Environmental Statement | November 2018 Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary - IEMA
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TEMPORARY VARIATION TO EVENT CAP AT WEMBLEY STADIUM Environmental Statement | November 2018 Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary
Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium Environmental Statement (November 2018) Non-Technical Summary Wembley National Stadium Limited 04929/21/NT/DD 16707446v1
Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
1.0 Introduction and Methodology
1.1 This document is a summary in non-technical language of an Environmental Statement (‘ES’)
prepared on behalf of Wembley National Stadium Limited (‘the applicant’). It accompanies an
application submitted under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The
application seeks to for to provide for any additional home games that Tottenham Hotspur
Football Club (‘THFC’) may have to play at Wembley Stadium whilst they await certainty on the
exact opening date of the new stadium. As such this new application seeks to enable up to 17
additional ‘major sporting events’1 between 15 January 2019 and 12 May 2019 at the Stadium
where the available spectator capacity is increased from circa 51,000 to: up to 62,000 for 10
events and full capacity for up to 7 events.
1.2 The original planning application for the current Wembley Stadium (submitted in November
1999) was accompanied by the Wembley Stadium ES (1999). In January 2017, an application
(ref: 17/0368) was submitted to facilitate THFC’s occupation of the Stadium during the 2017/18
football season. That application was accompanied by the ‘Temporary Variation to Event Cap at
Wembley Stadium ES (January 2017) (‘the 2017 ES’) that was prepared pursuant to the (then)
Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations 2011 (as updated).
1.3 This s73 application is a ‘new application’ in the context of the Town and Country Planning
(Environmental Impact Assessment (‘EIA’)) Regulations 2017 (the ‘2017 EIA Regulations’) (as
amended). For such applications, guidance states that the local planning authority should
consider if further information on potential environmental effects may be required.
1.4 For this s73 application, it has been agreed with officers of London Borough of Brent (LBB) that
it would benefit from relevant up to date environmental information on those aspects that could
be affected by the proposal. The scope of the EIA has been agreed with LBB.
1.5 This document includes the following information: -
• Section 1.0 – background to the proposal;
• Sections 2.0 – background to, and scope of, the assessment process;
• Section 3.0 – a description of the site and the proposal;
• Sections 4.0 to 7.0 – a topic by topic review of the findings of the EIA;
• Section 8.0 – a review of whether other direct or indirect effects may arise when the scheme
is considered with other schemes in the area;
• Section 9.0 – summary of mitigation and monitoring identified through the EIA process;
• Section 10.0 – details of how to obtain a full copy of the ES.
The EIA Process
1.6 The ES sets out the findings of an EIA of the proposed development.
1.7 The EIA process aims to ensure that any significant effects arising from a development are
systematically identified, assessed and presented to help a local planning authority, statutory
consultees and other key stakeholders in their understanding of impacts arising. If measures are
required to minimise or reduce effects then these are clearly identified.
1
‘Major sporting events’ are those where the spectator capacity at the stadium is increased from c51,000 to either 62,000 or
90,000
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Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
1.8 For this development, EIA has been carried out to consider the likely significant effects that may
arise during proposed temporary variation to the cap at Wembley Stadium and due to its
potential relationship to future developments in the area. There are no physical works proposed
and therefore no consideration of effects during construction or decommissioning is required.
1.9 The assessment has been completed with regard to best practice and relevant legislation and has
addressed the following matters agreed with LBB as being required to assess the impacts of the
development:-
1. Socio-Economics 3. Air Quality
2. Transportation 4. Noise and Vibration
1.10 Likely effects are identified based on current knowledge of the site and surroundings, desktop
assessment, survey and fieldwork and information available to the EIA team. All those matters
that could be reasonably required to assess the effects of the proposals are set out in the ES. The
assessment has had regard to the requirements of the 2017 EIA Regulations.
1.11 The EIA has had regard to planning and environmental policy and legislation at national,
London and local level that is relevant to the development and the assessment process.
1.12 There were no significant difficulties in compiling information and testing impacts or the
assumptions that have been adopted but examples of some of the matters experienced include
information being unavailable to the team or the necessity to rely on reasonably available data
or assumptions in carrying out the EIA and/or there being no accepted methodology to assess
particular impacts (and therefore a need to rely on professional judgement and experience).
1.13 The applicant has assembled a team to undertake the EIA who, it has confirmed, has sufficient
expertise and the necessary credentials to ensure the quality of the ES and that it is complete.
Background to the scheme
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
1.14 THFC, founded in 1882, is one of England’s most successful and well supported football clubs.
1.15 Up until demolition commenced in May 2017, the Club’s home stadium was White Hart Lane
Stadium in Haringey, where it had been based since 1899.
1.16 Planning permission was granted by the London Borough of Haringey in April 2016 for the
‘Northumberland Development Project’, which comprises the demolition of the White Hart Lane
Stadium and construction of a replacement 61,000 capacity football stadium to act as the new
home of THFC alongside associated non-football development. The stadium will be known
initially as “Tottenham Hotspur Stadium”.
