Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data
The mapping used in this document is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right (2009). All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100023385
Page 1 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data
St Andrews and East Fife Local Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment
Baseline data
NOTE: MAPS IN THIS COPY ARE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY: THE WORKING VERSIONS ARE AT A LARGER SCALE OR IN INTERACTIVE FORMAT
Page 2 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data
Contents and monitoring schedule
SEA theme Regulation Contents Indicators to be monitored Schedule reference Biodiversity, Biodiversity, Map of designated Nature Conservation sites Number of developments with an immediate impact on general nature fauna, flora Map of notable habitats designated sites conservation Map of wetlands and water courses Area (ha) of development within designated sites Summary of Biodiversity Action Plan Number and area (ha) of sites within notable habitats Key species indicators and other notes on biodiversity action Biodiversity Action plan species and habitat indicators (to be reviewed) Active biodiversity projects (including woodland projects) associated with developments Energy use Climatic factors Factors which may indicate a different level of energy use Public transport service frequencies compared to Scotland Traffic flows on key routes and sample rural roads (to be Population size distribution of settlements, showing relative determined) dispersal Bus patronage on key routes and times (to be determined) Other data on reasons for travel demand Rail patronage at key times (to be determined) Car ownership by settlement Pedestrian and cycling counts in key areas (to be determined) Average distance travelled to work or education by settlement Number and size of developments built with energy-saving Mode of travel to work or education by settlement design features Travel to work distribution Public transport, cycling and pedestrian projects (off site) Review of public transport services funded through developments Map of public transport accessibility Note: other travel statistics would require questionnaire surveys, or can only be updated from the 2011 Census of Population
Energy Climatic factors, No significant energy production in area at present Energy output of renewable energy facilities production material assets Energy output of micro-renewable installations (source to be determined, but possibly through Building Warrant information)
Page 3 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data
SEA theme Regulation Contents Indicators to be monitored Schedule reference Air pollution, Air, human health Summary of air pollution (to be updated) Air pollution noise, dust, Industrial sites subject to pollution controls Sites subject to pollution controls hazardous installations Map of hazardous installations Developments with potential to cause dust or noise, or affecting hazardous installations Water quality, Water, human Water quality at bathing beaches Water quality flooding health, River quality (lengths and map) Water treatment and waste water capacities biodiversity, fauna, flora Designated shellfish waters Developments where groundwater abstraction or potential Comments on reasons for poor water quality contamination has required special measures Map and commentary on water treatment capacities Flooding incidents and causes Map and commentary on waste water treatment capacities Flood prevention measures taken, and major improvements or and constraints reconstruction of existing defences Maps of aquifers and groundwater vulnerability with Number and sizes of developments with SUDS systems commentary Number and size of developments in recognised flood plain Map of flood plain areas areas or incorporating flood control measures Map and commentary on flood incidents and recent defence River flows installations Impact of global warming (periodic revisions to estimates as available) Waste Climatic factors, Waste arisings in East Fife (to come) Waste arisings and disposal routes material assets, Waste re-cycling and disposal routes in East Fife (to come) Numbers of re-cycling centres and coverage of re-cycling soil, water, air Waste re-cycling centres and settlements with re-cycling points points Developments incorporating communal re-cycling facilities Soil, mineral Soil, material Commentary on good agricultural land (published maps Areas of good agricultural land absorbed by development resources assets available) Map and commentary on sand, gravel, and coal resources
Page 4 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data
SEA theme Regulation Contents Indicators to be monitored Schedule reference Brownfield Material assets, Map of brownfield sites Extent of brownfield land, derelict and vacant sites land, water, soil, Analysis of vacant and derelict land (to come) Developments of brownfield sites contaminated human health, land biodiversity, flora, (No currently listed contaminated sites in the area) Numbers of prominent derelict buildings demolished or fauna brought back into use Landscape Landscape Landscape character map Area and % of development on greenfield sites Summary of landscape capacity by character Area of incursions by landscape character Areas of search for windfarms, onshore Extent of areas affected by windfarm developments (near and Areas of search for windfarms, offshore distant views) by landscape character Landscape capacity assessments for Cupar (to come), St Number and type of small scale developments outside Andrews (to come), Tayport/Wormit and Newport settlement areas Developments on the coastline
Settlements – Population, Age structure by settlement Retail shopping patterns (periodic surveys) infrastructure, human health, (See under energy for analysis of settlement size) New database on social, leisure and community facilities community material assets resources, Retail shopping patterns % of affordable housing in new developments vitality and Maps of maintained open space within Cupar and St Andrews Developments incorporating managed open space beyond amenity minimum requirements Mixed use developments, or developments designed to contribute to community vitality (definition to be determined) Built heritage Cultural heritage, Map of Conservation Areas Numbers of developments involving demolition or major material assets Map of Listed buildings change within conservation areas Map of Ancient Monuments Number of listed buildings demolished or substantially altered Map of historic gardens and designed landscapes Number of developments within the grounds of, or directly affecting Listed Ancient Monuments Map of archaeological sites Number of developments within or directly affecting the setting of historic gardens and designed landscapes (to include riggs and historic orchards)
