APPENDIX B - Environmental Appraisal Table

Environmental Appraisal Table

Environmental Category	Route sub-option	Summary
1	2	3	5
Air Quality	This sub-option would have a small positive or negative impact on a number of properties along the route where the main carriageway of the A90 is moved slightly closer to or further away from residential properties. The impact at the majority of properties would be positive. The most significant negative change in air quality is likely to occur in the area of Southlea and the Mains of Newtyle where the main carriageway is moved closer to these properties. The scheme would also have a negative impact at Dambrae This sub option has a total of 19 properties within 50m and 142 properties within 200m for the road centreline 71 properties would have an improvement and 8 properties would have a deterioration in air quality for this sub-option The route assessment scores are: PM10 -293.91 NO2 -263.62 Both scores are negative indicating an improvement in air quality	This sub-option would have a small positive or negative impact on a number of properties along the route where the main carriageway of the A90 is moved slightly closer to or further away from residential properties. The impact at the majority of properties would be positive. The most significant negative change in air quality is likely to occur in the area of Southlea and the Mains of Newtyle where the main carriageway is moved closer to these properties. The scheme would also have a negative impact at Summerlea This sub option has a total of 18 properties within 50m and 132 properties within 200m for the road centreline 75 properties would have an improvement and 7 properties would have a deterioration in air quality for this sub-option The route assessment scores are: PM10 -401.33 NO2 -308.25 Both scores are negative indicating an improvement in air quality	This sub-option would have a small positive or negative impact on a number of properties along the route where the main carriageway of the A90 is moved slightly closer to or further away from residential properties. The impact at the majority of properties would be positive. The most significant negative change in air quality is likely to occur in the area of Southlea and the Mains of Newtyle where the main carriageway is moved closer to these properties. The scheme would also have a negative impact at Summerlea This sub option has a total of 24 properties within 50m and 138 properties within 200m for the road centreline 64 properties would have an improvement and 9 properties would have a deterioration in air quality for this sub-option The route assessment scores are: PM10 -330.11 NO2 -259.67 Both scores are negative indicating an improvement in air quality	This sub-option would have a small positive or negative impact on a number of properties along the route where the main carriageway of the A90 is moved slightly closer to or further away from residential properties. The impact at the majority of properties would be positive. The most significant negative change in air quality is likely to occur in the area of Dambrae, Stoneyards Cottages, Aikenshill and Kirkhill where the main carriageway is moved closer to these properties This sub option has a total of 18 properties within 50m and 129 properties within 200m for the road centreline 75 properties would have an improvement and 9 properties would have a deterioration in air quality for this sub-option The route assessment scores are: PM10 -435.32 NO2 -330.32 Both scores are negative indicating an improvement in air quality	There are no Air Quality Management Areas in the vicinity of the scheme. Current concentrations are well below the statutory objectives. None of the sub options would cause a significant increase in concentrations and no further detailed modelling or stage 3 DMRB assessment of the sub-options is required All sub-options have fewer specific receptors within 200m of their centre lines than the current route Sub-options 2 and 5 have the fewest specific receptors within 50m of the road centreline where the highest concentrations would occur Sub option 5 has the fewest specific receptors within 200m of the road centreline By considering the number of properties likely to experience an improvement or deterioration in air quality within the study area it was determined that Option 2 performed the best, followed by Option 5 Sub-option 5 has the largest negative route assessment score indicating the greatest improvement in air quality Sub-option 5 has the fewest number of specific receptors within 50m and 200m of the road centreline and has the largest negative route assessment score and is therefore the preferred sub-option
Cultural Heritage³⁸	Built Heritage Orrock House, nationally important A listed building. Earthworks close to building would affect its setting. Some potential to mitigate with planting Orrock House Dovecote, a regionally important B listed building. Upgrading of the road at South Orrock for an underpass will have a limited effect on its setting Mill of Foveran, nationally important B listed building. Route passes close but some potential to mitigate with planting Belhelvie Ruined Church, regionally important B listed building. Route passes further to west than existing A90. Route likely to reduce traffic noise at the building. Archaeology Keir, a Bronze Age cist burial of regional importance (exact location unknown). Access road to B977 could disturb this site and there is the potential for other similar graves in the area. Potential to mitigate with geophysical survey and excavation in advance of construction, and watching brief during construction Dykenook, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Access road to B977 could disturb this site Blairton Cottage, a demolished building of local importance - further upgrading of side road may reveal further structural remains Menie Smith Gravel Pit - of local importance - route passes over Newtyle House, locally important. Route does not pass through site but there is a possibility of discovering earlier medieval settlement in locality Pitgersie Bridge, a cropmark of potentially regional importance. New bridge would pass just to the east of the site so may have no direct impact. Potential to mitigate with geophysical survey and excavation in advance of construction, and watching brief during construction South Farden, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Upgrading of the existing A90 at South Farden may affect this site	Built Heritage Orrock House, nationally important A listed building. Earthworks close to building would affect its setting. Some potential to mitigate with planting Orrock House Dovecote, a regionally important B listed building. Upgrading of the road at South Orrock for an underpass will have a limited effect on its setting Menie House, regionally important B listed building. Aberdeenshire Council would prefer that the Menie Estate Gatehouse and Menie House were not severed. Menie Gatehouse is part of the curtilage of Menie House Mill of Foveran, nationally important B listed building. Route passes close but some potential to mitigate with planting Belhelvie Ruined Church, regionally important B listed building. Route passes further to west than existing A90. Route likely to reduce traffic noise at the building. Archaeology Keir, a Bronze Age cist burial of regional importance (exact location unknown). Access road to B977 could disturb this site and there is the potential for other similar graves in the area. Potential to mitigate with geophysical survey and excavation in advance of construction, and watching brief during construction Dykenook, a demoilished farmstead of local importance. Access road to B977 could disturb this site Blairton Cottage, a ruin of local importance - further upgrading of side road may reveal further structural remains Sidney Cottage sand and gravel workings, of local importance. Disused and landscaped gravel workings. AC SMR³⁹ considers them as destroyed Menie cropmark, a cropmarked field of potentially regional importance. Cropmarks are circular and rectilinear and include other indistinct marks Newtyle House, locally important. Route does not pass through site but there is a possibility of discovering earlier medieval settlement in locality Pitgersie Bridge, a cropmark of potentially regional importance. New bridge would pass just to the east of the site so may have no direct impact. Potential to mitigate with geophysical survey and excavation in advance of construction, and watching brief during construction South Farden, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Upgrading of the existing A90 at South Farden may affect this site	Built Heritage Orrock House, nationally important A listed building. Possible slight impact from widening of current road and new side road. Side road is in cutting and there may be some potential to mitigate with planting Menie House, regionally important B listed building. Aberdeenshire Council would prefer that the Menie Estate Gatehouse and Menie House were not severed. Menie Gatehouse is part of the curtilage of Menie