1.17 Through a series of subsequent non-material amendments, the capacity of Tottenham Hotspur
Stadium has been increased to 62,062.
1.18 Construction of the new stadium commenced in the summer of 2016. Due to the siting of the
new stadium relative to the old, a significant amount of construction works were undertaken
throughout the 2016-17 season whilst the existing White Hart Lane Stadium remained in situ
and in use, with the exception of one section of the North Stand which had been demolished.
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Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
Figure 1 - Aerial Photo of Northumberland Development Project
Source: THFC, October 2018
2017-18 Season
1.19 To complete the Northumberland Development Project, including the new stadium, THFC
needed carry out full demolition of the old White Hart Lane Stadium. THFC reached agreement
with WNSL to play all its home fixtures at Wembley Stadium during the 2017-18 season.
1.20 Brent Council granted planning permission (LPA ref: 17/0368) on 18 October 2017 under
Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to vary the Wembley Stadium event cap.
This enabled up to 22 additional major sporting THFC events between 1 August 2017 and 31
July 2018 at Wembley Stadium under a new Condition 1. The permission was subject to a
package of enhanced mitigation measures for THFC home games.
2018-19 Season
1.21 At the time the previous application was made and determined, THFC expected its new stadium
to be fully operational for the start of the 2018-19 season. Completion of the new stadium,
however, has been delayed with the Club issuing further details through press releases in June,
July, August and September 2018. On 26 October 2018, THFC released a statement which
confirmed that it will continue to play its home games at Wembley Stadium for the remainder of
2018 – the final game of 2018 being a Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton
Wanderers on 29 December.
1.22 Table 1 below sets out all of the home games THFC has played and is currently scheduled to play
at Wembley Stadium during the current season.
Table 1 - Current Indicative Schedule of THFC Games for 2018/19 Season
Date Day THFC Schedule
18/08/18 Saturday THFC V Fulham
15/09/18 Saturday THFC V Liverpool
03/10/18 Tuesday THFC V Barcelona
06/10/18 Saturday THFC V Cardiff
29/10/18 Monday THFC V Man City
06/11/18 Tuesday THFC V PSV
24/11/18 Saturday THFC V Chelsea
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Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
Date Day THFC Schedule
28/11/18 Monday THFC V Inter Milan
05/12/18 Tuesday THFC V Southampton
15/12/18 Saturday THFC V Burnley
26/12/18 Wednesday THFC V Bournemouth
29/12/18 Saturday THFC V Wolves
05/01/19 Saturday FA Cup R3
07/01/19 Monday Carabao Cup SF
13/01/19 Sunday THFC V Man Utd
22/01/19 Tuesday Carabao Cup SF
26/01/19 Saturday FA Cup R4
30/01/19 Wednesday THFC V Watford
02/02/19 Saturday THFC V Newcastle
09/02/19 Saturday THFC V Leicester
12/02/19 Tuesday Champions League R16 L1
16/02/19 Saturday FA Cup R5
19/02/19 Tuesday Champions League R16 L1
02/03/19 Saturday THFC V Arsenal
07/03/19 Thursday Europa League R16 L1
14/03/19 Tuesday Europa League R16 L2
16/03/19 Saturday FA Cup Quarter Final
16/03/19 Saturday THFC V Crystal Palace
06/04/19 Saturday THFC V Brighton
09/04/19 Tuesday Champions League QF L1
13/04/19 Saturday THFC V Huddersfield
16/04/19 Tuesday Champions League QF L2
27/04/19 Saturday THFC V West Ham
30/04/19 Tuesday Champions League SF L1
07/05/19 Tuesday Champions League SF L2
11/05/19 Saturday THFC V Everton
Source: THFC
Note: Does not include other ‘non-THFC’ matches scheduled to take place all of which assume attendance of 90,000
Note: Those matches identified in bold are those that may operate at the full capacity of up to 90,000 as a result of higher ticket
demand and safety matters. This is for indication only.
1.23 As outlined in its 26 October 2018 statement, THFC has highlighted that various factors beyond
its control as well as possible unforeseen issues mean it is adopting a cautious approach in
respect of the new stadium opening timetable. As a precautionary measure, therefore, and
acting prudently, THFC has reached agreement with WNSL to provide for any additional home
games that THFC may have to play at Wembley Stadium in the event that there is further delay
in the Club’s occupation of its new stadium.
1.24 All of the additional THFC home fixtures could be played at Wembley Stadium at a capped
capacity of 51,000 within the scope of the existing planning permission. Subject to WNSL’s
event scheduling requirements, it is possible that additional full capacity events can be taken out
of the pre-existing allocation also within the scope of the existing planning permission.