Page 5 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Biodiversity, nature conservation Biodiversity, nature conservation
Designated natural heritage sites
Source: Fife Council Page 6 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Biodiversity, nature conservation
Biodiversity – notable habitats
Source: Fife Council Page 7 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Biodiversity, nature conservation
Habitats – wetland areas
Source: Fife Council
Page 8 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Biodiversity, nature conservation
Summary of key features of the Fife Biodiversity Action Plan as they relate to north and east Fife
Category Key sites Historic impact of development Threats Current active projects Coastline Inter-tidal and dunes in the Main development impact has Recreational pressure on Grazing management Tentsmuir area, and the Tay been flood and coastal defences coastal flora projects at Kilminning and and Eden Estuaries for towns and villages on the coast, Enrichment from diffuse Tentsmuir Rocky shoreline and rare piers and harbours, and sea pollution, mainly associated Fife Coastal Path beachhead saltmarshes drainage and sewage outfalls. with agriculture management between St Andrews and Elie There are no major industrial Lack of management of Scottish Water investment Cliff and slope areas to the facilities which directly affect the grasslands programmes west of Elie (Kincraig Head) coast, although Leuchars airfield and the former Crail airfield are set Requirement for additional SEPA monitoring (including Significant bird habitats at the on the coast with the former paper coastal defences bathing beaches) Isle of May, St Andrews Bay, mill site in Guardbridge and in the inter-tidal sand and immediately adjacent to the Eden mudflats generally Estuary. There have been no extensive areas of land reclamation Unimproved Found mainly in upland areas, No assessment available of losses No assessment of Road management Grasslands old golf courses, roadside and gains through development development pressures, but verges and river corridors probably limited (see map) Moorland Uplands: North Fife hills Little direct impact from No assessment of Heather regeneration test at Lowland: Tentsmuir development except historically at development pressures, but the Eden Course, St Leuchars airfield probably limited to lowland Andrews areas Heathland restoration at Morton Lochs Rivers River Eden Extensive modifications to river Development encroachment Scottish Water investment course have taken place Flood measures and SEPA monitoring of historically quality Agricultural methods Diffuse pollution from agriculture
Page 9 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Biodiversity, nature conservation
Category Key sites Historic impact of development Threats Current active projects Standing See maps of nature There are no significant Recreational developments Clatto Reservoir Access water conservation areas settlements directly adjacent to any No assessment of potential project Cameron Reservoir open water areas loss of ponds through Morton Lochs There is thought to have been a development substantial loss of ponds through Kilconquhar Loch development and agricultural Lindores Loch methods Ponds across area Urban areas No specific data No assessment of losses of urban Reduction in open spaces and No specific projects Substantial derelict areas at habitats to development increased density of urban Crail and Anstruther space use Lack of management of open spaces Inappropriate management Wetlands See maps No assessment of loss through Flood protection and site No specific projects Reed beds at Mugdrum Island development, but likely to have drainage in Tay Estuary been extensive Lindores Loch
Page 10 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Biodiversity, nature conservation
Biodiversity – key species indicators and general observations:
The Fife Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) is progressively increasing the area of land actively managed to promote biodiversity (the major part of these areas are in agricultural use) Forest plans have been agreed for a number of areas Eight key indicators are being monitored :
Survey information on trends water voles n/a redshank declining macrophytes n/a corn bunting declining heathland n/a grassland n/a wetland n/a managed semi-natural habitats n/a
Source: Fife Council
The River Eden has the biggest concentration of water vole colonies, and the corn bunting is particularly frequent in the East Neuk
Page 11 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Energy Use Energy use Energy use in the East Fife area
No local information on energy use is available.
Factors which may indicate a different level of energy use than the average for Scotland:
No major centres of employment or large towns, and few Lower level of use large industrial plants (except Leuchars airfield) No major ‘out of town’ retail or leisure developments Lower level of use Compact towns Lower level of use Dispersed population and high car ownership Higher level of use High travel to work levels out of area Higher level of use Lack of local commercial, retail and leisure facilities Higher level of use Limited public transport network Higher level of use Tourism interest and golf courses Higher level of use
Page 12 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Energy Use
Transport demand – settlement density and comments on factors underlying the demand for travel
Population by size of settlement, showing dispersal.
North and East Fife Scotland 20,000 plus 0 0% 2,557,482 51% 10,000 plus 14,209 21% 666,863 13% 5 - 10,000 13,695 21% 612,014 12% 1 - 5,000 20,907 32% 597,163 12% Others 17,332 26% 628,489 12% 66,143 100% 5,062,011 100%
Source: Census of Population
There is a 29% leakage of food retailing from the St Andrews area, and a 75% leakage on non-food retailing. This indicates a high level of energy usage for shopping and probably some leisure trips to larger centres outside the area. Dundee and Glenrothes are, however, close to the main centres of population within the area.