House Mill of Foveran, nationally important B listed building. Route passes close but some potential to mitigate with planting Belhelvie Ruined Church, regionally important B listed building. Route passes further to west than existing A90. Route likely to reduce traffic noise at the building. Archaeology Keir, a Bronze Age cist burial of regional importance (exact location unknown). Access road to B977 could disturb this site and there is the potential for other similar graves in the area. Potential to mitigate with geophysical survey and excavation in advance of construction, and watching brief during construction Dykenook, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Access road to B977 could disturb this site Blairton Cottage, a ruin of local importance - further upgrading of side road may reveal further structural remains Blairton Milestone, a locally important milestone Blairton, a locally important public house called the Cock and Bull. Marked as a Post Office on 1st edition OS map. Marked as a hotel on 2nd edition OS... As long as route avoids the hotel itself then mitigation in the form of a watching brief should suffice Sidney Cottage – Local importance, still in use. As long as route avoids the cottage itself then mitigation in the form of a watching brief should suffice Menie cropmark, a cropmarked field of potentially regional importance. Cropmarks are circular and rectilinear and include other indistinct marks Newtyle House, locally important. Route does not pass through site but there is a possibility of discovering earlier medieval settlement in locality Pitgersie Bridge, a cropmark of potentially regional importance. New bridge would pass just to the east of the site so may have no direct impact. Potential to mitigate with geophysical survey and excavation in advance of construction, and watching brief during construction South Farden, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Upgrading of the existing A90 at South Farden may affect this site	Built Heritage Orrock House, nationally important A listed building. Earthworks close to building would affect its setting. Some potential to mitigate with planting Orrock House Dovecote, a regionally important B listed building. Upgrading of the road at South Orrock for an underpass will have a limited effect on its setting Mill of Foveran – Nationally important B listed building. Route passes close but some potential to mitigate with planting Belhelvie Ruined Church, regionally important B listed building. Route passes further to west than existing A90. Route likely to reduce traffic noise at the building. Archaeology Keir, a Bronze Age cist burial of regional importance (exact location unknown). Access road to B977 could disturb this site and there is the potential for other similar graves in the area. Potential to mitigate with geophysical survey and excavation in advance of construction, and watching brief during construction Dykenook, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Access road to B977 could disturb this site Blairton Cottage, a ruin of local importance - further upgrading of side road may reveal further structural remains Sidney Cottage sand and gravel workings, of local importance. Disused and landscaped gravel workings. AC SMR considers these workings to be destroyed. Route would probably avoid Kirkhill Cottage, a site of local importance - Route passes close to site of demolished cottage Pitgersie Bridge, a cropmark of potentially regional importance. New bridge would pass just to the east of the site so may have no direct impact. Potential to mitigate with geophysical survey and excavation in advance of construction, and watching brief during construction South Farden, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Upgrading of the existing A90 at South Farden may affect this site	Built Heritage The key impacts on built heritage from this scheme are, in order of significance, on the setting of Orrock House (A listed building) and the setting of Menie House (B listed building) Sub-option 3 has the least impact upon Orrock House as it passes along the line of the existing A90. Sub-options 1, 2 and 5 all pass closer to Orrock House (A listed) but there are opportunities to mitigate through careful landforming and appropriate planting. Sub-options 2 and 3 impact upon the setting of Menie House (B listed) as they cut through the estate driveway and sever the gatehouse from the main house. Sub-option 1 also impacts slightly on Menie Estate as it would sever access from the existing A90 and pass very close to Menie Gatehouse A meeting with Historic Scotland on 16th May 2006 indicated its preference was to ensure no impact on the A listed Orrock House greater than in the 1996 scheme and that on balance it would seek to safeguard the A listed property in preference to any B listed buildings. See "Impacts of Road Scheme on Policy and Planning" for Aberdeenshire Council comment Sub-option 3 would have the most impact on Belhelvie Ruined Church but follows the route of the existing A90. Sub-options 1, 2 and 5 are likely to have a beneficial impact as they would reduce traffic noise at the site. Sub-options 1, 2 and 5 would have limited impact on Orrock House Dovecote (not considered significant). All sub-options would pass close to the Mill of Foveran (B listed building) however there is potential to mitigate with careful planting Sub-options 2 and 3 have an impact on the setting of both Orrock House and Menie House and subsequently are the sub-options that would have the greatest impact on built heritage Archaeology The key impacts archaeology from the proposals would be the potential destruction of an imprecisely located cist burial and related sites near Keir, the affect on various potential prehistoric cropmarks, and the potential destruction of both undiscovered and known archaeological remains All sub-options have a requirement for a link to the B977. This link would potentially impact on Bronze Age Activity at Keir. Likewise, all sub-options have a requirement for a new bridge at Pitgersie. This bridge passes near the site of a potentially prehistoric cropmark Sub-options 2 and 3 pass near cropmarks at Menie. The cropmarks include circular and rectilinear features and other indistinct makings Isolated findspots of prehistoric artefacts, the Bronze Age activity at Keir and the various cropmarks would indicate prehistoric activity in the area. Potential mitigation for known and undiscovered sites would include excavation of a representative sample of the route, targeted geophysical survey and excavation, and a watching brief condition with the potential to halt construction to enable the recording and excavation of archaeological sites to a suitable standard. It is also possible that mediaeval or later remains could be uncovered during construction. This would be mitigated with the same measures as the prehistoric remains Specific mitigation measures will be devised under consultation with HS for the Stage 3 report On balance the preferred route would be Sub-option 5 as: it impacts on the least number of known sites (actually the same number of sites as Sub-option 1, but the Sidney Cottage sand and gravel workings are considered destroyed in the AC SMR); it has less of an impact on Orrock House (A listed) than the 1996 route and there is potential to mitigate this with planting; it avoids the severance of the Menie House gatehouse (B listed); and the other options would have some impact on both Orrock House and Menie House (with 1 and 2 having the greatest impact)
Disruption due to Construction⁴⁰	62 properties within 100m of the proposed route. Potential for large diversion works during Newburgh Road Junction construction and bridging existing A90 Potential for increased vehicular movement in order to dispose of excess material off-site	60 properties within 100m of the proposed route Potential for large diversion works during Newburgh Road Junction construction and bridging existing A90 Potential for increased vehicular movement in order to dispose of excess material off-site	58 properties within 100m of the proposed route Greatest impact on existing public utilities due to online widening of part of the alignment Greatest requirements for traffic management and temporary diversion works due to online section Potential for large diversion works during Newburgh Road Junction construction and bridging existing A90 Potential for increase vehicular movement in order to dispose of excess material off-site	54 properties within 100m of the proposed route Best use of existing road network during construction of Newburgh Road junction causing least temporary diversion works. Best earthworks balance allowing all site won material to be reused on site. This would limit vehicular movements.	Sub-option 5 has the potential to be the least disruptive during the construction period. Sub-option 5 has the least number of properties with 100m, therefore dust and noise would directly effect fewer properties.