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Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
1.25 Brent Council previously granted permission to allow an additional 22 uncapped games for
THFC during the 2017-18 season (i.e. up to the maximum theoretical capacity of 90,000). The
application was assessed and considered to be acceptable based upon the theoretical impacts
arising from every one of the 22 games being played at the full capacity of 90,000. Actual
attendances naturally varied quite widely depending upon a range of factors, including for
example the opposing team and the away following; the day and time of kick-off; whether the
game was televised; prevailing weather conditions; and home and away fans segregation.
1.26 The 51,000 cap figure was exceeded for 9 of the 29 competitive THFC fixtures at Wembley
Stadium during the 2017-18 season. The maximum published attendance figure was 83,782
versus Real Madrid FC in the UEFA Champions League on 1 November 2017, which was an
effective sell-out. The average attendance across the season was approximately 62,000
correlating coincidentally with the new THFC stadium capacity.
1.27 The capacity of THFC’s new stadium is 62,062, which represents the contractual commitments
to season ticket holders and corporate hospitality spectators; away spectators; and game by
game general admission spectators. THFC would therefore need to be able to cater for at least
62,000 spectators (rounded) at Wembley Stadium for any additional home games that THFC
may have to play at Wembley Stadium in the event of their new stadium not becoming
operational in time. This would mean an increase of 11,000 spectators above the 51,000 cap.
1.28 Based upon corresponding attendances during the previous 2017-18 season, and the new
capacity at the new stadium, THFC is seeking the majority of any further home games to be
permitted at 62,000 - rather than the previously approved maximum capacity of 90,000.
1.29 There are however several higher profile fixtures where ticket demand is likely to be significantly
higher and safety issues need to be taken into account. These fixtures could potentially include
Premier League derby matches (e.g. Arsenal and West Ham), European competitions
(Champions or Europa League) and domestic cup competitions (FA and Carabao Cup). Which of
these higher profile fixtures will need to operate at full capacity is not known at this stage and
will be dependent upon (a) progression in the competitions; (b) nature of opposition drawn and
(c) whether cup fixtures are drawn at home or away. The ability to play a few games above
THFC’s contractual minimum of 62,000 also allows the Club to continue its programme of
issuing free match tickets to local community groups.
1.30 THFC is, therefore, seeking up to a maximum of seven games at an uncapped capacity, with the
remaining ten games capped at a capacity of 62,000.
1.31 THFC’s use of Wembley Stadium as the home ground for all domestic and European games for
one season continues to be the most fitting solution as there remains a lack of suitable
alternative stadiums that are available, have appropriate spectator capacity and are located
within a reasonable distance for the majority of THFC’s fan base.
1.32 If THFC reach games already scheduled to be held at the Stadium under the Condition 1 cap, e.g.
the 2019 FA or Carabao Cup finals, then such games would be held under the existing cap.
1.33 Detailed scheduling work has been undertaken by both THFC and WNSL to confirm that THFC
fixtures and Wembley Stadium’s existing event commitments can be accommodated.
THFC supporter profile
1.34 THFC has a growing fan base across London, including in Brent, and has a paid-for season
ticket waiting list of 76,600 (as of September 2018). Hosting games at Wembley Stadium at full
capacity is considered a great opportunity to provide more supporters with a chance to see their
team play live, especially for those living in Brent and West London.
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Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
1.35 A combined 266,925 people attended the four THFC European fixtures held at Wembley
Stadium last season, including over 2,500 residents from Brent have purchased tickets to attend
at least one game. The Police, British Transport Police, other emergency services and the
Stadium Operators viewed those events as operationally successful with no major incidents or
problems reported. All THFC events have been subject of ongoing review and discussion at the
Wembley Stadium Safety Advisory Group and the Transport Operations Group (“WSTOG”).
1.36 THFC fans are also viewed as generally well behaved with no history of regular fan related
violence at home or away over the past 10 years in domestic and European competition.
1.37 In addition, the atmosphere in and around Wembley Stadium has been very different with
THFC in situ as the home team in comparison with a 50/50 supporter split that is typically
encountered at Wembley during cup finals.
THFC operational policies
1.38 THFC takes the safety and stewarding of fans extremely seriously. The Club’s full-time safety
team work closely on a day to day basis with all emergency services, both to develop and deliver
best practice but also as part of the Safety Advisory Group, which provides a forum for
discussing and advising on public safety at White Hart Lane. All THFC fixtures at Wembley
Stadium are planned and managed according to the risk rating assigned to the fixture by the
Metropolitan Police. This guides both THFC and WNSL in terms of operational planning for the
event and importantly the required number of stewards and police to be on site.
1.39 THFC’s approach to safety and building control has been one of pro-active management,
developing strong relationships with the Haringey Building Control team and establishing the
‘Fanbassador’ Programme. The Fanbassador Programme introduces stewards focussed on
customer service and providing support and information to supporters in the environs in local
streets and the areas outside the stadium.