Page 13 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Energy Use
Car ownership and travel to work
Car Ownership
Scotland
Strathmiglo
St Monans
Pittenweem
Newburgh (Fife) 2 + Cars Leuchars 1 Car No Car Guardbridge
Freuchie
Elie
Crail
Balmullo
Anstruther
0 10203040506070 % Source: (GROS) 2001 Census for Scotland - Census Localities
Page 14 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Energy Use
Average distance (km) travelled to place of work or study
Tayport Strathmiglo Strathkinness St Monans St Andrews Springfield Pittenweem Newport-on-Tay Newburgh (Fife) Lundin Links Leuchars Ladybank Guardbridge Gauldry Freuchie Falkland Elie Cupar Crail Ceres Balmullo Auchtermuchty Anstruther Scotland
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Average Distance (km) Source: (GROS) 2001 Census for Scotland - Census Localities
Page 15 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Energy Use
Mode of Travel to Work or Place of Study
Tayport Strathmiglo Strathkinness St Monans St Andrews Springfield Pittenweem Newport-on-Tay Newburgh (Fife) Lundin Links Leuchars On Foot Ladybank Car Guardbridge Public Transport Gauldry Freuchie Falkland Elie Cupar Crail Ceres Balmullo Auchtermuchty Anstruther Scotland
0 102030405060708090 % Source: (GROS) 2001 Census for Scotland - Census Localities
Page 16 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Energy Use
Cupar In (total trips: 7,792) Tay Bridgehead/ Leuchars (total trips 5,486) Dundee City Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, City of Perth & Kinross Perth & Kinross Angus Angus Dundee City Other Stirling East Neuk East Neuk West Fife Other Tay Bridgehead/St St Andrews Central Fife Andrews West Fife Central Fife Auchtermuchty/ Ladybank Leuchars area Cupar
Cupar Newburgh Auchtermuchty/ Ladybank Tay Bridgehead
Cupar Out (total trips 5,554) Tay Bridgehead and Leuchars (total trips 8,945)
Dundee City East Neuk Aberdeen City Aberdeen City Edinburgh, City of East Neuk Perth & Kinross Angus St Andrews Dundee City St Andrews Other West Fife Leuchars area Edinburgh, City of Central Fife
Newport/Tayport Perth & Kinross Auchtermuchty/ Other Ladybank West Fife Central Fife Tay Cupar Bridgehead/Leuchars Auchtermuchty/l Ladybank Newburgh Cupar
Source: Census of Population Page 17 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Energy Use
St Andrews In no students (total trips 11,707) St Andrews In (total trips 13,798) Edinburgh, City of Stirling Edinburgh, City of Perth & Kinross Stirling Perth & Kinross Other Dundee City Dundee City Other West Fife Angus Central Fife Angus Central Fife West Fife Auchtermuchty/ Auchtermuchty/ Ladybank Ladybank Cupar Cupar East Neuk East Neuk Newburgh Newburgh Tay Bridgehead Tay Bridgehead
Leuchars area Leuchars area
St Andrews St Andrews
St Andrews Out, no students (total trips 9,450) St Andrews (total trips 10,316) Perth & Kinross Dundee City Perth & Kinross Dundee City Edinburgh, City of Aberdeen City Aberdeen City Edinburgh, City of Other Other West Fife West Fife Central Fife East Neuk East Neuk Central Fife Newburgh/Auch/Lady Cupar bank Cupar Auchtermuchty/ Tay Bridgehead Ladybank
Tay Bridgehead/ Leuchars area Leuchars
St Andrews St Andrews
Source: Census of Population
Page 18 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Energy Use
Commuting balance Commuting balance, Dundee only
16,000 2,500 Out 14,000 In 2,000 12,000 Out 10,000 In 1,500 8,000
6,000 1,000
4,000 500 2,000
0 0 St Andrews Cupar Tay Bridgehead/ Leuchars St Andrews Cupar Tay Bridgehead/ Leuchars
Commuting balance - West and Central Fife
1,400
1,200 Out In 1,000
800
600
400
200
0 St Andrews Cupar Tay Bridgehead/ Leuchars
Source: Census of Population
Page 19 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Energy Use
Public transport The principal communities are served by a network of bus services. F1/F2 Newburgh – Auchtermuchty – Ladybank – Cupar Most run once an hour. The only more frequent services are X24/24 Glasgow – Cumbernauld – Dunfermline – Kirkcaldy – Level – between St Andrews and Dundee via Guardbridge, Leuchars and Anstruther – St Andrews Newport, and Tayport to Dundee. X26 Glasgow – Kirkcaldy – Leven – Anstruther – St Andrews Some other routes are served by more than one bus service, X54 Edinburgh – Dunfermline – Glenrothes – Dundee providing greater frequency. These routes include Glenrothes, X59/X60 Edinburgh – Kirkcaldy – Glenrothes – Cupar Ladybank, Cupar and St Andrews, and Leven to Anstruther via the 23 St Andrews – Cupar – Auchtermuchty – Kinross – Dollar – East Neuk villages west of Anstruther. Stirling 35 Cupar – Newburgh – Perth Of the communities identified in the local plan only Dunshalt has no 41 Kirkcaldy – Kennoway – Cupar bus services. Peat Inn and Arncroach are served by only one 42 Cupar – Tayport Dundee – Ninewells service in the morning and one in the afternoon. 62 Earslferry – St Monans – Pittenweem – Anstruther – Cellardyke Larger communities which are served only by an hourly bus service 64 St Andrews – Strathkinness – Cupar-Letham include Auchtermuchty, Strathmiglo and Crail. Wormit is served 66/67 Glenrothes – Ladybank – Cupar only by a two hourly service to Cupar. Although Newburgh is 68 Cupar – Adamson Hospital – Upper Dalgairn – Millfield – served by more than one bus service to Perth, routes elsewhere are Braehead – Garliebank roundabout. 69/70 Cupar – Wormit – Dundee 90 Dundee – Tayport There is an hourly rail service between Kirkcaldy and Dundee which 91 St Andrews David Russell Hall – North Street stops at Cupar and Leuchars. Some additional Aberdeen trains stop 94 St Andrews – Leuchars – Balmullo in Leuchars. Ladybank is served by trains once an hour to 95 St Andrews – Crail – Anstruther – St Monans – Leven Kirkcaldy, alternating between Perth and Dundee. Two trains a day, 96 Cupar – St Andrews – Tayport – Dundee – Ninewells one in the morning and one in the evening each way stop at 97/98 Leven – St Andrews – Largoward Springfield (Kirkcaldy – Dundee route). 99 Dundee – Leuchars station – Guardbridge – St Andrews