Ecology and Nature Conservation	Crossing at Foveran flood plain, possible effects on the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site, Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) Direct impact on small area of Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme (SFGS) immature planting at Delfrigs (badgers in the vicinity) May require the removal of some mature trees at the entrance to the Menie Estate Signs of badger and otter were found within the study area however there was no significant difference between the sub-options There would be no significant impact on breeding or protected species of birds	Crossing at Foveran flood plain, possible effects on the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site, SAC and SPA Potential impact on the edge of small area of mixed semi natural woodland⁴¹ at the edge of the Menie Estate. It may be possible to avoid by careful routing at the detailed design stage Signs of badger and otter were found within the study area however there was no significant difference between the sub-options There would be no significant impact on breeding or protected species of birds	Crossing at Foveran flood plain, possible effects on the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site, SAC and SPA Potential impact on the edge of small area of mixed semi natural woodland3 at the edge of the Menie Estate. It may be possible to avoid by careful routing at the detailed design stage Signs of badger and otter were found within the study area however there was no significant difference between the sub-options There would be no significant impact on breeding or protected species of birds	Crossing at Foveran flood plain, possible effects on the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site, SAC and SPA Direct impact on small area of SFGS immature mixed planting near Delfrigs (badgers in the vicinity) Potential impact to badger found within the planting in the vicinity of Stoneyards Signs of badger and otter were found within the study area however there was no significant difference between the sub-options There would be no significant impact on breeding or protected species of birds	All sub-options cross a number of watercourses, including the Foveran Burn, which runs into the River Ythan Estuary which is designated as an a SAC and SPA. Mitigation measures would minimise the risk of polluting the burn and the impact on the SAC and SPA is not likely to be significant. No significant difference between sub-options was found in terms of ecology and nature conservation. Whilst there are badger present in the vicinity of Sub-option 5 they are outside the 500m route corridor (used in the badger survey) and would not be directly impacted. Mitigation measures would ensure no significant indirect impacts Sub-options 2 and 3 would involve loss of small areas of semi-natural broadleaved woodland at the Menie Estate. These areas would be small however this woodland habitat is a rarity in the locality. Compensatory planting would mitigate the impact Sub-options 1 and 5 pass through areas of immature mixed planting, funded through the SFGS. The areas lost would be small and compensatory planting would be possible to mitigate the impacts
Landscape Effects	Two main landscape impacts: Approximately chainage 1+500 to 2+000 the road runs counter to the lie of the land and would require a short but noticeable cutting through the end of the ridge just east of Orrock House 2+400 to 3+200 the mainline and two side roads run parallel through a small-scale intricate landscape around Delfrigs, may require the removal of mature trees at the entrance to the Menie Estate North of Delfrigs area the landform flattens out and becomes more open and larger scale. The road would run at or close to grade through this area and would be in scale with the landscape	Two main landscape impacts: Approximately chainage 1+500 to 2+200 the road runs counter to the lie of the land and would require a short but noticeable cutting through the end of the ridge just east of Orrock House At approximately 2+800 the road cuts the existing road from the lodge house to Menie House. However, the landscape of this track is degraded and new construction allows the opportunity to recreate a more formal entrance approach North of Delfrigs area the alignment and impacts are as Sub-option 1	Overall, this sub-option best follows the lie of the land,: Parallel side roads to the mainline between Balmedie and Pettens would have a degree of impact on the ridge east of Orrock House At approximately 2+800 the road cuts the existing road from the lodge house to Menie House. However, the landscape of this track is degraded and new construction allows the opportunity to recreate a more formal entrance approach North of Delfrigs area the alignment and impacts are as Sub-option 1	Three main landscape impacts: As with sub-option 1, the road runs counter to the lie of the land approximately chainage 1+500 to 2+000 and would require a short but noticeable cutting through the end of the ridge just east of Orrock House From approximately chainage 2+500 to 4+500 the road runs across the grain of the land ‘smoothing out’ several low ridges at Cowhill, Aikenshill and Kirkhill From approximately chainage 4+500 to 5+300 the road runs on embankment across the broad open slope northeast of Kirkhill From Foveran north, the alignment and impacts are as Sub-option 1	The area has a gently undulating landform created by a series of east/west ridges, smaller and more intimate in scale towards the south and larger and open towards the north All the sub-options cut across the ridge and valley formation to a greater or lesser extent, with the effect on the landform being minimised as far as possible by following the ground profile and, where feasible, introducing curves to traverse hillocks On balance Sub-option 3 best fits the lie of the land
Visual Impacts	Increased visual impact (VI) at South Folds and to scattered houses west of A90 at Balmedie (common to all sub-options) Increased VI specific to this sub-option : South Orrock and Orrock House (road nearer, and raised above existing ground level) Cock and Bull Public House and adjacent house (now sandwiched between roads) West Lodge⁴² Properties at Hill of Menie and Delfrigs (now sandwiched between roads) Dambrae Newtyle House and adjacent properties Mains of Newtyle Southlea on A975 by Rashiereive Increased VI on several scattered properties east of route north of Foveran (common to all sub-options) 18 dwellings within 100 metres (m) of route (excluding Balmedie junction)	Increased VI at South Folds and to scattered houses west of A90 at Balmedie (common to all sub-options) Increased VI specific to this sub-option : South Orrock, Orrock House and adjacent properties(road nearer, and raised above existing ground level) Cock and Bull Public House and adjacent house (now sandwiched between roads) Summerlee Newtyle House and adjacent properties Mains of Newtyle Southlea on A975 by Rashiereive Increased VI on several scattered properties east of route north of Foveran (common to all sub-options) 16 dwellings within 100m of route (excluding Balmedie junction), Summerlee within 50m of route	Increased VI at South Folds and to scattered houses west of A90 at Balmedie (common to all sub-options) Increased VI specific to this sub-option : The Bungalow Orrock House and adjacent properties (slight increase) Cock and Bull Public House and adjacent 3 houses (now sandwiched between roads) Sidney Cottage and Seaview (now sandwiched between roads) Summerlee Newtyle House and adjacent properties Mains of Newtyle Southlea on A975 by Rashiereive Increased VI on several scattered properties east of route north of Foveran (common to all sub-options) 14 dwellings within 100m of route (excluding Balmedie junction) Summerlee within 50m of route	Increased VI at South Folds and to scattered houses west of A90 at Balmedie (common to all sub-options) Increased VI specific to this sub-option : South Orrock and Orrock House (road nearer, and raised above existing ground level) Cock and Bull Public House and adjacent house (now sandwiched between roads) Boghead Wardhead and adjacent properties Stoneyards and Stoneyard Cottages Aikenshill and properties Kirkhill and Blair Lodge Increased VI on several scattered properties east of route north of Foveran (common to all sub-options) 10 dwellings within 100m of route (excluding Balmedie junction)	All sub-options are likely to cause a significant visual impact to a comparatively small number of properties The names in bold in the table indicate for each sub-option properties where there appears to be insufficient room to substantially mitigate the visual impact Sub-option 5 is likely to cause the least visual impact overall, and there is generally space between properties and the road available for mitigation (landform and/or planting) to be carried out