1.40 THFC’s commitment to safety and stewarding extends beyond the management of their own
stadium in Tottenham. THFC is one of the only football clubs who send stewards to every away
game regardless of opposition or venue, providing continuity for fans but also helping to
reassure each team and venue of the responsibility the Club is taking for its own fans behaviour.
1.41 THFC has worked extremely closely with WNSL and the FA safety teams to ensure that the
standards set at White Hart Lane Stadium are delivered at Wembley. Many of the measures the
Club carry out have been put into practice during THFC recent tenure at the Stadium, e.g.:-
1 Bringing up to 150 of its Stewards to Wembley to act as part of match day operations. Many
of these are customer service trained and part of the Club’s Fanbassador programme. By
deploying THFC stewards at Wembley, it provides Tottenham Hotspur supporters with
familiarity and a more direct ‘home from home’ approach;
2 An ongoing knowledge-sharing programme between the THFC and WNSL teams with both
visiting each other’s venues, attending events and regularly updating on emerging issues;
3 THFC working with the Metropolitan Police to make use of the Dedicated Football Officer
at Wembley, given his knowledge of THFC’s match day operations;
4 Ongoing use of the THFC Safety and Security Team Text Service which allows fans to
anonymously alert the team to any issues which occur inside the ground;
5 The Club’s Safety Officers and their team will continue to be a constant presence for every
discussion around THFC matches at Wembley alongside the Club’s Supporter Liaison and
Community Relations Teams. The THFC Safety Officer is present at every match; and,
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6 The Club will also continue to have representation on the WSTOG, which is attended by
transport operators and key stakeholders, including Brent Council.
2.0 Site and Surroundings
Background
2.1 The Wembley Stadium site has been in use for major events since the opening of the original
Wembley Stadium in 1923. The original stadium hosted major international and domestic
footballing games and significant non-footballing events such as the 1948 Olympic Games and
major musical events. It was also used occasionally as the home stadium for domestic football
teams, including for Arsenal during their 1998-9 and 1999-2000 Champions League seasons.
2.2 The original stadium became outdated and no longer met the standards in terms of facilities
that were expected at a major venue. In December 1996 the Sports Council confirmed Wembley
as the preferred location for a new English National Stadium catering for a wide range of sports
and entertainment uses. This was followed by the submission of a planning application for a
new Stadium which was submitted in November 1999.
2.3 Permission was granted in August 2002 and the new Wembley Stadium was constructed and
opened in 2007. It is now recognised as a major international and local sporting and non-
sporting venue and has also acted as a catalyst for redevelopment and as a means of attracting
new investment to the Wembley area. The area surrounding the stadium has been, and
continues to be, the subject of significant development activity of a range of commercial,
residential, leisure and community facilities.
2.4 The Stadium is run by the Wembley National Stadium Limited (‘the applicant’), which is a
subsidiary of the Football Association.
Site Description
2.5 The stadium complex comprises the stadium building itself surrounded by an elevated
concourse, ground level car parking to the north east and multi-storey parking to the south west.
Figure 2 - Aerial Photograph showing the Site and Surrounding Area
Source: Google Earth
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2.6 The site is broadly bounded by: -
• Leisure, employment, hotel and retail uses alongside ground level parking and the Brent
Civic Centre situated either side of Olympic Way (which runs north from the Stadium to
Wembley Park Station). To the immediate north of the stadium are a number of
construction works with information indicating that these are due for completion in 2020;
• Wembley Park Employment Area to the east;
• The residential area of Tokyngton, is located to the south of the site, and is separated from
the stadium by the main Chiltern rail line;
• The Wembley Arena and retail and leisure uses developed under the Quintain Estates urban
renewal project to the west.
2.7 There are very limited residential properties within the immediate vicinity of the Stadium or on
the key linkages between the Stadium and the key public transport connections.
Figure 3 - Key Landuses Surrounding the Stadium
Source: Lichfields
2.8 The Stadium is well served by public transport including:-
1 Wembley Central Station (to the south west of the stadium);
2 Wembley Park Station (to the north of Olympic Way);
3 Wembley Stadium Station (adjacent to the south west of the Stadium); and
4 50 bus stops located within a 20 minute walk which provide access to 18 bus services.
2.9 The Stadium is also well connected with the main trunk road network. There are currently three
vehicular routes serving the Stadium, two of which connect with the six lane North Circular
Road (NCR/A406). The NCR serves the north London area. It provides links with main axial
routes into central London and out onto the motorway network, including the M25.
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3.0 Description of Proposal
3.1 The amendment to Condition 1 of planning permission LPA ref: 17/0368 would allow THFC to
use the Stadium for up to 17 additional major sporting events. This would be for a temporary
period between 15 January 2019 and 12 May 2019 to cover the period up to the end of the
domestic football season where the available spectator capacity is increased from c. 51,000 to
62,000 for 10 of the events (i.e. potential additional 11,000 spectators per event) and up to full
capacity for up to 7 events. These would be in addition to the 22 full capacity sporting events
currently allowed per season.