Source: Published timetables
Page 20 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Energy Use
Accessibility by public transport to key centres
The map shows accessibility to town centres and public transport interchanges. In East Fife these are: Cupar, St Andrews, Ladybank station and Leuchars station.
The lightest pink is the highest level of accessibility. The darkest red is the lowest. White areas are not served by public transport services within walking distance.
The map shows accessibility to centres within Fife only – as a result the Tay Bridgehead is shown as an area of low accessibility.
Source: Fife Council Transportation Serices
Page 21 of 50 Air quality and hazardous installations Air quality Air quality Objective Carbon monoxide (CO) 10 mg/cu.m. 1.3 Bonnygate, Cupar 4.3 Bell Street, St Andrews Nitrous dioxide (NO2) 40 mug/cu.m 14 South Road, Cupar Improving 11 Milfield, Cupar Improving 28 Bonnygate, Cupar Improving (41)* 24 Crossgate, Cupar Improving 27 Cupar Road, Auchtermuchty Improving 9 Windsor Gardens, St Andrews Level 24, 28 Bell Street, St Andrews Improving 24, 26 City Road, St Andrews Improving Sulphur dioxide No local measurements. Rest of Fife within objective levels Particles (PM10) No local measurements. Rest of Fife within objective levels
Source: Fife Council
* The monitor in the Bonnygate was relocated from the roadside to the façade of the adjacent buildings. The reading in brackets is for the first 9 months at the new location. This was one of only two locations in Fife with NO2 (Nitrous dioxide) readings above the objective level. The area has been declared an Air Quality Management Area and will be subject to an Air Quality Action Programme intended to reduce the levels of airborne particulates.
Major industrial activities subject to pollution consents: Curtis Papers, Guardbridge (paper production) – now ceased operation Dorenal, Crail Airfield (Chemical works) – commitment by Fife Council to remedial work on site contaminations St Andrews Chemtech, Cupar (R and D for pharmaceuticals and other chemical industries) Kettle Produce (food processing) Landfills at: Ladybank, Belliston Quarry St Andrews Sewage Treatment Works
Other major industrial sites: Quaker Oats, Cupar. There are a growing number of farms which employ industrialised processes
Page 22 of 50 Hazardous installations
Source: Fife Council
Page 23 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Water quality and flooding Water quality and flooding Bathing beaches Significant recent investments St Andrews, West sands Kinkell treatment works and storm tanks for Kinness Burn sewer Consistently excellent Elie Consistently excellent Shell Bay Levenmouth sewerage works Consistently excellent
Source: SEPA
River quality Overall quality Approx lengths in km E Fife % Scotland % Excellent 8 5% 35% Good 43 27% 49% Fair 84 53% 12% Poor 23 15% 3% Seriously contaminated 0% 0% 158 100% 100%
Stretches of river in Poor category Reason for poor Length River Location classification (km) Kinness Burn Through St Andrews Biology 2.83 Chemistry (Ammonia Foodieash Burn North from Cupar TC and dissolved oxygen) 4.8 Ceres Burn Through Dura Den Biology 3.14 Morton Burn Burnside 5.87 Dreel Burn Gillingshill Reservoir Biology 2.07 St Monace Burn St Monans Biology 4.35
Source: SEPA
Page 24 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Water quality and flooding
Comments on classifications and reasons for poor water quality:
The classification is based on assessments of biological condition, chemical analysis and aesthetic quality. The overall assessment is the grade for the worst of these groups of criteria. The water quality of the watercourses in the area is significantly poorer than the average for Scotland. But the reasons for these poor rankings suggest the general source is diffuse pollution resulting from agricultural practices, not development or inadequate treatment of sewerage or drainage water from built up areas. There are a number of programmes being promoted by SEPA and other organisations aimed at reducing the extent of diffuse pollution from agriculture. As a result progressive reduction in diffuse pollution is beginning to take place. Investment in removal of phosphate could enable some treatment plants to operate at higher volumes as well as improving the quality of watercourses in the area. Phosphate pollution comes from both household sewage and agricultural run-off. Phosphate can be recovered for re- use.
