4 Baseline Environment 4.1 Existing Environment Relevant to LFRMS The baseline environmental data (including existing environmental and sustainability information) relevant to a range of environmental receptors is described in Appendix A ‘Baseline Environment’. A summary of the baseline environmental features and key issues in the study area that have been scoped into the SEA are presented in Table 4.1. 4.1: Summary of Baseline Environmental Features and Issues Scoped into Assessment Baseline Environmental Issues Likely Evolution of the Baseline Environment without the Population and Human Health Of the 219,400 resident Direct effects on the Population projected to rise by population (Census 2011), population and properties approximately 240,000 by 2031 45,000 residents live within a within flood risk areas, (Westminster City Council high risk flood area including businesses and 2012). Westminster is the most visitors in Westminster Direct and indirect risks to visited London Borough Quality of life is affected by human health from all flood Westminster contains some of flooding sources likely to increase, and the most deprived areas in Overall shortage of open exacerbated by climate change; London e.g. Queens Park and space in Westminster and Tourism and associated Church Street access to these areas could recreational areas will continue Large area of recreation and be compromised by flooding to be affected by flooding. open space (including Royal Flood risk to important tourist, Increasing development will Parks, Blue Ribbon network of recreational and amenity exert pressure on the floodplain. canals, rivers and lake, iconic resources public spaces and Green Flood risk contributes to level Infrastructure) in Central of deprivation Westminster Material Assets 4 main rail termini and 32 Risk to existing, critical and Climate change will increase underground stations proposed key transport to material assets and 4 river bus piers and 157 bus infrastructure critical transport infrastructure routes passing through the city New development will need to (with associated capacity New development (e.g. be appropriately located in increases) affected by flooding. crossrail) will be supported by terms of flood risk from River Proposed developments will upgrades to existing Thames require greater flood defences infrastructure Biodiversity, and Fauna 1 Local Nature Reserve (St Potential for negative or Climate change and land Johns Wood Church Ground) positive effects on the LNR, management activities will and over 40 Sites of SINCs and terrestrial, aquatic increasingly affect habitats Importance for Nature or riparian habitats. Water dependent habitats will Conservation (SINCs) Need to ensure that flood risk come under increasing pressure measures do not adversely as demand for water increases.
4 Baseline Environment 4.1 Existing Environment Relevant to LFRMS The baseline environmental data (including existing environmental and sustainability information) relevant to a range of environmental receptors is described in Appendix A ‘Baseline Environment’. A summary of the baseline environmental features and key issues in the study area that have been scoped into the SEA are presented in Table 4.1. 4.1: Summary of Baseline Environmental Features and Issues Scoped into Assessment Baseline Environmental Issues Likely Evolution of the Baseline Environment without the Population and Human Health Of the 219,400 resident population (Census 2011), 45,000 residents live within a high risk flood area Westminster is the most visited London Borough Westminster contains some of the most deprived areas in London e.g. Queens Park and Church Street Large area of recreation and open space (including Royal Parks, Blue Ribbon network of canals, rivers and lake, iconic public spaces and Green Infrastructure) in Central Westminster Direct effects on the population and properties within flood risk areas, including businesses and visitors in Westminster Quality of life is affected by flooding Overall shortage of open space in Westminster and access to these areas could be compromised by flooding Flood risk to important tourist, recreational and amenity resources Flood risk contributes to level of deprivation Population projected to rise by approximately 240,000 by 2031 (Westminster City Council 2012). Direct and indirect risks to human health from all flood sources likely to increase, and exacerbated by climate change; Tourism and associated recreational areas will continue to be affected by flooding. Increasing development will exert pressure on the floodplain. Material Assets 4 main rail termini and 32 underground stations 4 river bus piers and 157 bus routes passing through the city New development (e.g. crossrail) will be supported by upgrades to existing infrastructure Risk to existing, critical and proposed key transport infrastructure New development will need to be appropriately located in terms of flood risk from River Thames Climate change will increase to material assets and critical transport infrastructure (with associated capacity increases) affected by flooding. Proposed developments will require greater flood defences Biodiversity, and Fauna 1 Local Nature Reserve (St Johns Wood Church Ground) and over 40 Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) Potential for negative or positive effects on the LNR, SINCs and terrestrial, aquatic or riparian habitats. Need to ensure that flood risk measures do not adversely Climate change and land management activities will increasingly affect habitats Water dependent habitats will come under increasing pressure as demand for water increases.
appendix2_westminster_sea_er_draft_april_2015.docx