes or any bridleways located within 300m of the proposed works area. Due to the rural nature and as works are not occurring along the road network, no streetlights, laybys, access/egress points to properties or bus stops are present. 

Road drainage and the water environment

Surface water

SEPA’s Water Classification Hub identifies no Water Framework Directive (WFD) classified watercourses within 500m of the proposed works area. However, several unclassified watercourses are present within 500m of the proposed works including the following:

  • Field drain located directly adjacent/partially within the proposed works;
  • Unnamed small watercourse located adjacent to the proposed works;
  • Unnamed watercourse located approximately 253m east of the proposed works, and;
  • Lusset Glen located approximately 347m south of the proposed works.

One pond is present within 250m of the works, this being located 204m southeast.

A drainage ditch is present within the scheme extents.

Flood risk

According to SEPA’s Flood Risk Map, there are localised areas along the scheme extents that are predicted to experience a low to high (0.1%-10% probability per annum) likelihood of surface water flooding.

Groundwater

Groundwater within the scheme extents consists of Clydebank Sand and Gravel (ID: 150775) which has an overall good quality as identified by the WFD in 2024. 

The proposed area of works is not contained within a Scottish Government Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). Works also do not fall within any Drinking Water Protected Areas (Surface).

Climate

Carbon Goals 

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, as amended by the Scottish Carbon Budgets Amendment Regulations 2025 sets out the statutory framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Scotland. The prior annual and interim targets have been replaced by five-year carbon budgets, which sets limits on the amount of GHGs that can be emitted in Scotland.

The proposed carbon budgets are aligned with advice from the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) and calculated in accordance with the 2009 Act. The 2025 Regulations define the baseline years for emissions reductions as 1990 for greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and 1995 for others such as hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride (as set out in Section 11 of the Act). The budgets are as follows:

  • 2026 - 2030: Average emissions to be 57% lower than baseline.
  • 2031 - 2035: Average emissions to be 69% lower than baseline.
  • 2036 - 2040: Average emissions to be 80% lower than baseline
  • 2041 - 2045: Average emissions to be 94% lower than baseline.

These budgets are legally binding and will be supported by a new Climate Change Plan, which will outline the specific policies and actions required to meet the targets.

Transport Scotland remains 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, and Transport Scotland 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.