Land Use and Agriculture	Property: The route passes within 200m of the Cock and Bull Public House and there are clear views from the rear dining room The Cock and Bull Public House is severed from the new road – may lose opportunistic trade as visitors would have to travel See Table 2.3: Properties within 300m of sub-options	Property: The route passes within 200m of the Cock and Bull Public House and there are clear views from the rear dining room The route would impact on the Menie Estate and may have indirect impacts on potential new golf development. The Cock and Bull Public House is severed from the new road – may lose opportunistic trade as visitors would have to travel See Table 2.3: Properties within 300m of sub-options	Property: The main route passes within 50m of the Cock and Bull Public House. This is already the case with the existing A90 however there would be no direct access from the new road. An access side road connecting to the original A90 would pass within 200m of the Cock and Bull Public House and there are clear views from the rear dining room The route would impact on the Menie Estate and may have indirect impacts on potential new golf development. See Table 2.3: Properties within 300m of sub-options	Property: The route passes within 200m of the Cock and Bull Public House and there are clear views from the rear dining room The Cock and Bull Public House is severed from the new road – may lose opportunistic trade as visitors would have to travel See Table 2.3: Properties within 300m of sub-options	Sub-options 1, 2 and 5 would be easily viewed from the rear dining room of the Cock and Bull Public House and may impact upon trade although careful land forming would mitigate this. All sub-options sever direct access from the new road to the pub having a potential to impact upon opportunistic trade Sub-option 1 has the least number of properties (236) within 300m of its centre line. Sub-options 5 has 237 properties and Sub-option 3 has 239 properties within 300m of the centre line. Sub-option 2 has the most properties (41) within 300m of its centre line. See Table 2.3, Section 2.6.7 for details of property counts. Sub-options 2 and 5 would have fewer properties (18) within 50m of the edge of the new road than other options See Table 2.3: Properties within 300m of sub-options On balance Sub-option 3 is the preferred sub-option as it affects: less prime land; a small number of agricultural units; 1 fewer fields; and 2 less severance
	Forestry: Route would pass through the corner of an immature Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme (SFGS) mixed plantation, which is a mixture of commercial conifers and broadleaved tree species planted as shelterbelt/game cover at Dambrae. Would result in the loss of one large pond at Dambrae Route would slightly impact upon an SFGS plantation at Oldmill Croft Route would directly impact on an SFGS plantation opposite Fountainbleu at Fornety. This has two claimed rights of way within it Route would impact on small area of SFGS mixed game cover plantation at the Menie Estate	Forestry: Route would slightly impact upon an SFGS plantation at Oldmill Croft Route would directly impact on an SFGS plantation opposite Fountainbleu at Fornety. This has two claimed rights of way within it Route would impact on small area of SFGS mixed game cover plantation at the Menie Estate	Forestry: Route would slightly impact upon a SFGS plantation at Oldmill Croft Route would directly impact on an SFGS plantation opposite Fountainbleu at Fornety. This has two claimed rights of way within it. Route would impact on small area of SFGS mixed game cover plantation at the Menie Estate.	Forestry: Route would pass through an area of immature SFGS mixed plantation, which is a mixture of commercial conifers and broadleaved tree species planted as shelterbelt/game cover at Dambrae. Would result in the loss of two ponds at Dambrae The route would pass through a SFGS conifer plantation (with some broadleaves) at Aikenshill Route would slightly impact upon an SFGS plantation at Oldmill Croft Route would directly impact on an SFGS plantation opposite Fountainbleu at Fornety. This has two claimed rights of way within it	Sub-options 1 and 5 impact on a small area of immature woodlands planted under the SFGS, which is a mixture of commercial conifers and broadleaved shelterbelt/game cover. Sub-options 1, 2 and 3 cut through small areas of immature, mixed broad leaved SFGS woodland at Menie House and sever the West Lodge (Menie Gatehouse) from the Menie House. Sub-option 5 would directly impact on a conifer SFGS plantation at Aikenshill. There may be potential to mitigate the loss of woodland from the SFGS areas through negotiation with landowners
	Agriculture: The route runs through mainly arable and pasture land LCA Class 3.1 = 4.589km (58%) LCA Class 3.2 = 3.016km (38%) LCA Class 4.2 = 0.083km (1%) LCA Class 5.3 = 0.280km (4%) Total length (Agricultural land) = 7.968km No. Agricultural Units = 19 No. Fields affected by Mainline = 34 No. Fields severed by Mainline = 28 Farms particularly affected (in terms of land lost and severance) Seven Acres Cothill and Pitgersie Pitmillan	Agriculture: The route runs through mainly arable and pasture land LCA Class 3.1 = 4.250km (54%) LCA Class 3.2 = 3.329km (42%) LCA Class 4.2 = 0.093km (1%) LCA Class 5.3 = 0.177km (2%) Total length (Agricultural land) = 7.849km No. Agricultural Units = 16 No. Fields affected by Mainline = 34 No. Fields severed by Mainline = 27 Farms particularly affected (in terms of land lost and severance) Cothill and Pitgersie Pitmillan	Agriculture: The route runs through mainly arable and pasture land LCA Class 3.1 = 4.212km (53%) LCA Class 3.2 = 3.397km (43%) LCA Class 4.2 = 0.093km (1%) LCA Class 5.3 = 0.177km (3%) Total length (Agricultural land) = 7.967km No. Agricultural Units = 16 No. Fields affected by Mainline = 25 No. Fields severed by Mainline = 20 Farms particularly affected (in terms of land lost and severance) Cothill and Pitgersie Pitmillan	Agriculture: The route runs through mainly arable and pasture land LCA Class 3.1 = 4.198km (52%) LCA Class 3.2 = 3.441km (43%) LCA Class 4.2 = 0.090km (1%) LCA Class 5.3 = 0.195km (2%) Total length (Agricultural land) = 7.924km No. Agricultural Units = 21 No. Fields affected by Mainline = 37 No. Fields severed by Mainline = 29 Farms particularly affected (in terms of land lost and severance) Seven Acres Aikenshill Pitmillan	The predominant land use in the area is agriculture (a mix of arable and pasture) and all sub-options would involve loss of mainly Grade 3.2 and some Grade 3.1 (prime) land. There is little significant difference in the amounts or grades of land lost from the sub-options however sub-option 3 has slightly less overall impact as it impacts upon the lowest number of agricultural units and fields and causes the least severance
Traffic Noise and Vibration	This sub-option has 14 specific receptors (playgrounds, village halls, churches etc) within 300m of the route centre line. Of these, 3 are between 0 and 100m, 7 are between 100 and 20 m, and 4 are between 200 and 300m This sub-option has a total of some 417 residential receptors within 300m of the route centre line. Of these, 92 are between 0 and 100m, 147 are between 100 and 200m, and 178 are between 200 and 300m For this sub-option, 339 receptors are predicted to be subject to a noise increase of more than or equal to 1 dB, 62 receptors are predicted to be subject to a neutral change of less than 1 dB and 30 receptors are predicted to be subject to a decrease of more than 1 dB	This sub-option has 14 specific receptors (playgrounds, village halls, churches etc) within 300m of the route centre line. Of these, 4 are between 0 and 100m, 7 are between 100 and 200m, and 3 are between 200 and 300m This sub-option has a total of some 419 residential receptors within 300 m of the route centre line. Of these, 82 are between 0 m and 100 m, 152 are between 100 m and 200 m, and 185 are between 200 m and 300 m For this sub-option, 344 receptors are predicted to be subject to a noise increase of more than or equal to 1 dB, 59 receptors are predicted to be subject to a neutral change of less than 1 dB and 30 receptors are predicted to be subject to a decrease of more than 1 dB	This sub-option has 14 specific receptors (playgrounds, village halls, churches etc) within 300m of the route centre line. Of these, 4 are between 0 and 100m, 7 are between 100 and 200m, and 3 are between 200 and 300 m This sub-option has a total of some 419 residential receptors within 300m of the route centre line. Of these, 81 are between 0 and 100m, 153 are between 100 and 200m, and 185 are between 200 and 300m For this sub-option, 336 receptors are predicted to be subject to a noise increase of more than or equal to 1 dB, 73 receptors are predicted to be subject to a neutral change of less than 1 dB and 24 receptors are predicted to be subject to a decrease of more than 1 dB	This sub-option has 15 specific receptors (playgrounds, village halls, churches etc) within 300m of the route centre line. Of these, 3 are between 0 and 100m, 7 are between 100 and 200m, and 5 are between 200 and 300m This sub-option has a total of some 421 residential receptors within 300m of the route centre line. Of these, 79 are between 0 and 100m, 154 are between 100 and 200m, and 188 are between 200 and 300m For this sub-option, 304 receptors are predicted to be subject to a noise increase of more than or equal to 1 dB, 108 receptors are predicted to be subject to a neutral change of less than 1 dB and 24 receptors are predicted to be subject to a decrease of more than 1 dB	All sub-options have fewer specific receptors within 0 to 300m of their centre lines than the current route: Sub-options 1, 2 and 3 have the fewest specific receptors within 0 to 100m Sub-options 1, 2 and 3 have the fewest specific receptors within 300m of their centre lines Sub-option 5 has the lowest number of dwellings in the 0 to 100m distance band Sub-option 1 has the lowest total number of dwellings within 300m Sub-option 5 has the lowest number of receptors subject to a noise increase of greater than 1dB Sub-options 3 and 5 have the joint lowest number of properties subject to a noise decrease of greater than 1dB Sub-options 1 and 2 have the joint highest number of properties subject to a noise decrease Sub-option 5 has the highest number of properties subject to a neutral noise level change Overall, Sub-option 5 has the lowest number of dwellings within 100m, the lowest number of receptors subject to a noise increase of >1dB and the greatest number of receptors subject to a neutral noise On this basis, whilst the differences in the sub-options are only subtle, at this stage Sub-option 5 is considered to be the preferred sub-option for noise
