Description of local environment

Air Quality

The scheme is located in an urban area within Renfrewshire, surrounded predominantly by industrial buildings and retail parks. Approximately 100 residential properties are located within 200m of the works, with the nearest property located 55m north of the scheme’s starting point at Morriston Crescent and Braille Drive. No additional sensitive air quality receptors have been identified within the study area.

Renfrewshire Council have declared three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) however, all are out with the scheme extents. No real-time air quality monitoring stations are present within 200m of the scheme extents.

Baseline air quality is primarily influenced by vehicle emissions from the M8 corridor. Data from the two nearest manual count points within the scheme extents - 80221 (WB) and 77115 (EB) – provides the Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) of traffic for all motor vehicles in 2023.

  • Count Point 80221 (WB): Recorded an AADF of 97,242 motor vehicles, including 4,614 Heavy Good Vehicles (HGVs).
  • Count Point 77115 (EB): Recorded an AADF of 11,561 motor vehicles including 5,562 HGVs.

According to the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) there are two records located within 1km of the works. These are:

  • Princes’ Beverage distributor (Animal and Vegetable products from the food and beverage sector) located approx. 770m east from the works.
  • Shieldhall Watse Transfer Station (waste and waste-water management) located approx. 1km east from the works.

Cultural Heritage

A desk-based assessment was undertaken using Pastmap to identify cultural heritage assets within the vicinity of the scheme. A study area of 300m was used for designated heritage assets; however, no assets were identified within the study area. An area of 200m was used for non-designated heritage assets. Full details of the findings are provided in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Non-Designated Cultural Heritage Assets within 200m
Name Reference Number Description Distance from Scheme
Renfrew Golf Course Ref: 44206, Ref: 8698 Canmore & Historical Environmental Record (HER) 112m north from M8 26-26 40 Hillington IC West.
Deanfield Ref: 92679, Ref: 19090 Canmore & HER 130m north from M8 26-26 40 Hillington IC West.
Renfrew, Braehead Retail Park, Archaeological Survey; Trial Excavations Ref: 723 HER 46m north from M8 26-26 30 Hillington IC East
Glasgow, Hillington Ref: 359919 Canmore 140m south from M8 26-26 10 Hillington Rail

Landscape and Visual Effects

The scheme is located in an urban area within Renfrewshire, predominantly surrounded by industrial buildings and retail parks. Approximately 100 residential properties are located within 300m of the works; with the nearest located 55m north of the scheme’s starting point at Morriston Crescent and Braille Drive. Due to the lack of vegetation screening along certain sections and the elevated nature of the structures, it is anticipated that both nearby residential properties and surrounding businesses will have a view of the construction works. 

According to Scotland’s Environment Map there are no ancient woodlands or Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) within 500m of the works. The scheme is not located within a National Scenic Area (NSA).

The Landscape Character Type (LCTs) Map identifies the Landscape Character Assessment as ‘Urban’, while the Historic Landscape Assessment (HLA) Map identifies the surrounding land as previously designated for ‘rough grazing’.

Pastmap confirms that there are no Garden & Designed Landscapes within 500m of the scheme extents.

Biodiversity

The Clyde Estuary - Inner (inc Cart) (ID: 200510) watercourse is located approx. 520m east of the works. Vegetation in the immediate vicinity is limited, with scattered shrubs along the verge of the M8.

A review of Sitelink indicates that there are no European designated sites within 2km of the scheme extents. Sitelink has not identified the presence of national designations (such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or Local Nature Reserves) within 1km of the scheme extents.

The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas has highlighted the presence of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) within 500m of the works, however, no INNS have been recorded within the scheme extents:

  • Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica); and
  • Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)

A search of Transport Scotland’s Asset Management Performance System (AMPS) online mapping tool highlights rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium), common ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), and broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) along the verge of the M8. These species are listed as Transport Scotland Target Species.

A competent ecologist has confirmed that a site visit is not required due to the urban nature of the scheme and the structural characteristics of the assets, which are not considered suitable for protected species.

Geology and Soils

SiteLink confirms that there are no Geological Conservation Review Sites (GCRS), geological SSSIs or Local Geodiversity Sites (LGS) within 500m of scheme extents.

Due to the urban nature of the area, the Scotland Soil Map does not provide specific data for the scheme extents with regard to soil type and land capability for agriculture. However, the British Geology Viewer identifies the underlying geology as follows:

Superficial deposits

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

River Terrace Deposits - Gravel, sand and silt. Sedimentary superficial deposit formed between 2.588 million years ago and the present during the Quaternary period.

Bedrock geology

  • Top Hosie Limestone - Limestone. Sedimentary bedrock formed between 330.9 and 328 million years ago during the Carboniferous period.
  • Limestone Coal Formation - Sedimentary rock cycles, Clackmannan group type. Sedimentary bedrock formed between 329 and 328 million years ago during the Carboniferous period.
  • Lower Limestone Formation - Sedimentary rock cycles, Clackmannan group type. Sedimentary bedrock formed between 330.9 and 328 million years ago during the Carboniferous period.