Designated shellfish waters There have been a number of failures to meet guideline standards in samples taken through regular monitoring programmes (minimum, mandatory standards have been consistently met. The failures are thought to be to some extent associated with the quality of water from watercourses draining into the area and to inadequate waste water treatment facilities. The quality of water draining into the sea is mainly attributable to diffuse agricultural pollution. Several projects to improve waste water treatment and sea outfalls have been completed since the most recent reported samples were taken. This investment should continue progress which has been reported in reaching higher quality standards.
Mapped data Designated Shellfish Waters in Fife - source: SEPA, 2008, available at
Page 25 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Water quality and flooding
Water treatment infrastructure
There are limits in the capacity of waster treatment plants throughout the area. The only settlements with substantial capacity relative to their size are Crail and Anstruther. Capacity improvements do not necessarily involve increasing the volume of waste water which can be treated. In some cases investment in the removal of pollutants can allow a higher level of throughput.
There are further constraints in some older built up areas arising from the limited capacity of combined sewer overflows. These are found in areas where surface water drainage is combined in a single system with sewerage, and are designed to release overflow drainage water direct into water courses in periods of heavy rainfall. Some of the overflow may contain untreated sewage. Such restrictions may be overcome in a variety of ways, including more extensive provision of Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) systems to reduce flows, re-routing to sewers with greater capacity, and introduction of storage to spread the flow over a longer period.
Water supply infrastructure The capacity of water supply treatment works is limited throughout the area.
Information sources SEPA: Water quality classification scheme (2006) SEPA: Scottish bathing waters annual report (2007) SEPA: Groundwater assessment tools (2004)
Mapped data 200 year flood risk - source: SEPA, 2006, available at:
Page 26 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Water quality and flooding
Groundwater
Groundwater: Assessment Tools
These are tools developed to assess risks to groundwater.
Maps on: _ Superficial Aquifers; _ Bedrock Aquifers; and _ Groundwater Vulnerability are available to view at http://www.sepa.org.uk/groundwater/tools/index.htm
Page 27 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Water quality and flooding
The central valley of East Fife from the Howe of Fife to Tentsmuir is underlain by notably high flow aquifers, both on the surface and at bedrock level. This is used as a source of water for public supplies and private supplies for horticulture, a major industry within the area.
This area is designated as vulnerable to diffuse groundwtaer pollution from agriculture and other development.
Areas where groundwater is vulnerable to pollution may be unsuitable for some types of development, such as landfill, major industrial uses or high levels of water abstraction.
Additional care may be required in the design of SUDS schemes, renewable energy systems using geo-thermal heat and major engineering projects and major developments. But the high flows through inter-granular material may provide a good level of attenuation reducing vulnerability for appropriate developments.
Source: SEPA: aquifer productivity table
Page 28 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Water quality and flooding
Flooding
The long coastline makes the area potentially vulnerable to flooding as a result of rising sea levels. The Scottish Executive has predicted that levels may rise by 150mm by 2050 as a result of global climate change. Many of the communities around the coast have man-made protection, although in most this is mainly designed to stop erosion – buildings are generally located well above the high water mark. A major study carried out in 1998 concluded that a strategy of maintenance, or in selected areas no action wasa appropriate. But this study did not take into account the effects of climate change. The major impact of climate change is nevertheless most likely to be on areas of nature conservation interest, which will not generally be affected by developmen directly, or indirectly.
The Plan area is also affected by risk of fluvial flooding and a number of the water courses within the area are contained as they pass through built up areas in order to prevent flooding. There has been recent investment in flood prevention schemes for Auctermuchty, Cupar (Millfield), and Ceres. Studies are currently being carried out, or are planned for: The Kinnessburn as it flows through St Andrews (recent flooding has occurred between City Road and Greenside Place) Dunshalt, which is low lying in relation to adjacent watercourses, and might be affected by flood prevention works carried out upstream at St Andrews
The potential impact of global climate change on existing flood defences and areas potentially at risk from flooding has not been assessed.
Page 29 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Water quality and flooding
Flood plain areas
Page 30 of 50 Source: Fife Council Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Water quality and flooding
Flood defence maintenance and recent installation
Source: Fife Council
Page 31 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Waste and recycling Waste and re-cycling
Waste arisings and recycling in Fife
Separate information for East Fife is not available.