Pedestrians, Cyclists, Equestrians and Community Effects⁴³	There would be a benefit to equestrians, pedestrians and cyclists using and crossing the existing A90 as there would be a significant reduction in traffic on the existing A90 Access to local services maintained because existing road maintained and junctions provided on the new road at key locations Access to two claimed rights of way in the Fornety Forestry Scheme would be maintained There would be increased severance for the Drumhead community, particularly from access to Balmedie. Currently residents of Drumhead travel 500m directly to the existing A90 and enter Balmedie from the north. Once the new road is built they would have to travel 1.75 kilometres (km) and enter Balmedie from the south Apart from this there is minimal severance on the southern section directly north of Balmedie The Cock and Bull Public House has no direct access to the new road and may lose some opportunistic trade as visitors would have to travel 3.4km longer to get to a junction on to the existing A90 if travelling north and 2.25km if travelling south There is minimal severance on the northern section. There would be increased severance between Delfrigs and Cothill because travellers would have to drive an additional 750m to reach one from the other Increased severance for properties around the Menie Estate and Dambrae area	There would be a benefit to equestrians, pedestrians and cyclists using and crossing the existing A90 as there would be a significant reduction in traffic on the existing A90 Access to local services maintained because existing road maintained and junctions provided on the new road at key locations Access to two claimed rights of way in the Fornety Forestry Scheme would be maintained There would be increased severance for the Drumhead community, particularly from access to Balmedie. Currently residents of Drumhead travel 500m directly to the existing A90 and enter Balmedie from the north. Once the new road is built they would have to travel 1.75km and enter Balmedie from the south Apart from this there is minimal severance on the southern section directly north of Balmedie The Cock and Bull Public House has no direct access to and may lose some opportunistic trade as visitors would have to travel 3.4km longer to get to a junction on to the existing A90 if travelling north and 2.25km if travelling south There is minimal severance on the northern section There would be increased severance between Delfrigs and Cothill because travellers would have to drive an additional 750m to reach one from the other The route lies between West Lodge Menie and Menie House (B listed), severing the estate	There would be a benefit to equestrians, pedestrians and cyclists using and crossing the existing A90 as there would be a significant reduction in traffic on the existing A90 Access to local services maintained because existing road maintained and junctions provided on the new road at key locations Access to two claimed rights of way in the Fornety Forestry Scheme would be maintained There would be increased severance for the Drumhead community, particularly from access to Balmedie. Currently residents of Drumhead travel 500m directly to the existing A90 and enter Balmedie from the north. Once the new road is built they would have to travel 1.75km and enter Balmedie from the south Apart from this there is minimal severance on the southern section directly north of Balmedie The Cock and Bull Public House has no direct access to the new road and may lose some opportunistic trade as visitors would have to travel 3.4km longer to get to a junction on to the existing A90 if travelling north and 2.25km if travelling south There is minimal severance on the northern section. There would be increased severance between Delfrigs and Cothill because travellers would have to drive an additional 750m to reach one from the other The route lies between West Lodge Menie and Menie House (B listed), severing the estate Residents at Pettens would have to travel 1.5km further to enable travel north on the current A90	There would be a benefit to equestrians, pedestrians and cyclists using and crossing the existing A90 as there would be a significant reduction in traffic on the existing A90 Access to local services maintained because existing road maintained and junctions provided on the new road at key locations Access to two claimed rights of way in the Fornety Forestry Scheme would be maintained There would be increased severance for the Drumhead community, particularly from access to Balmedie. Currently residents of Drumhead travel 500m directly to the existing A90 and enter Balmedie from the north. Once the new road is built they would have to travel 1.75km and enter Balmedie from the south Apart from this there is minimal severance on the southern section directly north of Balmedie The Cock and Bull Public House has no direct access to the new road and may lose some opportunistic trade as visitors would have to travel 3.4km longer to get to a junction on to the existing A90 if travelling north and 2.25km if travelling south There is minimal severance on the northern section	All routes would benefit pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists as there would be a reduction in traffic on the existing A90 All sub-options would increase the severance of Drumhead from Balmedie There is minimal severance on the southern and northern sections of all sub-options The Cock and Bull Public House would have no direct access on to any of the sub-options and may lose some opportunistic trade Sub-options 1,2 and 3 would increase severance between Delfrigs and Cothill Sub-option 1 would increase severance for properties around the Menie Estate and Delfrigs area Sub-option 3 would increase severance for residents at Pettens wishing to travel north On balance Sub-option 5 is the preferred route as it minimises severance to properties in the vicinity
Effects on Vehicle Travellers	Route offers a variety of views and would reduce driver stress by reducing travel time and platooning	Route offers a variety of views and would reduce driver stress by reducing travel time and platooning	Route offers a variety of views and would reduce driver stress by reducing travel time and platooning	Route offers a variety of views and would reduce driver stress by reducing travel time and platooning	There are no significant differences between the sub-options for impacts on vehicle travellers
Water Quality and Drainage	No significant drainage effects provided best practice implemented during design and construction	No significant drainage effects provided best practice implemented during design and construction	No significant drainage effects provided best practice implemented during design and construction	No significant drainage effects provided best practice implemented during design and construction	There are no significant differences between the sub-options for water quality and drainage impacts
Geology and Soils and Contaminated Land	Possible impact on peat layer at Sandend Burn No significant issues	Possible impact on peat layer at Sandend Burn No significant issues	Possible impact on peat layer at Sandend Burn No significant issues	Possible impact on peat layer at Sandend Burn No significant changes	There are no significant differences between the sub-options for geology, soils and contaminated land
Impact of Road Schemes on Policy and Planning	No known planning issues	Aberdeenshire Council would prefer that the Menie Estate Gatehouse and Menie House were not severed	Aberdeenshire Council would prefer that the Menie Estate Gatehouse and Menie House were not severed	No known planning issues	Aberdeenshire Council would prefer that Menie House is not severed from its gatehouse