3.2 There could be up to 28 THFC home fixtures in all competitions over the 2018-19 season (from 1
November 2018 to 12 May 2019). In practice however, and based on recent averages, the total
number of THFC games likely to be hosted at Wembley Stadium is expected to be below this
number. The proposed “temporary cap” figure of 17 allows for the possibility that THFC is first,
very successful in all cup competitions and secondly, drawn at home for all its games (with up to
4 further games to be accommodated under the existing full capacity sporting events cap) and
the remaining games falling under the capacity cap.
3.3 For the avoidance of doubt, because the “temporary cap” relates to THFC events, in the
anticipated situation where fewer home games than the maximum are drawn, the temporary cap
does not allow for additional full capacity events for other purposes to be hosted by Wembley
Stadium. This was the case during the previous 2017-18 season where only 14 of the 22
additional full capacity THFC events were required.
3.4 It should also be recognised that the Wembley Stadium schedule for the 2018-19 season allows
for up to four THFC events to be hosted within the existing full capacity event cap (of up to 22
major sporting events and 15 major non-sporting events), thereby minimising the overall
number of additional full capacity events hosted in the 2018-19 season (while maintaining
commercial and contractual obligations).
3.5 Within the period of the proposed THFC events (15 January 2019 to 12 May 2019), Wembley
Stadium’s event schedule is currently expected to contain at least 8 further sporting events
utilising the full capacity of the stadium.
3.6 Given Wembley Stadium is unrestricted in terms of the number of events for up to circa 51,000
spectators, the application is, in effect, seeking permission for additional events where up to an
additional circa 11,000 (for 10 games) or circa 39,000 (for up to 7 games) spectators are in
attendance; although not all matches would be expected to be fully attended to these levels, as
was the case in the 2017-18 season.
3.7 Following pre-application discussions with Council officers, the amendment is sought under
Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by way of a variation of Condition 1
attached to planning permission LPA ref: 17/0368. As discussed with officers in advance of
application submission, the condition is suggested to be amended to read as follows (text in bold
indicates amendments):
That until the following works are completed to the satisfaction of the Local Planning
Authority and written confirmation as such is given to the applicant or owner or occupier:
1. Improvements to Wembley Park Station to achieve a capacity of 50,000 persons per hour
and
2. Construction of roads known as the Estate Access Corridor and the Stadium Access Corridor
Pg 9Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
and unless alternative details are submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning
Authority and the approved details are thereafter implemented in full, the number of major
sporting events held at the stadium in any one year shall be restricted to no more than 22 (to
exclude European Cup and World Cup events where England/UK is the host nation) and the
number of major non sporting events shall be restricted to 15. This shall be described as the
cap. Up to three additional major sporting events shall be permitted in any one year provided
that for each additional sporting event there is a reduction of two non sporting events in the
same year.
Up to 17 additional major sporting THFC events shall be permitted between 15
January 2019 and 12 May 2019 including up to 7 full capacity THFC events.
If after two years following the completion of the stadium the works specified above have not
been completed, and until such time as the works have been completed, then additional events
over and above the cap specified above shall be permitted subject to the number of spectators
being limited to the capacity of the lower and middle tiers of the stadium. leaving the upper
tier unoccupied.
Note: for the purposes of this condition major event means an event in the stadium bowl with
a capacity in excess of 10,000 people which may or may not involve Tottenham Hotspur
Football Club and major sporting THFC event means an event involving Tottenham Hotspur
Football Club with a capacity up to 62,000 people. Full capacity THFC event means
an event involving Tottenham Hotspur Football Club where the stadium can be
utilised to its full capacity.
3.8 The THFC major sporting events will be managed in accordance with the arrangements already
used for other major events as was the case in the 2017-18 football season.
3.9 In addition to the amendments to Condition 1, a Deed of Variation to the S.106 agreement will
be prepared and refined based on the experience gained during 2017-18 season). These include:
1 Implementation of a Tottenham Hotspur Foundation Programme which included activities
in the following areas - employment/skills, education and health;
2 Payment of an ‘Initial Contribution’ to cover matters including Pirate Parking, Radio
Systems and protective clothing for traffic management staff;
3 Implementation of a Stewarding Strategy and Supporter Communications Plan;
4 Payment of ‘Per Event Contributions’ for each Major Sporting THFC Event covering, for
example, street cleansing, anti-ticket tout initiative and temporary traffic management;
5 Implementation of a scheme to tackle illegal street trading for THFC Events;
6 Employment of a Community Engagement Officer for the temporary period;
7 Payment of a ‘Parking Enforcement Cost’ for each Major Sporting THFC Event; and,
8 Compliance with Travel Plan.
3.10 WNSL, THFC and Brent Council are in discussions regarding the S.106 agreement.
Alternatives Considered
3.11 It is good practice to consider alternatives for the proposed development. This helps in
clarifying the main advantages for taking forward the current scheme, taking account of the
environmental effects.