Year Year Jan - Proportion of municipal waste recycled tonnes 03/04 04/05 Dec 05 recycled or composted 42806 62362 74876 35% landfill 209456 202873 171891 total arisings 252262 265235 246767 30% proportion re-cycled 17% 24% 30% 25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Year 03/04 Year 04/05 Jan -Dec 05
No statistics are available of industrial and construction waste arisings and disposal (except for a small proportion of industrial waste which is included in the municipal waste figures.
Source: SEPA
Page 32 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Waste and recycling
Waste facilities
There is a municipal landfill at Melville Woods, near Ladybank and a commercial landfill near Anstruther. These serve a wider geographical area= than East Fife.
Table key: P recycling point R recycling centre
There is a municipal landfill at Melville Woods, near Ladybank and a commercial landfill near Anstruther. These serve a wider geographical area= than East Fife.
Table key: P recycling point R recycling centre
Key points from the Area Waste Plan: Recycling points to be provided for every 500 houses Separated waste collection of green waste and waste paper Additional recycling centres Re-profiling restoration contours at Lower Melville Wood Landfill Site to minimise leachate productions and maximise disposal capacity; evaluation of the options available to the Council on closure of the existing landfill at Lower Melville Wood. Commission a waste transfer station in the East of the area to provide continuity following the closure of Lower Melville Wood Landfill Site.
Page 33 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Waste and recycling
Population Re-cycling Anstruther and Population Re-cycling Cellardyke 3631 PP New Gilston 104 PP Arncroach 102 Newport-on- Auchtermuchty 2068 PP Tay and Balmalcolm 55 Wormit 4328 PP Newton of Balmerino 42 Falkland 169 P Balmullo 1470 PP Peat Inn 93 PP Blebo Craigs 101 Pitlessie 335 PP Boarhills 72 PP Pitscottie 109 Ceres 999 PP Pittenweem 1639 RR Chance Inn 75 Springfield 1125 PP Colinsburgh 376 PP St Andrews 16351 RR Collessie 94 PP St Monans 1343 PP Craigrothie 180 PP Stratheden 138 Crail 1742 PP Strathkinness 961 PP Cupar 8873 RR Strathmiglo 934 PP Cupar Muir 202 Tayport 3894 PP Dairsie 382 PP Drumoig 234 Dunshalt 325 P Elie & Earlsferry 947 PP Falkland 1187 PP Foodieash 59 Freuchie 1227 PP Gateside 199 Gauldry 674 PP Grange of Lindores 85 Guardbridge 706 PP Kettlebridge and Kingskettle 1042 PP Kilconquhar and Barnyards 193 PP Kilmany 82 Kilrenny 199 Kingsbarns 359 PP Ladybank 1570 RR Largoward 274 P Letham 153 PP Leuchars 2897 PP Lundin Links, Lower Largo and Upper Largo 2475 PP Luthrie 57 PP Source: Fife Council Mount Melville 109 and GROS Small Area Newburgh and Population Estimates Burnside 2213 PP (2007)
Page 34 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Soil and mineral resources
Soil and mineral resources
Agricultural land
Although special procedures to protect prime quality agricultrual land were relaxed some years ago, it remains an environmental asset.
Most of the lower lying land in East Fife is prime quality agricultural land., except for Tentsmuir. And a moderately extensive area of the Howe of Fife, north of Ladybank. And to the east of Dunshalt.
Published maps of good quality agricultural land are available.
Page 35 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Soil and mineral resources
Mineral resources Development of mineral resources is controlled through the separate Minerals Subject Plan. But the local plan can have an influence over the extent to wjich development may take place in areas of mineral resources.
Ther are substantial areas of workable coal streching north from Earlsferry towards Ceres and St Andrews. But al most all lies in areas of high landscape quality where development would be inappropriate, and the entire area is excluded from the areas of search set pou in the Minerals Plan.
Sand and gravel The area also contains extensive areas of sand an gravel. These are largely located within the Howe of Fife, Tentsmuir continuing inland towards Balmullo and Wormit. These reserves are extensivley worked: there are four active or consented gravel extraction sites in the are between Wormit and Balmullo, and five in the Howe of Fife. Extraction at these and new sites will continue through the plan period, although the area around Tentsmuir and Balmullo has a medium level of protection within the Minerals Plan.
Hard rock is found throughout the area. There are three active or consented quarries near Newburgh, Balmullo and Arncroach. Mudstone for building has been extracted at Cults Hill near Balmacolm. There are small quarries for buidling sndstone. All this activity will continue, although there is no reason to expect a major increase in the overall level of activity.
Source: Fife Council
Page 36 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Soil and mineral resources
Page 37 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data
Vacant and derelict land
Source: Fife Council Page 38 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Landscape
Landscape
Source: David Tyldesley & Associates
Page 39 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Landscape
There is a striking lack of structures or other development prominent in the landscape of much of the area. Much is open, often with extensive views from relatively low rises. The most prominent development feature is often modern ‘industrial’ farm buildings and poly-tunnels. The Howe of Fife and the area around Guardbridge and Leuchars are the only areas where the landscape character has been substantially affected by development aside from the main settlements themselves.
