Statement of case in support of a Determination that a statutory EIA is not required

This is a relevant project in terms of section 55A(16) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 as it is a project for the improvement of a road and the completed works (together with any area occupied by apparatus, equipment, machinery, materials, plant, spoil heaps, or other such facilities or stores required during the period of construction) is situated in part within the ‘Caledonian Canal,Corpach to Banavie‘ Scheduled Monument, which is a sensitive area within the meaning of regulation 2(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999.

The project has been subject to screening using the Annex III criteria to determine whether a formal Environmental Impact Assessment is required under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (as amended by The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017). Screening using Annex III criteria, reference to consultations undertaken and review of available information has not identified the need for a statutory EIA.

The project will not have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as:

Characteristics of the scheme:

  • The works comprise the installation of a signalised pedestrian crossing, including footway widening, traffic sign and street lighting upgrades, kerb installation, carriageway resurfacing, and road marking improvements. The scheme is required to provide a safer crossing facility for pedestrians, particularly during peak tourist periods.
  • Construction activities will be restricted to an area of approximately 0.25ha along a 150m section of the A830.
  • The works will be temporary, localised, and transient in nature, and will be completed over two stages totalling approximately 10 weeks. Works will be undertaken during a combination of daytime and nighttime hours, utilising two-way TTL and junction control where required during working hours.
  • The works are not expected to result in significant disturbance to protected species that may be present within the wider area.
  • The risk of major accidents and disasters associated with the works is considered to be low.
  • The installation of the signalised pedestrian crossing, together with footway widening and carriageway resurfacing, will extend the operational life of this section of the A830 and significantly improve carriageway ride quality, pedestrian facilities, and overall road safety. These improvements will provide benefits for both road users and NMUs.
  • No adverse environmental impacts are anticipated during the operational phase as a result of the works. The completed scheme is expected to deliver positive benefits for road users and NMUs through improved safety and accessibility.

Location of the scheme:

  • The scheme and its storage of materials are partly located within the ‘Caledonian Canal,Corpach to Banavie’ Scheduled Monument. However, it was concluded that due to the like-for-like nature of the resurfacing works that are located within the Scheduled Monument there would be no adverse impact on the qualities of the monument as a result of the proposed works and no scheduled Monument Consent (SMC) is required.
  • The scheme lies within proximity to several Listed Buildings; however, all works are restricted to the A830 trunk road boundary with no impacts anticipated on these Listed Buildings as a result of proposed works.
  • The scheme is not located within any areas of ancient woodland or Conservation Areas and does not require felling or trimming of trees protected by a TPO.
  • The scheme does not lie within 2km of a European site. There is also no connectivity with a European site out with the 2km buffers.
  • Pedestrian and NMU routes, including a cycle route and Core Paths, are present within the scheme extents. Works will be undertaken outwith the tourist peak season and pedestrian/NMU access will be maintained during works.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

  • Any potential disturbance impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, short-term, non-significant, and limited to the construction phase.
  • The scheme has been designed to limit the loss of wildflower habitat within the road verges as far as possible and to retain areas of road verge with higher biodiversity.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • No impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of works. The works are expected to result in positive impacts on road users, ecological and human receptors during the operational phase.
  • Mitigation measures detailed above (and in the SEMP) will be put in place with the objective to prevent and, if required, subsequently control any potential impacts on sensitive receptors.
  • In the event that INNS are found on site, measures to prevent potential INNS spread will be implemented.
  • Any short-term impacts on pedestrians and NMUs are considered negligible, particularly as works will be completed outside of the key tourist period.