Environmental Category

Route sub-option

Summary

Air Quality

This sub-option would have a small positive or negative impact on a number of properties along the route where the main carriageway of the A90 is moved slightly closer to or further away from residential properties. The impact at the majority of properties would be positive. The most significant negative change in air quality is likely to occur in the area of Southlea and the Mains of Newtyle where the main carriageway is moved closer to these properties. The scheme would also have a negative impact at Dambrae

This sub option has a total of 19 properties within 50m and 142 properties within 200m for the road centreline

71 properties would have an improvement and 8 properties would have a deterioration in air quality for this sub-option

The route assessment scores are:

PM10 -293.91

NO2 -263.62

Both scores are negative indicating an improvement in air quality

This sub option has a total of 18 properties within 50m and 132 properties within 200m for the road centreline

75 properties would have an improvement and 7 properties would have a deterioration in air quality for this sub-option

The route assessment scores are:

PM10 -401.33

NO2 -308.25

Both scores are negative indicating an improvement in air quality

This sub option has a total of 24 properties within 50m and 138 properties within 200m for the road centreline

64 properties would have an improvement and 9 properties would have a deterioration in air quality for this sub-option

The route assessment scores are:

PM10 -330.11

NO2 -259.67

Both scores are negative indicating an improvement in air quality

This sub-option would have a small positive or negative impact on a number of properties along the route where the main carriageway of the A90 is moved slightly closer to or further away from residential properties. The impact at the majority of properties would be positive. The most significant negative change in air quality is likely to occur in the area of Dambrae, Stoneyards Cottages, Aikenshill and Kirkhill where the main carriageway is moved closer to these properties

This sub option has a total of 18 properties within 50m and 129 properties within 200m for the road centreline

75 properties would have an improvement and 9 properties would have a deterioration in air quality for this sub-option

The route assessment scores are:

PM10 -435.32

NO2 -330.32

Both scores are negative indicating an improvement in air quality

There are no Air Quality Management Areas in the vicinity of the scheme. Current concentrations are well below the statutory objectives. None of the sub options would cause a significant increase in concentrations and no further detailed modelling or stage 3 DMRB assessment of the sub-options is required

All sub-options have fewer specific receptors within 200m of their centre lines than the current route

Sub-options 2 and 5 have the fewest specific receptors within 50m of the road centreline where the highest concentrations would occur

Sub option 5 has the fewest specific receptors within 200m of the road centreline

By considering the number of properties likely to experience an improvement or deterioration in air quality within the study area it was determined that Option 2 performed the best, followed by Option 5

Sub-option 5 has the largest negative route assessment score indicating the greatest improvement in air quality

Sub-option 5 has the fewest number of specific receptors within 50m and 200m of the road centreline and has the largest negative route assessment score and is therefore the preferred sub-option

Cultural Heritage³⁸

Built Heritage

Orrock House, nationally important A listed building. Earthworks close to building would affect its setting. Some potential to mitigate with planting

Orrock House Dovecote, a regionally important B listed building. Upgrading of the road at South Orrock for an underpass will have a limited effect on its setting

Mill of Foveran, nationally important B listed building. Route passes close but some potential to mitigate with planting

Belhelvie Ruined Church, regionally important B listed building. Route passes further to west than existing A90. Route likely to reduce traffic noise at the building.

Archaeology

Keir, a Bronze Age cist burial of regional importance (exact location unknown). Access road to B977 could disturb this site and there is the potential for other similar graves in the area. Potential to mitigate with geophysical survey and excavation in advance of construction, and watching brief during construction

Dykenook, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Access road to B977 could disturb this site

Blairton Cottage, a demolished building of local importance - further upgrading of side road may reveal further structural remains

Menie Smith Gravel Pit - of local importance - route passes over

Newtyle House, locally important. Route does not pass through site but there is a possibility of discovering earlier medieval settlement in locality

Pitgersie Bridge, a cropmark of potentially regional importance. New bridge would pass just to the east of the site so may have no direct impact. Potential to mitigate with geophysical survey and excavation in advance of construction, and watching brief during construction

South Farden, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Upgrading of the existing A90 at South Farden may affect this site

Built Heritage

Orrock House, nationally important A listed building. Earthworks close to building would affect its setting. Some potential to mitigate with planting

Orrock House Dovecote, a regionally important B listed building. Upgrading of the road at South Orrock for an underpass will have a limited effect on its setting

Menie House, regionally important B listed building. Aberdeenshire Council would prefer that the Menie Estate Gatehouse and Menie House were not severed. Menie Gatehouse is part of the curtilage of Menie House

Mill of Foveran, nationally important B listed building. Route passes close but some potential to mitigate with planting

Belhelvie Ruined Church, regionally important B listed building. Route passes further to west than existing A90. Route likely to reduce traffic noise at the building.

Archaeology

Dykenook, a demoilished farmstead of local importance. Access road to B977 could disturb this site

Blairton Cottage, a ruin of local importance - further upgrading of side road may reveal further structural remains

Sidney Cottage sand and gravel workings, of local importance. Disused and landscaped gravel workings. AC SMR³⁹ considers them as destroyed

Menie cropmark, a cropmarked field of potentially regional importance. Cropmarks are circular and rectilinear and include other indistinct marks

Newtyle House, locally important. Route does not pass through site but there is a possibility of discovering earlier medieval settlement in locality

South Farden, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Upgrading of the existing A90 at South Farden may affect this site

Built Heritage

Orrock House, nationally important A listed building. Possible slight impact from widening of current road and new side road. Side road is in cutting and there may be some potential to mitigate with planting

Mill of Foveran, nationally important B listed building. Route passes close but some potential to mitigate with planting

Belhelvie Ruined Church, regionally important B listed building. Route passes further to west than existing A90. Route likely to reduce traffic noise at the building.