Material Assets and Waste

Table 2: Key materials required for activities.

Activity

Material Required

Origin/ Content

Site Construction

· Waterproofing;

· TS2010 Surface Course;

· Expansion joint material - asphalt binder;

· Central reservation barrier - concrete and anchored;

· Steel vehicle parapet;

· VRS;

· Concrete kerbs;

· Structural concrete;

· Gulley Grating; and

· Steel for sign faces and Class RA2 Reflective material for the signposts.

· TS2010 Surface Course allows a wider array of aggregate sources to be considered when compared to typical SMA. As a result, the use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources.

· A proportion of RAP is used in asphalt production. Typical RAP values for base and binder are 10% - 15% with up to 10% in surface course.

· Metals used throughout the works may be secondary/ recycled content.

· Materials will be sourced from offsite local sources.

· A concrete mix using cement replacement products is proposed.
Table 3: Key wastes arising from activities.

Activity

Waste Arising

Disposal/ Regulation

Site Construction

· Steel vehicle parapets 

· Verge barriers

· Central reservation barrier

· Concrete kerbs where possible

· Road studs

· Metal joint components

· Surface planings

· Concrete

· Waterproofing system (may contain asbestos)

· Joint filler board material

· Joint sealant

· Expansion joint material

· Sign Face and posts

· Gully gratings

· Hydro-demolition wastewater

· Waste concrete washout

Recycled:

· It is Amey policy to reuse or recycle as much waste material as possible.

· Uncontaminated road planings generated as a result of the required works, will be fully recycled in accordance with the criteria stipulated within the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) document ‘Guidance on the Production of Fully Recoverable Asphalt Road Planings.

· Where possible all materials will be reused throughout the network, if not possible they will be recycled locally.

Other waste:

· The hydro-demolition waste will be pumped into a silt buster which filters the wastewater and neutralises the PH. This waste product will then be stored in a tanker and disposed of offsite.

· Metal components will be recycled where possible however, not all metal components will be able to be 100% recycled.

· Any excess excavated material taken off site can potentially be used for future schemes.

Noise and Vibration

Approximately 200 residential properties are located within 300m of the works. The nearest residential property is located 55m north of the scheme’s starting point at Morriston Crescent and Braille Drive. Additionally, noise-sensitive receptors within 300m include the Premier Inn Glasgow Braehead hotel (approx. 224m east) and football playing fields (approx. 280m east).

Baseline noise levels in the area are influenced by traffic along the M8, with the poor condition of the road surface contributing to the elevated ambient noise levels. Traffic Data from the two closest manual count points within the scheme extents (80221 and 77115) for 2023 indicate:

  • Count Point 80221 (WB): Recorded an AADF of 97,242 motor vehicles, including 4,614 HGVs.
  • Count Point 77115 (EB): Recorded an AADF of 11,561 motor vehicles including 5,562 HGVs.

According to Glasgow Agglomeration: Noise action plan, the works are not located within a Candidate Noise Management Area (CNMA). The scheme is also not present within a CNMA as noted within the Transportation Noise Action Plan (TNAP).

According to Scotland Noise Map, modelled noise levels within the scheme extents are as follows:

  • Daytime (Lday): 75 – 81 dB
  • Night-time (Lnight) : 65 – 72 dB

Population and Human Health

There are approximately 200 residential properties located within 300m of the works. The nearest residential property is located 55m north of the scheme’s starting point at Morriston Crescent. Additionally, community facilities and assets of note within 300m include the Premier Inn Glasgow Braehead hotel (approx. 224m east) and football playing fields (approx. 280m east).

Core paths Scotland has highlighted several core paths within 300m of the works, these include REN/32 located 90m north from the works and REN/10 located 276m northwest.

No National Cycle routes, bridleways, single access points, laybys or bus stops have been identified within 300m of the scheme extents. The M8 carriageway within the scheme extents is street-lit.

Road Drainage and the Water Environment

According to SEPA’s water classification hub, there are no designated watercourses located within 500m of the works. The closest watercourse is Clyde Estuary - Inner (inc. Cart) (ID: 200510) which is located approx. 520m east from the works. This watercourse has been given an overall classification of ‘moderate’ according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

SEPA’s Flood Maps have indicated that there is no risk regarding surface or river water flooding within the scheme extents.

Th Groundwater within the scheme extents is identified as Govan sand and gravel (ID: 150779) which has a ‘good’ overall ecological potential under the WFD.

Drainage along the M8 within the scheme extents consists of gullies along either side of the carriageway.

The M8 carriageway within the scheme extents is drained via top-entry gullies and is not within a Scottish Government Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).

Climate

Carbon Goals 

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 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 GHGs 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.