Appropriate development – shaded cells are those which are generally unsuitable for development. Shaded cells indicate landscape characters considered to have no capacity for general development. Intertidal Along all Extensive mudflats with few features. Coastal protection works No capacity for development – shores coastlines essential works only Coastal South and Prominent features Recreational access No capacity for development or cliffs south-east structures. coastlines Coastal Tents Muir Very flat and low lying. Intensively cultivated Forestry, recreational Very limited capacity for new flats with large fields and geometrical patterns. access, built development development or structures. Developed as golf courses. Scattered, but close to settlements conspicuous steadings, with roads raised on stone dykes. Coastal Strip along Gently sloping areas. Either substantially Potentially some of the Capacity for new development related Terraces most of south developed or open arable land with strongest pressures for to existing settlements and east infrequent steadings. Little vegetation. development. coastlines Coastal North coastline Steeply sloping and heavily wooded, giving Development pressure Development should avoid tops of braes – Tay Bridge appearance of a wooded cliff. Defining an limited by topographical braes and any break in the wooded landfall, edge to cultivation features areas. Balmerino and No capacity for structures. Flisk Coastal hills North coast, Undulating, open arable land. Sparse, Little changed except on Some capacity for absorbing and areas to exposed settlements, typically consisting of lower slopes. Development development, but focus should be on north and colourwashed buildings. Hills on north coast encroachment from existing settlements, and using south of St act as important breaks between settlements. adjacent settlements. traditional building styles. Andrews Conversion and extension Structures should be avoided.
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of traditional buildings Lowland Area inland Flat areas. Significant geomorphological Sand and gravel extraction, Limit development to existing glacier from Tents features. Intensively cultivated. Fields of localised developments settlements – avoid valley floors meltwater Muir, north of varied sizes with a variety of boundaries. based on main roads where development is not traditional. valleys Leuchars and Settlements with strong form related to the Well screened gravel extraction east of topography. Some areas have extensive, acceptable. Lindores (route often conspicuous sand and gravel workings. Some capacity for larger structures. of A913) Lowland West of St Steep sided valleys. Typically heavily Strong pressure for Capacity for extensions to existing dens Andrews, wooded with little development. Distinctive development close to settlements, using traditional building Kenly Water, Fife feature. Small settlements, including towns. Recreational styles. Hazelton former mill-based communities access. Inappropriate for mineral Walls, Dura development or large structures. Den, are to north of Leven and Elie plus smaller dens Lowland Areas around Extensively farmed, medium sized, generally General development Little capacity for major development hills and Cupar, St fenced fields, with a patchwork of pressures, which can to in the Eden Valley. valleys Andrews, and settlements, often linear in character some extent be Capacity for smaller developments, north and east accommodated especially where there is good tree of cover. Auchtermuchty Large scale industry inappropriate. Some capacity for structures Lowland East Neuk Large open arable fields often with no Relatively little pressure for Restrict development unless it can be open boundaries. Infrequent farms, often with development well screened. sloping conspicuous modern buildings. Few Use traditional built forms. farmland settlements. Avoid isolated buildings. No capacity for structures. Lowland Howe of Fife Flat. Intensive arable cultivations. Some Sand and gravel extraction, Capacity for development, but should river basin coniferous forests on poorer soil. A pattern of general development focus on existing settlements and be relatively modern buildings and settlements. pressure screened by tree planting. There are
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Generally regular geometric patterns of no typical building styles. Sand and development. gravel extraction acceptable in some areas. Some capacity for new structures. Pronounced Central area Important backdrops to lowland areas. A Agricultural buildings, Some capacity on lower slopes, volcanic south of Cupar distinctive Fife feature. Mixture of hill Forestry, single dwellings generally limited to extensions of hills and grazing and arable. Few larger settlements, and development clusters, existing settlements. craigs but a number of farm steadings, generally recreation access, No capacity for structures on higher related to the landform. Some valley areas windfarms and ground. with concentrations of settlements and telecommunications. Restrict mineral workings to lower steadings including designed landscapes. Quarrying of volcanic rock. ground Numerous quarries, mostly now disused. Upland Hills north of Distinctive hills which frequently define the Agricultural buildings, Some capacity on lower slopes, foothills Cupar edge of other landscape forms. Frequent forestry, single dwellings, generally limited to extensions of woodlands. Few settlements, but many farm recreational access, existing settlements. steadings. A number of designed telecommunications and No capacity for structures on higher landscapes. Some conspicuous quarries. windfarms. Quarrying of ground. volcanic rocks. Restrict mineral workings to lower ground. Upland Areas Conspicuous slopes with distinctive edges Forestation and opencast The interface of the upland slopes slopes surrounding and backdrops, open semi-natural land cover mining have taken place. and Loch Ore has no capacity for Falkland to the Areas generally unsuitable development. No other development north for other forms of should be allowed. development Uplands Limited to area Open, rolling hills with no development Forestry, windfarms, Low capacity for development. west of telecommunications Low capacity for structures. Auchtermuchty Managed access, particularly in and more woodland areas extensive areas to the south of Falkland
Source: Summary of report by David Tyldesley and Associates
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Detailed landscape capacity assessments Source: Alison Grant for Fife Council (2002) Detailed landscape capacity assessments have been carried out for: Cupar, Newport and Wormit, Tayport and St Andrews. These assessments have identified development opportunities taking into account: The existing character of the settlements and their relationship with the surrounding landscape How well or badly the settlement edges are defined, and the sense of arrival min to the settlements The wider landscape setting and the intrusiveness of the settlement Views both from within the settlements and towards them Landscape features which may delineate areas suitable for development
It should be noted, however, that these assessments were carried out with the objective of identifying small-scale development opportunities. They recognise that the relationship between settlements and the landscape is constantly changing as a result of natural processes, farming and forestry practices and built development. The broader landscape character assessment may be considered a more strategic framework for consideration of the local plan.