Archaeology

Dykenook, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Access road to B977 could disturb this site

Blairton Cottage, a ruin of local importance - further upgrading of side road may reveal further structural remains

Blairton Milestone, a locally important milestone

Blairton, a locally important public house called the Cock and Bull. Marked as a Post Office on 1st edition OS map. Marked as a hotel on 2nd edition OS... As long as route avoids the hotel itself then mitigation in the form of a watching brief should suffice

Sidney Cottage – Local importance, still in use. As long as route avoids the cottage itself then mitigation in the form of a watching brief should suffice

Menie cropmark, a cropmarked field of potentially regional importance. Cropmarks are circular and rectilinear and include other indistinct marks

Newtyle House, locally important. Route does not pass through site but there is a possibility of discovering earlier medieval settlement in locality

South Farden, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Upgrading of the existing A90 at South Farden may affect this site

Built Heritage

Orrock House, nationally important A listed building. Earthworks close to building would affect its setting. Some potential to mitigate with planting

Orrock House Dovecote, a regionally important B listed building. Upgrading of the road at South Orrock for an underpass will have a limited effect on its setting

Mill of Foveran – Nationally important B listed building. Route passes close but some potential to mitigate with planting

Belhelvie Ruined Church, regionally important B listed building. Route passes further to west than existing A90. Route likely to reduce traffic noise at the building.

Archaeology

Dykenook, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Access road to B977 could disturb this site

Blairton Cottage, a ruin of local importance - further upgrading of side road may reveal further structural remains

Sidney Cottage sand and gravel workings, of local importance. Disused and landscaped gravel workings. AC SMR considers these workings to be destroyed. Route would probably avoid

Kirkhill Cottage, a site of local importance - Route passes close to site of demolished cottage

South Farden, a demolished farmstead of local importance. Upgrading of the existing A90 at South Farden may affect this site

Built Heritage

The key impacts on built heritage from this scheme are, in order of significance, on the setting of Orrock House (A listed building) and the setting of Menie House (B listed building)

Sub-option 3 has the least impact upon Orrock House as it passes along the line of the existing A90. Sub-options 1, 2 and 5 all pass closer to Orrock House (A listed) but there are opportunities to mitigate through careful landforming and appropriate planting. Sub-options 2 and 3 impact upon the setting of Menie House (B listed) as they cut through the estate driveway and sever the gatehouse from the main house. Sub-option 1 also impacts slightly on Menie Estate as it would sever access from the existing A90 and pass very close to Menie Gatehouse

A meeting with Historic Scotland on 16th May 2006 indicated its preference was to ensure no impact on the A listed Orrock House greater than in the 1996 scheme and that on balance it would seek to safeguard the A listed property in preference to any B listed buildings. See "Impacts of Road Scheme on Policy and Planning" for Aberdeenshire Council comment

Sub-option 3 would have the most impact on Belhelvie Ruined Church but follows the route of the existing A90. Sub-options 1, 2 and 5 are likely to have a beneficial impact as they would reduce traffic noise at the site.

Sub-options 1, 2 and 5 would have limited impact on Orrock House Dovecote (not considered significant).

All sub-options would pass close to the Mill of Foveran (B listed building) however there is potential to mitigate with careful planting

Sub-options 2 and 3 have an impact on the setting of both Orrock House and Menie House and subsequently are the sub-options that would have the greatest impact on built heritage

Archaeology

The key impacts archaeology from the proposals would be the potential destruction of an imprecisely located cist burial and related sites near Keir, the affect on various potential prehistoric cropmarks, and the potential destruction of both undiscovered and known archaeological remains

All sub-options have a requirement for a link to the B977. This link would potentially impact on Bronze Age Activity at Keir. Likewise, all sub-options have a requirement for a new bridge at Pitgersie. This bridge passes near the site of a potentially prehistoric cropmark

Sub-options 2 and 3 pass near cropmarks at Menie. The cropmarks include circular and rectilinear features and other indistinct makings

Isolated findspots of prehistoric artefacts, the Bronze Age activity at Keir and the various cropmarks would indicate prehistoric activity in the area. Potential mitigation for known and undiscovered sites would include excavation of a representative sample of the route, targeted geophysical survey and excavation, and a watching brief condition with the potential to halt construction to enable the recording and excavation of archaeological sites to a suitable standard. It is also possible that mediaeval or later remains could be uncovered during construction. This would be mitigated with the same measures as the prehistoric remains

Specific mitigation measures will be devised under consultation with HS for the Stage 3 report

On balance the preferred route would be Sub-option 5 as:

it impacts on the least number of known sites (actually the same number of sites as Sub-option 1, but the Sidney Cottage sand and gravel workings are considered destroyed in the AC SMR);
it has less of an impact on Orrock House (A listed) than the 1996 route and there is potential to mitigate this with planting;
it avoids the severance of the Menie House gatehouse (B listed); and

the other options would have some impact on both Orrock House and Menie House (with 1 and 2 having the greatest impact)

Disruption due to Construction⁴⁰

62 properties within 100m of the proposed route.

Potential for large diversion works during Newburgh Road Junction construction and bridging existing A90

Potential for increased vehicular movement in order to dispose of excess material off-site

60 properties within 100m of the proposed route

Potential for large diversion works during Newburgh Road Junction construction and bridging existing A90

Potential for increased vehicular movement in order to dispose of excess material off-site

58 properties within 100m of the proposed route

Greatest impact on existing public utilities due to online widening of part of the alignment

Greatest requirements for traffic management and temporary diversion works due to online section

Potential for large diversion works during Newburgh Road Junction construction and bridging existing A90

Potential for increase vehicular movement in order to dispose of excess material off-site

54 properties within 100m of the proposed route

Best use of existing road network during construction of Newburgh Road junction causing least temporary diversion works.

Best earthworks balance allowing all site won material to be reused on site. This would limit vehicular movements.

Sub-option 5 has the potential to be the least disruptive during the construction period.

Sub-option 5 has the least number of properties with 100m, therefore dust and noise would directly effect fewer properties.