Pg 10Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
3.12 The temporary requirement for THFC to relocate from its home stadium at White Hart Lane is
subject to a series of key parameters including relocating to a stadium of a scale able to host
THFC games, availability of the stadium for THFC matches during the 2017/18 season and a
location within a reasonable travelling distance for THFC fans. The identification of Wembley
for this purpose has been identified as the most appropriate and reasonable location which
meets the identified parameters. It is therefore not considered necessary to consider any other
alternatives as part of the EIA process.
4.0 Transport
4.1 An assessment has been carried out of the effect of the proposal on transport conditions around
the stadium on event days. Impacts have been assessed with a focus on any effects caused by
the temporary increase in the frequency of event days over the defined period.
4.2 In respect of current highway conditions and public transport provision, the following can be
identified:-
Existing Conditions
Official Car Parking
4.3 During the 2017/18 football season, four official car parks were utilised by spectators on
Wembley Stadium Event Days. Overall, the extant Wembley Park Masterplan planning
permission (reference: 15/5550) allows up to 3,380 commercial car park spaces to be provided
at any one time and WNSL has the use of up to 2,900 of these spaces on an event day.
Figure 4 - Official Stadium Car Parks
Type of Travel
4.4 A total of 27 THFC games were played in the study period, with the club using Wembley as its
home stadium for the 2017/18 season. The average mode share for spectators across the
monitored THFC matches was as follows:-
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Table 2 - Average THFC Football Spectator Mode Share
Mode of Transport Mode Share
Car 7.0%
Coach 2.7%
Motorcycle 0.0%
Blue Badge 0.4%
Minibus 0.2%
Mainline Rail & London Underground 80.5%
Other 9.2%
Total 100.0%
Highway Network
4.5 The following key points are relevant in respect of current conditions on event days:-
1 Ingress - Event day traffic management measures begin on the morning of an event,
however road closures only begin approximately four hours before the start of an event. The
vast majority of spectator ingress is observed to take place in the two hours before kick-off.
On event days, part of Great Central Way operates as a tidal flow system with arrival
providing two inbound lanes and one outbound.
Figure 5 - Official Ingress Routes
2 Egress – generally occurs in the two hours following an event finish. By this time, the
official car parks will be mostly empty and the traffic management schemes are removed
shortly after this time. The tidal system that operates on Great Central Way is reversed to
provide two outbound lanes and one lane inbound. Egress from car parks is supported by
marshals which stop traffic attempting to travel eastbound on Royal Route.
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Figure 6 - Official Egress Routes
3 Reverse Flow Scheme - The above ingress and egress arrangements to the east of the
stadium represent the normal traffic management for events days. For a number of events
(where traffic congestion is expected), Wembley Stadium operates a ‘Reverse Flow’ traffic
scheme on South Way to provide a direct route to Great Central Way from Green Car Park.
Mainline Rail
4.6 Access to mainline rail services are available from both Wembley Stadium station and Wembley
Central station. Wembley Stadium station offers access to Chiltern Railways and has a capacity
of approximately 7,000 people per hour. On event days where the stadium is expecting over
40,000 spectators, the station operates a Disney style queuing system. This involves laying
barriers on White Horse Bridge that create a zigzagging queue to each platform.
4.7 Wembley Central station offers access to London Midland, London Overground and Southern
Railway. To cope with the passenger demand of this station on an event day, Wembley Central
station operates an ‘event bridge’. The aim of this is to form a queue on London Road without
impacting High Road. Spectators are directed to queue (on London Road) to the east of the
station before using the event bridge to cross the railway tracks and access their desired
platform.
London Underground
4.8 Access to London Underground services is via Wembley Park station and Wembley Central
station.
4.9 Wembley Park station provides access to both Metropolitan and Jubilee lines that allow for
connections to Central London, Amersham, Chesham, Uxbridge and Stanmore. Wembley Park
station is heavily used on an event day, often recording total usage figures of 40,000 spectators,
with southbound services towards London accounting for a large proportion of this figure. This
station has a capacity of approximately 50,000 people per hour.
4.10 Wembley Central Station provides access to the Bakerloo line that allows for connections to
Central London and Harrow and Wealdstone. This station has a capacity of approximately
12,000 people per hour.
Pg 13Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
London Buses
4.11 There are 50 bus stops located within a 20 minute walk of Wembley Stadium, which provide
access to 18 bus services.
4.12 On event days, there are a number of road closures and traffic management measures in place to
ensure the safe moment of Wembley Stadium spectators and client vehicles. Some of these
measures have an impact on bus routes and require route diversions. These service diversions
have been agreed with TfL London Buses and LBB.