The assessments for Cupar and St Andrews have not been included because they were undertaken based on identifying significantly less land for development than is now proposed in the Structure Plan.
Coastline A detailed assessment was made of the entire coastline in 1998. The purpose of this assessment was primarily to provide a framework for the management of coastal defences. The broad recommendations were a policy of ‘do nothing’ for most of the coastline between settlements, and within settlements ‘hold the line’ (maintain existing defences without major extensions).
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Areas of search for windfarms – onshore and offshore
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Source: ASH Environmental Design Partnership Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Landscape
Special Landscape Areas The Council has introduced revised landscape designations to replace the former Areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLVs). These new areas as known as Special Landscape Areas and those areas identified in East Fife are shown below.
Page 45 of 50 Source: Fife Council Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Population and Communities Population and communities Age structure
The age structure chart has been adjusted to remove students in St Andrews.
The age profile is significantly older than for Scotland.
Tayport, Kettle/Springfield and Newburgh have a profile close to Scotland.
The population of St Andrews (after adjustment), and Elie/Pittenweem are particularly biased towards older groups. Cupar, Crail and Newport also have relatively old age structures.
Leuchars has a relatively young population, reflecting the presence of the airfield and airbase
Page 46 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Population and Communities
Population - Age Structure
100%
90%
80%
70% 75 and over 60% 60 to 74 45 to 59 50% 30 to 44 40% 15 to 29 0 to 14 30%
20%
10%
0% ) d h s l ) nk h em glo e rt rt) a t ar e i a est land (p pa outh Nort Sout hm Largo S W par ndw Centr s Scot at ay La Ladyba ttenw r s ew ray ( Pi ot rews South East Cupar Cupar ld and Cer M ew s and East Fife and and Kemback ie nd Andr n and ew th gf an d Andr r St chty ero in t t St A nd and Mot u S t Nor East Neuk am Spr A nd C onans euchie and Str a erm M St and il, t Fr Taypor ht S Taypor er Cra Kettle, nness h Auc ie, and, ki idge; h trut El ns Falkl dbr rat A St uar G and lo ul m Bal Newburgh and Tay Coast; Tayport and Motray ( s, Newport-on-Tay and Wormit; Tayport and Motray (part)
uchar Le Source: (GROS) 2001 Census for Scotland - Census Standard Wards
Page 47 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Population and Communities
Town centres, retail, commercial and leisure facilities There are two ‘district’ centres within the area: Cupar and St Andrews
Cupar: The town centre has a robust food and non-food retailing presence along with strong office, civic, leisure and service sectors. This reflects the general prosperity of its main catchment area and its role as a traditional market town. Floorspace is predominately non-food and there is a low proportion of multiples (under 20%). The town has a low vacancy rate of 4%. The level of traffic passing through the main thoroughfares is perceived as a problem.
St Andrews: St Andrews is a vibrant, busy centre that relies heavily upon holidaymakers and day visitors over the tourist season. Nearly 85% of the floorspace is devoted to non-food shopping. Proportionately, there are relatively few national multiples in St Andrews but shoppers perceive the strong independent/specialist shop sector as one of St Andrews’ strengths. The Perception Survey found that people tended to be in the town centre for shopping and leisure / tourist related activities and that almost 20% of people in the centre were staying in holiday accommodation.
Superstores: There are three convenience good superstores: Tesco Cupar 4,294 sq m Lidl Cupar 1,657 sq m Morrison St Andrews 2,300 sq m Food and other ‘convenience’ shopping
Area Leakage out Incoming trade Balance Revised balance from Retail Survey West Fife -17% 3% -14% -8% Central Fife -4% 21% 17% 15% East Fife -41% 1% -40% -32%
All other shopping (‘comparison’ goods) Area Leakage out Incoming trade Balance West Fife -47% 5% -42% Central Fife -26% 19% -7% Source: Fife Council East Fife -71% 2% -69%
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Amenity and open space
Source: Fife Council
Page 49 of 50 Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data Historic Environment
Historic Environment
Source: Fife Council Page 50 of 50