Ecology and Nature Conservation

Crossing at Foveran flood plain, possible effects on the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site, Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA)

Direct impact on small area of Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme (SFGS) immature planting at Delfrigs (badgers in the vicinity)

May require the removal of some mature trees at the entrance to the Menie Estate

Signs of badger and otter were found within the study area however there was no significant difference between the sub-options

There would be no significant impact on breeding or protected species of birds

Crossing at Foveran flood plain, possible effects on the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site, SAC and SPA

Potential impact on the edge of small area of mixed semi natural woodland⁴¹ at the edge of the Menie Estate. It may be possible to avoid by careful routing at the detailed design stage

Signs of badger and otter were found within the study area however there was no significant difference between the sub-options

There would be no significant impact on breeding or protected species of birds

Crossing at Foveran flood plain, possible effects on the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site, SAC and SPA

Potential impact on the edge of small area of mixed semi natural woodland3 at the edge of the Menie Estate. It may be possible to avoid by careful routing at the detailed design stage

Signs of badger and otter were found within the study area however there was no significant difference between the sub-options

There would be no significant impact on breeding or protected species of birds

Crossing at Foveran flood plain, possible effects on the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site, SAC and SPA

Direct impact on small area of SFGS immature mixed planting near Delfrigs (badgers in the vicinity)

Potential impact to badger found within the planting in the vicinity of Stoneyards

Signs of badger and otter were found within the study area however there was no significant difference between the sub-options

There would be no significant impact on breeding or protected species of birds

All sub-options cross a number of watercourses, including the Foveran Burn, which runs into the River Ythan Estuary which is designated as an a SAC and SPA. Mitigation measures would minimise the risk of polluting the burn and the impact on the SAC and SPA is not likely to be significant.

No significant difference between sub-options was found in terms of ecology and nature conservation.

Whilst there are badger present in the vicinity of Sub-option 5 they are outside the 500m route corridor (used in the badger survey) and would not be directly impacted. Mitigation measures would ensure no significant indirect impacts

Sub-options 2 and 3 would involve loss of small areas of semi-natural broadleaved woodland at the Menie Estate. These areas would be small however this woodland habitat is a rarity in the locality. Compensatory planting would mitigate the impact

Sub-options 1 and 5 pass through areas of immature mixed planting, funded through the SFGS. The areas lost would be small and compensatory planting would be possible to mitigate the impacts

Landscape Effects

Two main landscape impacts:

Approximately chainage 1+500 to 2+000 the road runs counter to the lie of the land and would require a short but noticeable cutting through the end of the ridge just east of Orrock House
2+400 to 3+200 the mainline and two side roads run parallel through a small-scale intricate landscape around Delfrigs, may require the removal of mature trees at the entrance to the Menie Estate

North of Delfrigs area the landform flattens out and becomes more open and larger scale. The road would run at or close to grade through this area and would be in scale with the landscape

Two main landscape impacts:

Approximately chainage 1+500 to 2+200 the road runs counter to the lie of the land and would require a short but noticeable cutting through the end of the ridge just east of Orrock House
At approximately 2+800 the road cuts the existing road from the lodge house to Menie House. However, the landscape of this track is degraded and new construction allows the opportunity to recreate a more formal entrance approach

North of Delfrigs area the alignment and impacts are as Sub-option 1

Overall, this sub-option best follows the lie of the land,:

Parallel side roads to the mainline between Balmedie and Pettens would have a degree of impact on the ridge east of Orrock House
At approximately 2+800 the road cuts the existing road from the lodge house to Menie House. However, the landscape of this track is degraded and new construction allows the opportunity to recreate a more formal entrance approach

North of Delfrigs area the alignment and impacts are as Sub-option 1

Three main landscape impacts:

As with sub-option 1, the road runs counter to the lie of the land approximately chainage 1+500 to 2+000 and would require a short but noticeable cutting through the end of the ridge just east of Orrock House
From approximately chainage 2+500 to 4+500 the road runs across the grain of the land ‘smoothing out’ several low ridges at Cowhill, Aikenshill and Kirkhill
From approximately chainage 4+500 to 5+300 the road runs on embankment across the broad open slope northeast of Kirkhill

From Foveran north, the alignment and impacts are as Sub-option 1

The area has a gently undulating landform created by a series of east/west ridges, smaller and more intimate in scale towards the south and larger and open towards the north

All the sub-options cut across the ridge and valley formation to a greater or lesser extent, with the effect on the landform being minimised as far as possible by following the ground profile and, where feasible, introducing curves to traverse hillocks

On balance Sub-option 3 best fits the lie of the land

Visual Impacts

Increased visual impact (VI) at South Folds and to scattered houses west of A90 at Balmedie (common to all sub-options)

Increased VI specific to this sub-option :

South Orrock and Orrock House (road nearer, and raised above existing ground level)
Cock and Bull Public House and adjacent house (now sandwiched between roads)
West Lodge⁴²
Properties at Hill of Menie and Delfrigs (now sandwiched between roads)
Dambrae
Newtyle House and adjacent properties
Mains of Newtyle
Southlea on A975 by Rashiereive

Increased VI on several scattered properties east of route north of Foveran (common to all sub-options)

18 dwellings within 100 metres (m) of route (excluding Balmedie junction)

Increased VI at South Folds and to scattered houses west of A90 at Balmedie (common to all sub-options)

Increased VI specific to this sub-option :

South Orrock, Orrock House and adjacent properties(road nearer, and raised above existing ground level)
Cock and Bull Public House and adjacent house (now sandwiched between roads)
Summerlee
Newtyle House and adjacent properties
Mains of Newtyle
Southlea on A975 by Rashiereive

Increased VI on several scattered properties east of route north of Foveran (common to all sub-options)

16 dwellings within 100m of route (excluding Balmedie junction), Summerlee within 50m of route

Increased VI at South Folds and to scattered houses west of A90 at Balmedie (common to all sub-options)

Increased VI specific to this sub-option :

The Bungalow
Orrock House and adjacent properties (slight increase)
Cock and Bull Public House and adjacent 3 houses (now sandwiched between roads)
Sidney Cottage and Seaview (now sandwiched between roads)
Summerlee
Newtyle House and adjacent properties
Mains of Newtyle
Southlea on A975 by Rashiereive

Increased VI on several scattered properties east of route north of Foveran (common to all sub-options)

14 dwellings within 100m of route (excluding Balmedie junction)

Summerlee within 50m of route

Increased VI at South Folds and to scattered houses west of A90 at Balmedie (common to all sub-options)

Increased VI specific to this sub-option :

South Orrock and Orrock House (road nearer, and raised above existing ground level)
Cock and Bull Public House and adjacent house (now sandwiched between roads)
Boghead
Wardhead and adjacent properties
Stoneyards and Stoneyard Cottages
Aikenshill and properties
Kirkhill and Blair Lodge

Increased VI on several scattered properties east of route north of Foveran (common to all sub-options)

10 dwellings within 100m of route (excluding Balmedie junction)

All sub-options are likely to cause a significant visual impact to a comparatively small number of properties

The names in bold in the table indicate for each sub-option properties where there appears to be insufficient room to substantially mitigate the visual impact

Sub-option 5 is likely to cause the least visual impact overall, and there is generally space between properties and the road available for mitigation (landform and/or planting) to be carried out

Land Use and Agriculture

Property:

The route passes within 200m of the Cock and Bull Public House and there are clear views from the rear dining room

The Cock and Bull Public House is severed from the new road – may lose opportunistic trade as visitors would have to travel