Figure 7 - Public Transport at Wembley Stadium
Cycling and Pedestrian
4.13 Olympic Way is a pedestrianised route which provides the main spectator access from Wembley
Park station to Wembley Stadium. On event days, during the ingress and egress periods,
spectator access from Olympic Way to Wembley Park station is coordinated by WNSL stewards,
the Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police and London Underground. During high
capacity events at WNSL, traffic management measures are put in place to segregate pedestrians
and vehicles on Olympic Way, which may include the closure of Engineers Way and Fulton
Road.
4.14 During event egress, South Way is closed to traffic from the junction with Wembley Hill Road to
Harrow Road to ensure the safety of pedestrians accessing Wembley Central station.
4.15 Wembley Stadium has 40 cycle parking spaces situated within the Stadium at level B2 that are
managed by WNSL and available for staff and visitors.
Existing Traffic Management Measures
4.16 In addition to those identified above, a range of traffic management measures are already in
place on event days that will continue during THFC’s temporary occupation of Wembley
Stadium:-
Pg 14Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
1 Event Day Public Transport Overlays (additional services on underground and overground
rail);
2 Implementation of controlled parking zones and event day signage;
3 Crowd retention measures to extend the period over which spectators depart the stadium;
4 Promotion of public transport through ticketing and the provision of information online;
and
5 Enforcement against illegal car parking.
4.17 Furthermore, following recommendations in the previous S73 application (ref: 17/0368) a
Community Fact Sheet was circulated to local businesses and resident groups and the cap
preventing the number of lane drops on the A406 to no more than 30 was removed.
Summary of Effects
4.18 The assessment of effects on event days has shown that the existing measures (identified above),
operate effectively and have helped improve the transport conditions around the stadium since
it opened in 2007. In addition to this it also presents the proposed mitigation measures that can
be used to reduce any impact caused by the additional sporting events which will reduce the
overall minor adverse effect in transport terms of these proposals.
Mitigation and Monitoring
4.19 The mitigation measures proposed include the continuation of the spectator communication
strategy imposed by THFC, LBB and WNSL during the 2017-18 season; amendments to the
existing Wembley Stadium Protective Parking Scheme; implementation of a traffic management
scheme at the junction of Fulton Road and Olympic Way and also the submitted Spectator Event
Day Travel Plan.
5.0 Air Quality
5.1 An assessment has been carried out of the potential air quality effects arising from the proposal
with particular regard to up to date legislation and methodological approaches to assessment.
Existing Conditions
5.2 From LBB’s review and assessment work, eight air quality monitoring sites close to the proposed
development measured concentrations of NO2 which were above the annual mean objective
between 2013 and 2017. Additionally, the proposed development is located within the LBB
AQMA designated for exceedances of the annual mean NO2 objectives and the 24-hour mean
PM10 objective. Recent monitoring of PM10 undertaken near the proposed development, found
exceedances of the daily PM10 objective but that annual PM10 concentrations were below the
respective air quality objective.
Pg 15Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
Figure 8 - Air Quality Monitoring Locations
Summary of Effects
5.3 The air quality effects of the operation of the proposed development have been considered at
sensitive receptors, using an atmospheric dispersion model. The model has been verified against
air quality monitoring data and has been used to estimate the air quality effects of the proposals
using detailed traffic forecasts.
5.4 The proposed development results in negligible changes in the concentrations of all modelled
pollutants at all receptors. In accordance with the IAQM significance criteria adopted for the
assessment, effects are concluded to be not significant. This same conclusion was found in the
previous air quality assessment undertaken for the previous cap extension in 2017.
5.5 The proposed development is not considered to conflict with any national, regional or local
planning policy within LBB. No mitigation measures will be required.
6.0 Noise
6.1 An assessment has been carried out of the potential for effects on noise arising from the
temporary variation to the cap at Wembley Stadium. It was informed by a review of existing
data sources and noise monitoring during January 2017.
Existing Conditions
6.2 The assessment has shown little change in the noise climate over the last 17 years since
consideration of this issue as part of the ES submitted with the application for the current
stadium.
6.3 The existing noise sensitive premises around the stadium already experience noise from football
matches and have done so for many years. Furthermore, residential properties constructed
after the completion of the new stadium are subject to additional acoustic requirements which
required that the buildings should be designed to have adequate sound insulation to minimise
the noise impact from all sources.
Pg 16Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
Figure 9 - Noise Monitoring Locations
6.4 Typically, noise from football matches is intermittent in nature (around 30 seconds when a goal
is scored) and over a shorter period of time (approximately 3 hours including pre-match and
half-time) than that of a music event or construction noise for example. Given that Wembley
Stadium has been used for sporting events since construction of the stadium in 1924, the
character of the noise from the proposed activities in terms of level and duration would be no
different to what is experienced currently and has been for many years.
6.5 Activity noise from a football event consists of crowd noise and PA noise. Typically, the hour
before the match consists of music, adverts and announcements from the stadium PA system.
During the match itself the dominant noise source is crowd noise. At half-time the dominant
noise source is typically announcements and entertainment from the stadium PA.
6.6 Concerts are generally considered to have a greater noise impact on the local community than
sporting events.
Summary of Effects
6.7 The proposals for additional football fixtures consist of discrete events of a relatively short
duration (3 hours on each occasion), within which there would be intermittent, short term-noise
events (i.e. goals etc) lasting for around 30 seconds. It is proposed that these events will occur
on an additional 17 occasions over a maximum period of 4 months. Given the short-term nature
of the events on a temporary basis and the finishing times, it may be considered that the noise
impact would be slight or negligible based on the increase in the number of matches alone.
Mitigation and Monitoring
6.8 Whilst mitigation measures are not considered necessary, it is recommended that monitoring of
the noise from events could be carried out in the event that concerns arise during the operation
of the temporary variation in the cap.
Pg 17Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
7.0 Socio-Economics
7.1 An assessment has been carried out of the effect on socio-economic characteristics associated
with the temporary variation to the cap. An analysis of existing land uses and the population
characteristics of the area has been undertaken. A study area boundary has been defined to
incorporate the communities which are likely to be affected by the additional events.
Figure 10 - Study Area for Socio-Economic Assessment
7.2 The analysis identified that the proposed temporary cap at Wembley Stadium will have a minor
beneficial socio-economic impact on the study area and across the London Borough of Brent.
Existing Conditions
7.3 The key features of the demographic and economic conditions of the study area surrounding
Wembley Stadium can be summarised as follows:
1 A relatively young population, with a large (71%) proportion of adults of working age and a
low proportion of people of retirement age (11%);
2 Significant Asian and Black/African/Caribbean populations, higher than Brent or London;
3 Levels of economic activity (67%) and unemployment (7%) that are consistent with the
Borough and London;
4 A lower level of people in managerial and professional work, with a higher proportion
employed in processing or elementary occupations; and
5 Home ownership levels that are consistent with London, with lower social renting levels but
higher private renting levels.
Summary of Effects
7.4 The socio-economic effect of the proposed temporary variation to the event cap identifies the
following assuming the occupation of THFC at the stadium up to the maximum identified:-
Table 3 - Summary of Socio-economic Impacts
Impact Maximum Case
Additional Spectators 383,000
Additional Steward Positions Required 18,100
Additional Catering Staff Positions Required 8,500
Additional Expenditure £9.96 million
Source: - Lichfields analysis
Pg 18Temporary Variation to Event Cap at Wembley Stadium : Environmental Statement (November 2018)
7.5 The proposed variation to the event cap to allow THFC to use Wembley Stadium for the 2017-18
will bring additional expenditure and employment to Wembley and its surrounding area. No
mitigation measures are considered necessary in respect of the proposal.
8.0 Cumulative Assessment
8.1 The table below reviews whether effects may arise when the temporary variation to the cap is in
place at the same time as the construction of development in the area surrounding the stadium.
Table 4 - Summary of Effects with Mitigation in Place
Environmental Topic Effects during Temporary Variation to Event Cap Cumulative Effects
Socio-Economics Minor beneficial No change
Transport Minor adverse No change
Air Quality Not significant No change
Noise Negligible No change
8.2 Based on information available, the above cumulative assessment shows that there are unlikely
to be any additional adverse impacts on, or as a result of, the construction of schemes in the area
surrounding the stadium taking place at the same time as the temporary variation to the cap is
in place. There will be an ongoing reduction in areas available for informal parking as
construction works in the surrounding area progress but the existing transport management
measures in place are considered adequate to address any issues.
8.3 Beneficial effects have been identified on socio-economic conditions in the area during the
temporary period in which THFC would operate from the stadium.
8.4 Given the short term temporary nature of the development, there are no additional mitigation
measures required to address cumulative impacts that have not been previously identified in
this ES or already in operation on match days at the stadium.
9.0 Delivery of Mitigation and Monitoring
9.1 The EIA process has identified a need for mitigation measures which can be secured via
planning condition or via legal agreement should planning permission be granted that will
ensure the conclusions of the ES can be secured and that effects will be negligible or kept to an
absolute minimum.
9.2 A legal agreement (s106 Agreement) will be put into place in any event to provide a number of
financial contributions to various other measures including those identified in the transport
assessment and associated with the management of the development during its operation.
10.0 Availability of the Environmental
Statement
10.1 A paper or electronic (CD Rom) copy of the full ES can be obtained from:-
• Lichfields, 14 Regent’s Wharf, All Saints Street, London N1 9RL (Tel: +44(0)20 7837 4477)
10.2 Information on the planning application and the ES can be viewed on the website of LBB at:-
• http://www.brent.gov.uk/.
10.3 All comments on the ES (and planning application) should be issued to LBB directly.
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